Chelsea vs West Ham player ratings: Blues win crucial top four match

Chelsea's German striker Timo Werner celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Chelsea at The London Stadium, in east London on April 24, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Andy Rain / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 24: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea is put under pressure by Vladimir Coufal of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea at London Stadium on April 24, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alastair Grant – Pool/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wingback): 7.5/10

The Spaniard was deployed as a wingback by Tuchel for this one, with both Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James dropping to the bench. Cesar Azpilicueta did well in his role and provided support at both ends of the pitch. He was substituted by the German head coach with less than five minutes to play.

N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 7/10

With Mateo Kovacic still injured, Kante stepped into midfield to partner with Jorginho. The Frenchman protected his defence with some well-timed tackles, as usual. However, he failed to support the team in the attack. As a result, his role was very limited on the night. There was room for him to take more risks and carry the ball forward, but he largely failed to do that.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 8/10

It was a near-flawless performance from the central midfielder and one that he needed after his midweek comments on Lampard. The Italian midfielder had invited the fury of Chelsea fans by claiming that his former boss wasn’t ready for the job. However, anyone hoping that Jorginho falters on the pitch following his comments must’ve been left disappointed. He did the simple things well, such as rotating the ball, linking up play and making key interceptions. The only thing lacking from his performance tonight was that little bit of risk-taking.

Ben Chilwell (Left wingback): 8/10

The England international had another good game as he provided the match-winning assist. Chilwell picked Werner out with a perfect cross for the game’s only goal. The left fullback supported the attack throughout the match and was even on the receiving end of Balbuena’s red card challenge. He did his job defensively as the Blues recorded yet another clean sheet.

Reece James (Right wingback): N/A

With less than five minutes of normal time to play, James entered the pitch. He did not have much time to make his mark and was largely sent on to shore up the defence. The young wingback did try to contribute to the attack late on, albeit to little effect.

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