CHRISTIAN PULISIC turned super-sub to save Chelsea from another lacklustre performance.
The American superstar scored the winner late on to snatch three points from West Ham in what was threatening to be a dull affair.
Defensively Chelsea were sound but – up until the last minute at least – lacked anything stellar going forward.
Here, SunSport’s Jack Figg rates Thomas Tuchel’s side from Stamford Bridge.
Edouard Mendy – 7/10
Massive double save on 70 minutes to deny Andriy Yarmolenko.
With little else to do in the game, the Cameroonian stayed alert and kept it goalless.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Started on the left of a three-man defence. Almost got caught out on 17 minutes after being disposed by Said Benrahma.
Covered well when Chelsea pressed forward looking for a goal but did not bomb forward like he usually likes to.
Thiago Silva – 6
At times showed his experience to carry the ball further afield and intercept when West Ham looked to counter.
But there were times the Brazilian also lacked a yard of pace. Did importantly head onto Romelu Lukaku, who won a penalty.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
After being a late call to the starting XI, made an important block on 20 minutes to snuff out West Ham attack and won some key one-on-one battles.
Had an effort from long range saved just before hour mark, showing resemblances of contract-rebel Antonio Rudiger.
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Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
Started at right-wingback in place of injured Reece James and was lively getting forward.
Stood up well to some one-on-one battles and was one of Chelsea’s better performers on the day.
N’Golo Kante – 7
Another rare bright spark as the Frenchman appears to have gotten over what was otherwise a rare dip in form.
Carried the ball well, got stuck in and had efforts on goal blocked.
Jorginho – 3
Lacked inspiration from midfield, failing to show his ability to split defences with deep-lying passes.
His day went from bad to worse after his shockingly tame penalty was easily saved by Lukasz Fabianski.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Some menacing crosses down the left which later paid dividends, but is still a liability tracking back when the ball goes over the top.
Did provide the winning cross for Pulisic for finish home after a good showing going forward, where he is most comfortable.
Mason Mount – 5
Playing in between Timo Werner and Kai Havertz and had some nice link up with Loftus-Cheek, but only threatened in the last 20.
Was joined by his team-mates in failing to inspire, but usually the one Chelsea can turn to. Did set up Alonso to cross for Pulisic’s winner.
Kai Havertz – 4
Following a good run of games leading the line, the German could not get into the game.
He wasn’t helped much by his colleagues but it felt like a backwards step for Chelsea’s talisman.
Timo Werner – 5
Growing in confidence on the ball – opposed to making runs off it – which the German has lacked in his Chelsea career.
But missed two big chances at the end hitting in the side netting and striking into Fabianski.
SUBS
Hakim Ziyech (for Loftus-Cheek) – 5
Quick to get on the ball and whip crosses in but had nothing to aim for or at.
Romelu Lukaku (Havertz) – 6
Made a huge impact to come on win Chelsea the winning penalty. Shame Jorginho could not hold his end of the bargain
Christian Pulisic (for Werner) – 7
Excellent finish to win the game on his weaker left foot, converting from an Alonso cross.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
