Chelsea v Liverpool player ratings

Chelsea were comprehensively beaten after an abject display against Liverpool. Here’s how we rated the players in the 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. 

Asmir Begovic: 6
Not really tested in the first half until Philippe Coutinho’s strike, which he could do nothing about. Deflections on the subsequent two goals gave him no chance but did make a great save to keep out Alberto Moreno’s near-post effort on the counter-attack.

Kurt Zouma: 5
No surprise that the huge French centre-back looks totally out of sorts at right-back. Did well enough winning his tackles and aerial challenges but is far from comfortable and adds precious little in attack.

Gary Cahill: 6
Looked untroubled for the most part, defending confidently enough and using the ball sensibly, at least until the final period when Chelsea started losing their shape as they attempted to get back in the match.

John Terry: 5
Was close to preventing all three goals but that tells a story. Should have done better for Liverpool’s second and was strangely tentative when his true strength has always been his near impeccable decision-making and ability to recognise danger.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Did superbly setting up the early goal for Ramires and was steady thereafter.

John Mikel Obi: 6
Played reasonably well defensively, screening his defence and helping to restrict Liverpool to half-chances despite being outnumbered in midfield.

Ramires: 6
Took his goal brilliantly but his attempt to close down for the equaliser was hopeless. Brought much-needed energy but his midfield chasing was often in vain.

Willian: 8
The best Blues player by some distance. Busy, tenacious and dangerous in possession, and just about the only player who looked like creating a goal.

Oscar: 6
Never looked comfortable on the left and became increasingly frustrated after a bright start. His switch to the centre after the interval brought an obvious improvement and he nearly scored with a stunning long-range effort after winning possession.

Eden Hazard: 5
Unable to make an impact playing through the middle in the first half and also on the fringes of the game after the break. The Belgian was understandably withdrawn before the hour after an ineffective display.

Diego Costa: 5
Lacked conviction and support. Barely had a sight of goal and could have been sent off for a petulant kick out at Martin Skrtl, who had himself swung an arm at Costa before the break.

Kenedy: 6
Played positively in the half hour or so he was on pitch, making a couple of threatening runs and covering plenty of ground.