Chelsea player ratings: Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling run the show but Nicolas Jackson remains goal-shy
CHELSEA booked their place into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals thanks to a joint masterclass from Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling.
Palmer helped set up the Blues winning goals, including Sterling’s second-half beauty.
But still Mauricio Pochettino will be temped back into the transfer market for a solution to his No9 problem.
Here is how Jack Figg rated Chelsea‘s players from Stamford Bridge.
Robert Sanchez – 6
Given little to do throughout but the Spaniard still looks susceptible to the ball at his feet. Almost caught out just after the break.
Reece James – 6
The returning skipper was very aggressive down the right flank during his hour shift. It’s clear he wants to make up for lost time.
Axel Disasi – 7
Solid 90 minutes at centre-back having filled in at full-back recently with James out. Partnered well with former Monaco team-mate Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile – 8
Sharp reactions to score opener and quality at the back all night. His return will give Pochettino a welcomed squad headache.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Good link up with Sterling down the left. The former Brighton man was positive down the left and looked to get regular crosses in.
Lesley Ugochukwu – 6
Played in the anchor role and won the ball back on several occasions. His positioning allowed Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez further afield.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Provided the opener with a cross from a short corner. The midfielder looked positive but lacked the final product or took one too many touches at times.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Showed elements of working back defensively. Also had a couple of long range shots to keep Blackburn stopper Leopold Wahlstedt busy.
Cole Palmer – 8
A constant menace all night to defenders. Brilliantly aggressive down the right and equally creative centrally. Involved in both goals.
Nicolas Jackson – 4
Struggled to get into the game at times. His best play came holding up the ball for others but it will not solve Chelsea’s scoring problems.
Raheem Sterling – 9
Stunning performance from the winger. Unplayable cutting in on the left, where he scored Chelsea’s second. Also a handful when he switched to the right
Subs
Levi Colwill (for Badiashile 60 mins) – 6
Looks mature beyond his years. It will be interesting to see how Pochettino juggles the youngster with Thiago Silva, Badiashile and Disasi.
Malo Gusto (for James on 60 mins) – 5
Unlucky not to get in the team after a solid run of matches in James’ absence.
Caicedo (for Jackson on 75 mins) – 5
Held down the midfield in the last 15 with the game already away from Blackburn.
Noni Madueke (for Palmer on 86 mins) – 5
Not given much time to prove himself. It will be tough to beat either Palmer or Sterling to a spot on the flank, though.
Alex Matos (for Fernandez on 86 mins) – 5
A nice run out for the starlet.