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1. KENEDY - AM | 7.2 |
Minutes played45
Touches26
Passes12/16
Shots0/3
Take-ons1/1
Second consecutive appearance off the bench for young Kenedy. Second consecutive Man of the Match won by a half-time 19-year-old substitute. It's clear what the people want.
That's not say that Kenedy didn't deserve it. He's certainly in with a shout, and he certainly didn't do his chances of more playing time any harm. (And not at left back, even!) Willing to take on players, willing to have a shot, willing to try a few things. A breath of fresh air.
It was just the 10th appearance but already third MoM for the young Brazilian who seems to be enjoying his time at Chelsea both on and off the pitch.
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2. CÉSAR AZPILICUETA - DL | 7.2 |
Minutes played90
Touches52
Passes43/52
Shots1*/1
Clearances5/6
Block+INT+RECs9
The Man We Just Call Dave is not known for his goalscoring exploits (it was just the 6th goal of his professional career), but he could've fooled casual observers with his well-taken opening goal on Wednesday. Just the fact that he took off on a run all the way into the opposition's penalty box is worthy of applause. (As is Branislav Ivanovic's excellent cross, which highlighted his good day in the office as well.)
Azpilicueta (who at 26.5 is basically in the prime of his career) may have had his fair share of struggles this season, just as the rest of the squad, but he remains one of the most consistent, reliable, and solid members of the team.
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3. DIEGO COSTA - FC | 7.1 |
Minutes played90
Touches51
Passes22/29
Shots1/4
Take-ons5/8
Fouls drawn3
On another day, with a different referee, Diego Costa's rating might have just ended up being a fair bit higher. As it stands, with Anthony Taylor turning a blind eye towards several fouls commited against the Chelsea striker, Diego's evening was one mostly of incredible frustrations — as evidenced by the tunnel-punching incident and his confrontations with pesky Albion players like Jonas Olsson.
Still, there was once again great movement, one or two great chances (including a marvelous save from WBA's Boaz Myhill), and of course still far too much dribbling. Pass the ball, son!
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STARTERS:
Courtois (5.6), Azpilicueta (7.2), Terry (6.0), Zouma (6.0), Ivanović (6.2), Fàbregas (6.8), Mikel (6.1), Pedro (3.7), Oscar (5.3), Willian (6.9), Costa (7.1)
SUBS:
Kenedy (7.2), Matić (5.0)
OVERALL: (Continuing technical difficulties; will update with correct table soon)