HAKIM ZIYECH turned in an instant masterclass to prove his fitness while fellow new boy Edouard Mendy again shone in goal as Chelsea ran riot late on in Russia to crush Krasnodar 4-0.
Here’s Simon Phillips’ player-by-player guide on a Champions League night where Antonio Rudiger was given his first Blues’ chance of the season, with Callum Hudson-Odoi also starting and scoring.
Fit-again Hakim Ziyech celebrates as he bags the second of Chelsea’s three late goals in a 4-0 win away to Russians KrasnodarCredit: Reuters
Timo Werner doubles the Chelsea lead from the penalty spot on 76 minutesCredit: Reuters
Edouard Mendy – 9/10
He had a quiet first half, but the Russians stepped it up in the second half and Mendy became quite busy.
He pulled off a world-class fingertip save onto the cross bar to keep Chelsea in the lead.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
The captain had another consistent performance at right back and was communicating well with the back line.
He did well going forward hitting a number of threatening crosses.
Kurt Zouma – 8
Put his body on the line a few times battling for every loose ball, the Frenchman turned in another good performance at the back, proving just how important he has become for Chelsea this season.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Fairly quiet after not featuring for Chelsea all season.
Didn’t do a lot wrong, but hardly staked a strong claim for a regular starting place either.
Ben Chilwell – 8
The England left-back was his usual energetic self, full of desire and battled hard at the back when Chelsea came under some pressure.
Mateo Kovacic – 5
Hasn’t really featured much all season and unfortunately it showed in places.
He seemed to lack his passing accuracy and also gave away a few silly free-kicks. Kovacic had an evening to forget and was removed for Mount on 70 minutes.
Jorginho – 5
Missed a penalty in the first half and looked rather off the pace after that.
It was a poor showing from the Italian and he was rightly subbed off for Kante on 70 minutes.
Centre-back Antonio Rudiger blocks a Krasnodar shot as he bids to show Chelsea boss Frank Lampard he should be first-choiceCredit: Reuters
Callum Hudson-Odoi scuffs Chelsea in front on 37 minutes to boost his chances of a more regular starting placeCredit: AFP
Kai Havertz – 7
The German grew into the game and had a much better second half than the first. He was involved at times and linked up well on occasions with Werner and Ziyech.
Although he lacked a bit of confidence in the first half, he started getting on the ball and making things happen more in the second half.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
Scored in the first half and, even though he got a bit lucky with the keeper error, did very well to get the shot away.
Hudson-Odoi quite often over-played at times trying too hard to impress, wasted a few good chances to get into dangerous positions. He came off for Pulisic on 70 minutes.
Hakim Ziyech – 9
Chelsea’s brightest attacking player on the night, the one who really looked like he was trying to make things happen.
A small ray of light for the Blues when others were not quite as good as they can be. Man of the Match.
Timo Werner – 7
Did well to win a penalty in the first half, but other than that he struggled to really get involved until the second half.
He is far too isolated up top and was too quiet on the pitch once again. But took his penalty well and set up Ziyech to score.
Hakim Ziyech takes a tumble as he bids to get his Chelsea career up and running after injury in pre-seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
SUBS –
Christian Pulisic for Hudson-Odoi (70 mins) – 7.
Lively when he came on and gave Chelsea the attacking injection they needed, before scoring one of his own late on.
N’Golo Kante for Jorginho (70 mins) – 7.
Nice and tidy stuff from Kante bolstering the midfield and giving the Blues much more control.
Mason Mount for Kovacic (70 mins) – 6.
Emerson Palmieri for Ziyech (80 mins) – N/A, Tammy Abraham (80 mins) – N/A.
Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
