How Chelsea’s players rated in their thrilling 2-1 win over Tottenham

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After a tough start to the season, Chelsea headed to Wembley looking to avert a crisis by beating London rivals Tottenham. They did exactly that in thrilling fashion as the final ten minutes saw Spurs pull back level before Chelsea re-took the lead.

Chelsea were leading at half-time thanks to Marcos Alonso’s fine free-kick which flew up and over the Tottenham wall before dipping down again and into the top corner of Hugo Lloris’ net. Tottenham applied the pressure though, with Harry Kane hitting the post before the break.

Chelsea improved after the break, with Willian hitting the post, but Tottenham’s impact was limited in the final third. In fact, it took substitute Michy Batshuayi to head into his own net to give Spurs their equaliser.

Their lead only lasted four minutes though as Marcos Alonso burst forwards and slotted a fine shot calmly and narrowly underneath Hugo Lloris to give Chelsea their first three points of the season.

Here is how the Blues players rated…

Thibaut Courtois – 8

Made several good stops to deny Tottenham as the pressure mounted before the half-time break. Spurs didn’t ease up but the Belgian was always ready to match whatever Mauricio Pochettino’s side threw at him, often commanding his box at set pieces well.

Antonio Rudiger – 6

Seemed to struggle with the movement of the Spurs attack at times. It may have been a makeshift back three but the German is clearly still adjusting to his new team-mates and the Premier League. He improved as the game went on and his strength was impressive.

Andreas Christensen – 6

Allowed Dele Alli in when he limply swung a boot in the direction of the ball in the first half in a moment which highlighted his inexperience. The Dane clearly has potential but he looked inexperienced and weak at some points up against the Premier League’s best in Harry Kane.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7

Quietly effective and the leader in the back three. His experience and communication was crucial to keeping the back three in line even if he didn’t make many notable interceptions.

Victor Moses – 7

Lacked the match practice that many of his team-mates had and failed to have much of an influence on the game. That was in part down to his defensive discipline as he refused to get carried away and forget that his priority was to protect the Chelsea lead. Attacked with purpose and looked to exploit the gaps as space opened up later on.

Tiemoue Bakayoko – 7

Made an unexpected debut and was impressive. His marauding runs forward from deep added another dimension to the Chelsea attack whilst he was also disciplined and forceful when his side were under pressure. Given that he hasn’t had a pre-season, it was a very impressive start, even if it was spoiled slightly by his needless late foul on Dele Alli.

David Luiz – 5

Deployed in a holding midfield role, the Brazilian was chasing shadows for much of the game. He struggled to hold his position and whilst he should have offered an extra layer of protection between midfield and defence, he instead just seemed lost. His needless booking for swinging an arm into the face of Christian Eriksen off the ball typified his afternoon.

N’Golo Kante – 7

Energetic in the middle of the park, he immediately struck up a relationship with Bakayoko with one staying and one going forwards. He was a busy body and didn’t allow Tottenham a a moments peace, forcing them to go wide rather than play through the middle as the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli prefer.

Marcos Alonso – 8

Took his free-kick superbly to give Chelsea the lead but spent much of the tie occupied with defensive tasks until he burst forward again and found a winner with a brilliant finish. He handled Kieran Trippier well and dropped back to support the back three when required too, a complete performance from the wing-back.

Willian – 7

Looked to press high and keep Tottenham under pressure. His fine ball into the box gave Alvaro Morata a clear cut chance in the opening stages. Hit the post with a fine effort as the Blues mounted the pressure later on in the tie.

Alvaro Morata – 5

Missed one of the easiest chances he will get all season early on as he screwed a header wide when it looked easier to get his shot on target. Seemed to struggle somewhat with the physicality of the game and faded as he couldn’t hold the ball up for Chelsea. Some may question whether his fitness levels are up to scratch, there were signs he will improve but today was not his day.

Subs

Pedro (for Willian, 78) – 6

His pace up against tired legs was a real threat.

Michy Batshuayi (for Morata, 78) – 5

Horrendous moment for the Belgian as he headed into his own net to give Tottenham a late equaliser. Under no pressure, it was a tough decision for the striker but he made totally the wrong call.