CHELSEA maintained their unbeaten run under new boss Thomas Tuchel with a gritty 2-1 win at Sheffield United.
Mason Mount scored to see the Blues ahead at half-time.
Chelsea players celebrate after moving 2-1 ahead thanks to Jorginho’s penaltyCredit: EPA
But Antonio Rudiger passed the ball into his own goal nine minutes into the second period to give the hosts some hope.
However their relegation fears increased when Jorginho netted from the penalty spot after keeper Aaron Ramsdale fouled Timo Werner.
Here, Simon Phillips rates how the Chelsea players fared on their trip to South Yorkshire.
Edouard Mendy – 6/10
As always there wasn’t much for Mendy to do in the first half.
He couldn’t do anything about Rudiger’s mad moment, and made a good save at the death.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Not his best game in a Chelsea shirt and he really struggled to deal with United’s high press, as did many of the Chelsea players.
But the captain did his job defensively and helped the team.
Andreas Christensen – 7
Made some very good bursts forward with the ball and looked confident in stepping up and replacing the world class Thiago Silva.
Some might have thought of him as a weak point – he was far from it.
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Timo Werner won his side a penalty that Jorginho nettedCredit: Reuters
Antonio Rudiger – 5
Some dodgy moments from him and guilty of over-playing or having a heavy touch, he was uncomfortable under the high press.
His own goal to put United back in the game was just ridiculous. But he did go a little way to redeem himself in the later stages with some last gasp defensive work.
Reece James – 8
So calm on the ball and under pressure, which he was a lot at Bramall Lane.
But James was always an outlet, always used the ball well and looked a threat going forward.
Jorginho coolly slotted home Chelsea’s secondCredit: AP:Associated Press
Jorginho – 6
Gave the ball away too often in the first half and was not dealing with the Blades’ high press.
Took his penalty well to put Chelsea back in front.
Mateo Kovacic – 8
Some great moments from him in deep areas, bringing Chelsea out of danger.
He also looked for the long ball and showed good vision with a few dangerous forward passes.
Thomas Tuchel is STILL unbeaten as Chelsea boss – with three wins in fourCredit: Reuters
Ben Chilwell – 6
Some sluggish moments early on in the game but his pass to find Werner for Chelsea’s first half goal was excellent and he grew into it from then on.
Taken off for Alonso on 61 minutes.
Mason Mount – 8
He said he needed to be more clinical in the final third, and he stuck to his words to finish off Chelsea’s first half with a great goal.
Mount was his usual lively self and was a menace to the United back line.
Mason Mount had another fine game in midfield and scored the openerCredit: Reuters
Timo Werner – 7
Was always looking to make things happen and he was very progressive in possession.
Set up Mount superbly for Chelsea’s first half goal, and he also won the penalty for Chelsea’s second.
Rudiger won’t want to watch his comical own goal backCredit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
Olivier Giroud – 5
Bit of a spare part through most of the first half and didn’t really look comfortable in the formation dropping deep to collect the ball.
It didn’t really bring out the best of him.
SUBS
Callum Hudson-Odoi for Giroud (61 mins) – 7
Lively from him after coming on, he linked up well with James and Mount and was always a threat.
Marcos Alonso for Chilwell (61 mins) – 6
His aerial presence in both boxes was welcome.
N’Golo Kante for Werner (74 mins) – 6
Did his job well to see out the game at the end.
Sheffield United vs Chelsea as it happened
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
