Chelsea player ratings: Tactical masterclass overwhelms Man United
Willian (Right winger): 8
Willian’s ethos is built on his work rate, but his critics ignore the work he puts in over 90 minutes—this game was no different. He tracked back as much as he attacked and although he produced little going forward, he played a full part in getting the right result. Willian is not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s always been a team player.
Olivier Giroud (Striker): 9
The professional attitude Olivier Giroud has shown throughout the season is an example to all around him. He quietly sat on the bench whilst Tammy Abraham was banging goals earlier in the season and Frank Lampard wisely told him his time would come. It has now fully arrived. Giroud was outstanding in this game. He led the line superbly and battled relentlessly against United’s defence. The goal, in the 11th minute of injury time of the first half, was crucial in deciding the game’s outcome.
Mason Mount (Left winger): 8
Another one of the kids in the starting XI; like Reece James, Mount’s relationship with Lampard and his team of coaches is clearly a good one. He looked threatening in front of goal throughout and thoroughly deserved his goal early in the second half—courtesy of a David de Gea assist. Lampard’s plan of pressing United high up-the-field was implemented to the letter by the England youngster.
Substitutes: N/A
Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham replaced Willian and Giroud with 80 minutes gone. Both had chances to score, but failed to do so. Ruben Loftus-Cheek gave Kovacic a breather on 86 minutes, but perhaps the most important change came in injury time when Pedro replaced Mount in what could be his last Chelsea appearance.
Overall, good substitute appearances, but not enough time on the pitch to provide proper ratings.
Next. Tactics and Transfers: New defenders are more likely than goalkeeper. dark
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