CHRISTIAN PULISIC mocked the pressure he must be facing from big-name Chelsea incomers like Hakim Ziyech with a magical cameo in the riveting 5-3 defeat at Liverpool.
But while sub Pulisic had a cracker as he battles to prove he is worth a starting spot, problems flared again for keeper Kepa – while outgoing William was even more off the boil.
Here’s our player-by-player guide on a night where all the best Blues‘ performances came from the bench.
What will that tell boss Frank Lampard?
Chelsea ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 4
The Spanish international conceded five goals and quite frankly should have done better on at least two of them. Left exposed by his defence, but was too often rooted to the ground.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 4
This was another very poor game from the club captain. He gave the ball away too often and had no idea how to deal with the pace of Liverpool’s attack.
Kurt Zouma – 6
Zouma showed a bit more on the ball and he was probably one of Chelsea’s better defenders again tonight, but still not quite the dominant presence that Lampard was looking for.
Antonio Rudiger – 4
Rudiger was run ragged by Mo Salah and co tonight and the German put in another poor defensive display for Chelsea.
Reece James – 7
Didn’t do too much wrong and he was a real threat going forward with his crossing ability. He couldn’t have done anything to prevent Liverpool’s goals either.
Jorginho – 6
The Italian had an up and down game, but managed to get a foothold on possession enough to help Chelsea claw a few goals back. He could have done better defensively though.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
It was another energetic performance from Kovacic, he was very good on the ball and pinnacle to anything Chelsea did well.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Similar to James, Alonso didn’t do a lot wrong and could not have done much to stop Liverpool’s goals. It was another decent performance from the left wing back.
Willian – 2
The Brazilian was poor in the first half and forgot to bring his first touch with him. He actually seemed to get even worse in the second half, one to forget. He was put out of his misery on 59 minutes coming off for Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Mason Mount – 4
Mount wasn’t up to it at all today and often gave the ball away. He has his usual high energy but not enough quality. The youngster was replaced by Christian Pulisic on 59 minutes.
Olivier Giroud – 6
The big striker was starved of any real service but managed to grab a goal in the first half. Giroud came off for Tammy Abraham on 59 minutes.
Subs –
Tammy Abraham (59 mins) – 7
He scored a goal to get Chelsea back in the game.
Christian Pulisic (59 mins) – 10
It was instant impact from Pulisic as he beat three Liverpool players and setup Tammy Abraham for a tap in, and then scored a beautiful goal himself.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (59 mins) – 9
Hudson-Odoi setup Pulisic beautifully for his second goal, and it was a menacing appearance from him.
