Walsall 1-4 Chelsea : Players Ratings

Chelsea started their defending campaign of the Capital One Cup tonight against Walsall. The Blues continued their short-winning spell by comfortably beating them 4-1, their 3 straight victory all in competitions. Ramires, Remy, Kennedy and Pedro were all on the score sheet while John Terry was back in side with captain’s armband.

The game was a bright one and full of chances for either side but both teams showed some poor quality in the final third. But given the vast differences in quality, the Premier League champions Chelsea managed to win it comfortably in the end.

Here’s our Players Ratings:

 Asmir Begovic – 6.5

He didn’t had much to do, apart from saving a swirling free-kick but couldn’t save the return shot which ended up in the back of the net, the only goal for the home side. Overall, it was a pretty average performance from his side.

Baba Rehman – 6.5

Rehman had a pretty average  game too, unable to make much of an impact on the game. Apart from a few crosses, he didn’t have anything to offer offensively. Defensively he was bit troubled by the pacy winger and didn’t quite stop the crosses either.

 John Terry – 6.0

The return of the captain wasn’t the best one, his frustration was clearly visible which got him unnecessary booked for kicking the ball. His lack of pace was again exploited deftly by Cook, making life difficult for Terry.

Gary Cahill – 6.5

It wasn’t the best of nights for Chelsea’s center-backs as they fail to cope with the Walsall’s pace upfront. Cahill too was troubled heavily by the short and quick lads of the opposition but along with Terry, managed to hold off Walsall’s waves of attack.

Branislav Ivanovic – 6.0

His poor start this season continues in the League Cup as well, as the ageing defender struggled to cope with the blistering pace of Walsall’s wide players. He looked slow and weak in making tackles and clearly luck wasn’t on his side. Going forward, he couldn’t influence the game with or without ball.

John Obi Mikel – 7.0

Mikel gets the nod ahead of Matic this time in the center and what a job he did – orchestrating play from deep, tackling, intercepting and breaking up attacks. It was a match where he expressed himself and showed he deserved more than just the last 10 mins of play.

Ramires – 7.0

Ramirez had a good game playing in the center, with his pace and energy, Chelsea had an edge on the counter attacks. He was defensively sound and going forward, he gave Chelsea the lead with a header and later set up a goal for Remy.

Kennedy – 8.0 (Subbed Off) (Man of the Match)

Kennedy looked sharp and full of enthusiasm, and was always looking to run at defenders and was the first to fall back after Chelsea lost the ball. He performed well and got his reward by scoring a goal off Pedro’s pass and also setup Ramires’ goal with a beautiful cross. His performances must have surely impressed his manager.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7.5 (Subbed Off)

Loftus-Cheek has once again shown what he is capable of, using the possession well, making good use of his body and helping equally well in defence; he made a point to be played in the weekend’s game at St. James Park.

Loic Remy – 6.5

It was a game with a plethora of opportunities for Remy, who could only drag his shots wide or delay in taking it. He wasn’t really good with the ball at his feet either, failing to put crosses in and gave away possession cheaply on many occasions though he did manage to put one in the net. But you expect more from the player of his quality.

Radamel Falcao – 6.5 (Subbed Off)

Falcao looked confident, making great sharp runs and creating space for his teamates but his first touch and wayward finishing was again the story of his night. He had enough opportunities to get on the score sheet but failed to manage any shots on target.

Substitutes

Pedro – 7.0

Pedro who came on for the last 15 mins for Kennedy, did a good job to increase the lead with his individual effort. He could have scored twice though, but nevertheless great solo goal.

Nemanja Matic – 6.5

Matic was brought on for Loftus-Cheek to hold the play and defend the waves of attack to come in the final period which he did exceptionally well. Apart from that he didn’t had much to do other then maintain the possession.

 Papy Djilobodji – 6.0

Papy came on for Falcao for his first game with only 2 mins remaining and manage to get a touch on the ball apart from this he didn’t had enough time to show his potential.