A rotated Chelsea side reflected their second string status within the squad by displaying a languid and uninspiring display against perennial Europa League underdogs Slavia Prague, although Marcos Alonso’s late header did ensure Maurizio Sarri’s men left the Czech Republic with a victory and a crucial away goal.
With one eye on Sunday’s game against Liverpool, Chelsea fans were glad to see that the double barrel academy duo of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek had been left on the bench for tonight’s game, as this hinted at the possibility of the pair starting together in one of the defining fixtures of Chelsea’s season. The complete overhauling of the team showed in their performance though as Slavia Prague dominated the ball and set about testing Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Chelsea net.
A backline containing two right-footed centre-halves in Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger struggled at times to contain the threat posed by former Blues forward Miroslav Stoch, but nonetheless stood firm and were perhaps unjustly rewarded for their work by Marcos Alonso’s stooping header – only Chelsea’s second attempt on target all night.
The Blues will now head back to London with a slender advantage going into next week’s second leg.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6
Supplemented some far from convincing handling with a couple of superb saves as the Spaniard was the busier of the two keepers.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6.5
Wasn’t by any means at his best with Slavia Prague looking particularly potent out wide due to the space afforded to them, but will be mightily relieved to have escaped with a clean sheet.
Andreas Christensen - 7
With Chelsea under the cosh for the majority of the game Christensen displayed a new found composure and maturity to ensure his team left the Czech Republic unscathed.
Antonio Rudiger - 7
Marshalled the backline imperiously, keeping his cool in the pressure cooker atmosphere created by the Slavia Prague fans. Also had a couple of opportunities to break the deadlock.
Marcos Alonso - 7.5
Crucial at both ends of the field popping up with the vital winning goal late on as well as ensuring he held his discipline defensively. He was, however, still rash in challenges and by no means ready for more regular minutes.
Ross Barkley - 6
The only creative spark in a lacklustre Chelsea midfield, he attempted unsuccessfully to dribble past his marker and on the rare occasion he did the Englishman found his final ball to be lacking any real quality.
Jorginho - 5
Starved of time and space in a hostile environment Jorginho was overrun and looked a shadow of the player he has been over recent weeks. His frailties away from home when Chelsea have proportionately less possession are still evident and could easily be exploited on Sunday.
Mateo Kovacic - 5
His one redeeming factor, an ability to hold possession under pressure, was not utilised at all by the Croatian as he gave away possession far too easily. Kovacic was also remarkably underwhelming going forward as well as in transition, failing to create a single chance or shot on goal during his time on the pitch. Once again gave Sarri no reason to rethink his starting lineup for the game against Liverpool.
Pedro - 5
Saw very little of the ball as Willian showed more discernible quality on the left hand side. Whenever he was in possession though he just as quickly lost it again with an air of predictability clouding his game.
Olivier Giroud - 6
Was unable to add to his impressive tally in the competition but tried tirelessly to involve his teammates, with little success.
Willian - 7.5
Chelsea’s most dangerous player by far, when given space he threatened to tear Slavia Prague’s defence to shreds, hitting the crossbar midway through the first-half. His decision making overall, however, was poor and had it not been for one perfectly executed delivery into Alonso then his rating would have been far lower.
Subs:
Eden Hazard – 6, became the victim of a brutal campaign from the Slavia Prague defence to nullify his threat by any means necessary. made a couple of incisive runs but was for the most part severely outnumbered in possession.
N’Golo Kante – 6, should’ve done better when presented with an opportunity inside the area but was brought on in an attempt to install some energy to a lifeless midfield.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – N/A, didn’t have enough time to make any real impact but due to the performance of his teammates he will be all but assured of a starting berth on Sunday.