Chelsea v Bristol Rovers player ratings

Chelsea were pushed hard by Bristol Rovers before securing a place in the third round of the EFL Cup. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 3-2 win.

Asmir Begovic: 6

Had no chance with the header or penalty that beat him, but Thibaut Courtois’ understudy made a crucial save to keep out a 25-yard effort from Jermaine Easter that would have made it 3-3.

Branislav Ivanovic: 6

Not as quiet a night as the Serbian might have anticipated after a first half spent mostly watching the action at the other end. Almost scored with a late header. Wasn’t at his best.

Gary Cahill: 6

Will take it as a personal affront that he was beaten by a header in the box at a free-kick, and he could be seen getting irate with fellow defenders as Chelsea came under unexpected pressure.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6

Outjumped by striker Ellis Harrison during one dodgy defensive moment, but he spent most of the game in attack mode. Set up Victor Moses for goal number two.

Ola Aina: 6

The youngster had a decent enough outing on his debut and will look back fondly on a composed display, for the most part. Made way for John Terry for the final quarter of an hour.

Cesc Fabregas: 6

His deft touches were a feature of a dominant first half for the Blues. But in common with his team-mates, he faded in the second half and was perhaps lucky to play the full 90 minutes.

Nemanja Matic: 7

Very busy and one of the prime instigators of Chelsea’s most dangerous attacks. Was involved in the first goal, setting up Michy Batshuayi’s volley, and almost netted himself.

Victor Moses: 6

Scored with an easy tap-in to double the Chelsea lead. Enjoyed coming in off the flanks and had an industrious, if unexceptional evening. Some wayward shooting spoiled his night.

Pedro: 6

Blotted his copybook by conceding the penalty for Rovers’ second goal by clattering into Stuart Sinclair. But his trickery on the left flank in attack played a part in Chelsea’s second goal and fine early tempo.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 7

Laid a goal on a plate for Batshuayi before the break and showed plenty of strength and presence in an advanced role just off the front.

Michy Batshuayi: 8

An early lob almost beat keeper Steve Mildenhall, but he was not to be denied and was twice in the right place to take advantage of pull-backs to find the net. Denied a hat-trick by a linesman’s flag. Overall it was fine display.