Chelsea 2-0 Boro player ratings: Ziyech books ticket to Wembley
Chelsea dispatched Middlesbrough as though it hadn’t just knocked Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the same competition. The Blues made it look easy as they put on a professional performance for the Riverside Stadium and did everything necessary to make sure things weren’t more difficult than they needed to be on the night. To put it lightly, Chelsea dominated every aspect of proceedings in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Here’s how every player fared in a Wembley trip-clinching victory against the Boro on Saturday:
Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 7/10
Edouard Mendy was standing in for Kepa Arrizabalaga while the Spaniard was sick and he put on a brilliant performance. The Senegalese shot-stopper made some necessary saves and high claims to secure Chelsea the clean sheet on the evening. Mendy was in charge of his defensive area throughout the contest, despite little threat on his goal. His distribution was outrageous, as well, as he completed eight out of nine long balls. For a goalkeeper, that is truly insane!
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Cesar Azpilicueta (Right back): 8/10
Cesar Azpilicueta delivered a captain’s performance once again. He was so good that he did not make a negative defensive action. This means that he was not dribbled past and he never gave away a foul. This was not for a lack of trying either, as he won two tackles and made seven defensive actions in total. Azpilicueta also won all three ground duels he contested. The Spaniard was on top of his game as he set the example that others followed. Middlesbrough players weren’t so sure of themselves anymore, despite their path to get to where they were.
Thiago Silva (Centerback): 8.5/10
Thiago Silva was superb against Middlesbrough. According to Cognizant, the FA Cup’s official data provider, Silva won possession nine times in the defensive third. Similar to Mendy’s long ball stat, this is ridiculous. This game highlighted just how good Silva’s positioning is during every match. The Brazilian did not put a foot wrong, his defending was very good and his passing was even better. Silva won all six of his contested aerial duels; please never leave, Thiago.
Antonio Rudiger (Centerback): 7.5/10
No player had more interceptions than Antonio Rudiger on the evening. Chelsea had a firm grasp on the match and Rudiger hardly had anything to defend, but when he did, he did it convincingly. His distribution was as good as Silva’s and his reading of the game helped him and the Blues stay ahead of the game for all 90 minutes.
Malang Sarr (Left back): 6.5/10
Malang Sarr played left back and he was just OK. His distribution was not great and an 83% passing accuracy is nothing to write home about for a defensive left back. Sarr got a chance to impress and he didn’t really take it, which is surprising considering it wasn’t difficult opposition.