Chelsea v Stoke player ratings
Not at their best, and without the rested Eden Hazard, Chelsea were still far too good for Stoke, who were thrashed at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 5-0 win.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Had little to do until saving with his legs to deny Saido Berahino after the striker had got through on goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
As easy an afternoon as the dependable Azpilicueta will ever have. He cruised through the game, keeping things simple without being troubled.
Gary Cahill: 6
His blushes were spared by Courtois’ save after Cahill misjudged a ball forward from Charlie Adam and was outpaced by Berahino. The skipper’s overall display was a sound one and he produced a superb, acrobatic clearance to prevent another long ball from Adam reaching Berahino in the first half.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
Faultless at the back and set the ball rolling for Chelsea with the opening goal – a third-minute header from Willian’s free-kick.
Victor Moses: 6
Given the extent to which Chelsea had things their own away, Moses was pretty quiet before going off in the second half. He might have made more of the space afforded to him on the flank.
N’Golo Kante: 7
Another dominating performance in midfield. Delighted the crowd with a cheeky first-half dummy to allow the ball to run to Azpilicueta.
Danny Drinkwater: 8
Certainly not the most technically gifted Chelsea player, but Drinkwater hit the net and a great strike – his first goal for the club – and was impressive throughout in midfield. His short passing was effective and he found the mark with longer balls forward too, including in the build up to the penalty which led to the fourth goal.
Marcos Alonso: 6
Like Moses on the opposite flank, Alonso had a fairly subdued game by his standards. He was neat and tidy rather than anything more.
Pedro: 7
Scored with a fine strike and went close with a number of other attempts. His skill and movement were a problem for Stoke from the first minute.
Willian: 8
Worked tirelessly in attack before winning and scoring the penalty for Chelsea’s fourth goal. Earlier, he delivered the free-kick for Rudiger’s opener and the pass to Pedro for goal number three.
Alvaro Morata: 6
Worked hard up front but should have scored. The striker twice shot straight at keeper Jack Butland after being put through on goal. The second opportunity, after a pass from Willian, really was a sitter.
Davide Zappacosta: 7
Lively after coming on for Moses and scored with a cracking strike late on – his first Premier League goal.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 6
Did a solid job in midfield after being brought on midway through the second half.
Michy Batshuayi: 6
Given 20 minutes against a totally demoralised defence, the striker might have fancied his chances of bagging a goal or two. But he was unable to make much of an impact.
