Chelsea FC vs. Arsenal At Stamford Bridge: Player Ratings

Credit: Flickr creative Commons user Ben Sutherland

GOALKEEPER/DEFENSE

Thibaut Courtois: 6/10

A pretty calm day for the Belgian keeper who collected his third consecutive and 11th overall clean sheet in the league. Courtois only had to make one save, on Mesut Özil’s effort in the 44th minute, but otherwise his 6’6 presence commanded the area on aerial balls and corners.

Branislav Ivanovic: 6.5/10

Brana reined in his intrepid offensive capabilities on Sunday and stuck to Jose Mourinho’s gameplay of sitting back and holding firm against Arsenal’s attacks. Tucking in next to Gary Cahill more often than usual the Serbian did well to control Alexis Sanchez and his short shorts. Only being caught lacking for pace a couple of times Ivanovic’s physicality was immense as Chelsea FC’s defense broke down each wave of red shirts.

Gary Cahill: 6/10

Cahill is suited to the lockdown defensive style employed by Mourinho on Sunday and played well. Never was forced to face any real danger thanks to the efforts of teammates in front of him. Cahill again was part of a uncalled penalty decision for the opposition when Santi Cazorla’s shot bounced off the ground and hit his arm from close range in the 32nd minute. Like many other (stronger) claims on the day referee Michael Oliver chose to let it slide.

John Terry: 9/10 Man of the Match

Another outstanding performance from the Chelsea captain in a game where his leadership in the defense’s shape and structure was crucial. JT easily stood up to the physical challenge presented by inform Olivier Giroud and any other Arsenal threat that came into his zone.

"“I told John Terry in the dressing room that he has produced some fantastic performances with me but this was his best… The team were phenomenal, but John was one step ahead of every player.” Jose Mourinho"

Terry’s performances late in the season have propped the team up and kept them pushing for the title when they struggled attacking centrally for most of the second half of the season. If he wasn’t often overshadowed by the amazing offensive feats of teammate Eden Hazard, Terry would be in serious contention for player of the year.

Cesar Azpilicueta 8.5/10

An extremely hard decision not to choose Dave as MOTM as the Spaniard had a game-high 10 tackles (Nemanja Matic, 2nd w/ 3) and comfortably patrolled the left flank. The coolness with which he plays allows Hazard the freedoms he has attacking and playing next to John Terry has only improved Azpilicueta as the duo are the best defensive corner partnership in the league.

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