Over the weekend Chelsea were defeated by Referees United, I mean Manchester United, and tonight in a Capitol One Cup match-up they got a shot at revenge. It was well known that Roberto Di Matteo and Alex Ferguson were going to play reserves, and thankfully they were allowed substitutions. Both sides showed their youth in the first half and also showed a bright future for the Blues. The second half showed off better football with a high pace tempo and led to extra time. Chelsea went on to win the match 5-4 and knocked United out of the Cup. Let's take a look at how each player performed.
GK Petr Cech: 7.0
Cech made a few saves but also made one of the worst mistakes he has ever made since being at Chelsea, which led to a Ryan Giggs goal. Also allowed 3 more, maybe not all his fault, but no where near his best.
D David Luiz: 7.0
David Luiz goes from brilliant to oblivious in seconds. The Brazilian scored a wonderful penalty then his over-attacking led to the second United goal. Then that was followed by a marvelous free kick that struck the crossbar. David is still a work in progress, but if RDM figures out how to always get the brilliant side, then Chelsea will have something that special wouldn't begin to describe.
D Gary Cahill: 8.5
Chelsea fans think it will be impossible to replace John Terry, well they may have his twin. Gary Cahill was a stone wall in defense and shows a brilliant knack for shutting down attacking runs. He added another goal to his tally for the year from a great header. Cahill may be England's best defender, and striker.
D Cesar Azpilicueta: 8.0
Chelsea just seem to be finding gems all over the world. Azpi looked like a veteran in defense and showed his worth to Di Matteo. He did a great job in manning the right wing and wasn't to bad in attack, his finishing however is another story.
D Ryan Bertrand: 8.5
When Ashley Cole missed matches three years ago, the left side looked like Goals Galore against Chelsea. With Ryan Bertrand, it's hard to notice a difference. Ashley Cole has clearly taught the youngster his mistake free football as Bertrand seems to go a whole match without making one. Ryan handled the left side with perfection and made sure that no one could get passed him. Maybe Chelsea management is on to something about not giving Cole a multi-year deal.
M Oriol Romeu: 7.5
Definitely one for the future. Looks strong on the ball, but not quite there.
M John Obi Mikel: 8.0
Mikel was Mikel. He defended and kept possession. Subbed out in the second half.
M Juan Mata: 8.0
Looked a little tired throughout the match, but controlled the pace of play and did his usual business. Nothing special compared to his recent games.
M Lucas Piazon: 6.5
Piazon is a brilliant footballer and has a bright career, but he is no where near ready. He is very weak on the ball and acts like he doesn't even want it. Bit of a disappointment after all the hype that surrounded him. It could be 4 or 5 years before he is ready.
F Victor Moses: 8.5
Easily the most dangerous footballer throughout the whole match. He has a distinct power on the ball and doesn't give it up easily. He drew a penalty and led many of the Chelsea attacks. There is a good chance that a lot of playing time is headed his way.
F Daniel Sturridge: 8.0
Nervous in the first half, but showed his talent in extra time with the go ahead goal.
F Eden Hazard: 9.0
I wonder if Alex Ferguson still thinks Hazard isn't worth the money. He came on in the second half and looked nothing less than spectacular. Shredded through the United defense with silky skill and grabbed a goal on the last kick of regular time, something usually only made happen by a certain Ivorian in the past. Eden however wasn't done, in extra time the Belgian worked his way through the United defense with a assist to Ramires and maybe broke the ankles of a few United defenders. Easy to see why he has been compared to Lionel Messi.
M Oscar: 8.5
Oscar came on in the last third of regular time and made a immediate impact. The Brazilian gives Chelsea a whole other dynamic with his passing and pure on the ball skill. Created many of Chelsea's ladder attacks and controlled the pace during extra time. It's very clear that Oscar makes the whole engine go.
M Ramires: 8.0
Came on for Mikel in the second half and grabbed the fifth and important goal with a lovely finish.
Man of the Match: Eden Hazard
Terrible ratings. Every single one of our back 5 were terrible execpt Gary. Bertrand was especially poor
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