Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic made the difference for Chelsea as they registered a 2-0 win over Wolves on the final day of the Premier League.
The Premier League has finally come to a close after a thrilling race at different junctures of the table. Tottenham Hotspur secured a Europa League berth, while Aston Villa were able to retain another season in the Premier League thanks to Jack Grealish.
However, the most exhilarating end came with the race for a top four finish, as Chelsea and Manchester United booked their places in next season’s Champions League with 2-0 wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City, respectively.
Chelsea started the game slow, and it was clear they were going to take no risks as Antonio Rudiger and Kurt Zouma were always quick to clear the ball. After a dull 45 odd minutes, the Blues scored twice in three minutes thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Olivier Giroud.
The second half was more of the same, even though Adama Traore added a bit of pace for the opposition, although he couldn’t do enough to change the tide of the game. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Frank Lampard’s men.
Willy Caballero: 7/10
The Argentine shot-stopper replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga in the six-yard box and had the pressure of keeping out one of the most efficient frontlines in the Premier League. Caballero went undisturbed throughout the game and had to make only one save. Confident on the ball, Caballero made 29 accurate passes with a rate of 90%.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7/10
Azpilicueta was given the job of marshaling the defence and the team courtesy of the burden of the armband. The Chelsea captain made 4 tackles, 1 interception and put his body on the line in front of a shot from Raul Jimenez. The Spaniard was sloppier than usual on the ball, though, losing possession 26 times and completing only 63 passes.
Kurt Zouma: 7.5/10
Throughout the course of the 90 minutes, Zouma jumped on every opportunity to clear the ball, helping the Chelsea defence reassemble. The Frenchman made 6 clearances, 2 interceptions and won 100% (2/2) of his ground duels. Additionally, Zouma conceded no fouls and gave up possession only 4 times. Probably his best performance in an otherwise mixed bag of a season.
Antonio Rudiger: 7/10
Rudiger had admittedly a lot more to do compared to his defensive partners as he locked horns with the likes of Matt Doherty, Adama Traore and Pedro Neto. He attempted 7 tackles and won 5 of them. Additionally, he also won 6/9 of his ground duels and 4/6 of his aerial duels. On the flip side, the German lost possession 16 times and was humiliated once by Traore.
Reece James: 7.5/10
After a poor performance against Liverpool, James really came through defensively on Sunday against Wolves, playing on the right of the midfield four. He was quick to track back to cover Jonny and Diogo Jota and was a huge help to Azpilicueta.
The young defender completed 5 tackles and 1 interception in defence, and was sharp in the final third as well, playing 1 key pass. He was also helpful in pinning back Roman Saiss, which halted Wolves’ progression from the left.
Jorginho: 7/10
There was a lot riding on Jorginho against Wolves, as he had the responsibility of breaking Wolves’ energetic midfield. He ended the game with a passing rate of 91%. Additionally, he also completed 4 of his 6 attempted long passes. On the other hand, Jorginho won none of his second balls, losing all three of his aerial duels while winning only 2 of his ground duels.
Mateo Kovacic: 8/10
Sunday was just another day at the office for Kovacic, who has not stopped delivering world class performances since the season began. He completed 92% of his passes, 100% (4/4) of his long balls, 3/4 of his dribble attempts and 11/13 of his ground duels. The otherwise brilliant Ruben Neves was pressed into oblivion by the Croat and not given the opportunity to play the long passes he so often does.
Moreover, he also completed 100% of his attempted tackles and conceded no fouls in what was a physical game. In fact, Kovacic was fouled twice near his own box shielding the ball when Chelsea were outnumbered.
Marcos Alonso: 7.5/10
Alonso was faced with the task of keeping one of the world’s best dribbler at bay for 45 minutes and surprisingly came through. He made 5 tackles and only conceded 2 fouls while also making 2 clearances, 1 interception and having 2 of his shots blocked.
Alonso used his height well against Neto, winning 5 of 9 aerial duels. However, his best moment came when he won the free-kick on the edge of the box which led to Chelsea’s opener, as Mason Mount scored a breathtaking goal.
Mason Mount: 8/10
Mount was played out of his position on the right wing against Wolves, but really came through as he so often has this season. The Englishman scored the opener for Chelsea through a sublime free-kick from 25 yards out.
Mount then topped it off with a killer pass played to Olivier Giroud, who made no mistake in doubling Chelsea’s lead. After being involved in both goals, Mount also made 3 additional key passes in the second half.
Olivier Giroud: 7.5/10
Giroud has really shined for Chelsea since usurping Tammy Abraham a few months ago. The Frenchman has consistently delivered top class performances since Project Restart, scoring 6 goals in 9 appearances. Giroud was on target on Sunday as well after Mount played him the perfect pass which he latched on to with ease, bullying Conor Coady before scoring a brilliant goal.
Christian Pulisic: 6/10
Pulisic was the player everyone probably expected to deliver for Chelsea against Wolves after his top-notch performance off the benched against Liverpool. He was not at his best on Sunday, though, losing possession 22 times, completing zero dribbles and only 62.5% of his passes as well as 1/4 attempted long balls. A small dent in what has been an otherwise solid first season.
SUBSTITUTES
Tammy Abraham: 7/10
Despite playing only 12 minutes, Tammy Abraham made the Rui Patricio work hard and won 4 of his 8 ground duels in addition to winning 2 fouls. Messed up a great chance on the counter-attack, though.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: N/A
Did not do enough to warrant a rating.
Pedro: N/A
Brought on for the last five minutes to play his final Premier League game in a Chelsea shirt. Not involved enough.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: N/A
Brought on for Mateo Kovacic to see the game out.
Ross Barkley: N/A
Came on only to help Chelsea with the clock. No real involvement.
