Newcastle v Chelsea player ratings

Boss Jose Mourinho was critical of Chelsea after their poor display at St James’ Park – and with good reason. Here’s how we rated his players in their defeat against Newcastle.

Petr Cech: 7
Produced good saves to deny Moussa Sissoko, Yoann Gouffran and Loic Remy, keeping Chelsea in the game as his defence struggled in the second half.

Branislav Ivanovic: 6
Got forward regularly and was unlucky not to score in the first half, but allowed Gouffran to squirm away from him and head home the all-important opening goal.

David Luiz: 5
An easy target for traditionalists who prefer a different type of defender, but Luiz was poor in this game. He was too slow into the challenge on several occasions and not tight enough to Newcastle’s forwards.

John Terry: 6
Headed against the woodwork and at the other end saved Chelsea with a couple of vital blocks and interceptions. But Remy gave the Blues skipper serious problems when he was able to isolate him one-versus-one, which happened too often.

Ashley Cole: 5
Had his hands full defensively and was unusually sloppy. Caught out in the second half and Newcastle almost scored as a result.

Ramires: 5
Another trusted performer who was inexplicably poor. Lost the midfield battle and was left for dead by Vurnon Anita in the build-up to Newcastle’s second goal.

Frank Lampard: 5
Also struggled in midfield. Had a disappointing game before being replaced by Andre Schurrle in the second half.

Oscar: 7
Quiet when Chelsea were on top in the first half but actually looked more dangerous when the team as a whole were less effective in the second. Got livelier as the game went on and created a late chance for Willian.

Eden Hazard: 6
Started brightly but didn’t seem to recover properly after picking up a knock. A disappointing afternoon for the talented Belgian.

Juan Mata: 7
Another who found the going tough in the second half. Was impressive in the first though, showing his trademark deft touches and clever movement.

Fernando Torres: 5
Was unable to extend his recent run of good form. The striker was ineffective before being replaced by Samuel Eto’o.

Andre Schurrle: 6
Couldn’t turn the tide back in Chelsea’s favour when brought off the bench as Newcastle were in the ascendancy.

Willian: 6
Worked hard after coming on and definitely had a positive impact. Unlucky not to score before Remy’s goal.

Samuel Eto’o: 6
Lively when he was introduced but was left frustrated by Newcastle’s stubborn defending.

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