Chelsea v Leeds player ratings
Chelsea recovered from a miserable first-half display and a 2-0 deficit early in the second half to thump fierce rivals Leeds United in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the astonishing 6-3 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Mike Penders: 6
The Belgian made a staggering double save in a more than encouraging display. His passing and use of the ball is exceptional, but Penders looked shaky as Leeds tried to block, unsettle and intimidate him from set-pieces.
Josh Acheampong: 7
Acheampong was the pick of Chelsea’s defensive three and is growing in confidence with each game he starts. Chelsea have a serious prospect on their hands.
Maxence Lacroix: 6
Steady without being dominant, Lacroix’s pace is a huge asset as he was able to recover from a couple of minor errors by turning on the gas.
Levi Colwill: 5
Looked off the pace and unconvincing in a performance some way off his best.
Malo Gusto: 4
A dreadful performance from Gusto, who barely managed to find a team-mate before being replaced at the break. A poor display is perhaps more understandable when playing out of position in midfield, but not when playing in his favoured role on the right.
Reggie Watson: 6
Given the circumstances and the lack of an experienced midfield partner, as well as a distinct lack of support from Gusto on the right, the teenager did OK. He showed no fear, some good ability on the ball at times, and a willingness to get stuck in.
Valentin Barco: 7
The Argentine was culpable for the second Leeds goal on the back of a sloppy spell towards the end of the first period, but he was otherwise very impressive. Barco was heavily involved in getting Chelsea back in the game and was spiky, generally good on the ball, and never shied away from demanding possession. He took his goal superbly and his late strike set up Welbeck for the sixth goal.
Pep Chavarria: 7
He brought much-needed balance and calmness to the left side and won the crucial spot-kick which got the Blues back into the game.
Jamie Gittens: 5
Gittens barely had a look in, aside from one excellent run where he was unlucky not to score with a fierce near-post strike. One of four to be hooked at the break.
Estevao: 6
The Brazilian was a frustrated figure for much of the first half, but showed one or two moments of his undoubted class, notably when skipping past two players and setting up a good chance for Danny Welbeck.
Danny Welbeck: 7
He was starved of possession in the first half but Welbeck still showed why his experience and nous will be so vital – and that became even clearer after the break. The former England international’s first goal was magnificent – a cool finish after two brilliant touches to create space and fool two defenders.
Reece James: 9
Chelsea’s skipper was arguably man of the match after coming on at half-time, seizing absolute control of the midfield in defence – and supporting and enabling Barco and the front three to cause havoc in attack.
Pedro Neto: 7
Neto took his goal superbly and added zip and quality – and gave the woeful Gusto a lesson in how to play as a wing-back.
