Chelsea’s player ratings against City
Petr Cech (6):
The Czech goalkeeper did not have a terrible performance today despite conceding three goals, he was powerless if I am honest. Made a couple of decent saves and can’t be criticised all that much, in my opinion.
Branislav Ivanovic (4):
Had an up-and-down half whilst on the pitch and covered for David Luiz a couple of times, but ultimately, his sending off was completely daft and only has himself to blame for picking up a three-game ban for a stupid challenge.
David Luiz (3):
I’m growing quite tired of seeing Luiz run out like a bull and commit himself time after times, often without making a successful challenge on the ball. Completely exposed when City scored their third and is the weak link in our defence.
John Terry (6):
It was his dodgy clearance led to City’s equaliser and he had a couple of poor moments. But was more solid than his partner at centre-half.
Ashley Cole (7):
Probably Chelsea’s best defender today despite a relatively poor first half. Made up for the lapses in concentration by his team-mates at times. Not the best game by his standards in all honesty, but his standards are very high and he was solid enough today.
John Obi Mikel (4):
The Nigerian midfielder had a terrible first half and uncharacteristically kept giving the ball away. Didn’t seem to make as many mistakes in the second half of the match, but this could be because he completely disappeared. Anonymous.
Frank Lampard (6):
Didn’t influence the game as much as you would like him to and found it difficult to get the ball to the likes of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata quick enough. Got into a decent position to score once but his shot was saved. Booked for a nothing challenge on James Milner.
Ramires (6):
The Brazilian looked a little lost on the right-hand side but made a great run through the centre to set Fernando Torres up for the match opener. Ended the game as a right-back, wasn’t great there, but not going to hold that against him as it’s not his position.
Juan Mata (4.5):
Wasn’t a great game for the Spaniard and after playing a part in both Euro 2012 and the Olympics, I think it was perhaps a little unwise to start him in this game and he ought to be given a rest following a busy summer.
Eden Hazard (6):
Will be most remembered in this game for completely fluffing a back-heel and got clattered a few times, but looks tricky and is a threat. Should play behind the forward, in my opinion. His skill, creativity, pace and ability to run at players are the perfect qualities to play that position.
Fernando Torres (7):
Looked isolated in the early stages of the game, until he scored the opening goal and played with both energy and enthusiasm. Made a few runs that put City on the back foot, whilst drawing a few fouls.
Subs:
Ryan Bertrand (6):
Scored a late goal which gave us a chance to claw back. Had a bit of a fight with the City goalkeeper.
Daniel Sturridge (6):
Made a bit of an impact after coming off the bench. It was his rebounded shot that set up Bertrand to score.
The Referee – Kevin Friend (4):
Many will be angry at the referee for sending Ivanovic off, not because it wasn’t deserved, but City’s Savic could have seen a second yellow for a foul on Torres moments before. I have no arguments with the decision to send our right-back off though, I’m more disappointed that Ivanovic acted so recklessly.
Friend was far too card happy, especially with the Chelsea players and made a prat of himself.