Chelsea player ratings: Caicedo dominates against Brentford but Cucurella spoils his display with awful gamesmanship
CHELSEA closed the gap at the top of the league with a 2-1 West London derby win over Brentford.
Marc Cucurella made amends for slipping over twice in the build-up to two Spurs goals last week by scoring the against the Bees.
Nicolas Jackson then added a second, with the three points taking the Blues just two points off Liverpool, who have a game in hand, at the top of the table.
Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea performances.
Robert Sanchez – 7
Capable of making huge mistakes but also of great saves and made several tonight. One of his better night’s work.
Malo Gusto – 7
A class act and is strong physically and mentally for this team. Chelsea do not even miss captain Reece James at the moment.
Levi Colwill – 7
Made a crucial block to deny Damsgaard in the style of Chelsea legend John Terry. A solid performance.
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Tosin Adaribioyo – 6
Cracking strength to play having also played in minus 11 centigrade out in Kazakhstan on Thursday. Injuries to defenders Badiashile and Fofana put pressure on him and he did his best.
Marc Cucurella – 4
Great run and header for the first goal but then totally spoiled himself with awful gamesmanship. And then reckless to get two yellow cards in the space of a few minutes to be sent off.
Moises Caicedo – 8
So neat and tidy with his tackles and command of midfield. Chelsea dominated possession and in physical terms – largely due to this bloke.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Looks settled and provided several neat through passes to link midfield and attack. Composed too.
Noni Madueke – 6
Great left foot cross to set up Cucurella’s goal. Dynamic on the run – but did get caught off guard a couple of times.
Cole Palmer – 6
A powerful shot saved in the first half but otherwise a quiet night for the star of this team.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Slowly regaining his position in the first-team after falling out of favour. Nifty footwork in the second half almost brought the goal that would have settled this game much earlier.
Nicolas Jackson – 7
Tasty finish for what was ultimately the winner but also messed up a chance in the first half. A decisive strike though that keeps Chelsea on the winning beat.
Subs:
Christoper Nkunku (for Jackson 83 mins) – 5
Did not get much time to make an impact. Chelsea were on the back foot for the run in.