Chelsea threw away two points having dominated the first half against Swansea.
Chelsea were able to salvage a 2-2 draw against Swansea thanks to Diego Costa, despite having dominated the Welsh side and gone in 1-0 up at half time.
Thibaut Courtois 5/10 – The Belgian keeper was never tested in the first half, but arguably cost his side all three points when he gave away a penalty before the hour mark.
Branislav Ivanovic 6.5/10 – Ivanovic was his usual self, bombing on to support the Chelsea attack whenever he could, and helped force their equaliser in the 81st minute. The Serbian could have been more influential, however, getting into many great positions without delivering.
John Terry 7/10 – Strong at the back against Fernando Llorente, but picked up an injury later on which could spell bad news for Chelsea. Captain Terry finished the game but needed treatment immediately after the full time whistle.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill in action with Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente
Gary Cahill 6.5/10 – Cahill was robbed of possession by Leroy Fer, leading to Swansea’s second goal, but will claim he was fouled by the Dutchman. The England centre back had a decent game otherwise, and put in a huge tackle late on to ensure Swansea didn’t grab a third.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7.5/10 – Pressure was on Azpilicueta with new signing Marcos Alonso sat on the bench, waiting for his opportunity to make his Chelsea debut. Azpilicueta responded brilliantly, stifling any little threat Swansea posed down the right, and also got forward when possible.
N’Golo Kante 8/10 – A typical Kante performance; industrious and energetic. The French midfielder is without doubt Chelsea’s best piece of business this summer, but Antonio Conte needs to find his best partner.
Nemanja Matic 6.5/10 – Matic has started the season alongside Kante, but was relatively ineffective at the Liberty Stadium. Kante’s defensive work has lifted the workload off of Matic’s shoulders, who has been allowed to play further up the pitch. The Serbian doesn’t have the creativity to play in this role, with Fabregas surely a better option alongside Kante.
Chelsea’s Willian reacts
Willian 6.5/10 – Willian is not enjoying the same start to the season he had during the last campaign, although he did create a host of chances for Chelsea that were squandered.
Oscar 7/10 – Brazilian midfielder Oscar has proven to be one of Conte’s favourites since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and the 25-year-old showed why. His work rate has improved, and he provided a neat assist for Costa’s first goal. A sensational save from Fabianski kept him off the scoresheet.
Eden Hazard 7/10 – After a horrible season last year, Hazard looks like he is getting back to his best under Conte. The Belgian was a constant threat for Chelsea in the first half, but passed up a glorious chance in the second half to score where he appeared to duck out of a challenge with Swansea keeper Fabianski.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa celebrates scoring their second goal
Diego Costa 9.5/10 – Diego Costa was the best player on the pitch, no question. It was a near-perfect performance from the striker, who scored twice and constantly caused problems for the Swansea defence. He had an edge to his game as usual, but never stepped over the mark.
SUBSTITUTES
Cesc Fabregas (Matic 76) 7/10 – The Spaniard’s introduction injected some much-needed vision to the Chelsea midfield, with Matic failing on that front. Fabregas’ passing range created many attacks for Chelsea, and he should have been brought on earlier.
Victor Moses (Willian 77) 6/10 – Moses had very little impact when replacing Willian, and was marshalled well by Stephen Kingsley. The 25-year-old was booed every time he touched the ball by the home fans.
Michy Batshuayi (Oscar 88) N/A – The striker was not on long enough to have any impact on the game.
Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas comes on as a substitute to replace Nemanja Matic
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