Norwich 1-2 Chelsea: Player ratings
- George Butler
- @GeorgeButler118
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Chelsea moved up to 8th with a 2-1 victory over Norwich at Carrow Road to remain unbeaten in the league in 2016.
The Blues got off to a flying start as Kenedy, who was filling it at left back, fired the ball past John Ruddy in the opening minute.
Then Diego Costa doubled his side’s lead with an accurate chip shot into the Norwich net.
The Canaries pulled a goal back through Nathan Redmond but Guus Hiddink’s side held onto for the vital win.
Thibaut Courtois - 6
Courtois was rarely threatened until late by Norwich and was only beaten by a fantastic strike by Nathan Redmond that he could not do much about. Dominated his area well and showed excellent handling on a number of crosses.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7
The Spaniard patrolled the right flank with determination and discipline as he was rarely beaten by his opposite number and never put a foot wrong in the 90 minutes.
Gary Cahill - 6
Generally solid at the heart of the Chelsea defence as he read the game well and was able to get his body in the way of a number of shots to shut down any threat.
Branislav Ivanovic - 5
Was given a tough time by Cameron Jerome whose pace and height gave the Serbian a tough task to match up to.
He could be criticised for not tracking Redmond’s run in the build up for the goal and looked a little off the pace in general.
Kenedy - 8
The Brazilian got off to a brilliant start with a stunning strike inside the first minute and was one of Chelsea’s biggest attacking threats throughout the match.
He was caught out once or twice positionally in defence but that is to be expected given it was not his natural position.
Nemanja Matic - 6
Showed his presence in midfield by battling well on the ground and dominating aerially early on but slowly looked to be losing his touch as Norwich came back into the game in the second half.
Cesc Fabregas - 6
The Spaniard started brightly as he ticked over possession in the middle of the park and started the move in the lead up to Kenedy’s goal.
However, like Matic, he looked to have slowed down later in the game as he failed to press and struggled to maintain his defensive duties.
Bertrand Traore - 7
Offered width on the right-hand side and his burst of pace and attacking intent was a worry for the Norwich full backs.
Missed a goal scoring chance due to a poor touch but made up for the error by grabbing the assist for Costa’s goal.
Oscar - 6
Had some neat touches and passes and was generally sharper when dribbling with the ball in the first half.
He linked well with Eden Hazard throughout but still failed to stamp his authority and have a true influence in Chelsea’s attacking play.
Eden Hazard - 6
An up and down game from the Belgian as he showed moments of magic before drifting off throughout the game.
His incisive passing tore through Norwich and he looks to have regained his pace but needs to be more decisive on the ball in the final third.
Diego Costa - 7
Battled well without too much luck against his opponent until the goal which he took with extreme composure and the finish was sublime.
Costa worked hard all night and was feeding off scraps and long balls for the most part.
Subs
Willian – 6
Replaced Traore after 60 minutes and was offered greater defensive protection as the Blues were on the back foot but never really had the chance to influence an attack.
John Obi Mikel – 6
Brought on to shore up the Chelsea midfield and broke down Norwich well alongside Maic. He forced the opposition to go to the aerial route.
Baba Rahman – 6
Despite being dropped, the Ghana international was lively and positive when introduced and despite not having much involvement he looked calm on the ball and showed signs that the mistake at Southampton will not affect him greatly.