Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-1 (AET) Plymouth Argyle

Chelsea stuttered past Plymouth Argyle with a poor 2-1 win in the FA Cup fourth round at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

r League One opposition, in what was far from ideal preparation heading into a Club World Cup campaign that kicks off on Wednesday.

The home side were stunned early on by a simple set piece routine which made its way past the stunted Kepa Arrizabalaga by way of Macaulay Gillesphey’s crown in the 8th minute. Chelsea would go on to strike the woodwork three times in the first half – Mateo Kovacic himself twice – but the equaliser came just before the break through a deft and clever finish by captain César Azpilicueta in minute 41.

Despite drawing level, first-team coach Arnos Michel will have been far from impressed with the lacklustre showing the Champions of Europe had mustered up in the first period. One can only imagine the thoughts of Tuchel watching on at home.

The Blues threatened to turn the screw in the second half, but profligacy was the order of the day as the attacking unit endeavoured to outdo each other in who could miss the easiest gilt-edged chance between them. Romelu Lukaku was the pick of the bunch, somehow failing to connect with a dangerous Hakim Ziyech cross from all of a couple of yards. Michael Cooper was also in inspired form in between the sticks for the plucky visitors.

As such, the Stamford Bridge faithful unfortunately had to endure another thirty minutes of painful viewing in the form of extra time. It took some cute combination play between Kai Havertz and Marcos Alonso to dispel the gloom, with the latter firing home in the 105th minute. But there was one last twist in the tale – Malang Sarr bringing Ryan Hardie down for a penalty that Kepa was equal to.

In the final analysis, the hosts eventually got it over the line, but their opposition kept them honest and must be commended for their role in a fascinating game. Up next for the Pensioners is a long flight to the United Arab Emirates where Al Jazira or Al Hilal lie in wait in the Club World Cup semi-final. In the meantime, here are Absolute Chelsea’s player ratings for Chelsea’s win over Plymouth Argyle today…

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7/10

Caught in no man’s land by a superb delivery from ex-Chelsea boy Jordan Houghton – who Absolute Chelsea caught up with before the game – and an argument can be made that he could have been more commanding in dealing with the threat. Of course, he couldn’t account for the torrid defending in front of him. A couple of decent saves in the second half were bookended by some shakiness, but he was the man of the hour in extra time as the penalty king pulled it out of the bag once more.

César Azpilicueta – 8/10

In the face of adversity, it was the skipper who stood up to be counted. His desire to drive forward and drag his underperforming teammates back into proceedings was admirable, with clever and intricate runs in abundance. In spite of his advancing years, the Spaniard is ever dependable with a work ethic and attitude that cannot be discredited. A servant of the club and an example for all to follow.

Andreas Christensen – 5/10 [45]

Not a great showing from the Dane all things considered, coming back into the side for Thiago Silva. His passing was metronomic, but it was a tough day at the races in the physical battle. Withdrawn at half-time, and it’s not yet certain if that was through injury or a tactical change by Michels. It wouldn’t be a surprise if it was the latter.

Antonio Rudiger – 6/10

An oddly quiet and non-descript performance from the German, who usually gets himself into the wars to make his mark. He was instead subdued, to the point where we didn’t even see his trademark long-range drive. If he wishes to be one of the highest-paid earners at the club, he has to be more visible in games like this.

Malang Sarr – 6/10

Not the most assured of starts for the Frenchman, who had difficulty dealing with Plymouth’s pace on the wing. But the switch to a more natural centre-back position bore fruit after the interval, settling him down to strengthen as the day wore on – until his inexperience shone through with a clumsy challenge which almost cost Chelsea the win.

Jorginho – 6/10

Picked up a yellow card not long after the kick off and had to be careful thereafter. Fortunate that Plymouth were content to sit back for the most part, as it was apparent on the early evidence that the minnows could get at the Italian. In the end, he controlled the midfield with relative ease.

That’s all from Stamford Bridge

We were so close to having consecutive FA Cup upsets having witnessed Manchester United go crashing out via the penalty route courtesy of Middlesbrough, but Chelsea were able to eventually show why they have only failed to progress from the fourth round twice since 2003.

The Plymouth supporters turned up in numbers this afternoon and all 6,000 of them had something to shout about when Macauley Gillesphey nodded home Jordon Houghton’s set-piece ten minutes into the game.

But four minutes before the interval, Cesar Azpilicueta popped up with an exquisite flick beating man of the match Michael Cooper at his near-post. I had no idea the Spanish captain had that in his locker.

Cooper made for conceding a goal by pulling off some magnificent saves which helped his side drag the European champions into extra-time, however substitute Marcos Alonso came off the bench to get himself on the scoresheet on the 106th minute.

Just as the visitors looked down and out, there was time for one last twist in the tale when Ryan Hardie earned himself a penalty due to a costly error from Malang Sarr, but the Plymouth forward who I had been keeping a close eye on, failed to keep his composure and watched his effort being gobbled up by Kepa which led to Chelsea going through.

Thank you for tuning in people, it has been a fantastic FA Cup tie today and I hope the rest are all the same. Enjoy your Saturday!

Blog Post

Player Ratings: Chelsea 2-1 (AET) Plymouth Argyle | FA Cup

POPULAR