Hakim Ziyech stole the show, while fellow new signings Thiago Silva and Timo Werner impressed too, as Chelsea thrashed Sheffield United 4-1 on Saturday.
Sheffield United started the brighter of the two teams and richly deserved their opening goal as David McGoldrick beat Edouard Mendy with a clever finish. But, that seemed to have flicked a switch for Chelsea, as they turned on the style, with Tammy Abraham soon drawing them level, getting on the end of Mateo Kovacic’s cut-back.
Ben Chilwell then made it 2-1 ten minutes before half-time, applying the finishing touches to a sublime cross by fellow summer signing Hakim Ziyech. Chelsea continued to control the proceedings from that point on and had a few chances, but failed to score until Thiago Silva headed the ball into the net from a Ziyech free-kick in the 77th minute.
Three minutes later, Timo Werner got into the act, pouncing on a poor back-pass from Max Lowe and finishing past Aaron Ramsdale to heap more misery on the Premier League bottom-dwellers. It was a fine performance from Frank Lampard’s men on the night and here’s how we rated their performance at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 4-1 Sheffield Utd! ?
What a win, what a performance! ? #CHESHU pic.twitter.com/pYRYLijEAy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 7, 2020
Edouard Mendy: 6/10
His streak of clean sheets finally snapped on Saturday after a defensive lapse from his teammates allowed Sheffield United to break the deadlock early in the game. Wasn’t tested a whole lot from that point, while he showed good authority in his box once again to come out and collect crosses.
Reece James: 7.5/10
Another impressive performance from the young full-back against the Blades as he showed signs of a flourishing partnership with Ziyech on the right channel. Constant outlet and a huge threat with his forward forays, while remaining solid at the back, with one particular interception to deny David McGoldrick a chance standing out in the second half. Had a free-kick saved by Ramsdale.
Thiago Silva: 8/10
He may be 36, but Thiago Silva continues to be a top-class defender and he showed why once again on Saturday. Was a picture of composure and calmness at the back for Chelsea, coming out on top against the Blades attackers, while helping to start attacks from the back with his passing. Capped off a fine display with a lovely headed goal that put the game to bed. Proving to be quite the signing for the Blues.
Thiago Silva's game by numbers against Sheffield United:
◉ 120 touches
◉ 100 successful passes
◉ 5 recoveries
◉ 4 total aerial duels
◉ 1 tackle
◉ 1 clearance
◉ 1 shot
◉ 1 goalA first Premier League goal for the Brazilian. pic.twitter.com/gvcfz1kEN4
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 7, 2020
Kurt Zouma: 7/10
Another strong and solid display from the Frenchman, who is clearly benefiting from having someone like Silva alongside him at the back. Kept a close eye on McGoldrick and came out on top in the physical battle. Won his headed duels, was alert to clear whatever little threat the visitors posed. Very encouraging signs for Chelsea.
Ben Chilwell: 8/10
There were a few nervy moments early in the game as he got caught under a long ball, which allowed George Baldock through and an overhit back-pass that almost put his team in trouble. But, Chilwell recovered well and stayed strong at the back, while providing an endless outlet on the left. Had a shot saved before he put Chelsea in front, showing awareness and commitment to get on the end of Ziyech’s cross.
Mateo Kovacic: 7.5/10
Replacing Jorginho in the starting XI, Kovacic struck up a fine understanding with Ziyech, linking up neatly with the Moroccan in the right-side channel. Got the assist for Abraham’s equaliser with a clever cut-back after a fine run. Broke the lines and pushed forward whenever he got the chance and could have had a goal of his own if not for a vital block by Chris Basham. Came off injured with twenty minutes left on the clock.
N’Golo Kante: 7/10
N'Golo Kante against Sheffield United:
◉ Most recoveries (11)
◉ Most tackles (5)
◉ =Most interceptions (2)
◉ 1 assistDoing what he does best. pic.twitter.com/CM5AALARcT
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 7, 2020
Partly culpable for Sheffield United’s opener as he was caught ball watching and ended up losing his man in the build-up. Redeemed himself with a strong performance as he constantly cut out the visitors’ attacks before they could develop into something dangerous. Pushed forward once Jorginho came on and forced the mistake from Lowe leading to Werner’s goal.
Mason Mount: 7/10
May not have been the most impactful of performances from Mount, but the Chelsea academy graduate was an industrious presence on the field. Always trying to push forward and create openings for his teammates while being involved in some neat link-up play. Tested Ramsdale on a couple of occasions.
Hakim Ziyech: 10/10
What a joy to watch! Caused all sorts of troubles to the Sheffield United defence with his wand of a left foot on the night. Set Kovacic on his way with a delightful ball in the lead-up to the first goal, before setting Werner up for a chance with another eye-catching pass. Got two assists on the night, picking out Chilwell and Silva with two delectable crosses from the left.
Hakim Ziyech’s game by numbers vs. Sheffield United:
35 final third passes
6 chances created
4 fouls won
3 big chances created
2 assistsA masterful display. ??? pic.twitter.com/OaMfDyAGhn
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2020
Had a curling effort saved while Werner failed to capitalise on another sensational pass that cut open the visitors’ backline. Almost everything good that Chelsea conjured up on Saturday came through Ziyech, as he created six chances on the night. An early contender for the signing of the season, if his recent performances are anything to go by.
Tammy Abraham: 7/10
Having had a shot saved early in the game, the England international made no mistake after being found by Kovacic, finishing past Ramsdale to draw his side level. Worked hard at the top, leading the press from the front, while his hold-up play was also on point. A solid, all-round display.
Timo Werner: 7/10
Unlucky to hit the woodwork in the first period, but should have done better when Ziyech sent him through on goal in the second half, with his effort missing narrowly. Got his goal soon after, though, with a powerful finish. Impressed with his work-rate off the ball as well.
Since opening his account against Southampton, Timo Werner has scored 4 Premier League goals. No player has scored more in that period.
Becoming a reliable scorer in blue. ? pic.twitter.com/x52B7CESGt
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2020
Substitutes
Jorginho: 6/10
Came on for the injured Kovacic in the 71st minute. Offered a calming presence in the centre in the final phase of the game.
Olivier Giroud: N/A
Late substitute for Werner.
