Chelsea player ratings: N’Golo Kante a welcome return to the Blues XI but Bruno Saltor’s men suffer in front of goal
CHELSEA played out a fairly drab 0-0 with Premier League rivals Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues sacked Graham Potter last week so Bruno Saltor took charge of his first game – but failed to get the win they so desperately need.
Chelsea had plenty of chances to win the game, with both Joao Felix and Mateo Kovacic fluffing opportunities in both halves.
Kai Havertz also had a goal ruled out by VAR after he was adjudged to have handled it into the net.
Ultimately, the West London side played well, but like most of the season, they struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.
Here’s how SunSport’s Matt Penn rated the Blues’ performances…
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7
The Spaniard made some decent saves, including one from Joe Gomez’s first-half effort, which looked destined to nestle in the top corner.
Reece James – 8
Chelsea’s driving force all evening was James, who has struggled for form and fitness since recovering from a knee injury at the beginning of the year.
When he’s on it, he’s unstoppable.
Wesley Fofana – 8
Shades of John Terry in the first half when he blocked a Fabinho shot off the line with the first 45 minutes coming to an end.
Commanded his back line well throughout and looked every bit a £75million centre-half as he willed Chelsea on in the second half with some lung-busting runs.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 6
Calm and composed throughout but didn’t have much to do at all. Could have passed forward at times he decided to pass back to Arrizabalaga.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Better performance this time after his horror show against Aston Villa at the weekend. The Spaniard has lacked consistency since joining but will hope he’s found his feet now.
Ben Chilwell – 7
Assured performance from Chilwell, who provided darting runs in behind and lofted a few nice balls over the top for the onrushing Joao Felix. Rarely has a bad game.
Came off for Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Enzo Fernandez – 8
Brilliant in the middle of the park for Chelsea. The Argentine World Cup winner rarely gives the ball away and always finds the right pass when he’s put under pressure.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian had a good game in midfield, but he misses out on an eight here due to his glorious chances going to waste in the first and second half.
He should’ve pulled the trigger sooner on both occasions, and it ultimately cost him.
N’Golo Kante – 8
A welcome return to the Chelsea starting XI. The little Frenchman nearly looked backed to his best, making various interceptions and laying the ball off to his two midfield partners and attacking team-mates.
Came off for Conor Gallagher in the 69th minute.
Joao Felix – 7
Chelsea’s best player when on the ball. But he should really have more goals to his name. He fluffed a chance in the first half after a brilliant run to go one-on-one with Alisson.
And then he failed to pull the trigger again in the second after he approached the inside of the box.
Kai Havertz – 6
An okay performance from Havertz, whose lack of close control lets him down in the final third and in tight spaces.
Had a goal disallowed by VAR for handball and still celebrated like a madman despite knowing it hit his hand.
Subs
Conor Gallagher – 6
Did a job in midfield, shored things up and did what Bruno Saltor wanted him to just fine.
Mykhaylo Mudryk – 5
Didn’t have much time to make an impact but won the Blues a couple of late corners.
Raheem Sterling – N/A
Couldn’t affect the game too much after coming on for Joao Felix. Was heavily booed by the Liverpool fans.