The Pride of London
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Chelsea vs Crystal Palace player ratings: Blues thrash Eagles on opening day

By Akshat Mehrish

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Jorginho after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Jorginho after scoring their side's third goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Marcos Alonso of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Mason Mount after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Marcos Alonso of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Mason Mount after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right wing-back): 8/10

In his tenth season at the club and solid as ever; Azpilicueta continues to prove himself to be amongst the very best players in Chelsea’s history. The club captain put in another good shift on opening day, in which he was as solid at the back as he was decisive going forward. The Spaniard combined well with Mount down the right side and delivered some dangerous crosses into the box. He was replaced by Reece James in the 67th minute.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 8.5/10

Jorginho ensured that Chelsea did not miss N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park with his impressive display. While he was not as effective as the Frenchman usually is, Jorginho did a good job breaking down opposition attackers and intercepting loose balls. His passing was impeccable – as usual – and he constantly kept play moving.

Mateo Kovacic (Central midfielder): 8.5/10

A new season, a new number, a new Kovacic? The Croatian took on Chelsea’s infamous number 8 shirt during pre-season and put in a performance deserving of it against Crystal Palace. Working well in tandem with his midfield partner Jorginho, Kovacic stopped the Eagles from playing through the lines. While in possession, he ensured that the play kept moving at the right pace.

Marcos Alonso (Left wing-back): 9/10

It was through an Alonso special that Chelsea took the lead against Crystal Palace. The Spaniard scored a sensational free-kick in the 27th minute, which left a hapless Vicente Guaita rooted to his spot. Alonso then stung Guaita’s gloves in the second half from a tight angle and was constantly involved in the Chelsea attack.

Reece James (Right wing-back): 7/10

James entered the pitch in the 67th minute, replacing his captain Azpilicueta. While he was deployed as a centerback towards the end of last season by Tuchel, the Englishman got to play in his preferred position for the remaining twenty minutes of the match. Nonetheless, he put in a good shift in those twenty minutes, contributing to both ends of the pitch.

Emerson (Left wing-back): N/A

Emerson replaced Alonso in the closing stages of the game and defended his part of the pitch well against the likes of Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha.

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