Chelsea vs Spurs player ratings: Statement showing at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea recorded a much-needed victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Stamford Bridge, beating its London rival 2-0. The Blues earned a huge three points thanks to a wonder strike from distance off the magical left foot of Hakim Ziyech and a good headed finish from Thiago Silva. In the end, the secured points tightening their grip in the top four.

The first half was completely dominated by the hosts with 75 percent possession of the ball and they had the majority of the chances on goal, as well. The right side of the pitch was the most productive for Chelsea with Ziyech pulling in all the strings. Romelu Lukaku had multiple chances to open the scoring, but failed to make contact with the ball on numerous occasions. Tottenham seemed to have opened the scoring in the 40′ through Harry Kane, but a last-ditch push on Silva denied the visitors their first goal against their rivals all season.

The Blues started the second half with a wonder goal from Ziyech in the 46′ to give the home team the lead. The continued momentum helped Chelsea double its lead just eight minutes later through none other than Silva. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech kept the Spurs defenders busy throughout the game too. The high intensity was reciprocated by the visitors through a few moves, but Spurs lacked that final pass and they kept giving away the ball at crucial moments. In the end it was a comfortable victory for Thomas Tuchel’s defiant men.

Here’s how each Chelsea player fared in a must win game against Tottenham on Sunday:

Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper): 8/10

The Spaniard was called into action at patches throughout the game and he was fully successful in keeping the ball out. Kepa Arrizabalaga has been one of the very few bright sparks in the team, regardless of the dip in the team performances in recent weeks, Surely having the spotlight taken away from the previous record signing has benefited the goalkeeper highly.

Cesar Azpilicueta (Right back): 7.5/10

The Spaniard was constantly in wars with the Spurs players on Sunday. In both the halves, Azpilicueta was always in the eyes of the referee or nearby the whining of Tottenham Hotspur players. The club captain dealt with the danger quietly and diluted away Spurs attacks. A good day at the office for the club captain.

Thiago Silva (Centerback): 8/10

The Brazilian veteran showcased all of his experience to draw a foul from Kane to deny him the opportunity to open the scoring in the first half. Silva—even after being booked early in the first half—turned out to be more clever and cunning than a Spurs side that lacked both of those qualities overall. In the second half, the Brazilian was rewarded for his effort with an intelligent header to double the lead. He’s starting to make Tottenham one of his favorite opponents.

Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 7.5/10

It was another top performance from the defender on Sunday. The German international always comes alive during these derby days, he is up for a feisty battle every time he takes the pitch and Sunday was no exception. Antonio Rudiger was a constant threat from set pieces as the game was dominated by Chelsea from the start until the end. He dealt very well with the likes of Kane and Steven Bergwijn.

Malang Sarr (Left back): 7.5/10

Another important match and another important performance from the young French defender. Malang Sarr made a few important tackles and interceptions to deal with the danger from any Tottenham attackers with no major problems. Despite having received a bad tackle on him in the first half, Sarr continued his impressive display. Sarr now surely is someone Tuchel can trust in his starting XI, especially with a new 4-2-2-2 system to factor into the rotation.