Chelsea travelled to the Liberty Stadium this past weekend, hoping to recover from their 2-3 defeat at the hands of league leaders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge the week before that.
However, the visitors were frustrated by a very impressive Swansea team, and the game was very entertaining despite a lack of goals.
Chelsea had taken the lead through http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Victor-Moses-c36075, but were held to a draw after a magnificent Pablo Hernandez strike in the dying minutes of the game denied them the three points.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Petr-Cech-c29837 – 7
The reliable goalkeeper had little to all afternoon, but was called to action a few times in an otherwise quiet afternoon. Had to scramble to collect the ball from Michu’s feet, and was beaten by a superb Hernandez strike in the second half.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Branislav-Ivanovic-c7994 – 7
The Serbian defender was caught in possession a couple of times by Michu, but was generally effective in keeping the Swansea attack at bay. Put in a hard shift in the centre, but could do little to block Hernandez’s shot.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Gary-Cahill-c14439 – 8
The former Bolton man had a good game, filling in for the injured http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895. Covered well for Ivanovic and led the defence with example. He was a constant threat at set pieces and was never really troubled throughout the game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ashley-Cole-c6809 – 7
The Englishman looks like he struggled at left-back without a player in front of him to help him cover opposition wing backs and attackers. Hazard’s constant runs through the middle did not help Cole’s case as he looked isolated with the ball. Handled one-on-one
situations rather well, but was caught with the ball quite a few times.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
The former Marseille man defended well and was good going forward with his overlapping runs. He was however unable to demonstrate his full attacking potential, but proved to be a reliable presence at the back. It’s still early days for the Spaniard though.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 – 7
The Brazilian whiz kid was effectively marked by the Swansea defence in the centre of the pitch and struggled to find space. He had trouble dictating the pace of the game in the absence of Juan Mata and was overall not up to his usual brilliant self.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Obi-Mikel-c18882 – 7
The holding player was kept busy by the pace of the Swansea players, and gave away possession quite a few times. However, he did break up a promising Swansea attacks, and was lucky to have escaped punishment for a few careless challenges.
Victor Moses – 8
The former Wigan player got his first start and first goal for the club, and held the ball whenever he got it. Showed his pace and physical presence, something http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044 left.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eden-Hazard-c11863 – 8
Was perhaps Chelsea’s best player on the pitch, and had the most chances to bury the game. The Swansea defence had trouble dealing with his corners. However, he was kept quiet whenever he had the ball and found it hard to penetrate Swansea’s defence.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oriol-c28659 Romeu – 5
The Spaniard was mostly a spectator in the first half. Was unable to help Chelsea dictate proceedings and was taken off after the interval.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707 – 4
Torres missed a golden chance in the first half, and looked a shadow of his former self. His indecisiveness in front of goal may cost Chelsea in the future. He was the Blues’ least effective player on the evening.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ramires-c30523 – 6
Came on for Romeu in the second half, and helped Chelsea control possession and be livelier in the midfield.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Sturridge-c10076 – 6
The English striker came with only 20 minutes left. Did not have much of a say in the game and wasted a chance with his poor first touch.
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