Chelsea 2-1 West Ham: Player ratings from a London affair

_Mateo Kovacic_
Reinstalled into the starting ix, he showed us what we missed even though it wasn’t 100%. The Croatian showed some good passing ability. The cameo will be necessary in building match fitness as Chelsea’s schedule is likely to get tighter. *7*

*Ruben Loftus-Cheek*
Making his fifth start Inna row, the England international was deployed in the Jorghino position today and played deep in the midfield- the holding role. He started the game with some strong challenges but picked up a yellow card just nine minutes after. Generally he had a decent performance. *6*

_Conor Gallagher_
Played in an advanced midfield role behind the two strikers which is a more appropriate role for the young midfielder.
He showed glimpses of his battling tenacity in a more controlled form and this time, he didn’t get a yellow. Didn’t offer much going forward. *5*

_Reece James_
Was good to have the English defender back in the team and always looks to be the best player whenever he is on the pitch. Was awarded a yellow card after his participation in the disagreement with Antonio.
The Wingback was the player Chelsea primarily looked to when camped in the Hammers half but he too was faced with stagnant targets.
Not his best outing, but he was unafraid to be competitive when called upon. Was nearly responsible for causing a goal with his poor header at the death. *6*