The best and worst of the Chelsea players in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Chelsea were stunned away in the Barclays Premier League to Newcastle United.
The Magpies gave their fans at St James’ Park the performance they deserved after previous slip ups in the Tyne Wear derby against Sunderland and Manchester City, and the Blues paid the price.
In a tough game, a few players stood out both in a positive and negative sense for Chelsea, and fanatix has rated the best and worst of the West London outfit below.
Petr Cech – 7/10
Goalkeeper Petr Cech could do little about either of Newcastle’s goals, and was otherwise faultless. Credited with six saves throughout.
Branislav Ivanovic – 5/10
Solid at the back, but ponderous going forward, and was frequently the cause of Chelsea attacks slowing down. Was also caught upfield when Newcastle frequently broke up their left flank in the second half.
John Terry – 8/10
The one Chelsea player to emerge from the match with great credit.
As well as enjoying the Blues’ best chance of the first half when he hit the bar, John Terry completed 100% of passes in the first half (42/42). Also 100% tackles (2/2) and 100% headed duels (4/4).
David Luiz – 6/10
Against a highly defensive Newcastle United side, and with John Terry in imperious form, David Luiz ought to have pushed forward to give his team additional options going forward.
Instead, while not tested hugely in the first period, in the second half he appeared stunned by the pace of Newcastle’s attack. Booked for a cynical foul.
Ashley Cole – 6/10
Ashley Cole was not his usual outlet on the left for Chelsea, and though the majority of Newcastle’s attacking play came on the opposite flank, it is hard to say whether that is down to Cole keeping the Magpies quiet or Remy and Sissoko naturally drifting to to their left away from the Blues man.
Frank Lampard – 5/10
Frank Lampard is not a holding midfielder. No longer able to provide lung busting runs and intelligently timed runs into the box from his deeper position in tough games, Jose Mourinho would be better off partnering John Obi Mikel with either Lampard or Ramires to make the most of one of the pair.
Ramires – 5/10
Ramires failed to offer his usual dynamism going forward, and did not have the creativity to break through a congested Newcastle side, who countered brilliantly.
Eden Hazard 7/10
Eden Hazard was the one Chelsea player who looked like creating a chance, with the Belgium superstar running at the Newcastle defence at speed and with style.
An injury in the second half appeared to hamper his play, though he remained on the field for all ninety minutes.
Oscar – 5/10
As disciplined as ever, Oscar got into plenty of the right positions, but does not possess the creative brain of either Juan Mata or Eden Hazard despite his finishing prowess.
Was often crowded out thanks to Newcastle’s stoic defence rallying around the ball.
Juan Mata – 5/10
Juan Mata could have appealed for an arguably legitimate penalty shout in the first half, and perhaps if that was awarded, the result could have been different.
Was not able to pull the strings as he usually can.
Fernando Torres – 4/10
Looked sharp early on, but barely touched the ball in the first half as the Chelsea midfield struggled to find him. Substituted after an hour.
Substitutes:
Willian – 7/10
Andre Schurrle – 6/10
Samuel Eto’o – 7/10
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