Chelsea 2-1 Palmeiras player ratings: Havertz penalty wins CWC

Chelsea captured the first FIFA Club World Cup trophy in its storied history on Saturday night. The Blues defeated Palmeiras 2-1 thanks to a Kai Havertz penalty in the 117′ of the contest. It wasn’t pretty throughout, the European Champions looked sluggish and flat, but it matters not in the end. Chelsea has now filled the last remaining void in its trophy case under the ownership of Roman Abramovich with this victory, Cesar Azpilicueta can also now claim he’s won it all during his time in London. The Blues have won the Club World Cup and Super Cup already this campaign. They have an opportunity to realistically win three more pieces of silverware this season (the Carabao Cup, UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup).

Havertz and Romelu Lukaku are the heroes on the day as their goals lifted Chelsea to the victory over the Brazilian giants. This win not only completes the Blues’ trophy case, but it also brings a sense of closure to many Chelsea supporters who witnessed heartbreak in the same game a decade ago. The exciting win is undoubtedly something to celebrate for all involved with the Blues, so who are the other heroes of Saturday’s final that helped them get over the line?

Here is how each player performed in Chelsea’s triumphant victory in the Club World Cup final:

Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 7/10

Edouard Mendy was selected over Kepa Arrizabalaga after returning from his month-long journey with Senegal. The African Cup of Nations Champion and Best Goalkeeper was solid on the day, although he admittedly had very little to do. Palmeiras’ lone goal came from the penalty spot and as all fans know, saving spot kicks is not Mendy’s strong-suit. Regardless, he acted as a reassuring presence between the posts. Mendy is now a Champion of Africa, Europe and the world.

Andreas Christensen (Right centerback): 8.5/10

Andreas Christensen came off at the start of extra time as he looked to be limping a bit. The Dane put in another fantastic performance following up his Man of the Match efforts on Wednesday to help lift the Blues to the final in the first place. It was a shame he couldn’t finish out the game because Christensen is in fine form at the moment.

Thiago Silva (Centerback): 9/10

Thiago Silva took home a host of awards following the game’s conclusion and rightly so. The Brazilian won the Club World Cup for the first time, which he thoroughly deserves after such an amazing career up to this point. He won the Golden Ball for his perfect displays over the tournament’s two games. It just goes to show that none of this would be possible without Silva.

Antonio Rudiger (Left centerback): 10/10

Antonio Rudiger was the official Man of the Match on the day. He earns a perfect rating for putting on a flawless defensive clinic in the final of a competition the Blues simply had to win. Rudiger deserves a big hug, pay raise and extension directly from Roman Abramovich during the dressing room celebrations—there are no two ways about it anymore.