Chelsea v Vidi player ratings
Alvaro Morata scored as Chelsea scraped a win in their Europa League clash at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: 7
Along with Willian and Mateo Kovacic, one of only three players retained from Saturday’s draw with Liverpool. Had to be sharp to keep out a strike early in the second half and a late effort from Istvan Kovacs.
Davide Zappacosta: 5
Did not get in behind the Vidi defence enough, even if he did have the excuse that he was notionally on defensive duty. Crossing was disappointing.
Emerson Palmieri: 7
Skied an early chance over the bar after gliding into the box unopposed. Got down the left flank well in support of attacks and promised much, but there was no killer final ball in his locker.
Gary Cahill: 6
Had one uncomfortable moment in the first half when he had to make a last-ditch challenge on the edge of the box, but mostly an untroubled night.
Andreas Christensen: 6
So eager to make a case for re-admission to the starting XI, but not a night to showcase his worth, with Vidi attacks so sporadic.
Mateo Kovacic: 6
Industrious without setting the evening alight. Always available and put in a decent enough shift.
Cesc Fabregas: 6
Slow orchestration from the Spaniard, who was making only his third start of the season. His cross in the 70th minute did finally lead to the deadlock being broken.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6
Had strong shout for a penalty after a slalom past three defenders into the box. Some typically forceful runs. Fired one shot well over the bar.
Pedro: 7
Menacing at the start, on the edge of the area, with his twists and turns and slipped in some dangerous passes. But was withdrawn when the need for Hazard increased.
Alvaro Morata: 6
Somehow contrived to put wide of an open target after Pedro had slipped in a perfect pass. Roughed up frequently by Vidi skipper Roland Juhasz, but had the last laugh, latching on to Willian’s flicked header to fire in the winner from close range.
Willian: 6
An early turn and deflected shot almost gave the Blues the start they were after, but this was a relatively modest outing from the Brazilian, who exited 15 minutes from time.
Eden Hazard: 6
On for Pedro after only 54 minutes to much applause – a sure sign that his team were finding it hard to get going. His arrival lifted a subdued Matthew Harding Stand. His free-kick led to Barkley heading onto the bar.
Ross Barkley: 7
A good cameo. Came on for Loftus-Cheek after 66 minutes and immediately had a shot on target, though it was easily saved by keeper Tomas Tujvel. Also nodded against the bar from close in.
Victor Moses: 6
A 74th-minute replacement for Willian. The Nigerian will be pleased to have had a few minutes of action.
