Chelsea Player Ratings vs Burnley: 8/10 Hudson-Odoi impresses again; Alonso shines on return

Callum Hudson-Odoi was impressive again while Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso scored to fire Chelsea to a 2-0 win over Burnley on Sunday noon.

As one would have expected, Chelsea dominated the possession and put Burnley under pressure, who tried to sit deep and absorb it. And they managed to do so for almost the entirety of the first half as Mason Mount and Timo Werner spurned a few decent chances. However, in the 40th minute, captain Cesar Azpilicueta put the Blues ahead.

It was the same story in the second period as well, with Chelsea controlling the proceedings at Stamford Bridge and coming close to scoring the second as Callum Hudson-Odoi’s deflected effort hit the post while Reece James was denied by Nick Pope. With less than ten minutes left though, the Blues were able to double their lead courtesy a brilliant strike from Marcos Alonso.

Burnley had a chance late in the game to score a consolation goal, but James Tarkowski headed over the bar as Chelsea picked up their first win under new manager Thomas Tuchel. Here’s how we rated the performances of the Blues’ stars on the day.

Embed from Getty Images

Edouard Mendy: 6/10

Another clean sheet in the bag for the Senegalese shot-stopper as Burnley failed to muster up a single shot on target. Had precious little to do, but can be a tad better playing out the ball from the back.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 8/10

A captain’s performance from the Spaniard. Ran almost the entire length of the pitch before powering home a thunderous strike to score the first goal of the Thomas Tuchel era. Didn’t have to exert himself a great deal defensively, which allowed him to push forward.

Thiago Silva: 8/10

Looks so comfortable playing as the sweeper at the heart of the three-man defensive system. Produced a couple of crucial tackles and blocks to stop Burnley, as his ability to read the game came to the fore. Solid and reliable.

Antonio Rudiger: 7/10

The German international seems to be benefiting from the confidence shown in him by the new manager. Looked assured for the most part on Sunday, although Burnley didn’t always ask the tough questions. Can improve his usage of the ball, but a step in the right direction.

Callum Hudson-Odoi: 8/10

The Player to Watch in our match preview, Hudson-Odoi continued to flourish in his new role as the right-sided wing-back for Chelsea. Offered serious threat down the flank, creating a chance for Werner before getting the assist for Azpilicueta’s goal.

Hit the woodwork with a deflected effort in the second half. Ended the game with the joint-highest key passes (4) and did his bit defensively as well. Another strong performance after impressing against Wolves.

Mateo Kovacic: 7/10

A promising performance from the Croatian, who showed much more intent in his ball progression from the centre than he had against Wolves. Pushed forward with purpose, played some neat passes to put his teammates in dangerous positions while putting in the hard yards defensively.

Jorginho: 7/10

Like his teammate, was much for aggressive with his distribution as he dictated the play from the centre. Created a fine chance for Alonso in the first period and started the move for Azpilicueta’s goal finding Mount with a fine ball from a tight space. Made four key passes on the day, while attempting (107) and completing (101) the highest number of passes.

Marcos Alonso: 7.5/10

Making his first appearance since late September, Alonso showed what he brings to the table when deployed as a wing-back, as he constantly made marauding runs forward. Should have done better with an opportunity in the first half, but made amends with a sensational strike for the second goal, as he controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a thumping volley.

Mason Mount: 7/10

Playing in behind the two forwards, Mount was a nuisance for Burnley as he drove forward each time on the ball, with one such driving run leading to the opening goal. Made three key passes, completed a joint game-high three dribbles in what was an extremely positive performance. However, was a bit wayward with his shooting from a couple of promising positions in the first period.

Tammy Abraham: 5/10

A dull display from the England international who offered very little up top. Hold up play was not on point while he hardly had a sniff at the Burnley goal. Hooked off at half-time.

Timo Werner: 5/10

There were a few promising moments here and there, but another game where the German ace lacked the clinical nature needed in front of the goal. Scuffed a chance in the first period and wasn’t involved a great deal after the break. Tuchel has his work cut out in order to get the best out of his compatriot.

Substitutes

Christian Pulisic: 7/10

Came on for Abraham at half-time and was a bright spark, Caused problems with his movement, which also created spaces for his teammates. Got the assist for Alonso’s goal. Positive display.

Reece James: 6/10

Replaced Hudson-Odoi with a little over 15 minutes left. Drew a fine save from Pope soon after coming on.

Kai Havertz: N/A

On for Mount for the last ten minutes. Should have set Werner up for a chance, but underhit his pass.