Chelsea v Aston Villa player ratings
Chelsea returned to winning ways with an ultimately comfortable 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. Here’s how we rated the players in the game at Stamford Bridge.
Asmir Begovic: 7
Rarely called into action by a Villa side which offered little attacking threat. But he dealt comfortably with the little action he saw, saving early on from Alan Hutton.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7
Occasionally looked a little less comfortable in his more natural right-back position, as he tried to nip in ahead of Villa players to pinch the ball and got caught out. But generally it was a solid performance from the Spaniard.
Kurt Zouma: 6
Had little to deal with beyond Villa’s long-ball option, but got himself in a muddle with Ramires on occasions because of a lack of communication. Might have been punished by a stronger side.
John Terry: 7
A much more commanding performance from the Chelsea captain. Lost a few aerial battles to Rudy Gestede higher up the pitch but generally had the better of things. Organised well.
Baba Rahman: 5
An unconvincing start to life in the Premier League. Regularly dived in in dangerous areas and Villa players went past him with ease, particularly Hutton early on.
Ramires: 8
A man-of-the-match display, having been handed a rare starting spot at the expense of Nemanja Matic. Kept his discipline and broke up play well. Always looked to attack at pace when the chance presented itself.
Cesc Fabregas: 6
Another generally below-par display from the Spaniard, although he did play a couple of excellent passes into Diego Costa in the second half.
Pedro: 6
Sloppy in possession at times and left Rahman exposed defensively until he switched sides with Willian.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 6
The youngster was only given the first half but didn’t look out of place offensively. Went past players with ease and could have opened the scoring with a deflected shot, but his defensive work was criticised by Jose Mourinho.
Willian: 7
A hardworking and productive performance both in defence and attack. His pressuring of Joleon Lescott, and backing up Costa’s quick closing down of keeper Brad Guzan, forced the mistake for the opening goal.
Diego Costa: 7
Looked considerably sharper after his enforced lay-off through suspension, evident in his energetic and determined display. Was gifted the first goal and got fortunate with the second, but ultimately he was the difference between the sides.
Nemanja Matic: 6
Came on at half-time for the unfortunate Loftus-Cheek. Still a shadow of the colossal midfielder who bossed games last season but broke up play well in patches.
