Chelsea player ratings: Azpilicueta inspires Blues to win over Lille as Jorginho finds life difficult in new system

CHELSEA progressed to the Champions League quarter-final with a 2-1 win in Lille.

Inspired by captain Cesar Azpilicueta, the Blues came from behind to win on the night and secure a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta scored Chelsea’s winner with his kneeCredit: Getty

Christian Pulisic drew his side level on the stroke of half-timeCredit: Getty

But it was not a night without worry as Lille pressured from the off and hit the post with the score at 1-1.

Chelsea proved why they have been so successful in this competition under Thomas Tuchel, who continues to pick up results amid Chelsea’s off-pitch issues.

It was an accomplished team performance with the only negative being Andreas Christensen’s first-half injury.

Here is how Simon Phillips rated the European champions’ performance in Lille.

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Edouard Mendy – 6/10

Dived the right way for the penalty but could not save it. Had a few other shots to deal with that he managed well, some of his distribution was questionable though at times.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 9

His determination and work rate was insane again. Made some good tackles and blocks and contributed in attacks as much as he could.

His run to get on the end of Mason Mount’s cross to score was amazing and he took the finish well.

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Andreas Christensen – 6

Had a reasonable first half an hour but unfortunately got an injury and had to come off.

Thiago Silva – 7

Sometimes a little too calm and slow to make the pass, but even still, there is nobody better at playing out from the back than Silva and he was needed as Lille were pressing intensely.

Antonio Rudiger – 7

Intense and energetic as usual and his leadership was needed for Chelsea.

Brings the ball out from the ball well when there isn’t a pass on to ease the pressure.

Marcos Alonso – 6

Some neat touches, but also some poor ones. He was there but wasn’t really bringing a lot to the table.

Not enough pace to be an effective wing-back for me unfortunately.

Jorginho – 6

Silly handball to give away a penalty in the first half but he redeemed himself for that error with a lovely assist for Pulisic to score the equaliser.

Not his best game though really and struggled to adjust in the midfield three Tuchel deployed.

N’Golo Kante – 6

Not one of his greatest games really in terms of what he usually brings to the table.

He wasn’t quite keeping the ball well enough in the first half but improved a lot in the second half when he was playing a little deeper.

Matteo Kovacic – 8

Running the show really and never giving it away. Keeping his lovely close control and dribbling ability was amazing again. Did well to help Chelsea keep the ball under pressure.

He was taken off at half-time which was shocking, must be injured, you’d assume.

Christian Pulisic – 8

Took his equalising goal very well and stayed composed when through on goal.

I prefer to see him out wide so there was moments he looked uncomfortable, but had a very good game really overall and was actually moved out wide.

Kai Havertz – 8

Some nice clever touches from him and he was also looking strong on the ball holding it up when needed.

Looked dangerous and direct when he dropped in and got on the ball.

Subs

Trevoh Chalobah (for Christensen, 33) – 6

Had to come on as an early sub for Christensen.

Got booked almost instantly for a silly challenge and looked a little uncomfortable after that bar some good drives forward with the ball.

Mason Mount (for Kovacic, 45) – 8

Really good impact when he came on and provided a lovely assist for Azpilicueta to score. Full of energy and really direct.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Jorginho, 74) – 7

Strong on the ball, intensity, and some nice little touches as well.

Romelu Lukaku (for Pulisic, 74) – 7

Looked decent when he came on, good physicality and some nice link-ups with Havertz.

Hakim Ziyech (for Havertz, 83) – N/A

Was not on long enough to impact the game.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk