Chelsea managed to secure 3 points this weekend against their northern neighbours in a derby that was always going to be full of drama. If it’s not drama on the pitch it’s the technical teams pushing and shoving each other like sumo wrestlers or the managers typically refusing to shake hands.
This time the man in the middle of all the drama was Costa. The dust has settled and like last week we will break from tradition of normal player ratings and do something different and rank each player according to their contribution towards the final result. We shall rank them from biggest contribution to the least.
Costa – According Jose he was the man of the match and I totally agree with him. Due to the system we use our centre forwards need to be able to hold the ball and wait for support if there isn’t a direct path to goal. Costa held the ball very well and looked dangerous all afternoon I think the Arsenal back 4 did a terrific job to keep him at bay and limit his shooting opportunities. He is an old school forward an old school bad guy if you want to call him a bad guy. Defenders need emotional intelligence to deal with his antics that’s all I have to say about the first red card. 8
Oscar – It’s good to have a natural number 10 back in the squad, Chelsea played like champions in the first half. I feel we had the lion’s share of possession and where in firm control of the game thanks to Oscar, he was instrumental in winning back possession every time we lost it and was at the heart of every transition. As soon as he picked up a yellow card and the game was safe Jose did the best thing to ensure 3 points next week by pulling him out. 8
Zouma – This guy is quick. He can slip, pose for the cameras and still recover to get his man. His tackling was perfect and he took his game to the next level, I was happy to see him try to thread a few forward passes. 8
Fabregas – He was dangerous all afternoon, he could of left the pitch with at least 3 assists. 7
Pedro – He looked hungry and dangerous all afternoon, most people will accuse him of leaving his shooting boots at home but I totally disagree. What he was attempting to do most of the time is very complicated but it just wasn’t his day. 7
Matic – Had a good game, we were never in any real danger thanks to his clinical display. 7
Hazard – I think he is getting back to the form that got him crowned EPL player of the year. 7
Ivanovic (c) – Finally the big man reminded us why he is a legend and why he has been an integral part of Chelsea in the clubs most successful decade since its inception. 6.5
Cahill – Chelsea were never under any real threat, and Cahill played a big part in keeping Arsenal at bay. 6.5
Azpilicueta – Wasn’t too busy and got forward at every opportunity. 6.5
Begovic – Didn’t have much to deal with as the defence was very organised. 5
Subs
Ramires – Very versatile, he can play almost any role in midfield, but I think 3 points where already in the bag when he came on. 4
Remy – Had a role in the final goal, but I think the game was already in the bag playing against 9 players. 4
Mikel –We usually put him in to kill the game off, but Arsenal never had the upper hand and 9 players didn’t help their cause. 4
