EPL: Chelsea 3-3 Everton - Player Ratings
Stamford Bridge witnessed one of the most entertaining games of the Premier League season which saw a tight game open up in the second half with Everton taking a two goal lead only for the Blues to claw their way back soon. The drama continued when Everton looked to have stolen a point when Ramiro Funes Mori scored late into added time only for Chelsea captain John Terry to roll back the years and put Chelsea back on level terms with an audacious flick in the 97th minute.
Here are the player ratings for the game:
Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian made a great save after a stinging Mirallas shot in the first half but couldn’t do much for both Everton goals.
Branislav Ivanovic – 5/10
Still Chelsea’s weakest link at the back. Beaten for pace on many occasions and caught out of position by Barkley throughout the game. Could be on his way in the summer if he doesn’t improve.
Kurt Zouma – 7/10
The young Frenchman grows in stature with each passing game. Sniffed out numerous Everton attacks with ease and is certainly Chelsea’s future at the back.
John Terry – 6/10
Unlucky to concede an own goal. Looked a little jaded as age seems to be catching up to the English centre back but lead by example as he scored a fantastic backheel flick in the 97th minute to rescue a point for The Blues.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
Had a characteristically tidy game at the back. Would be disappointed not to have made more of his crosses while pushing ahead.
John Obi Mikel – 6/10
The Nigerian is enjoying a revival of sorts under Guus Hiddink. Made a few good tackles throughout the game but needs to improve on his creativity.
Nemanja Matic – 5/10
The Serbian midfielder has been a shadow of himself this season and this performace was no different. Still very much a hit-or-miss player this season.
Willian – 7/10
Chelsea’s best player this season had another impressive outing for The Blues where he looked the most likely to get through Everton’s defence.
Cesc Fabregas – 7.5/10
An improved performance from the Spanish midfielder with a fantastic assist for Costa and a goal. Certainly looks to be high on confidence.
Pedro – 5.5/10
The former Barcelona midfielder had a below-par game against West Brom and didn;t really improve much in this game where he was shrugged off the ball numerous times and lacked that creative spark.
Diego Costa – 7.5/10
The Spanish forward has improved greatly under Guus Hiddink and was unlucky to not get better support during the first half of the game from Chelsea’s midfield as the desire was certainly there. Took his chance when he got it and certainly looks like Chelsea’s most improved player with a cheeky assist to Fabregas as well.
Substitutes -
Oscar – 6.5/10
Was brought for Matic in the second half for his creativity in front of goal and did not disappoint as Chelsea managed to score two successive goals after his arrival.
Kenedy – 6/10
Refreshingly direct in his approach after coming on for Pedro. Linked well with Azpilicueta to create problems for Everton.
Loic Remy – 5.5/10
Largely ineffective after coming on for Costa. Still looking sluggish after returning from injury.
Everton
Tim Howard – 6.5/10
Made some fantastic saves but should have done better in communicating with Jagielka for Costa’s goal.
Brian Oveido – 5.5/10
Had an impressive first half where he outmuscled most of Chelsea’s attacks but faded as the game went on.
Phil Jagielka – 7/10
Everton have sorely missed Jagielka’s leadership at the back and the Englishman showed exactly why he is so vital to The Toffees with a brilliant performance at the back where he managed to thwart most of Chelsea’s attacks. Should have done better for Costa’s goal however.
John Stones – 6/10
The young Englishman was notably a little uncomfortable playing in front on his former suitors where he felt like he had a point to make but sadly underperformed for Everton and will be looking to improve.
Leighton Baines – 6.5/10
Everton’s Mr. Consistent showed no signs of being jaded following a lengthy spell on the sidelines after an ankle injury where he mastered the left flank and limited Willian’s inroads into Everton’s box.
Gareth Barry – 5.5/10
The English midfielder had an underwhelming game where he would have liked to have more time on the ball. Would’ve liked to contribute more defensively as well.
Muhamed Besic – 5.5/10
Disappoining in the sense that he couldn’t display his creative skill at all during the game but did a good job in marshalling Everton’s midfield as the game went on.
Aaron Lennon – 5/10
Was absent for large periods of the game and failed to contribute anything solid going ahead.
Ross Barkley – 7/10
A fantastic performance from the young midfielder where he showed great strength and character while going ahead. Certainly deserved a goal after narrowly missing by hitting the post in the second half.
Kevin Mirallas – 7.5/10
Brilliant for Everton while going ahead where his direct approach with regards to attacking caused Chelsea problems throughout the game. Great effort to score a goal but should have had scored again after the scores were tied.
Romelu Lukaku – 5.5/10
The big Belgian striker was largely neutralized during the game and will be looking to continue his form this season in the future games.
Substitutes
Gerard Deolufeo – 6.5/10
Brought on late in the game and brought some much needed life into Everton’s attack with some great crosses.
Romero Funes-Mori – 6/10
Scored late on with what was one of his first touches of the game after coming on late on.
Steven Pienaar – n/a