Chelsea ratings: Robert Sanchez cuts a hapless figure in goal as Pedro Neto comes to team-mates’ rescue
PEDRO NETO fired Chelsea back into the race for a Champions League place and completed a late fightback at Fulham.
The Cottagers took a first-half lead through Alex Iwobi and looked on course to do the double over Chelsea for the first time in Premier League history.
But super-sub Tyrique George came off the bench to level on the 83rd minute – kickstarting the comeback.
And Neto sealed the victory with his stunning turn and finish in added time.
It takes Chelsea back up to fifth and back in the running for Europe‘s elite next season.
Here is how SunSport’s Raphael Adelugba rated the Blues’ players.
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5
The Spanish goalkeeper cuts a hapless figure in net not just for the opener.
They say to build a title-winning side, it starts with the goalkeeper. For Chelsea, if any semblance of substantial success is to come, it’ll come without Sánchez as the No.1
REECE JAMES – 6
The captain showed the technical acumen required to invert into the middle of the park, but lacked the purpose that typified the Blues performance.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Looked a confused but willing figure out there as he and Colwill mixed between who was the cat and dog in their centre-back partner – a sign of the lack of clarity that surrounds the defence.
LEVI COLWILL – 6
Just like his partner, the inexperience showed as Jiménez toiled with know-how all game.
MARC CUCURELLA – 5
It didn’t help that he was the main protagonist of the Fulham fans’ jeers and boos, but in typical fashion, it resulted because of him.
MOISES CAICEDO – 6
The Ecuadorian midfielder tends to need something to get him going. A scrap, a tussle, a mix of words – neither were present but still had the endeavour to kick-start Chelsea’s comeback.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 7
Operated deeper from the areas that he had enjoyed success from in earlier weeks but was key in the winner with a driving presence notable.
NONI MADUEKE – 5
Was merely a passing figure in Chelsea’s dismal offensive first half. Another victim added to the growing list of Antonee Robinson’s lock-ups before being hooked at half-time.
COLE PALMER – 5
The English playmaker was donning the Nike Mercurial Superfly x AM95 boots that Kylian Mbappé wore against Arsenal. Stylish unlike his performance.
PEDRO NETO – 8
Industry can’t be questioned of the £54 million man but quality can in parts not for the winner though.
NICOLAS JACKSON – 5
Subbed off for a 19-year-old winger with five Premier League games to his name. So much promise, yet so raw. You wonder how long he’ll survive under the pressure cooker of being Chelsea’s out-and-out centre-forward.
SUBS
JADON SANCHO – 6
Flickers in and out of games, same again today. The buy clause is yet to look like an exquisite business worth doing.
MALO GUSTO – 6
Held his own against the tricky Alex Iwobi but season might be hampered with a late withdrawal due to a hamstring.
TYRIQUE GEORGE – 7
Though listed and preferred as a winger, the aforementioned 19-year-old took his goal like a battle-hardened striker.
First in the league after notching one in Europe, his knocking on the ever-creaking door.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – N/A
Subbed on right at the death after Malo Gusto picked up an injury, too little time to have any sort of impact.