Chelsea v Liverpool player ratings


Liverpool won the Uefa Super Cup by beating Chelsea on penalties after a 2-2 draw in Istanbul. Here’s how we rated each Blues player.

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 8

Had a let-off when he was beaten to James Milner’s corner by Virgil van Dijk, who was later denied by a stunning save by the Blues keeper, who more than atoned for his first-half lapse. Kepa also did well to deny former Chelsea man Mohamed Salah.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7

A typically solid performance from the Blues skipper.

Kurt Zouma: 6

An improvement on the horror show at Manchester United on Sunday but still did not look the part. Allowed Roberto Firmino to get away from him in the build-up to Liverpool’s second goal.

Andreas Christensen: 6

Often unconvincing before being taken off late in the game. Was caused plenty of problems by Liverpool’s attack.

Emerson: 6

A threat going forward and created an opening for Mason Mount. But Liverpool had plenty of joy themselves on Chelsea’s left side.

Jorginho: 7

Calm and composed, not least when scoring a penalty in extra time and in the shootout. However, he allowed Mane to get away from him for the first Liverpool goal.

N’Golo Kante: 9

Absolutely brilliant. An emphatic return to the starting line-up by the fit-again Frenchman, who was everywhere in the first half and totally dominated the midfield all night. He operated in almost a hybrid role – a combination of the defensive midfielder he made his name as and the attacking player he was controversially turned into by ex-boss Maurizio Sarri. Incredible.

Mateo Kovacic: 6

Neat and tidy in midfield but missed a decent chance when keeper Adrian beat him to the ball after Kovacic had been set up by Pedro.

Christian Pulisic: 8

A hugely encouraging performance on his first Chelsea start. Always bright, beautifully set up Olivier Giroud’s opening goal with a sublime pass, and thought he had doubled the lead with an emphatic finish, only to be denied by an offside flag.

Pedro: 8

A very good performance from Pedro, who created a number of openings, including chances for Kovacic and Tammy Abraham, and was unlucky not to score when his shot hit the bar.

Olivier Giroud: 7

Isolated up front for large spells of the game but he worked hard and finished coolly when a chance came his way.

Tammy Abraham: 6

Made an impact after coming on. Won a penalty and his enthusiasm up front worried Liverpool. But question marks remain over the young striker’s finishing – he missed a great chance to make it 3-2 after being teed up by Pedro. And his poor penalty handed the trophy to Liverpool.

Mason Mount: 8

Fared much better after being brought on. Was lively, combative, had a goal disallowed and scored the best penalty of the shootout – a cracking strike into the top corner.

Fikayo Tomori: 7

Showed why his manager has such faith in him. Gave a good account of himself after being brought on in normal time, while extra-time substitute Ross Barkley also made a positive contribution.