Newcastle v Chelsea player ratings

 

Chelsea fought back from two goals down to earn a point in a thrilling game away against Newcastle. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 2-2 draw.

Asmir Begovic: 6
Made two fine saves in the first half before Newcastle scored. He had no chance with either of the goals.

Branislav Ivanovic: 5
Caught out on a couple of occasions and, although by no means the main culprit for Newcastle’s opener, he could have anticipated the danger a bit quicker.

Kurt Zouma: 5
Made a diabolical decision to allow the ball to drop in the box for Ayoze Perez’s first-half goal and looked a little flustered by the physical threat of Aleksandar Mitrovic. To his credit he responded well and his fabulous pass led to Ramires smashing home Chelsea’s first goal.

Gary Cahill: 5
Like Zouma, Cahill was not comfortable in the first half, with Mitrovic causing problems and creating space with a bullying performance. As with all Chelsea’s players, he was much improved in the second half.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
By some way Chelsea’s best defender, using his pace to great effect. Was an influential figure in attack after the break and also raced back when out of position to nullify some dangerous counter-attacks.

Nemanja Matic: 5
Steady enough for the opening 20 minutes but was then hassled and harried by a busy Newcastle midfield who grew in confidence and denied Chelsea’s holding duo time and space.

Cesc Fabregas: 5
Crucially lost goalscorer Georginio Wijnaldum for Newcastle’s second goal and was poor in possession and off the pace for much of the match. Played a couple of glorious passes as the game opened up, notably to Pedro who wasted a great one-on-one opportunity.

Eden Hazard: 7
Ineffective in the first period, but kept going despite a couple of highly debatable decisions when he appeared to be fouled. Made the most of the extra room when Ramires and Willian came on and was just as crucial in helping to salvage a draw.

Oscar: 6
Chelsea’s most steady performer in attack when the team were struggling, making some dangerous runs and using the ball sensibly. A bit unfortunate to be taken off when one or two others had contributed almost nothing.

Pedro: 5
Had some threatening moments in the latter stages but missed a brilliant chance when through on goal and was anonymous when his side needed him most.

Loic Remy: 5
Unfortunate not to score in the first half but failed to lead the line and retain possession and was a peripheral figure for the majority of his time on the pitch.

Radamel Falcao: 6
His experience and awareness freed up space for Hazard and Pedro with some telling runs and his ability to hold the ball up and battle also improved Chelsea no end in the last quarter of the match.

Willian: 8
Busy and effective. Used the ball well, ran from deep, didn’t waste possession and scored a fine goal.

Ramires: 8
This was the Brazilian at his best. Provided energy and urgency, scored an absolute humdinger, distracted the keeper for Willian’s goal and could so easily have snatched a winner.