1. TAMMY ABRAHAM (8.2)

Minutes: 81
Touches: 45
Passes: 13*/18
Shots: 2*/5
Fouls drawn: 1
Tackles+INTs+Blocks: 1+1+2
Clearances: 3

It’s simultaneously amazing, heartening, and a little bit concerning just how reliant we seem to be on young Tammy Abraham. Sure, this isn’t necessarily an extraordinary situation — we don’t have to go back too far to find similar similarly situations with the likes of, say, Diego Costa or Didier Drogba — but the combination of age (just 22) and the fact the he’s from our very own Academy makes it one. And presumably he’s only going to get better as he continues to develop his overall game as a rather complete striker.

2. MASON MOUNT (7.8)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 60
Passes: 35/39
Shots: 2*/5
Take-ons: 2/3
Tackles: 2

And speaking of Academy excellence, young Mason Mount has decided to snap out of his flagging form as of late, and repay the head coach’s fate once again, especially in the second half that featured much improved performances from everyone on the pitch.

3. MATEO KOVAČIĆ (7.7)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 123
Passes: 98/106
Fouls drawn: 2
Take-ons: 1/4
Tackles: 6
Clearances: 3

There’s an argument to be made for Mateo Kovačić as Chelsea’s best or most important or at least most improved player so far this season after yet another impressive day of running the show in midfield (this time more through passing than carrying the ball). This was his 10th consecutive start — only Kurt Zouma can claim a longer active streak at 13 — also showcasing his improved fitness levels that seemingly prevented him from ever actually completing a full 90 minutes last season (or maybe it was just Sarri’s strange fixation on always substituting the left-central midfielder).

vs. ASTON VILLA (PL, H, W 2-1)

EXCEPTIONAL (9.0+): —

EXCELLENT (8.0-8.9): Abraham (8.2)

GOOD (7.0-7.9): Mount (7.8), Kovačić (7.7), Willian (7.4), Pulisic (7.4), Kanté (7.4), Arrizabalaga (7.2), James (7.1)

AVERAGE (6.0-6.9): Zouma (6.7), Azpilicueta (6.7), Christensen (6.7), Hudson-Odoi (6.0, sub)

POOR (5.0-5.9): Jorginho (5.8, sub), Batshuayi (5.7, sub)

BAD (4.0-4.9): —

TERRIBLE (3.0-3.9): —

OVERALL