Chelsea ratings: Kalidou Koulibaly brings John Terry vibes on debut but Kai Havertz needs major improvement
CHELSEA kicked off their new Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win at Everton.
Jorginho’s first-half penalty was the only goal scored in a tense game at Goodison Park.
Chelsea dominated possession but struggled to break down Everton’s stubborn five-man defence.
Yet after a shaky pre-season, Thomas Tuchel and fans will have been delighted just to win.
So who had a good game? And was anyone looking like a waste of space on the pitch?
Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Chelsea player ratings…
EDOUARD MENDY – 6
Finger-tip save denied James Tarkowski a headed goal in first half.
But questionable decision-making when he left Silva in a footrace with Gray.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 7
Fired up after snubbing Barcelona for a new Chelsea deal.
Usual reliable self in defence but lacked extra impetus when going forward on flanks.
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THIAGO SILVA – 8
Another year older but showing no signs of slowing down.
The immortal Brazilian made some crucial tackles while trying to create attacks with pinpoint long passes.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 8 MOTM
Experience showed immediately as he made several impressive challenges and some tidy passes.
Giving off John Terry vibes in his No26 shirt, the biggest compliment one could pay him: Antonio Rudiger who?
REECE JAMES – 6
Several decent crosses put Everton edge.
But found it hard to get into good shooting opportunities for himself.
JORGINHO – 6
Coolest man on the pitch as penalty put Blues ahead at half-time.
But Chelsea could have used some more Cesc Fabregas-esque ingenuity when it came to passing.
N’GOLO KANTE – 7
Started slowly but gained confidence as he spent more time on ball.
Tireless in the tackle and daring when dribbling, fans will be hoping he can avoid injury this term.
BEN CHILWELL – 5
Very rusty after missing most of last season with injury and struggled to make impression.
But clever run won penalty before break.
KAI HAVERTZ – 4
Virtually no impact on game and looked clumsy no matter where he drifted.
His true position must be figured out quickly or risks becoming the next big-money attacking flop at Chelsea.
RAHEEM STERLING – 7
Every touch was booed but didn’t stop him from taking game by scruff of the neck and driving team forward.
Movement was polar opposite of Romelu Lukaku and was unlucky not to mark debut with goal.
MASON MOUNT – 5
Threat was nullified by Everton’s water-tight back five and struggled with link-up play.
Knows he can do a lot better but needs some better competition.
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Christian Pulisic (for Mount, 65’) – 6
Couple of decent dribbles, was an improvement on Mount and Havertz.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Chilwell, 65’) – 6
Looked fitter and sharper than last season, this could be a big campaign for the converted right wing-back.
Armando Broja (for Havertz, 75’) – 6
Brough some stability to the front three and will be hoping to get some more minutes in future games.
Marc Cucurella (for Koulibaly, 75’) – 7
Lively and energetic, looks sure to be a smash hit signing.
Conor Gallagher (for Jorginho, 98′) -N/A