Chelsea’s faint hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League were all-but ended yesterday as the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United. Cesar Azpilicueta put Chelsea ahead in the first half, poking in from close range. Antonio Conte’s side had a number of chances to increase their advantage, but West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart was in inspired form to keep his side in the game. Javier Hernandez came off the bench to equalise for the Hammers and go back to East London with a point. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated in yesterday’s draw with David Moyes’ West Ham.
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Had very little to do until he had to pick up the ball out of his net after Hernandez’s strike. The Belgian couldn’t do much about the effort, however.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
Scored an opportunistic goal to put the Blues in front. The Spaniard often surged forward and was brilliant from start to finish.
Gary Cahill – 5
Had little to do all game, but his poor headed clearance led to the equaliser. The Englishman was caught out and paid the price.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Had a decent game. Kept Marko Arnautovic quiet for the majority of the game and got forward well.
Victor Moses – 6
Provided a great cross which led to Azpilicueta’s opening. His decision making in the final third needs to improve, however.
N’Golo Kante – 7
He was utterly dominant in midfield and controlled the middle of the park for all the 90 minutes. Typical stuff from the Frenchman.
Cesc Fabregas – 6
Involved in a number of attacks, but never really found the killer pass which is usually expected from Fabregas.
Marcos Alonso – 7
Forced a great save from Hart, and provided a number of decent opportunities down the left.
Eden Hazard – 8
Always a threat going forward, and was perhaps unlucky not to claim a goal or an assist. His play with Willian led to the corner which created the opener.
Alvaro Morata – 7
Had two efforts ruled out for offisde, and provided the assist for the Azpilicueta goal.
Willian – 8
Like Hazard, he did almost everything apart from score. Hart saved brilliantly in the first half to deny him, but the resulting corner led to the opener.
Substitutes
Pedro – N/A
Introduced late on and didn’t make enough of an impact.
Olivier Giroud – N/A
The Frenchman came to Stamford Bridge for more game time, and ten minutes at the end of each game must be frustrating.
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