Yesterday’s draw against West Ham now means that Chelsea have only won five out of their 20 games in 2018, and the faint possibility of a top four finish has been diminished. Cesar Azpilicueta’s first half opener was cancelled out by Javier Hernandez’s second half equaliser as both sides went home with a point. Chelsea had a number of opportunities to win the game, but couldn’t find a way past Joe Hart who was in fine form for the Hammers. Here’s who impressed in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham:
3. Willian
Chelsea’s in-form man in recent weeks. After a quiet weekend against Tottenham last week, the Brazilian was back at his best against David Moyes’ side. A constant threat going forward, Willian deserved a goal or an assist this week, and came very close to doing so. After some good play with Eden Hazard, Willian’s effort was saved brilliantly by Joe Hart. The resulting corner led to the Blues’ opening goal. Willian had five shots during the game, with only one going off target. A much better showing than last week.
2. Eden Hazard
Like Willian, Hazard was another player who deserved to get on the scoresheet yesterday. Always a problem for the West Ham back three, the Belgian was the main creative outlet for Chelsea and deserved to be on the scoresheet. He provided a brilliant exchange and pass with Willian, which eventually led to Azpilicueta’s opening. Even though he didn’t score or get an assist, Hazard was at his brilliant best and would be disappointed not to see his side claim all three points.
1. Cesar Azpilicueta
Hazard could’ve only been pipped by one man. The consistent man in Chelsea’s back three, the Spaniard rarely has an off-day for the Blues. He got Chelsea going in the first half, reacting quickest to Alvaro Morata’s knock-down to poke his shot beyond Hart for the opening goal. Defensively, he was brilliant too, and kept the West Ham attack quiet. He couldn’t do anything about the equaliser, however, as the Hammers took advantage of a Gary Cahill mistake.