A game that lacked creativity, initiative, and spark where Chelsea and Manchester United only managed a 0-0 draw. Not a lot went wrong for the Blues, but not a lot went right either. In the end, a very boring match on all fronts.
Here are the player ratings for each one of the Blues’ players:
Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 8/10
There was not much action for the Chelsea keeper on the day, but when he was needed the most, he delivered. These are the type of performances that win games as Man United came close to pulling ahead numerous times. Edouard Mendy showed why he deserves to be Chelsea’s first option between the posts though, keeping a clean sheet.
Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 8/10
While there are moments where Antonio Rudiger’s judgement is question, it cannot be denied that he has outperformed himself recently. Particularly against United, the German defender played his role expertly. Not only was he great inside the box, he actively cut up the opposition in the middle the pitch, making multiple darting runs.
Andreas Christensen (Centerback): 8/10
One player that has really come to life under Thomas Tuchel is Andreas Christensen. Not too long ago, he was criticized for his lack of physical power. Now, he is praised for his intelligence and, to be fair, this is the defender everyone expects him to be. Dealing with the United opposition was not difficult, but when it mattered, Christensen was effective and decisive. His newly found form will be essential for the Blues in the games to come.
Cesar Azpilicueta (Centerback): 8/10
The captain put another solid performance. In the current system, Cesar Azpilicueta seems very comfortable. In a back three, he is able to play as an overlapping-centerback, and still perform all of his duties inside the box. Azpilicueta is one of Chelsea’s most reliable players and should be praised as such.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Right wingback): 7/10
This position may not suit him, but Callum Hudson-Odoi is still performing admirably. The young Englishman has had to switch from an all-out attack mentality, to actually defend for the team. Against United, Hudson-Odoi was not afforded much space or time, and he still found a way to create space for his teammates. However, he was still the most dangerous player on the field for Chelsea. One can only wonder if he would have made the difference in the second half, if not for his injury substitution.
N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 8/10
N’Golo Kante is still Chelsea’s best midfielder. He may not contribute much on the offensive front, but the team would be lost without him in the defensive side. Kante did what he does best against United, cover the space and recover the ball. What was best about Kante’s performance is that he stole the ball from his opponents effortlessly. Even when Chelsea was cut open on counter attacks, it was Kante who saved the team. The Frenchman and his overwhelming presence will be key for the Blues for the remaining of the season.
Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 6/10
It is not that Mateo Kovacic was poor, he just didn’t do enough. Kovacic was brilliant in many ways: his retention of the ball, his ability to get out of tight spaces and his work-rate were all great. However, Kovacic had a couple opportunities to provide a decisive through ball and did not, but this was the epitome of the game itself: a lot was done, but just not enough.
Ben Chilwell (Left wingback): 6/10
Ben Chilwell is a natural left back, not a wingback—yet. He is adapting to this new position very well, but that is the problem, he is still adapting. Chilwell showed improvement against United. He timed his runs and interplay well in order to get in behind of the opposition’s defense. However, he still struggled to get crosses into the box. His game has not been exceptional, but it is a right improvement from previous games. Nevertheless, it is still not enough.
Reece James (Right wingback): 7/10
Despite coming on at halftime, Reece James picked up right where Hudson-Odoi left off. James truly is an excellent player, but he could have done more to help the team. While the defensive aspect of the game was outstanding, he only ventured forward a couple of time. James, for the majority of the time, only passed the ball back to the defenders. Aside from that, James was a wall, and getting through him was nearly impossible.
Hakim Ziyech (Right winger): 3/10
A brilliant player that is not frequency as the rest of the team. It is getting difficult to watch Ziyech every time he comes on the pitch. The Moroccan constantly misplaced passes, failed to get in good attacking positions and did not contribute to the team much in the first half. Even when he had the space and time to place his over-the-defense passes, Ziyech failed to deliver. It is time to admit that it will take time for him to get back to his peak form. That will only happen if he comes off the bench in games that are practically won, but relying on him in crucial matches is a mistake.
Olivier Giroud (Striker): 4/10
The Frenchman had a underwhelming performance. While part of it was to no fault of his own, Olivier Giroud was not provided the service he is accustomed to. Not many crosses were sent his way and there was no interplay with other players. However, Giroud did not take the little chances he was given. The prime example was one excellent cross from Hudson-Odoi where Giroud missed the header from a few yards out.
Mason Mount (Left winger): 7/10
Once again, a solid performance from Chelsea’s current best player. Mason Mount was all over the field when attacking and defending. He created chances, opened space for himself and teammates. However, it seems as Mount could not do enough to put his team in the lead. Mount lacked the killer instinct in the opposition’s half. Despite always finding the wingbacks in good positions, he did not find that final pass to the other attacking players. If Mount wants to be the big time player everyone knows he can be, he has to elevate his game start producing the goods.
Christian Pulisic (Right winger): 3/10
Everyone knows what Christian Pulisic can bring to the team when healthy and in form. Unfortunately, we have not seen that from him since his injury. Pulisic did not make an impact in the game after coming on. Though, to his credit, he was trying to make some magic happen. One can only hope it gets better for the American.
Timo Werner (Striker): 2/10
Timo Werner has shown improvement in recent games, but Sunday was not one of those games. This—by no means—is a step back for Werner. The German striker came on at a difficult time of the game where United was only interested in defending. This does not allow him to make cutting runs in behind the defense. Thus, limiting his style of play and his qualities. Werner did not have an impact after he came on, but he will bounce back in the coming matches.
What rating would you give each of the players in the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!