Petr Čech – 9
Hardly your typical “step-in” keeper and proved his worth to the team yet again. Not called upon often as Chelsea enjoyed the majority of the possession but performed two match-winning saves from former blue Romelu Lukaku, either side of half time, maintaining his concentration.
Branislav Ivanović – 7
Pushed on as Chelsea looked for the late goal and occupied the right-hand side pushing Everton back and stretching the play. Perhaps fortunate not to see red for incidents with James McCarthy and John Stones.
Kurt Zouma – 8
Showed maturity well beyond his years, whilst demonstrating his pace, power and strength against one of the Premier League’s most robust strikers in Lukaku. Did himself no harm in competing with Gary Cahill for the centre-back spot alongside captain John Terry.
John Terry – 7
Solid game from the captain and a steady presence in defence as usual. Good in the air and showed good distribution from defence with either foot.
César Azpilicueta – 7
Looks to have struggled to regain his usual standards since coming from injury but defended very well and certainly got the better of Aaron Lennon. Perhaps not as threatening as Ivanović going forward.
Ramires – 7
Typical energetic display from the Brazilian in both aspects of the game, going forwards and backwards. His return from injury has been a timely boost to Chelsea’s title bid.
Nemanja Matic – 8
Yet another strong performance from the Serbian in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield. Snuffed out opposition attacks and thwarted them with great effect. Also carried the ball into the final third and took on the responsibility of the attackers as Chelsea pushed for the late goal. BT Sports Man of the Match.
Juan Cuadrado – 7
A bright first-half from the Colombian, as he made his first start for the blues. Introduced himself to the Stamford bridge crowd with a number of good runs on the right wing whilst showing no fear in testing the defence or Tim Howard’s goal. Certainly slowed in the second-half but seems to be a good addition to the squad, will be interesting to see how Mourinho incorporates him along with our other attacking players.
Willian – 8
Appears to have benefited from the added competition brought by the acquisition of Cuadrado. After a strong performance at Villa Park, he responded with another positive 90 minutes and scored the winning goal with a well-taken volley.
Eden Hazard – 7
Not the most electric performance from the young Belgian who has consistently performed at the highest level this season. Still committed defenders throughout the game, the final touch or finish just eluded him however.
Loïc Rémy – 6
Ran the channels to good effect but was too lightweight against a physically strong Everton side. Will almost definitely be dropped now Costa has served his three-match ban.
Didier Drogba
Provided a much-needed vocal point in attack as he came on for Remy. Will have to settle for a place on the bench with the return of Diego Costa. SUB
Cesc Fàbregas
Sped up the Chelsea attack in the final stages of the game with his instant passes, typically good distribution from open play and set pieces from the Spaniard. SUB
