Norwich vs Chelsea Player Ratings

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

Having defeated Aston Villa 8-0 over the weekend, they found a defensively-minded Norwich side difficult to break down and there were few clear-cut chances within the first half. 

Seven minutes before the break, though, Juan Mata once again proved to be the difference as he sent in a brilliant long-range shot that Mark Bunn had no answer to. 

The visitors managed to hold out for the win with David Luiz and Gary Cahill impressing once more although not as a defensive pairing. 

Chelsea are now just four points behind Manchester City with a game in hand and can head into their final game of the year against Everton with a level of confidence and tactical fluidity that was missing in the past couple of months. 

Norwich

Mark Bunn - 7.5

Some superb goalkeeping by the Norwich stopper helped keep the scoreline respectable for the home side.

Michael Turner - 6

The full-back lacked the pace to really check Moses' progress down his flank.

Russell Martin - 6.5

He made several blocks to prevent the Chelsea attackers from getting a sniff of goal.

Sebastian Bassong - 6

The former Tottenham and Newcastle player was poor with his communication and was seen having a shouting match with his goalkeeper late on in the game.

Javier Garrido - 5

The left-back sent in a number of crosses from deep down the left and a majority of them were easily intercepted by the Chelsea defence. It brought an early end to many a promising Norwich attack.

Bradley Johnson (off 81') - 6

His passing was sub-standard and this did not help the wingers nor the lone attacker upfront.

Alexander Tettey - 6

Lacked the pace to really charge down the wings and Victor Moses, on more than one occasion, managed to track back and budge Tettey off the ball.

Anthony Pilkington (off 79') - 7.5

He ran hard and fast and even showed a clean set of heels to sneak into the box on several occasions but ultimately failed to find the back of the net. It was still a determined performance by the 24-year-old winger.

Robert Snodgrass - 7.5

Unlike Pilkington, Snodgrass was less energetic but he made up for that with several clever passes and flick-ons.

Wes Hoolahan (off 89') - 7.5

The 'Irish Messi' had a great game as he repeatedly found players in space and shrugged off the attentions of John Obi Mikel and Luiz.

Grant Holt - 7

Rarely did Chelsea allow Holt to get on the end of a long ball and it was the right thing to do as the striker looked predatory and ready to cause an upset on the night.

Substitutes

Steve Morison (on 79') - N/A

Jonny Howson (on 81') - N/A

Elliott Bennett (on 89') - N/A

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 7

Cech was not often called to action in the game and would have been content with the clean sheet as well as the sterling performance of his defenders.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 7

The Spaniard was effective both in defence and attack and sent in a dangerous low cross that curled in beautifully for Moses to strike at the far post. Bunn was up for the challenge on that occasion, though.

Gary Cahill - 7.5

Cahill demonstrated the importance of having a traditional centre-half as he cleared any incoming crosses with the minimum of fuss and read the opposition's attacks brilliantly throughout the game.

Branislav Ivanovic - 7

The Serbian was less of an imposing presence but he did manage to give a good account of himself with his defending.

Ashley Cole - 7.5

Only once was Cole really involved in a Chelsea attack as a brilliant slide-rule pass by Luiz found him free in the area but his first touch was too heavy.

However, that's rather a testament to Snodgrass's determination down the right wing as opposed to tardiness on the part of the England international.

He did make a great clearance in injury time after a cross bounced dangerously inside the box, though.

John Obi Mikel (off 74') - 7

He played his role as a defensive playmaker with a quiet efficiency but could have done better with his long-range attempts on goal.

David Luiz - 8

The Brazilian was perhaps the most impressive player on the pitch as he was effective both as a ball-winner as well as a playmaker. He regularly sent in dangerous passes into the box while also helping divert the ball towards the wings to stretch the Norwich backline.

The Brazilian, however, should improve his shooting from distance while on the run.

Victor Moses (off 79') - 7

The winger impressed with his bag of tricks but failed to find his team-mates with any sort of regularity.

He should have also buried the opportunity presented to him in the 69th minute when he chested down a cross and only had to fire the ball in from close range.

Oscar - 7

The youngster didn't have the best of matches as he was rarely inspired enough to make a suitable defence-splitting pass.

Juan Mata (off 91') - 8

Freed up of his responsibilities of directing the counter-attacks, Mata got into a number of dangerous positions and it was his superb shot that helped the Blues grab the lead.

Fernando Torres - 7

Torres rarely posed a threat to goal but combined well with his team-mates and appeared confident and eager to receive the ball. Definitely a different player under the Benitez regime.

Substitutes

Frank Lampard (on 74') - 7

Reports have emerged that the long-serving stalwart could be on the way out but he continues to give his all and, on one particular occasion, chased down a player all the way to the corner flag thereby demonstrating his verve and passion for the club.

Eden Hazard (on 79') - 7.5

The Belgian had a glorious chance to score a second goal for his side after he was found within the box but Bunn was alert and made a low block to keep the scoreline intact.

Nathan Ake (on 91') - N/A

The 17-year-old didn't have much of a chance to showcase his skills on his first Premier League appearance but would have been glad for the outing nevertheless.