Chelsea reached their FOURTH FA Cup final in the last five years with their 5-1 thrashing of Spurs in the semi-final on Sunday night. The Chelsea old guard showed they still have a lot to offer and still know how to win the big matches.
Chelsea fan Chris takes on Spurs fan Escapini in reviewing the game’s player ratings…
Cech – 6 – Was rarely troubled by a disappointing Tottenham attack.
Cudicini 3 A shocker of a game he never really took much of a part in.
Bosingwa – 5 – Showed once again he is not capable of performing at this level, was constantly covered by Luiz and Ramires.
Assou Ekotto 4 looked too casual, not a semi final standard performance.
Luiz – 7 – Continues to improve and show he can be a big game player for Chelsea. Unfortunately suffered an injury when Bale scored.
Gallas 4 Another bad day at the office showing. He looked old.
Terry – 9 – Immense. A true defensive leader, great goal-line clearance and solid throughout. Showed when he plays Chelsea are much more a solid team.
King 4 Sluggish is too complimentary a description. How did he get picked?
Cole – 7 – Rarely troubled by Lennon but showed good defensive work when called upon. Constant attacking threat down Chelsea’s left.
Walker 4 Out of his depth at this level, he’s fast but that’s about all he is.
Mikel – 8 – The best game I’ve seen him play in a Chelsea shirt. Solid and confident, kept the ball well but was rarely troubled in behind.
Parker 8 Outstanding commitment but just one man trying this much wasn’t enough.
Lampard – 9 – Scored a cracking free kick and proved once more that he is a true legend of the Premier League not just a Chelsea hero.
Modric 6 He ought to be running the show, but he was left chasing shadows.
Mata – 9 – Created numerous chances, especially in the 2nd half and made two and scored (well according to the record books) Chelsea’s 2nd “goal”. Surely Chelsea’s player of the season.
Bale 5 One or two amazing runs but without the ball he did sod all.
Ramires – 9 – Wow does this boy have an engine! Worked tirelessly up and down the right hand side and scored a delightful goal. Could run Mata close for the player of the season crown.
Lennon 5 Another ‘nearly’ performance.
Drogba – 9 – Well his goal alone deserved a nine, a goal that will go down as a true FA Cup classic. His performance as a whole was much improved and showed more and more signs of the strong, powerful, unplayable Drogba of old.
Van der Vaart 6 A great creator of chances. Substituted for Defoe. Surreal.
Kalou – 8 – Another player who played one of his best matches for a long time. Maybe trying to prove he deserves a new contract but was a constant threat and linked up well with Drogba.
Adebayor 7 Gave his all, but abysmal first touch. Not good enough.
Subs:
Cahill – 7 – Exorcised some of his FA Cup demons of last year and didn’t disappoint when replacing the injured Luiz.
Defoe 2 A point for both touches of the ball.
Malouda – 7 – Scored a nice goal to round the day off for Chelsea but should have fed Torres for a much needed goal.
Sandro – Why wasn’t he on from the start? Harry out.
Torres – 7 – Would have scored if Malouda could have found him with an open goal, didn’t have long to show his skills but looked threatening.
