the health eased to a crucial and sensational 3-0 home win to AC Milanafter their Champions League status was at stake after a dismal start in Group E.
Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James came on the scoresheet against the Italian giants who dominated at Stamford Bridge.
It sees the Blues rise from the bottom of the group to move into second place above both Dinamo Zagreb and Milan. They now have trips to Milan, Salzburg and a home game with Dinamo to round out the group.
Here’s how Nizaar Kinsella rated the Chelsea players…
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
Chosen for the fit-again Edouard Mendy, he saved Charles De Ketelaere’s lone shot on goal in the first half. He barely touched the ball for the rest of the game, claiming a couple of crosses as Chelsea dominated.
Wesley Fofana – 7
The 21-year-old had the difficult task of marking Rafael Leao and the Portuguese winger had to beat him early on. He also gave the ball away, but as he continues to grow into a club of this size, his cool finish could help him build confidence.
It was a huge goal that was well taken after Milan looked into their penalty area in panic. Unfortunately, it went away with a knee injury towards the end of the first half.
Thiago Silva – 8
The legendary ex-AC Milan defender, who wore the captain’s armband, brushed off a Fofana foul to trigger his chanting in the 19th minute. He followed it up with two good headers from set pieces, before doing exactly those seconds later, leading to Fofana’s goal.
He was dominant and excellent everywhere.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 6
Koulibaly conceded three errors in the first 150 seconds of the game. It was obvious he was trying to impress, but he looked overzealous at times.
He eventually settled in as Chelsea began to dominate.
Reece James – 9
Typically, James was involved in a goal that delivered Aubameyang’s crucial second and batted in the third. He is now the youngest player to ever score and assist for Chelsea in the same Champions League match.
All this in addition to his usual brilliant crosses, defense and dribbling from the right-back role.
Reece James once again shone for Chelsea with another sensational display
/ Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesMatthew Kovacic – 6
An unremarkable achievement as Chelsea’s pacemaker in the build-up of the midfield. He was eventually substituted.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
Did Krunic earn a booking with his powerful dribble. He was neat in midfield and perhaps showed that he is ready to play a more prominent role in the future.
Mason’s Mountain – 7
Mount had a great shot that was saved well by Ciprian Tatarusanu for the first Blues attempt of the match. He could have ended the game with a goal or an assist and was a constant threat.
Ben Chilwell – 6
Chilwell’s two good consecutive episodes led to Fofana’s goal. He gave the ball away to allow a last-minute chance from Milan in the first half that was skipped by Krunic.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Sterling was well involved in the build-up in the first half, but he worked on his finish late in the first half. He had half a chance of getting to the end of one of the many James crosses, but it burst into flames.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 7
He put on Mount’s early recording and looked fitter and more radiant than his previous appearances at Chelsea. Aubameyang finished the game with another goal by tapping in a good cross from James.
deputies
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
Making only his second appearance of the season, Chalobah shot in cleanly and even attempted a bicycle kick as he tried to make a statement.
Conor Gallagher – 6
The match winner against Crystal Palace was again extended and came on Jorginho in the 65th minute. He was aggressive and earned important minutes in elite European competition.
Jorginho – 6
After filling in, the captain’s armband was taken from Silva immediately. He was stable as the game turned into a slump as both teams accepted the deficit.
Armando Broja – N/A
Kai Havertz – N/A
Unused: Marcus Bettinelli, Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Marc Cucurella; Dennis Zakaria; Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech.