Everton v Chelsea player ratings

Chelsea’s poor defending angered boss Jose Mourinho but his team are top of the Premier League after a great start to the season. Here’s now we rated the players in their action-packed 6-3 victory at Everton.

Thibaut Courtois: 7
Couldn’t be blamed for the goals and after three games it’s already clear his presence and ability to dominate his area will be a huge asset this season. One dodgy clearance, but made up for it with a stunning save from Kevin Mirallas.

Branislav Ivanovic: 8
Excellent again. Took his goal with great calmness and was a constant threat despite having plenty on his plate defensively. Has become a reliable performer and major attacking influence.

John Terry: 7
Did his individual job with typical efficiency, strength and quality. But being captain of a team so constantly in trouble at the back will not have pleased him. Like Gary Cahill he was troubled by Everton’s movement up front.

Gary Cahill: 7
As with Terry, it’s hard to criticise as he played well, but the collective work was hardly inspiring and he was given a tough afternoon because of Everton’s fine movement and willingness to pour men forward at every opportunity.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
For the second week in a row had his work cut out against a classy opponent, and never had the assistance required to completely snuff out the considerable threat of Seamus Coleman. His pace and ever-improving positional play meant Coleman was not able to get the upper hand though.

Nemanja Matic: 7
Struggled to retain possession in the middle of the park before the break and did not look comfortable against an Everton side who never stopped running despite their awful start. Scored a fine goal late on and played a vital part in the Ramires goal.

Cesc Fabregas: 8
After a fine pass to Costa for the opening goal, he looked rushed and bit hassled for much of the first period and his frustration showed. But his quality always shone through.

Ramires: 8
His first start of the season was reassuringly predictable in many ways. A number of misplaced passes but a commendable and relentless midfield performance. Involved in Costa’s first, a delightful pass teed up the second goal and his stunning surge and finish helped wrap up the points late on.

Eden Hazard: 8
A typically fantastic run that led to the Coleman own goal as he glided past his man on the left, and he was a threat throughout. But also did some fine defensive work and tracking back, although it’s still glaringly obvious it does not come naturally.

Willian: 9
Great in defence and in attack. Defended with purpose and his pace and use of the ball going forward on the break was a key factor in the win. Oscar will have his work cut out to win back his place.

Diego Costa: 9
Spiky, effective and scored two brilliantly taken goals. Makes some incredible runs, as shown inside a minute when he nipped in behind the Everton defence and fired in the opener.  Always involved, always winding up defenders and providing a focal point. Superb.

Mikel: 7
Brought on to shore things up alongside Matic in the closing stages when Mourinho had finally had enough of the Sunday League-style defending on offer. Set up Costa’s second goal.

Man of the match: Costa

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