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| 1. MARK SCHWARZER - GK | 7.2 |
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Minutes played90
Touches25
Distribution19/23
Saves2
Back when Mark Walhberg was Marky Mark, Mark Schwarzer was getting his career started at something called Marconi Stallions. Telegraph horses! Sweet.
He may have dreamt of Champions League but he was probably more concerned with day-to-day life at a semi-professional club. It's already a remarkable achievement that he's carved out such a well-respected, international football career given those humble beginnings. Adding a Champions League debut in his twenty-somethingth season is just the icing on the cake.
He deserves a man of the match award just for that. Add in a couple saves and decent play with his feet and we at least have something to remember from an otherwise rather forgettable ninety minutes.
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| 2. DAVID LUIZ - DC | 7.2 |
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Minutes played90
Touches117
Passes89/105
Long balls5/10
Shots0/1
Tackles2/3
Clearances4/4
David Luiz returned to the starting lineup following a nagging knee injury (not for the first time, if you're given to worry about nagging injuries) and showed zero rust. To be fair, neither he nor Terry were tested much, but it was great to have just that extra bit of comfort and creativity that Sideshow brings to our defense.
He led the team in touches, passing, and clearances. He was even credited with a successful dribble, which sounds like a very David Luiz thing. Opta has him on 5/10 long passing, while WhoScored are claimining 17/22. I have no idea where the large discrepancy comes from, but the latter sounds quite excellent.
Now that we're back to three fully fit center backs (and Tomas Kalas is close, if not ready as well; plus something needs to happen with Kenneth Omeruo as well), we'll see how Mourinho decides to play his hand.
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| 3. EDEN HAZARD - AML | 7.1 |
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Minutes played90
Touches92
Passes52/58
Shots0/2
Take-ons11/14
Fouls won4
For the third straight match, Eden Hazard was credited with more than ten successful take-ons. He's clearly a man in form, even if the results and/or the team's play aren't necessarily up to everyone's expectations (then again, that's the problem with expectations, isn't it?).
Whether he's playing with Mata, Oscar, Willian, or Schürrle, Hazard looks like a man on a mission. He's rediscovered that verve and panache that we instantly fell in love with at the start of last season. May it continue for a long time.
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OTHERS:
A.Cole (6.5), Terry (6.9), Ivanovic (6.2), Lampard (6.0), Mikel (5.2), Oscar (6.7), Willian (7.1), Ba (6.5)
SUBS:
Schürrle (6.7), Ramires (6.2), De Bruyne (6.6)