Chelsea: Man for man marking

Jack Pitt-Brooke
Tuesday 06 December 2011 20:00 EST
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Petr Cech

Good saves to keep Chelsea safe, especially one diving to the top corner from David Albelda in the first half. 8/10

Branislav Ivanovic

A perfect game for a converted centre-back: he did little attacking but was tackle-perfect against left-wing threats Jordi Alba and Jérémy Mathieu. 7

David Luiz

His cautious approach represented that of his team: assured on the ball but few of his usual forays. Played deep, leaving little space behind. 7

John Terry

Of course, Terry revelled in the backs-to-the-wall demands of the evening: heading and blocking at the near post whenever necessary. 7

Ashley Cole

Only the occasional dart forward, he was busy enough at the back but has the experience to deal with these games. 6

Oriol Romeu

Rewarded the trust shown in him, patiently sitting in front of the back-four, making repeated tackles and interceptions and smartly retaining possession. 7

Daniel Sturridge

Essentially playing right-wing, he was more tenacious both with and without the ball than usual. Rather selfish from good positions. 7

Ramires

His powerful running was useful, especially when he broke on to Drogba's pass, past Victor Ruiz and in for the second goal. 6

Raul Meireles

Chelsea did not have enough of the ball to suit his nimble passing game, but he kept running throughout. 6

Juan Mata

On the left wing without the ball, but dropping into midfield with it, his movement and wit created Chelsea's best attacks: his smart passes made both of Drogba's goals. 9

Didier Drogba

His best Chelsea performance for years: he was a dominant, fearsome presence up front, scaring defenders away from him, scoring twice and setting up the other goal. 9

Best off the bench

Jon Obi Mikel (for Ramires, 65): An extra midfield shield alongside Romeu for the last 25 minutes. 6

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