Chelsea battled to their first Premier League win of the season this afternoon as they beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2 thanks to a dream debut from Pedro.
The World Cup winner scored one and assisted another to put the Blues into a 2-0 lead after Albion had missed an early penalty, although culprit James Morrison halved his side’s deficit.
Cesar Azpilicueta restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion before the break, but a red card for John Terry and a second Morrison strike made it a nervous finish for the champions.
Here, fanatix rates and slates the performances of Jose Mourinho’s side…
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 8/10
The Belgian came straight back into the side after serving his suspension, despite Asmir Begovic’s impressive performance against Manchester City, and showed exactly why he is Chelsea’s number one. He stayed big to save Morrison’s penalty and block from Salomon Rondon in stoppage time.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic – 6/10
Has had a difficult couple of weeks, and James McClean also gave him a hard time. Looked shaken by the struggles of previous games, but won as many battles as he lost against the dangerous Irishman.
CB: John Terry – 5/10
Backed to start by Mourinho after his half-time withdrawal last Sunday, but a horror week for Chelsea’s long-serving leader ended with an early bath. Rondon got the run on him in behind, and Terry’s lack of pace was exposed again as he was forced to pull the striker’s shirt and deny him a shot on goal.
CB: Kurt Zouma – 6/10
A couple of his clumsy mistakes could have cost the champions had they not happened so high up the field. Looks poised for a decent run in the side now that Terry will be sidelined by suspension.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 8/10
Was comfortably the most improved of Chelsea’s back-line. Made a superb run and provided an equally good finish for his first Premier League goal, and defended with strength and composure.
SEE MORE:
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