Chelsea ratings: Lewis Hall gives Blues fans hope for future but Conor Gallagher struggles after World Cup nod
CHELSEA made it five league games without victory after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
In the last game before the World Cup, Graham Potter’s side put in a toothless display at St James’ Park.
GettyLewis Hall was Chelsea’s only shining light as they lost 1-0 to Newcastle[/caption]
And there will be plenty for the Chelsea boss to ponder before the Premier League’s post-Christmas return.
But who had a game to forget up north?
And did anyone in a blue shirt look impressive?
Here, SunSport’s Anthony Chapman delivers his Chelsea player ratings…
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EDOUARD MENDY – 6
Wasn’t faced with too many threats but was nowhere near Joe Willock’s winner.
Passing was fairly tidy and did not much around in the face of Newcastle’s intense press.
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 5
Moved to right wing-back early on following Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s injury.
But was caught lacking several times and was hauled off at the break.
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TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Adapted to his role well and ensured backline was well fortified.
Arguably lucky to avoid giving away penalty for handball, which was deemed accidental by VAR.
KALIDOU KOULIBALY – 6
Imposed himself fairly well early on with some crunching challenges.
But Miguel Almiron started to get better of him as game went on.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – N/A
Midfielder’s day ended after just seven minutes when he was taken off with a head injury.
Had been hoping to make an impression at wing-back but will have to wait until after World Cup for his next taste of action.
GettyConor Gallagher had a game to forget as he struggled at St James’ Park[/caption]
JORGINHO – 4
Struggled to cope with Newcastle’s lightning press in midfield.
Passing did little to unlock doors and was merely a passenger for most of game.
MATEO KOVACIC – 5
Spent a lot of the game chasing down the ball, but created little on it.
Was not helped by partner Jorginho’s lack of influence on field.
LEWIS HALL – 7
Another ambitious performance by youngster, albeit with more of a defensive outlook.
Tried to create opportunities on the ball and deserves another go after the World Cup.
GettyArmando Broja also failed to impress in attack[/caption]
CONOR GALLAGHER – 4
Appeared confused over role as he failed to make ground in first half with hybrid attacking role.
Was then switched to wing-back after break and didn’t appear to be any more confident as his error-strewn performance continued.
MASON MOUNT – 5
No doubts over his work rate and effort off the ball.
But as team’s main provider, did not do enough to force the issue in Newcastle’s box.
ARMANDO BROJA – 4
Another hard worker, but serious questions remain over his technical ability.
Did not really threaten Newcastle’s backline as he was outjumped and outmuscled on several occasions.
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Thiago Silva (for Loftus-Cheek, 7’) – 6
His usual reliable self in defence, but team could have used some of his cheeky long passes to help build out quicker.
Christian Pulisic (for Azpilicueta, 45’) – 5
Only one or two glimpses of his electric pace and was a fairly anonymous presence.
Hakim Ziyech (for Mount, 73’) – N/A
Marc Cucurella (for Hall, 73’) – N/A
Kai Havertz (for Broja, 73’) – N/A
