Chelsea ratings: Raheem Sterling looks bright against former club but Cesar Azpilicueta’s days in blue appear numbered
CHELSEA were beaten by Manchester City’s second-string as Frank Lampard’s spell as caretaker boss continues to limp towards a sorry end.
Rooted in 12th, the Blues appear to be desperate for the season to finish and for Mauricio Pochettino to get his hands on this team.
The West Londoners are in huge need of a clear-out, and many of those that featured against City today could soon be sold.
After Chelsea fell to their latest underwhelming defeat, SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Blues performer on the day.
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA – 5
Had little chance of saving Julian Alvarez’s opener.
Spaniard hardly had a save to make despite City’s dominance.
WESLEY FOFANA – 5
Careless pass led to City’s clinical opener.
Frenchman appeared error-prone and possibly the weakest of Chelsea’s three centre-backs.
THIAGO SILVA – 5
Unable to get near Alvarez as the Argentine bagged City’s first.
The Brazilian is under contract for next season but losing him would not be a huge miss for the Blues.
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TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Cleared off the line to deny City a second in the first half.
Homegrown defender tried to be brave in possession and stuck to his task defensively.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 4
Given a torrid time by City starlet Cole Palmer.
Spaniard probably should have been allowed to join Barcelona last summer and is well past his sell by date at Stamford Bridge.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 6
Selected by Lampard despite close links with AC Milan this week.
Provided some excellent driving runs through midfield.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6
Was on the end of some strong tackles by Man City’s midfielders.
Argentine tried to get things going for his side but often cut a frustrated figure.
CONOR GALLAGHER – 5
Hit the post with a first half header.
Midfielder was typically industrious but struggled to leave a big imprint on the game.
LEWIS HALL – 5
Brilliant cross to set up Gallagher’s golden chance. Had a fierce left-footed drive denied by Ortega.
Struggled at times defensively but can hardly be blamed for Chelsea’s ills.
RAHEEM STERLING – 7
Unable to beat Ortega when played through one on one. Looked dangerous on the break as he returned to face his former club.
Twisted Kyle Walker inside and out before being denied by a goal line clearance… and the offside flag. A bright outing for the England winger.
KAI HAVERTZ – 5
Booked for a late tackle on Kalvin Phillips. Played Sterling through with a brilliant through ball.
Languid German drifted in and out of the contest.
SUBSTITUTES
Noni Madueke (for Sterling, 69) – 5
Young winger was unable to get much of a kick after coming on.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Gallagher, 69) – 5
Like Madueke, Mudryk was unable to get into the game.
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Loftus-Cheek, 81) – N/A
Midfield starlet rewarded with a ten-minute cameo after snubbing the Under-20 World Cup.
Kalidou Koulibaly (for Hall, 81) – N/A
Former Napoli defender made a scarcely noticeable late appearance.
Christian Pulisic (for Havertz, 85) – N/A
American winger hardly had a kick after replacing Havertz.
Subs not used: Mendy, Felix, Ziyech, D. Fofana