Chelsea player ratings: Marcos Alonso edges Olivier Giroud for the top spot
Mason Mount, Attacking midfielder: 7
Mount did well to occupy the space Spurs made available, providing attacking options for the midfielders and wingbacks. He played his part in a well-coordinated press, making sure he put just the right amount of pressure on the Spurs’ back line without exposing his midfielders. Mount did well to occupy Tottenham’s center-back and full back, making himself a nuisance for the Spurs defenders.
He took a couple of shots and played in Tammy Abraham for what would have been an easy tap-in, but it wasn’t to be. His ball movement was quick and efficient, with the awareness of someone six years his senior.
Ross Barkley, Attacking midfielder: 7
Barkley is one of Chelsea’s most misunderstood players. He’s an easy target for shallow-minded fans who need someone to blame for the teams problems.
Barkley played well, taking shots sometimes and finding his teammates in space other times. He had one shot hit the post and another was punched clear by Hugo Lloris. The Spurs players found it hard to contain him and he put himself intgood positions so loose balls came to him. He linked up well with Olivier Giroud and Mount.
His ball movement was quick, his pressing was good. He, too, kept it simple on a day when Chelsea needed things to be just that.
Olivier Giroud, Striker: 8
Frank Lampard has not kept quiet about how much of a professional Olivier Giroud has been. Giroud was very impressive in bringing his teammates into play, which is what he’s known for. The Frenchman is not fast by any stretch of the imagination, and did not even try to run. Instead, Giroud relied on his positioning and strength to hold up play and lay the ball off to more advanced teammates.
And then there’s his goal. Giroud scored an outrageous goal. Water is wet.
Three pairs of outcasts who could be saviours against Tottenham and Bayern Munich. light. One down, one to go
The volley by Giroud into Lloris’ near post is the reason why Giroud should and hopefully will get more games over Michy Batshuayi. The technical ability is glaring, so is the lack of speed, but Giroud – like Alonso – knows how to work around his shortcomings to create something great.
Tammy Abraham, Striker (70′): 6
Abraham tried his best to keep the ball in the opposition half but his teammates made that difficult for him. They left him to do it alone most times. Towards the end of the game, Tammy Abraham had done his best to hold up the ball and Willian only needed to run to the wing to provide an option for Abraham. Instead, Willian just stood there, which makes sense because why make a run when you can just stand and do nothing?
Three lessons learned from Steve Holland's 'Masterclass' on win over Barcelona. dark. Next
Willian, Winger (76′): 6
Willian was also unable to affect the game. He did have some good moments, though. His energy was definitely needed on the pitch by the time he came on as the Chelsea players were already getting tired. He was brought in to see the game out, and he did just that.