We reflect on the performances of Chelsea’s players as they methodically came from 2-0 down to knock Leicester City out of the EFL Cup – Thanks to goals from Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and an extra-time double from Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Gary Cahill attempt to clear off the line as Leicester City’s Shinji Okazaki scores their first goal
GK – Asmir Begovic (7): Certainly Chelsea’s second choice goalkeeper, the former Stoke stopper – with almost a decade of Premier League experience – did not convince for the game’s opening goal and subsequently contributed to Chelsea’s nervousness in defence.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta (7): Restored to his preferred position of right-back as a result of Marcos Alonso’s debut, Azpilicueta looked indecisive at times – especially when dealing with the delivery that resulted in Leicester’s opening goal. Made amends with a thunderous first time half volley for Chelsea’s equaliser on 49 minutes.
LB – Marcos Alonso (5): Started well with a handful of overlaps and threatening play in the final third, but as Leicester grew into the game Alonso became subdued. With previous experience of English football with Bolton and Sunderland, Alonso has a long way to go, based on this outing, if he is to displace Azpilicueta as Chelsea’s first choice left back.
Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa in action with Chelsea’s Gary Cahill
CB – Gary Cahill (6): Not Cahill’s finest defensive performance. The England international appeared flustered alongside David Luiz in the heart of Antonio Conte’s back four; typified by his inability to see Shinji Okazaki on the first goal. Proved to be a threat from offensive set pieces, as Cahill converted a Cesc Fabregas corner seconds before the half-time whistle.
CB – David Luiz (5): Did little to answer the question, what is he? Centre-back? Central midfield? A panic buy? The Brazilian’s lacklustre display was full of individualism – demonstrated by his inability to support his defensive partner Cahill and poor positioning against Leicester’s second-string front line. Booked during extra-time.
CM – Cesc Fabregas (8): Assisted Cahill’s headed goal just before half time, but the once majestic maestro experienced large parts of the game passing him by. Fabregas was not used as any kind or fulcrum or as a source of creativity and currently presents as a shadow of his form from two years ago – despite scoring Chelsea’s third and fourth goals after being moved into a ‘number 10’ role during the early stages of extra-time.
CM – Nemanja Matic (6): If Matic possesses a top gear we didn’t see it against Leicester. Too one-paced and lethargic on the ball, his performance was overshadowed by the work rate and energy of opponents Andy King and Danny Drinkwater in Leicester’s central areas. Booked on 82 minutes.
AM – Victor Moses (5): Given another chance by another new Chelsea manager, Moses may well find his chances at the Stamford Bridge club restricted to cup games. Could have supported forward Michy Batshuayi more than he did and ultimately was another Chelsea player who failed to make an impact on the game.
Leicester City’s Demarai Gray in action with Chelsea’s Pedro
AM – Pedro (6): The diminutive Spanish international looked lively from the first whistle and could feel hard-done-by after having a goal disallowed for offside with the score at 0-0. However, after this decision, the former Barcelona forward gradually became an anonymous part of Chelsea attack. Eden Hazard (7) relieved Pedro of his duties as an 88th minute substitute, with the Belgian’s creativity key during extra-time.
AM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek (6): The highly rated midfielder can be disappointed that he didn’t make the most of his chance to shine. First team opportunities have been sporadic; first team starts even more so. Chelsea’s young player of last season is approaching a crossroads in his career and appears to have a lot to do in order to cement a place in Antonio Conte’s future plans. Replaced by Diego Costa (8) after 66 minutes – The Brazilian born Spanish international acted as the catalyst for Chelsea’s come back.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa with Leicester City’s Danny Simpson
FW – Michy Batshuayi (7): A frustrating first half for Batshuayi, in which he cut an isolated figure as a lone centre forward. The £33 million signing’s movement was constant and his attacking threat never ceased. Undoubtedly a talent, but this just wasn’t his day. Replaced by Nathaniel Chalobah (6) on 79 minutes, who finally made his Chelsea debut after 97 appearances on various loan spells.
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