Chelsea’s latest football match was overshadowed by the lack of the Special One in the stands. It was the first game for the Blues without Jose Mourinho at the helm since his return to Stamford Bridge in August 2013. What made it even odder was how Chelsea started off the game.
The West Londoners managed to grab two goals inside the first 15 minutes. Ivanovic and Pedro put balls into the back of the net to spark Stamford Bridge into some rather lively chants about the players’ performance.
The game was then set on fire after a second-half Oscar goal that put Chelsea up 3-0. The Blues conceded a goal after a missed set-piece clearance to put Sunderland on the board, making for a nervy finish. Fortunately, that’s how the game would end, a 3-1 Chelsea victory to start the post-Jose era on a somewhat good note.
Below are the player ratings of Chelsea players of the match:
Thibaut Courtois (7/10)
Initially had little to deal with but was tested more in the second half. Was unlucky to concede after initially doing well to save Kaboul’s headed effort.
Branislav Ivanovic (7/10)
Scored his first goal of the season after his powerful header found the top corner. Though started to struggle defensively in second half but still had an efficient performance.
John Terry (7/10)
Positionally sound as one might expect from the veteran. Provided a firm foundation for his team and overtly applauded the crowd after the final whistle to try and galvanise the club in his role as captain.
Kurt Zouma (6/10)
Aside from some slight troubles in the first few minutes, Zouma played very efficient in defence.
Cesar Azpilicueta (7/10)
After his nightmare at Leicester, the Spaniard was back to his reliable self. Composed and assured, he supplied the solidity required.
Nemanja Matic (6/10)
Had a few nervy moments when in possession but on the whole put in a competent display as he sat deep to protect the Chelsea back four.
Cesc Fabregas (7/10)
Singled out by the fans before the game for the sacking of Mourinho, he responded with a much-improved display. Dictated the tempo and effectively ran the game. Now consistency is required as the festive period continues.
Willian (7/10)
Few players in the Premier League – or even all of Europe for that matter – have shown more talent with the dead ball than Willian. He executed the best possible cross a player can make and it helped get the first goal. Willian later drew the foul that led to Oscar’s successful penalty kick.
Oscar (8/10)
An excellent display as the Brazilian played the No. 10 role with aplomb. Used his bag of tricks to good effect and deservedly got on the scoresheet, albeit from the penalty spot.
Pedro Rodriguez (8/10)
The Spaniard showed great instinct to notch his second goal for the club and proceeded to put in possibly his best performance of the season. Was always busy and always looked likely to add to the scoreline.
Diego Costa (5/10)
Another frustrating match for the striker. Looked better in the first half but was sluggish in the the second half, resulting in him receiving boos from the home fans.
Substitutes:
John Obi-Mikel (6/10)
Linked the play surprisingly well after he came on in the 71st minute for Fabregas, though resisted the crowd’s urge to shoot.
Loic Remy
Replaced Diego Costa in the 76th minute but mostly played far off the 30m box instead of attacking the goal.
Ramires
On for Oscar at the 82nd minute, Ramires did not do much in the few minutes he had on the pitch.
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