Chelsea breezed into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win over Newcastle United on Sunday. A Michy Batshuayi brace, as well as a Marcos Alonso free kick, saw Antonio Conte’s side easily progress into the next round of the competition. The Blues’ performance allowed youngsters Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi gain valuable minutes, as well as a home debut for Ross Barkley. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated yesterday:
Willy Caballero – 7
Another start for the Argentine, and another great performance. He produced a number of fine saves in the first half to keep Chelsea in the lead.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Solid from the German again, and almost scored a brilliant curling effort in the first, but saw his shot narrowly go wide.
Andreas Christensen – 8
Brilliant from the Dane, and never gave Dwight Gayle or Joselu a chance to test the goalkeeper. Composed as usual.
Gary Cahill – 7
Returned from his injury, and was his usual solid self in the back three.
Davide Zappacosta – 7
Looked dangerous all game. Almost added a fourth late on, and won the free kick which was scored by Alonso.
N’Golo Kante – 7
His usual self once again, winning the ball back on several occasions. What we expect from the Frenchman.
Danny Drinkwater – 7
Comfortable next to his former Leicester teammate, and worked well in midfield.
Marcos Alonso – 8
Scored a sublime free kick and was always a threat going forward. Assisted Batshuayi’s first.
Eden Hazard – 8
Didn’t really need to carry the side as much as other games, but the Belgian was still impressive. Involved in the first two goals.
Michy Batshuayi – 9
Scored a brace, and could’ve had a few more. The Belgian knows how to find the back of the net.
Pedro – 8
Lively throughout, and provided a great ball for Hazard in the build up to the first goal. His performance deserved a goal.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley – 6
Made his home debut, and showed moments of promise. Still looks slightly rusty, however.
Ethan Ampadu – 7
Played an amazing through ball for Pedro, but the Spaniard couldn’t finish. Looked confident.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 7
Given his Chelsea debut, and looked very promising. Confident on the ball, and made a few good passes.