Chelsea 2-2 West Brom: Player Ratings
- George Butler
- @GeorgeButler118
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Chelsea squandered the lead twice against West Bromwich Albion in the 2-2 draw but remain unbeaten since Guus Hiddink’s return to the club.
The Blues got off to a great start with Cesar Azpilicueta charging forward and find the net for his second goal for the club but an equaliser from Craig Gardner soon followed, with the 29-year old’s low shot arrowing past Courtois.
Gareth McAuley slid the ball into his own net for the Baggies after pressure from Kenedy but Tony Pulis’ side kept battling for an equaliser and made the Londoners pay after they failed to clear the ball and James McClean curled one in to make sure the two sides shared the points.
Chelsea remain in the bottom half of the Premier League after the draw but their inability to hold the lead once again proved to be the Blues undoing.
Thibaut Courtois - 6
Courtois potentially could have done better with Craig Gardner’s goal due to distance and pace of the ball, however, the accuracy of the shot may have still beaten the Belgian. He looked indecisive at times on the West Brom crosses but could have done nothing to prevent McClean’s late equaliser.
Branislav Ivanovic - 7
Celebrated his new contract talks with a fine performance down the right flank. Provided width in the first half allowing Willian to drift inside and provided an inch-perfect cross for his fellow full-back Azpilicueta to tap home. Coped well with the pace of the Baggies wingers and was an effective outlet going forward.
Kurt Zouma - 6
Arguably Zouma should have closed down Gardner for his goal as the Frenchman stood off and allowed the shot. His pace was vital as he sweeps the back four and his understanding with Terry is developing. Provided some vital headers and clearances in the box but had a worryingly erratic final five minutes with a number of frantic clearances and positoning.
John Terry - 6
Terry was back in the side after sitting out against Scunthorpe and the skipper did well on his return. He was too late to block the McClean equaliser but the midfielder’s should have been protecting the edges of the box.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7
Showed endeavour and effort to burst forward and latch onto Ivanovic’s cross to give Chelsea the lead and defended well against the counter attacks too, in particular an inch-perfect tackle on Berahino but did allow West Brom to deliver crosses too often.
John Obi Mikel - 6
Mikel is effective and an assuring presence in possession while he sits deep and protects well, he often sells Chelsea short in attack with his lack of contribution and looked lost when receiving the ball in the opposition final third. Began to tire and looked off the pace towards the end of the game.
Cesc Fabregas - 8
Beginning to show glimpses of his lethal understanding and connection with Costa that was so effective last season. His sharp incisive passing was at the heartbeat of Chelsea’s attack but tried killer pass too often. Held his position well and dictated the game from deep. Hiddink may regret taking Cesc off so early.
Willian - 6
The Brazilian’s drilled cross forced McAuley to turn the ball into his own net and Chelsea’s top scorer provided his usual excellent crossing and deliveries. Unusually fired a free kick over the and failed to link up with Costa effectively.
Oscar - 5
Oscar continues to fade after a lively start under Hiddink. For a number ten, Oscar lacked the vision and control on the game. His understanding with Costa should be exploited but the Brazilian was bullied off the ball. Looked off the pace in the second half and failed to provide pressure on the pass leading to the second goal.
Pedro - 5
Subbed at half time, Pedro was dispossessed too easily for the equaliser and struggled to gain momentum down the left flank, partially to the excellent defensive solidarity of the Albion defence. The ex-Barcelona man provides pace and trickery but too often lacked imagination in the final phase.
Diego Costa - 8
Continually showing renewed energy, he drove at defenders and was making himself a handful with his strength. The striker rattled the post after a deflected shot and aggravated the Baggies all night long despite losing his cool at times. Ran himself into the ground for the team and deserved a goal.
Kenedy - 7
Kenedy replaced Pedro at half time and played a part in the own goal after challenging McAuley for Willian’s driven cross. Showed immense strength and raw pace on the ball and his purpose in attack had West Brom on their heels. The Brazilian fired a long range shot just wide and linked with Costa well.
Nemanja Matic - 5
Came on for Fabregas to protect the Chelsea lead however, the Blues looked more defensively stout with the Spaniard on the field. The big Serbian was anonymous after coming and continues to look a shell of the player he was last season.