Chelsea cruise to easy League Cup victory with Torres on target…
- Mark Schwarzer – 6
The big Australian made his debut and was largely untroubled.
- David Luiz – 6
The Brazilian had a quiet evening after being recalled to the first-team, after missing out against Fulham at the weekend. Still unsure whether Jose Mourinho sees him as a first-choice option.
- Gary Cahill – 7
Has emerged from a solid squad player into Chelsea’s first-choice defender. Was composed on the ball, and too strong for Swindon’s forwards for nearly all of the evening.
- Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
The Spanish fullback has barely had a kick all season, and Barcelona could make a move for him come January. Was allowed to get forward often because of Chelsea’s dominance, and he showed why he would walk into my most first-teams in Europe.
- Ryan Bertrand – 7
Like Azpilicueta on the other flank, this would have been enjoyable evening for Bertrand roaming down the wing, unshackled of his defensive duties. He did well, but will not be replacing Ashley Cole any time soon.
- Michael Essien – 8
The experienced Ghanaian midfielder was the rock in Chelsea’s midfield. His passing and ability to intercept opposition attacks helped the Blues control the game, and dominate the midfield.
- Juan Mata – 6
All the pre-match discussion surrounded Mata’s second start of the season, and while the Spaniard played a few nice through balls and showed some delicate touches, he did nothing to force himself into his manager’s plans like Mourinho asked him to. In truth, he deserves a prolonged run of games based on what he’s given to Chelsea in the past, but it seems unlikely the Portuguese boss is going to give him it.
- Kevin De Bruyne – 6
Did everything asked of him as part of a roaming three behind Torres, but did nothing to suggest he’s worthy of displacing Oscar or Eden Hazard just yet.
- Marco Van Ginkel (Ramires – 10′ ) – 7
It makes more sense to rate Ramires’ performance here, as the Brazilian replaced the injured young Dutchman after only ten minutes. He did well, proving too combative for Swindon’s midfield, and adding a goal, too.
- Willian – 5
Wasteful. The Brazilian is looking anything like a £35m player at the moment, and it won’t be long before he’s labelled as an expensive flop. He has quick feet, and is obviously a good dribbler, but his decision making and end product was poor this evening.
- Fernando Torres – 8 – Man of the Match
Chelsea’s stand out player on an easy night, that if nothing else – proved the unbelievable strength in depth of the squad. The 29-year-old bagged a goal and an assist, and surely deserves a start in the Premier League next weekend ahead of Samuel Eto’o.
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