Chelsea player ratings: Raheem Sterling shines in shock wing-back role but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang way off the pace
CHELSEA failed to get off to winning ways under Graham Potter as RB Salzburg made sure the Champions League points were shared.
Raheem Sterling opened the lead in the second half but Noah Okafor pulled one back with 15 minutes to go.
Sterling shined in a shock wing-back role but there were a lot of underwheling performances at Stamford Bridge.
Here, Jack Figg rates Potter’s men after the 1-1 draw.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The Spaniard, keeping his place with Edouard Mendy out injured, had a shaky early moment with ball at his feet but came off his line confidently soon after.
He also made a good save down low to stop Salzburg going ahead before the break but was helpless for the equaliser.
Reece James – 7
The wing-back was a constant threat down the right flank, bombing forward and always looking to deliver.
Started the attack that led to Sterling’s opener and continued his great start to the season.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Swept up most of Salzburg’s searching passes with Silva and they looked largely untroubled.
But both could be blamed for weak defending as Salzburg’s levelled with Azpilicueta failing to track goalscorer Okafor’s run in behind.
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Thiago Silva – 5
Put in a very weak tackle which failed to prevent Okafor’s equaliser.
Perhaps his lack of pace showed as the Brazilian put in a limp challenge.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Played on the left on the three-man defence and was always looking to get forward, linking up nicely with Sterling to create chances.
But his eagerness to get forward cost Chelsea as Cucurella was nowhere to be seen when Salzburg equalised having been so high up.
Jorginho – 6
Was not given too many defensive responsibilities so avoided any calamities.
But the Italian did not have much influence with his usually direct style of passing.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian was Chelsea’s most positive midfielder, carrying the ball forward and putting tackles in.
Mason Mount – 6
Found himself in pockets of space but was just a touch too close to getting a shot off in the first half.
Bright second 45 minutes, setting up Sterling’s opener with an inviting ball across the box.
Kai Havertz – 4
The German struggled to get into the game at times, despite coming in deep to get on the ball.
Still his best position looks undetermined, having formed an unformidable partnership with Aubameyang tonight.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 3
The ex-Arsenal captain is clearly lacking match sharpness, having failed to captalise on a few loose balls.
He also never appeared to be in the right place at the right time, an attribute Chelsea have been desperate for.
Raheem Sterling – 9
The England international was Chelsea’s brightest spark, taking on defenders, delivering and getting in shooting positions.
Finished expertly to open the scoring, coming in from the wingback position to cut in and curl home.
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Ruben Loftus Cheek (for Havertz) – 6
Found himself deployed as a right wing-back at times this season but came off the bench in an advanced role and looked strong there.
Armando Broja (for Aubameyang) – 5
Immediately showed urgency on and off the ball, which is more than can be said for Aubameyang but the striler blazed over the bar late on.
Hakim Ziyech (for Azpilicueta) – 5
Made a great run to get on the end of a Broja ball but his effort was well saved, also missed a volley at the death.
Conor Gallagher (for Kovacic) – 5
Produced a great cross late on but his delivery came to nothing.
Christian Pulisic (for Sterling) – 5
Might benefit from a change in manager but the American did not have enough time to make an impact of the bench.