Chelsea player ratings: A fine draw masks tired legs
By Travis Tyler
Christian Pulisic, Right winger, 7.0
Pulisic was a threat from the right wing, the position he made his own at Dortmund despite the prevailing and false narrative that he is a “natural left winger”. One reason he played on the right was to allow James to stay back while still stretching the pitch. Another reason was for Havertz to drift left to be able to cut in with a shot. Unfortunately, Havertz never got the memo as he practically tripped over Pulisic every time.
Mason Mount, Left winger, 6.0
Mount’s purpose of playing left wing is to give Chilwell the space to get forward while shielding the fullback and midfield should the ball be lost. On that, he did his job well, though it is hardly a sexy role that shows up on the stats sheet (see Willian for nearly the last decade). That being said, he often telegraphed his intentions with Chilwell and, like Havertz, he looked completely gassed trying to do anything else. He also needs a rest, but it is hard to justify sitting him from a balance perspective offensively and defensively.
Timo Werner, Striker, 7.0
Werner’s off balance shot that nearly floated into the top left corner was his best and only real chance of the night. He often attempted runs in behind or into pockets of space, in part due to Chelsea’s deeper defensive block. James was the only player that consistently understood these runs and ultimately it was a fruitless night for the German striker. He will be hoping for better against Manchester United.