Chelsea vs Aston Villa - Chelsea FC Player Ratings – 31/03/12

31.03.12

Andre Villas-Boas, he could be anything. He could be an assistant to Mourinho, a manager of the quadruple wining FC Porto side, a man handler of Torres and a potential model, but he was definitely not a person capable enough of winning the trust of the dressing room at The Shed. Chelsea were losing matches here and there, such that every victory was supposed to be an opportunity to build from there and win every match.  But that didn’t happen and soon the inevitable occured. After all, You Don’t Mess With The Roman! The assistant was given caretaker responsibilities and after 6 victories in 8 matches, including one of the greatest European comebacks ever, Robert Di Matteo just might be The Man. The passing under him looks sharp, the team committed and obedient, and the defence cautious. Tonight was another such display. Leading by 2 goals, Chelsea were stupid enough to concede 2 goals in a matter of 3 minutes, but came back strong, netting twice in the final 9 minutes.

Final Score: Aston Villa 2 – Chelsea FC 4

Goals: Sturridge 9’, Ivanovic 51’, 83’, TORRES 90+2’

Petr Cech (GK): 7

Made an incredible save of an Agbonlahor shot. But the bottom line is, that he did concede 2 goals. Still a youthful display.

Branislav Ivanovic: 8.5

Probably the most underrated player in the world. Had an efficient outing today as a right back, but provided his physical mettle by scoring 2 goals including the winner in corner opportunities.

David Luiz: 6

The Brazilian has already established himself as a reliable defender and a cult hero at The Shed. Was subbed out with an ankle knock just before the end of the 1st half. Could have been the saviour of the 2 conceded goals if he would have been present.

John Terry: 7

Was booed every time he received the ball, and looked relatively shaky.

Ashley Cole: 6

The England international was looking confident, and made useful runs, but was the sole culprit in the 2nd goal scored by Aston and should have done much better. Bring out the Bertrand.

Mikel: 7

Mikel was his usual self, shaky, but ultimately reliable. Took up the centerback’s role in lieu of Luiz’s injury, and was adept at it.

Lampard: 6.5

Franky Fat Lamps was at the heart of the Chelsea midfield, passing sensibly, keeping composure and abstaining from any wasteful attempt at goal. Would have been better though had his work rate been better.

Juan Mata: 8

This summer buy was given a left winger role in the Chelsea of AVB. But the whole world, barring him and maybe Piers Morgan (because he knows shit about football), knew that Mata was better suited for a central role. RDM did just that, and after a quiet fortnight in that role, Mata has come onto his own.

Kalou: 6

With Kalou’s adamant demands of moving out, RDM seems to be appeasing him with more playing time. Clearly Kalou doesn’t want it, and doesn’t deserve it either.

Sturridge: 5

What a cunt! Whenever the ball went to the Bickerer, we knew that he try to hog the ball, and go for it himself, so stubborn in trying to prove himself a better candidate for the central role. The team would have better sit back, grab a beer or two whenever SHITurridge had the ball cos he wouldn’t pass it. Or is he just plain incapable?

PS: Scored a goal and an assist.

Fernando Torres: 8.5 (MoM)

This match will mark the end of the era in which Torres would be given the Man of the Match simply out of pity, even for an above average performance. Because he sure deserved it here. Should have scored more but was denied by some crucial defending by Villa at the heart. Hardly received the ball, and almost played a lone ranger, happy in setting up others.

SUBS

Gary Cahill: 5.5

Was brought in for Luiz in the 1st half, but was vulnerable, responsible in the 2 goals Chelsea conceded.

Florent Malouda: 5

Was OK! Came in for a tired Mata. And played his part by not losing the ball too many times.

Ramires: 6.5

Came in for Kalou, and played his a big role in the comeback, showing off his wizardry over the Aston defense, and making crucial passes.

PS: The fact is that AVB stank up the whole of London with his shitting prowess, and lead to the downfall of one of the most consistent sides of the last decade. RDM has brought Chelsea out of it and should be made permanent, on the condition that he refrains from his kisses and awkward hugs.