Full Time: Chelsea 3- 3 AS Roma
Chelsea, the reigning Premier League champions, suffered a massive setback following their dramatic 2-1 victory against Spanish giants Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano. But the Blues have failed to register a win since then and have suffered consecutive defeats in the league – the first one was against league leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge and the latest one occurred on Saturday evening against struggling Crystal Palace who are placed at the bottom of the league table.
The Blues, thus, had an opportunity to get back to winning ways and their home outing against Serie A heavyweights AS Roma was tipped to be an entertaining encounter. It indeed turned out to be a mouth-watering clash as Chelsea initially gave up a 2-0 lead to Roma who scored three past them. But a 75th-minute Eden Hazard header made it all square at Stamford Bridge as it finished 3-3.
Chelsea Players Ratings
Thibaut Courtois: 5.5/10
Made a few routine stops and did well to deflect Kolarov’s cross from the left flank in the second half. Could have done little to deny Kolarov’s first-half goal though and had no answer to Dzeko’s sensational volley either. Was helpless once again when Dzeko scored with a header from close-range, picking up Kolarov’s well-taken free-kick from the left.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 5.5/10
Was easily beaten by Aleksander Kolarov who hit back minutes after conceding the second of the evening. Lost a few duels and struggled against Roma’s pace, pressing and physicality at times. Maintained his calmness though and did well to make a few crucial clearances, tackles and interceptions.
Gary Cahill: 6.5/10
Tried his best to contain Roma’s attacking flair and calmed things down after Hazard’s late equaliser.
Davide Zappacosta: 6/10
The former Torino wingback whipped in a few crosses but did not offer much offensively and he had to concentrate on his defensive duties more against Kolarov who was constantly creating threat with his runs, power, pace, and crosses. Was taken off and was replaced by former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.
Cesc Fabregas: 6.5/10
Had a decent first-half as he helped the Blues keep control of the game from the middle of the park and tried to open up Roma defence with his through passes. But looked unimpressive in the second half when Roma were controlling the game via Radja Nainggolan and Kevin Strootman in midfield.
David Luiz: 8/10
Luiz was handed a start in midfield and the Brazilian made early impressions with a sensational finish from distance to earn his side an early lead. Made some decent forward runs and was furious when he was subbed off and replaced by Pedro around the hour mark.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 5.5/10
Worked hard but struggled throughout the game. Was being dispossessed repeatedly, losing duels and conceded a needless free-kick from which Dzeko earned his side a lead for the first time in the game.
Marcos Alonso: 7/10
Alonso not only offered help in the attack but also improved his defensive game with crucial blocks, tackles, interceptions, and clearances.
Eden Hazard: 9/10
Was criticised for his display against Crystal Palace, but the Belgian delivered another stellar performance for the first time since the Atletico game as he scored a brace and helped his side to avoid another shambolic defeat. Was replaced by Willian in the closing minutes.
Alvaro Morata: 6/10
Morata started for the first time since returning from a minor hamstring strain and did a decent job by keeping Roma backline on toes with his movement inside the box.
Substitutes
Pedro: 7/10
Came in place of David Luiz and assisted Hazard with a cross from the right flank which was headed home by the Belgian sensation.
Antonio Rudiger: 5.5/10
Was brought in to calm things down in the Chelsea defence which became vulnerable due to Edin Dzkeo’s mastery. Was lucky though as he failed to get in the way of the Bosnian hitman who headed just wide and failed to clinch his hat-trick as well as a late winner for the Serie A giants.
Willian: N/A
Late inclusion in place of Hazard.
