CHELSEA played out a 0-0 draw in their first match of this season’s Champions League campaign.
But despite the lack of goals there were plenty of reasons to be positive.
Reece James really looked to come of age on this European night for ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Here, SunSport’s Simon Phillips looks at who shone and who stayed in the shade under the lights at Stamford Bridge.
Edouard Mendy – 8/10
Came back in after his injury and made a fantastic reaction save after a deflected header in the first half.
Not only did he make a few saves, he just provides that calming presence that Chelsea really lack at the back when he isn’t there.
Reece James – 9
Chelsea’s star man, James was one of the only players shining bright for the Blues tonight and looking to make things happen.
He was always a threat from the right and excellent defensively.
Ben Chilwell – 7
It was a solid performance from Chilwell on the left, he didn’t do a lot wrong and always looked to threaten in attack.
Kurt Zouma – 7
Zouma had a reasonably quiet game and defended well when called upon.
Thiago Silva – 7
Similar to Zouma, Silva did a good job when needed but he was never really under a lot of pressure from Sevilla, who were happy to keep possession in less dangerous areas.
Mendy was a reassuring presence for Chelsea between the sticksCredit: EPA
Jorginho – 5
Silly booking after a poor touch early on in the game and a few edgy challenges after meant he could not really do much of a break-up job in the middle.
It was a poor game from the captain on the night and he was taken off for Kovacic midway through the second half.
N’Golo Kante – 5
He looked rather out of sorts and struggled in a pivot with Jorginho.
Although doing the basics fine, this was a game to forget for someone of Kante’s quality.
N’Golo Kante had a rare off night for the BluesCredit: EPA
Kai Havertz – 8
One of the only Chelsea players who looked like he could make things happen offensively tonight.
Havertz was always composed on the ball, and looked to try and create whenever he could.
Mason Mount – 5
Always struggles and looks unnatural out wide. He had a poor game and failed to affect the play at all.
Mount was put out of his misery on 61 minutes when he came off for Ziyech.
Christian Pulisic – 5
He has yet to find the spark that he had before his injury last season, but another good outing and got some minutes in the tank.
Struggled out on the right and always looked more of a threat when he drifted over to the left.
Timo Werner – 5
Should have done better with a couple of half chances, he struggled to make an impact as the lone striker.
It was far from his best game, and he was largely cancelled out by the experienced Sevilla back line.
Subs
Hakim Ziyech for Mount (61 mins) – 6
Ziyech came on for some more needed minutes after his injury, but he didn’t really make a difference.
Mateo Kovacic for Jorginho (63 mins) – 6
Calm as always on the ball and did his job fine.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
