CHELSEA came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in a thrilling and controversial London derby.
Michail Antonio gave West Ham the lead in the 62nd minute, bundling home a goalmouth scramble from a corner.
Ben Chilwell poked home the equaliser 14 minutes later, before Maxwel Cornet headed against the post for the visitors with Edouard Mendy well beaten.
Then with just two minutes remaining, Kai Havertz popped up to fire home his first goal of the season to hand Chelsea all three points.
But the drama wasn’t over there.
In the final minute of the 90, Cornet lashed home an equaliser, only for it to be ruled out for a soft foul on Mendy.
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Thomas Tuchel made FIVE changes to the side that were beaten at St Mary’s.
Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of Chelsea’s players.
EDOUARD MENDY – 5/10
Not sure he even touched the ball in the first half aside from a couple of goal kicks.
Made a flying stop to deny Bowen’s well-struck volley in the second period, but then made a hash of the corner as West Ham bundled in the breakthrough.
Should have been left with egg on his face with the late West Ham equaliser but it was deemed – after a VAR check – to be a foul and the goal was chalked off.
REECE JAMES – 7
Undoubtedly offered Chelsea the width they were missing on Tuesday when Azpilicueta played the role of right wingback.
A constant threat going forward, always gave the three midfielders an option and produced several dangerous crosses which the home side have been capitalised on.
Booked for a scuffle with Antonio in the second half.
WESLEY FOFANA – 6
An interesting debut. Looked comfortable on the ball and defended very astutely up against Fornals and Antonio.
But made a bit of a mess of the West Ham goal – as did a number of the Chelsea defenders.
More to come for sure, but a rather indifferent start to life in a new blue shirt.
THIAGO SILVA – 6
Always looked assured in possession while simultaneously ordering the rest of his defence around.
Alongside Fofana, the pair nullified Antonio’s runs into the left channel.
Provided the flick-on for Chilwell’s priceless equaliser.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 6
Still doesn’t seem particularly comfortable playing the ball along the floor and failed to command the box for West Ham’s goal.
Beginning to find his feet in England, but is still a signing that could go one way or the other in the coming months.
MARC CUCURELLA – 6
Remained an attacking outlet throughout. Chilwell will find it tough to get back in the side at this rate – even with his goal.
That being said, Cucurella’s set-piece delivery is something Tuchel needs to look at. On a number of occasions the Spaniard failed to beat the first man from a corner.
Can consider himself hard done by after being booked for a perfectly-timed tackle on Paqueta.
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MATEO KOVACIC – 6
Went close with a fizzing effort on the half hour mark which whistled past Fabianski’s right-hand post. Probably the nearest anyone came before the break.
An incredibly crucial player for this Chelsea team. Played the “Jorginho role” in a far more classy manner than Jorginho himself did in midweek.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 6
Was always going to be a tricky afternoon for Loftus-Cheek after he was booked for a late challenge in the ninth minute.
Yet despite having to play with an elemention of caution, he did drive the team through the pitch during periods of transition.
Has all the attributes of being a world class midfielder, but there is something still missing from his game. Goals and assists remain few and far between – things Chelsea desperately need right now.
CONOR GALLAGHER – 4
Returning from his suspension, it is clear at this moment in time that Gallagher’s quality of passing is not quite up to the standard it should be.
He is full of energy and application, but games are happening around him and not through him.
You feel starting Mount in that more forward midfield role would have been a much more effective option.
Brought off for Broja with 30 minute left.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC – 5
Linked up neatly with Sterling a on a couple of occasions. Seems to have a better understanding with him than Havertz – who the American was brought in for.
But he is too blunt in the final third – it’s as simple as that. Never really looked like scoring or even testing Fabianski. Also makes the wrong choice too often, opting to pass rather than shoot.
Taken off for Mount on the hour.
RAHEEM STERLING – 6
Looked really bright in the early stages. Unlike his usual runs in behind, Sterling was coming deep for the ball and driving at the West Ham defence with a directness and pace that caused one or two problems.
Drifted out of the match as it went on. Looked isolated before Broja entered the fray.
SUBSTITUTES
ARMANDO BROJA (FOR GALLAGHER, 60) – 7
Looked a real threat when he came on as the Blues went a bit more direct. Will surely get his starting place soon?
MASON MOUNT (FOR PULISIC, 60) – 6
Acted as an additional body in the box. Created space for those around him.
BEN CHILWELL (FOR CUCURELLA, 71) – 7
Scored the all important equaliser with a lovely improvised finish.
Gave Chelsea some much-needed energy down the left-hand side in the closing stages.
KAI HAVERTZ (FOR KOVACIC, 71) – 7
Missed a great opportunity when Chelsea were behind. Then made up for it by lashing home the winner.
JORGINHO (FOR LOFTUS-CHEEK, 83) – N/A
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Did not have much of an impact on the match before the final whistle was blown.
Subs not used: Kepa, Chalobah, Ziyech, Azpilicueta.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
