1. EMERSON (6.4)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 86
Passes: 52/55
Shots: 3/4
Take-ons: 1/2
Fouls drawn: 2
Tackles+INTs+Blocks: 2+3+5

Emerson lead the team in shots, passing accuracy, blocks, and was only 3 behind Azpilicueta for number of touches while also hitting the woodwork. It’s hard to argue with him being the least worst of all the blue shirts at Old Trafford on Sunday. Emerson’s growth from injured backup to first-choice starter over the past 6-12 months, rewarding his hard work and dedication in training, has been nice to see. At still just 25 years of age, he has plenty of room left to improve, too!

2. MASON MOUNT (6.0)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 61
Passes: 31/38
Shots: 2/2
Take-ons: 1/2
Tackles: 4

Thanks to José Mourinho’s punditry, we’ve got a head start on the Mason “Son of Frank Lampard” Mount narrative, but the young man had been excellent in preseason and followed that up with a solid enough performance, to be sure. Expecting Mount to dominate with perfect performances is disingenuous at best. Like all of Chelsea’s youth, he needs time, trust, and just a little bit of faith.

3. MATEO KOVAČIĆ (5.7)

Minutes: 90
Touches: 87
Passes: 67/73
Shots: 0/0
Take-ons: 4/4
Fouls drawn: 4
Tackles+Blocks: 3+1

Personally, I’m a big fan of Mateo, so it’s heartening to see him on the podium. He’s not going to be a Kanté, but pairing him with Kanté could be the ticket to double-pivot success.

vs. MANCHESTER UNITED (PL, A, L 4-0)

EXCEPTIONAL (9.0+): —

EXCELLENT (8.0-8.9): —

GOOD (7.0-7.9): —

AVERAGE (6.0-6.9): Emerson (6.4), Mount (6.0)

POOR (5.0-5.9): Kovačić (5.7), Jorginho (5.5), Kanté (5.5, sub), Arrizabalaga (5.3), Christensen (5.3), Pulisic (5.3, sub), Abraham (5.2)

BAD (4.0-4.9): Pedro (4.9), Giroud (4.8, sub), Barkley (4.7), Azpilicueta (4.2)

TERRIBLE (3.0-3.9): —

NOT HAPPY (0.0-2.9): Zouma (2.9)