Chelsea v Roma player ratings

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Chelsea were forced to fight back to earn a point from a pulsating Champions League Group C game against Roma. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Thibaut Courtois: 7

Had no chance with Aleksandar Kolarov’s deflected goal, was understandably beaten by Edin Dzeko’s superb strike and was left exposed for Dzeko’s header. But he did make three fabulous stops with his feet – notably from Radja Nainggolan – which proved crucial.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6

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Much of Azpilicueta’s best work came chasing and trying to thwart Roma’s rampaging full-backs as the Italians made easy work of finding space out wide. Made a couple of crucial interventions on a very busy evening.

Andreas Christensen: 6

Was too easily beaten by Kolarov for the opening goal but slowly regained his composure and once again showed he has the ability and temperament to play at the very highest level, impressing despite constant pressure.

Gary Cahill: 7

The patched-up captain had a solid game in the face of wave after wave of attack. Organised those around him well and became increasingly prominent in the latter stages.

Davide Zappacosta: 6

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Had a particularly effective first half going forward, but was regularly outnumbered in defensive situations as Roma won the tactical battle. He whipped in some dangerous crosses and posed problems with his direct style.

Tiemoue Bakayoko: 5

The French midfielder failed to impose himself in the first half when Chelsea were over-run and they didn’t fully commit to a fast-pressing game from central areas. Bakayoko appeared more comfortable when Pedro came on, with more space to roam and more options to find in the final third.

David Luiz: 6

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Scored a wonderful goal and did plenty of good things playing in front of the back three but he was part of a central midfield trio that was sporadic with its closing down and allowed Roma too much time and space. 

Cesc Fabregas: 5

Like Bakayoko and Luiz, he looked ill at ease at times in the first period when he was starved of possession and seemingly uncertain if he should be chasing down or protecting his defence. As expected he did well in his rare moments of possession, but they were very rare.

Marcos Alonso: 6

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Like Zappacosta, had his work cut out defensively, but he was barely involved in attack. Stuck to his task as well as he could in difficult circumstances.

Eden Hazard: 8

The Belgian was not always as careful in possession as he normally is, but he stood out nonetheless and scored two brilliant goals, the first a smart controlled finish on the half-volley and the second a perfectly directed header.

Alvaro Morata: 6

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A welcome return for the Spaniard, who inadvertently set up Hazard’s first goal and always looked dangerous. However, he was too weak in possession at times and needed to do more to hold the ball up to relieve the constant pressure.

Pedro: 7

He brought much-needed hustle and bustle – both in midfield and further forward – and set up Hazard’s equaliser with a delightful cross.

Antonio Rudiger: 6

Rudiger was solid enough after coming on late in the game, but missed a great headed chance to earn victory from a Fabregas cross.

Willian: 6

The Brazilian was busy and always involved in his cameo appearance but failed to make the most of some promising positions.