Chelsea player ratings: Giroud shows why Blues need Higuain as Kante shines again
Maurizio Sarri's side beat Tottenham on penalties after the Carabao Cup finished 2-2 on aggregate
OLIVIER GIROUD had the perfect chance to show Maurizio Sarri why he should start ahead of Gonzalo Higuain - but he didn't take it.
Chelsea managed to beat Tottenham on penalties after the Carabao Cup clash finished 2-2 on aggregate.
KEPA ARRIZABALAGA
Kepa could have had a Kip in the first half when he was a spectator. Let down by his defence for the Tottenham goal, and hard to remember any significant save he had to make.
CESAR AZPILICUETA
Always willing to go forward and rewarded when he crossed for Hazard to make it 2-0. Looked uncomfortable defensively after the break and failed to stop Rose crossing for the goal.
ANTONIO RUDIGER
Strong and calm but could afford to be against Tottenham’s limited first-half threat. Remained the most impressive members of the Chelsea defence in the second period, which wasn’t hard.
DAVID LUIZ
Pinging passes from the start and recovered from being wiped out by Dier. But he and Emerson made a mess of stopping Llorente from pulling Spurs back into the tie.
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EMERSON
Won his battle with Aurier and Sissoko on the Spurs right, which ought to have been all he needed to do. Shouldn’t have been left to deal with Llorente…and didn’t.
N’GOLO KANTE
Still felt weird to see him leading the Chelsea press at times, but he was everywhere, really, scored a goal and set up Giroud for what should have been another.
JORGINHO
Almost had his first assist when a fine ball put in Pedro for an early chance. Otherwise did his usual unspectacular job, and earned a booking for himself and his manager.
ROSS BARKLEY
Tidy in retaining possession but unconvincing in the final third. His early season confidence and impact have faded, which is why Kovacic has taken his place.
PEDRO
Slightly scuffed his early shot, allowing Alderweireld to block. Worked hard without making a big impact where it counted, failing to take advantage of promising positions.
OLIVIER GIROUD
Given his chance to show Chelsea didn’t need to bring in Higuain but didn’t really take it. His evening summed up by the great chance he fluffed immediately after Llorente’s goal.
EDEN HAZARD
Quietish early on, then rampant at times in the first half. A threat whenever he had the ball and deadly with his first-half finish. Less so with a second-half chance to make it 3-1.
SUBS
WILLIAN (for Pedro, 76)
Not given long to make a difference in normal time..
MATEO KOVACIC (for Barkley, 81)
Surprising not to see him earlier.
