Chelsea player ratings: Substitutes silenced the Foxes
By Scott Brant
Billy Gilmour (Midfield): 5
Probably the worst many have witnessed the Scotsman play. His first two touches of the match were extremely rough. Both could have led to a goal for Leicester City. Gilmour could not find his teammates if he were tethered to them. A goal was bound to happen. In all of his past appearances, he really did not place a foot wrong, so this is an excellent learning opportunity for him. He can be expected to come back in his next appearance and show everyone why he could possibly be starting next season.
N’Golo Kante (Midfield): 7
N’Golo did not score or contribute with an assist, but he did spend the entire first half cleaning up the midfield by himself it seemed. BGilmour was not having a good time and Leicester were wearing the midfield thin. Kante went a bit quiet in the second half thanks to Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic providing some help and allowing Kante to focus on less responsibility.
Mason Mount (Midfield): 6
Mount’s first half was not spectacular. He virtually did absolutely nothing defensively. He did have a very nice move and pass into Christian Pulisic (who could not finish, but it was definitely a chance created for Mount) but that was it. Many would not have known he was on the pitch.
Mateo Kovacic (Midfield/Substitute): 7
Once Kovacic came in, the midfield was considerably more assured defensively. Kante and Kova are definitely the duo needed at all times. The other spot can be rotated, but the pairing work together so well. Kovacic is that glue that helps keep the midfield together. Doing a bit everything without any dramatics which sometimes allows him to fly under the radar.
Ross Barkley (Midfield/Substitute): 8.5
This is a pain to say, but Barkley had a huge effect on the match today. The attacking side of things increased almost immediately once he came on after halftime. He got in extremely dangerous positions, one of which was rewarded with an excellent pass from Willan which Barkley finished first time in a classy manner as well. Barkley could be super sub for Chelsea. He has such a larger effect when coming off the bench almost like a different player all together. If it were not for Willian being outstanding all match, Barkley would have definitely won Man of the Match.