Chelsea Player Ratings
Despite falling behind early to newcomers Burnley, potential Champions Chelsea marched on to a 1-3 win by dominating the match. The team seemed to be well assured and prepared to face the challenge and put up an excellent display of football.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The star Belgian had a good debut match. He failed to keep a clean sheet as the shot that came towards him was unstoppable. However, Courtois produced one excellent save early in the second half. He was particularly unperturbed while collecting corners and crosses.
Rating: 3/5
Right Back: Branislav Ivanovic
The big Serb enjoyed himself against the newcomers. He was rampant on the right flank as he found Fabregas and Oscar always in support. His crosses were not up to the mark but they still managed to play a part in two goals while he himself scored the third from the corner.
Rating: 4/5
Centre Back: Gary Cahill
The Englishman was well in his elements and gave in another solid display. He could have been better poised to cover for the first goal as Arfield was totally unmarked. But after that collective defensive hiccup, Cahill and co. enjoyed themselves as they imposed pressure and quality on the newcomers.
Rating: 2.5/5
Centre Back: John Terry
The Captain had a good game as he had very less to do. Was not at his elemental best as he made an error or two while judging Ings’ movements or marking players, especially the first goal, but he was still pretty cool and strong at the back.
Rating: 2.5/5
Left Back: Cesar Azpilicueta
The Spaniard seems to enjoy the role of a left back as he was very efficient last night whenever required. His overlaps were limited as he is a natural defensive left back. The fact that Burnley had very less to offer while attacking also meant that Azpilicueta had a smooth start to the League.
Rating: 2.5/5
Defensive Midfield: Nemanja Matic
The Serbian had an excellent game controlling the deep midfield with his passing as well as ball winning. His partnership with Cesc Fabregas was very strong in the middle. Despite him being in great form during the match, he made a direct defensive error by heading a cross into the path of a Burnley player who assisted Arfield for the goal.
Rating: 3/5
Central Midfield: Cesc Fàbregas
This was a flawless display of playmaking by the debutant Chelsea player. He dominated the game with passing that was unprecedented in Chelsea. Oscar and Hazard simply enjoyed themselves as they moved around him causing havoc for Burnley defenders who chose to sit back deep. He played a part in the creation of all three goals just like Ivanovic. The one touch half volley pass to set up Schürrle for a one touch finish could easily be the pass of the season. With two assists and one second assist for the new Chelsea player from Barcelona, he was adjudged the MOTM.
Rating: 4.5/5
Central Attacking Midfield: Oscar
Oscar played well alongside Fabregas. He enjoyed the passing game that was missing in Chelsea last season. Chelsea played a blend of direct as well as possession football and Oscar was a key part of the system.
Rating: 3/5
Left Midfield: Eden Hazard
Hazard enjoyed dribbling past defenders and latching on to through passes. He created the gateway by his dribbles for two goals atleast. Apart from this, he enjoyed himself in a passing game with Fabregas and had no real challenge by the Burnley defenders.
Rating: 3/5
Right Midfield: Andre Schürrle
The German world cup winner scored a goal from an excellent pass from Fabregas. He seems to enjoy himself more as Fabregas spots his runs immediately and sets him up with an attacking pass. Was a consistent goal threat and had a good night.
Rating: 3.5/5
Striker: Diego Costa
Costa scored a poacher’s goal to equalise for Chelsea on his debut. His movement and work rate was exceptional as he was always running to latch on to a pass or hassle the defenders. He was unfortunate to be yellow carded as the referee wrongly booked him for diving when he was fouled by the keeper when he was running at full speed, at a clear goal scoring opportunity.
Rating: 4/5
The Substitutes
Willian: He came on for Schürrle with the job already done. Even he enjoyed the passing game.
Mikel and Drogba: Had little to do as the game was already put to bed when they came on as subs.