How the stars from west London rated in a routine win over Derby.
Chelsea continued their good start to 2014 with an FA Cup Third Round victory over Derby County, which sees the Blues progress to play Stoke City.
Here is how the stars from west London rated:
Mark Scwarzer – 6
A solid game for the veteran goalkeeper who was barely troubled, but looked good when the Australian was called upon.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Was hardly troubled by the Derby attack but the Spaniard would have been expected to get forward more in a game Jose Mourinho’s men dominated.
Gary Cahill – 7
Another good game for the England international who is quickly becoming the most consistent defender at the club this term.
David Luiz – 6
Drafted back into the back four and was fairly comfortable, although looked a little sloppy at times and Mourinho may prefer the Brazilian in midfield again next time out.
Ashley Cole – 6
Similar story for Cole who, like the rest of the defence, was basically untroubled at the back – although keeping a clean-sheet is always a positive.
Ramires – 7
Given a more offensive role than has been true of late for the 26-year-old and the South American took full advantage with pot shots at goal and surging runs.
John Obi Mikel – 8
A great day for the Nigerian who was not only strong in the centre of the field and broke up play, but also scored the opener with a rare strike.
Michael Essien – 6
Put in the side to cause Derby problems and that was essentially what the midfielder did, but there was little else from Essien.
Oscar – 8
Was on the score-sheet but that was more down to an error from the Rams ‘keeper, yet it was Oscar’s all round play that caught the eye as the Brazil international burst with creativity.
Willian – 7
Struggled in the first half but the winger found the pace of the game in the second and was on hand to pick out Mikel for the first goal.
Samuel Eto’o – 5
Not a good game for the Cameroon international, who was rarely involved and when the striker was generally gave the ball away too easily.
Substitutions:
Eden Hazard – 6
The side were already 1-0 up and cruising when the talented Belgian came on and although Hazard set up Oscar’s goal, the attacking midfielder cruised through the match.
Fernando Torres – 5
It will be worrying for Mourinho as both Eto’o and Torres under-performed against second tier opposition and the boss could be entering the transfer market for a new forward soon.
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