Chelsea player ratings vs West Ham: Silky Joao Felix and classy Enzo Fernandez on same wavelength

Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Nizaar Kinsella12 February 2023

Chelsea drew their third match in a row away at West Ham, despite Joao Felix’s goal and masterclass display at the London Stadium.

The loanee from Atletico Madrid returned to the starting line up after his debut red card at Fulham and opened the scoring after Enzo Fernandez’s cross.

After a blistering first 20 minutes, Chelsea lost their way and allowed former Blues defender Emerson Palmieri to equalise.

A draw was a fair result as both teams were underwhelming in the London derby but Chelsea were denied a penalty despite Tomas Soucek blocking a late Conor Gallagher shot with his hand.

Nizaar Kinsella was at the London Stadium to rate the Chelsea players...

Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6

Made a good save from Michail Antonio early on but could do little about the goal.

Reece James - 5

Unable to track Emerson’s run for the goal, still looks off the pace after so long out injured.

Thiago Silva - 7

Just a day after extending his contract, the Brazilian defender was solid once again.

Benoit Badiashile - 5

Having excelled in recent weeks, the 21-year-old centre back was caught in possession and out of position several times. He also got booked and missed a good chance at the end of the first half.

Marc Cucurella - 4

Unfortunately, it was broadly he who put the team under pressure by giving the ball away before Emerson equalised.

Enzo Fernandez - 7

His in-swinging cross for Felix’s opener was a trademark assist that he became known for at Benfica and River Plate. Dictated the play and threatened to create more but was sometimes caught in possession, too.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 6

His trademark surges kept putting West Ham on the back foot with players out of position. A remarkable effort for a player who hasn’t played since November.

Noni Madueke - 5

A low-ley first start in truth. Madueke was the quietest of the front four generally on but produced a good cut inside and left foot shot in the 34th minute.

Joao Felix - 8

Joao Felix already had the ball in the net but for an offside but his cushioned finish in the 16th minute opened the scoring.

Nice through ball to Loftus-Cheek early on, linking well with Mudryk. Lovely finish but ruled off for offside.

Mykhailo Mudryk - 6

Looking much sharper after overcoming a cold and a bad performance against Fulham, the Ukrainian winger drifted in and out of the game.

Did a lot of the dirty work well but wasn’t a threat in terms of scoring or creating.

Kai Havertz - 5

Having put the ball in the net early in the first half but was flagged offside, Havertz was the only non-new signing in attack but rarely looked threatening.

Substitutes

Ben Chilwell - 6

The returning England international made an immediate impact crossing to create a half-chance for Havertz.

Mason Mount - 6

Playing wide left, the 24-year-old will have been fuming to have been left out. He almost set up a chance for Havertz in the 78th minute.

Hakim Ziyech - 5

Making his 100th appearance for Chelsea, the Morocco international gave away a free-kick in a dangerous area that led to a Tomas Soucek goal that was ruled out for offside.

Conor Gallagher - 6

Saw his late shot handled in the box by Soucek, but no penalty was given.

Unused subs: Marcus Bettinelli; Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta; Carney Chukwuemeka; David Datro Fofana.

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