Chelsea managed to come back from behind to beat West Ham United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. These are PoL’s Player ratings from a London affair.
The Blues looked to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Southampton and were in high spirits with the recent conclusion of deadline day transfers, adding some width to the team.
The West Londoners dominated West Ham and ended the first half with about 70 per cent possession. But Thomas Tuchel’s men were not able to create any clear cut chances despite so much of the ball as Tuchel looked frustrated with his side’s lack of edge.
The second half was destined to be much better – and it didn’t disappoint. The Hammers opened the scoring through Michail Antonio and CFC needed some inspiration, turning to their substitute’s bench for help. And there emerged Ben Chilwell with and outrageous goal between Lukasz Fabianski’s legs, whilst also providing the assist for the second. David Moyes’ team had a goal ruled out in added time by VAR, leaving Chelsea lucky to take home all three points.
Here is how the pride of London rated the Chelsea players performances
*GOALKEEPER*
_Edouard Mendy_
The Chelsea shot-stopper was not really tested at all. And sat out the first half without facing any clear shot on target. The second half, was more lively and the Senegal international should have been stronger in dealing with the corner that led to Michail Antonio’s goal.
Was fortunate to see the goal ruled out in extra time by VAR after he went down early before Maxwell Cornet put the ball in the net. *5*
*DEFENDERS*
_Kalidou Koulibaly_
Showed plenty of energy and strength when going into challenges on the left but offered nothing much going forward and left Marc Cucurella without support as Chelsea probed.
His passing was not top notch either as he once showed earlier in his Blues debut. Still plenty of rooms for improvement. *6*
_Thiago Silva_
The Brazilian was as usual always brilliant.
He managed to stay a step ahead of Michail Antonio for the most part of the game to the extent that the Brazilian international almost out him in a headlock in one attempt to break forward. El Monstro performed well. *7*
_Wesley Fofana_
A debut for the France international seemed to have come as a surprise today as it was rumored he wasn’t match fit. The new Chelsea defender was quite decent. He made brilliant tackles and showed good on the ball ability too with his movements on the ball.
Made a spectacular first outing. More to come from thee young lad. *7*
*MIDFIELDERS*
_Marc Cucurella_
The Spaniard started the game well and unfortunately got a yellow midway to the second half. He provided a consistent presence down the Left flank and was a constant nuisance.
Needs to work on his crosses however, because they were below par today. *6*
_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*
*FORWARDS*
_Christian Pulisic_
His first start of the season, the American looked the most likely to break the deadlock in the first half. Often found himself too deep as West Ham kept a low block. *6*
_Raheem Sterling_
Chelsea’s best attacker was below par by his own standards today. The England international played some fantastic balls throughout the game. Found it hard to break West Ham’s defence as they were sat solidly. *6*
*SUBSTITUTES*
Armando Broja
Once again brought on in the second half, the Albanian did not disappoint as he brought the energy he had during his last outing. He offered the Blues more Dynamics and was more willing to gamble in the box. A start for the ex Southampton loanee seems really close. *7*
_Mason Mount_
Had some good touches here and there but struggled to make any reasonable impact. We need Mount back to form and fast. *4*
_Ben Chilwell_
Came on as a sub to secure the win for the Blues. Delivered an outrageous finish through Lukasz Fabianski’s legs having reacted best to his own header. Delivered the cross to Kai Havertz to seal the win. Definitely the Man of the match. *8*
_Kai Havertz_
Just like Broja, Havertz provided some good pressure to the WHU backline during his 20-minute cameo and was lucky to find himself in the perfect position to score the winning goal on the afternoon. *7*
_Jorginho_
Had less than 10 minutes to get going. Unfortunately the only highlight of his game was when he got dispossessed as Maxwell Cornet almost won the game for the Hammers. _4_