Chelsea had to endure a largely frustrating evening at Stamford Bridge, but eventually managed to emerge victorious thanks to a solitary Antonio Rudiger goal.
Antonio Conte made four changes to the starting XI that started in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool last week. However, without the likes of Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko, the Blues seemed to lack a sense of urgency and managed only a goal, despite having 61% of the possession.
Rudiger scored the only goal of the game in the 55th minute, but his manager wasn’t on the touchline to celebrate. Conte was sent off by the referee late in the first half for his antics and has since been charged by the FA for misconduct.
Thibaut Courtois: N/A
The Belgian had the best seat in the house. Had nothing to do worth rating as Swansea didn’t even have a shot on target.
Antonio Rudiger: 8
Scored the winner on the night and was involved a lot both going forward and defensively. The German saw a lot of the ball and distributed well, and he won all but one of his aerial challenges, recovered possession well and even had a go at some opposing players, completing both of his take ons. A confidence boosting performance from the German centre-back.
Andreas Christensen: 6
Will be fresh for Newcastle, given that it was such an easy night for the big Dane who was barely troubled at the heart of defence. Did whatever little he was asked to well enough.
Gary Cahill: 7
A comfortable night for the Englishman. Cahill was absolutely dominant in the air and made a fair few tackles. An easy outing for the captain, who looked solid as ever at the back.
Davide Zappacosta: 6
Barely had anything to do defensively, so kept the right flank busy by marauding forward. Promising in attack, Zappacosta put in a number of crosses, though nobody could add the end product to any of them.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
Was allowed too much space in midfield, but was still a bit restricted as he had only Kante alongside him. He was free to distribute, cross and create chances as he pleased, but none of his teammates seemed to be able to convert. While Fabregas had his magic hat on, the rest of the Blues side seemed to have left their shooting boots at home.
N’Golo Kante: 8
A typically faultless performance. His deflected shot ended up being an assist for Rudiger. The diminutive Frenchman constantly made interceptions, recoveries, tackles and distributed intelligently. Cahill, Christensen and Rudiger enjoyed an easy night at the back thanks to him. Owned the middle of the park.
Marcos Alonso: 6
The Spaniard was barely troubled down the left flank. Alonso was good going forward, although he seemed to lack that extra bit of pace and sharpness.
Willian: 7
The Brazilian tried and tried, but to no avail. He constantly had a go at the Swansea defence and completed a number of take ons, attemped 11 crosses and created 6 chances in total for his teammates. Can’t be faulted for effort, but has nothing to show for his hard work.
Alvaro Morata: 6
Attempted more shots than anyone else on the pitch, but was denied by Lukasz Fabianski. An extremely frustrating night for the Spaniard, who doesn’t seem to have the same kind of understanding with his other teammates that he does with Eden Hazard.
Pedro: 6
Tried to create something and worked hard as always, but had nothing to show for it. Pedro attempted four shots and distributed well, but besides that it was a quiet night for the Spaniard. Extremely disappointing by his standards.
