Chelsea ratings: Gonzalo Higuain and Mateo Kovacic show why Blues should not make their loan deals permanent

CHELSEA kept their top four hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Here, SunSport delivers its player ratings for the Blues.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

NOTHING special from the Spaniard today, who remained more composed between the sticks than his Spanish counterpart.

Pulled off a couple of decent saves to keep United at bay and inspire some confidence in his defence.

Cesar Azpilicueta

BULLIED by Romelu Lukaku, Azpilicueta’s day took a turn for the worse when he clattered into a photographer on the sidelines.

Looks unsuitable for Sarri’s tactics in a back-four and could lose his place in the team next season to Reece James.

Antonio Rudiger

GERMAN returned to the side after injury but looked off the pace today.

His rocket allowed Marcos Alonso to score Chelsea’s equaliser but was forced off injured during the second half.

David Luiz

MADE some attempts to break up United’s front three with ambitious dribbles.

But his positioning left a lot to be desired and must surely be on his final legs at Chelsea.

Marcos Alonso

AN unpopular choice among Chelsea fans and started the game with a number of errors.

However, Alonso continues to be good for important goals and brought the Blues back into the match before half-time with a real poacher’s effort.

N’Golo Kante

WAS unable to really influence the game on the right flank, with Eric Bailly and Luke Shaw locking him out.

Made a number of decent interceptions in more central positions to keep his midfield ticking over.

Jorginho

FAILED to dictate the game as he struggled to keep a lid on Juan Mata.

Jorginho was at fault during United’s opener as he let Mata run loose into the box without being tracked.

Mateo Kovacic

LOOKS destined to return to Chelsea after another blunt performance.

Loose passes and a lack of influence in both the attacking and defensive phases, his exit could not come sooner.

Willian

HAD some fire in his belly but lacked the quality to match.

Was booked in second half for a fiery challenge and tried his best to keep the Blues on the front foot.

Gonzalo Higuain

NO pace, a poor touch and lack of work ethic made the Argentine a redundant figure at Old Trafford.

Is yet to shine since joining in January and looks set for an immediate return to Juventus.

Eden Hazard

CHELSEA’S main man as usual, he tried to pull the strings but found himself dogged by Ashley Young and Ander Herrera at every turn.

He did manage to produce some flashes of quality and will be sorely missed when he joins Real Madrid this summer.

SUBS

ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN

Forced on for the injury Rudiger and looked composed as Chelsea pressed for another goal.

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK

On for Mateo Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek didn’t get enough time to make his mark on the midfield battle.

PEDRO

A late replacement for Willian, he came close to exposing the cracks in United’s defence with a quick flourish.