Player Ratings vs Manchester United

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 6.5: A virtual spectator for the majority of the match, as the Blues defensive solidity was relentless. Did make one spectacular save from Rooney’s curling effort, and looked comfortable from set pieces. One goal conceded in six home games this season is a tribute to the big Czech’s return to form.

Ashley Cole - 6.5: Was not at his damaging best going forward as he was not afforded the time or the space on the ball. Was solid defensively despite the constant attentions of an improving Valencia.

John Terry – 8.5: The enigmatic captain put his body on the line and was comfortable in dealing with United’s attempts to break through. Perhaps lucky not to give a penalty away in the first half, his crucial header from Lampard’s free-kick proved the difference.

Ricardo Carvalho – 8.5: Made a string of exceptional last ditch blokes and perfectly-timed tackles to keep Rooney from penetrating the Chelsea defence. In light of Ferdinand’s form slump and Vidic’s injuries, his partnership with Terry is now undoubtedly the Premier League’s best, if not the world’s best.

Branislav Ivanovic – 7.5: Was at his marauding best down the right flank as the much improved Serbian defender begins to forge a permanent role in this Chelsea back four. Was beaten on several occasions but often made up for it with a vigorous work ethic.

Michael Essien – 7.5: Worked tirelessly in midfield against the energetic duo of Anderson and Fletcher. Was hesitant in the initial stages but began to dictate the pace of the game as it wore on. Another impressive shift in the engine room.

Michael Ballack - 6.5: Was not allowed the freedom to venture forward and dominant play as the United midfield earmarked him as a danger man, who needed strict attention. His usual solid defensive work ensured the Chelsea machinery rolled on.

Frank Lampard – 7: Like his fellow midfielders he was not able to impose his usual obvious presence on proceedings, however delivered a dangerous ball from the set piece that led to the goal. His tenacity in defence, particularly after the Blues took the lead, was admirable.

Deco – 5.5: Was not at his creative best as the Portuguese maestro failed to penetrate a resolute United backline. Has not cemented a place in the starting 11 and with Joe Cole progressively being reintroduced, it could spell danger on the horizon for Deco in a World Cup year.

Nicolas Anelka – 7: Often dropped deep in order to see some of the ball, the Frenchman forced a brilliant one-handed save from Van der Sar in the first half but was not as clinical as he would have liked. With rumours of Aguero filtering throughout the Bridge, it is up to Anelka to prove he warrants a permanent role.

Didier Drogba – 6.5: Harassed by the inexperienced pairing of Evans and Brown, the Ivorian struggled to really make the desired impact on the match. He toiled passionately with the United rearguard and unfortunately reputation preceded him with the Evans incident going unpunished.

Substitutes:

Joe Cole – 6: Replaced Deco on the hour to great applause as he continues his comeback from injury. Failed to make much of an impact on what was already a conservative affair.

Salomon Kalou – 6: Replaced Drogba late on but was deployed as an extra defensive option and a fresh outlet.

Alex - n/a: Late defensive reinforcement.

Manchester United

Edwin Van der Sar - 6.5: Was also largely a bystander for long periods of the match, however produced a fine one-handed save in the first half from a smart Anelka shot. With a patched-up backline in front of him and a formidable Chelsea outfit against him, he was perhaps surprised to have seen so little action.

Patrice Evra – 7: Opposite number Cole will have been jealous with Evra’s freedom to roam forward. Solid defensively and looked dangerous on frequent expeditions into opposition territory. Maintains his position in the upper echelons of the best left backs in the world.

Jonny Evans - 6.5: After claiming Torres was better than Drogba in a pre-match interview, the 21-year-old Northern Irishman backed up his words with an effective marking job on the striker, as the talismanic Ivorian endured a frustrating afternoon. Aerial presence was often used to good effect, but will be disappointed to finally concede. Was also lucky to stay on the pitch with two separate second half incidents going unpunished.

Wes Brown - 6.5: Lined up admirably alongside a make-shift backline as the Red Devils accounted for the injured pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic. Has done himself no disservice in reminding the on-looking Fabio Capello of his versatility and squad-member contribution.

John O’Shea - 6.5: Occasionally looked like he might be caught out by both Cole and Drogba. But generally was solid at the back for his side.

Ryan Giggs – 5.5: Didn’t really get into the game, with his touch eluding him on many occasions. Will be particularly disappointed with the opportunity that presented itself just after the restart, when he was afforded a sea of space on the left, only to opt for an ineffective dink to the back post. A chance that Giggs has made his name on.

Darren Fletcher – 6.5: His return to the team was welcomed by the manager, and he was vigilant in providing a screen in front of his defence. Pressured high and intense throughout, often standing on the precipice of dangerous play. Gave away the free-kick that led to the goal.

Michael Carrick – 6: Struggled to make any real impact going forward, but put in a decent shift defensively, no doubt following his manager’s instructions.

Anderson – 7: Made some dangerous runs around the opposition box, but looked frustrated as his team-mates regularly failed to pick him out. Did a decent job sticking to Essien in an impressive overall performance before his substitution.

Luis Antonio Valencia – 6.5: Was involved in a controversial moment of the match as he became entangled with Terry, a decision that the United faithful believed to be a penalty. An otherwise limited offensive performance; his tactical presence on the right did peg Cole back.

Wayne Rooney -7.5: Industrious in possession and unwavering in his commitment, the England international dealt well with the responsibility of leading the line for his side. Was guilty of a few misplaced passes earl on, however toiled endlessly as he cut a lone figure up front. Was the centre of anything good for the red half of Manchester.

Substitutes:

Michael Owen – 6: Employed very late on to provide that bit of class that could have snatched a draw, but didn’t get the one opportunity that might have made the difference.

Gabriel Obertan – 6: Late addition as United searched for an equaliser. Showed some promising touches to provide a dangerous outlet down the left. Will only grow in confidence and stature.

By Joshua Kepreotis

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