1. N’GOLO KANTÉ (7.9)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 63
Passes: 37/42
Shots: 1*/2
Take-ons: 2/4
Fouls drawn: 1
Tackles+INTs+Blocks: 3+3+2

It’s hard to imagine that we’ve actually done as well as we have this season despite not getting to call on N’Golo for much of it due to the various minor injuries he’s had to deal with since the Europa League final. But now he’s back, and hopefully staying healthy as we head into the busiest, most crucial part of the season. Incidentally, Kanté now has 3 goals this season, which already matches his second best top division output and is only two behind last season’s career-best total of 5.

2. MATEO KOVAČIĆ (6.9)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 113
Passes: 90*/95
Shots: 0/0
Take-ons: 5/5
Fouls drawn: 3
Tackles+INTs: 6+2

Kanté goals used to be rarities, but not nearly as rare at Kovačić goals. While we continue to wait for that miracle to occur, at least we can marvel in his midfield (on the ball) mastery. The pass to create the goal was sublime, his combinations with Jorginho daring and effortless, his dribbling as effervescent as ever. And he led all players in touches, and missed with just 5 of his match-high 95 passes. He’s not a complete midfielder like Kanté, but we can compensate for the holes in his game.

3. CÉSAR AZPILICUETA (6.5)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 88
Passes: 54/62
Take-ons: 1/1
Tackles+INTs+Blocks: 5+4+2
Clearances: 6

Nice to see Azpilicueta on the podium despite the recent narrative shift against him. But the mob has turned towards Kepa now, so Azpi can breathe. It also helps that Lampard is starting to see that light that our first-choice full back combination needs to be Azpilicueta on the left and Reece James on the right.

vs. MANCHESTER CITY (PL, A, L 1-2)

EXCEPTIONAL (9.0+): —

EXCELLENT (8.0-8.9): —

GOOD (7.0-7.9): Kanté (7.9)

AVERAGE (6.0-6.9): Kovačić (6.9), Azpilicueta (6.5), James (6.4, sub), Zouma (6.1), Pulisic (6.1), Willian (6.1)

POOR (5.0-5.9): Abraham (5.9), Mount (5.9, sub), Jorginho (5.9), Tomori (5.6)

BAD (4.0-4.9): Arrizabalaga (4.8), Emerson (4.6), Batshuayi (4.5, sub)

TERRIBLE (3.0-3.9): —

OVERALL