Here we have the Chelsea player ratings in a nail-biting draw against Zenit. Chelsea traveled to St. Petersburg for the last match of their group stage. If they had won this game they would have topped the table however, they find themselves in 2nd place. Whereas Zenit had already secured their place in the Europa League.
Chelsea took the lead in just the 2nd minute when a corner was headed by Christensen in towards Werner who scored a tap-in. However, Zenit scored a quickfire double as Claudinho headed a great cross for Douglas Santos in the 38th minute. Moreover, they also got the lead in the 41st minute after Malcom played an excellent through ball to Sardar Azmoun who rounded the goal-keeper to score.
Chelsea were able to equalize in the 62nd minute. Chelsea had a beautiful play between Timo Werner and Ross Barkley as Werner set it up for Lukaku.
Moreover, Chelsea even got the lead in the 85th after Werner finished with the help of his technical feet. However, Chelsea celebrations were stopped in the 94th minute. Magomed Ozdoev scored an absolutely beautiful volley in the top corner to get a draw from the jaws of defeat for his team.
This was a good opportunity for Chelsea to finish first place on the table. However, Juventus has secured a top spot with a 1-0 victory against Malmo. Chelsea are experiencing a run of bad results and they will have to change something in order to get back to winning ways.
Chelsea Player Ratings vs Zenit
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 9/10
He made a series of excellent saves throughout the night. Hard luck for him to not win this game.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5/10
Made an important interception but could not stop Zenit. He was also a part of the Chelsea defense which was cut open quite regularly.
Andreas Christensen – 6/10
He was beaten by pace from the Zenit forwards. Moreover, he did not look comfortable the whole game and had to pay for it.
Maland Sarr – 6/10
Zenit tried to exploit from his side far too often. However, he got better in the second half as Chelsea took control.
Callum Hudson Odoi – 5/10
This was the perfect chance for him to show that he deserves a place in the lineup. However, he could not take advantage of it and barely troubled Zenit.
Reece James – 6/10
He was given a central midfield role because of Chelsea’s injury crisis. However, Chelsea looked weak in the midfield and could not handle Zenit’s press.
Ross Barkley – 7/10
Took a great corner for Werner’s goal and good linkup play with Werner for Chelsea’s 2nd goal.
Saul Niguez – 6/10
Saul had struggled to get going at Chelsea. However, this was his best game for the game where he played in an unlikely position of wing-back.
Mason Mount – 6/10
Could not influence in the middle of the pitch and had to drift wide. However, Chelsea were also vulnerable in the wide areas and Mount was not able to change the game.
Timo Werner – 9/10
Probably the best game he has had for Chelsea. He was involved in all three goals of Chelsea. Did well to score the tap in and showed great feet to get the third. Also, he set up the goal for Lukaku followed by a good linkup play.
Romelu Lukaku – 6/10
Was struggling to get time on the pitch. However, played a crucial 75 minutes and found himself on the scoresheet.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic – 6/10
Assisted Werner for the third Chelsea goal. Had a great display coming off from the bench.
Hakim Ziyech – 5/10
Chelsea had more possession and were in control of the game after Ziyech came on.
Marcos Alonso – 5/10
Did well to get forward and cause Zenit some problems and hold them back.
Kai Havertz – 5/10
He provided energy on the pitch and added freshness to the attack. Gave Zenit something to worry about.
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