Chelsea got off to a perfect start on their return to the UEFA Champions League with a 6-0 rout of Azerbaijani debutant side Qarabag.
Goals from Pedro, debutant Davide Zappacosta, Cesar Azpilicueta, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Michy Batshuayi along with an own goal sealed the victory for Chelsea.
Pedro opened the scoring within the first 6 minutes as Chelsea looked ruthless from the start. Zappacosta’s cross-cum-shot looped over the Qarabag keeper to find its way in the goal.
Azpilicueta headed in one from Fabregas’ beautiful cross before Bakayoko scored his first goal for the Blues and Batshuayi added a 5th. Zappacosta’s driving runs created another threatening situation which caused the ball to be turned into his own net by Maksim Medvedev.
Here are the Chelsea players’ ratings vs Qarabag:
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
Barely called into action and could have taken a day off in what was a quiet affair for him. Registered an unlikely assist and became the first keeper to do so since Fraser Forster in 2012 for Celtic.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8/10
‘Dave’ as he is fondly called just keeps getting better and better. The Spaniard again absolutely solid on the night and showed his attacking prowess. Well rewarded with a goal, his first for Chelsea in the Champions League.
Andreas Christensen – 8/10
The 21-year-old Dane oozed class throughout the game. Extremely composed on the ball. He marshalled the defence well despite the fact they were not troubled much. A great prospect for Chelsea in the future.
Gary Cahill – 7/10
Even though he just returned from suspension, he had an early booking for a rash challenge on Henrique who did give Cahill food for thought throughout the first half. Not likely to start against Arsenal on the back of that display.
Davide Zappacosta – 9/10
He could well displace Moses on a permanent basis on the back of that showing. Completely endeared himself to the home fans with a spectacular goal in the first half. Was energetic throughout the night and played a major part in winning the ball and driving in the box for the 6th goal.
Cesc Fabregas – 7.5/10
Comfortably pulled the strings from the middle of the park. Played a peach of a cross with the outside of his boot for Azpilicueta to score Chelsea’s third.
N’Golo Kante – 7.5/10
Played for an hour without much work to do before he was subbed for Bakayoko.
Marcos Alonso – 8/10
Dream kind of set up for the Spaniard with not much defensive work to do. Buccaneered up and down the flank from the start and had a couple of shots blocked/saved.
Willian – 8.5/10
The Brazilian was too hot to handle for Qarabag. Caused the visitors a lot of trouble as he continuously took the defenders on and beat them with a combination of pace and trickery. Should have a had a goal to show for the performance but only managed to hit the crossbar.
Michy Batshuayi – 7/10
Struggled to take control throughout the game as he seemed low on confidence. Scored with a great 20-yard strike late on to help boost his confidence.
Pedro – 8/10
Kicked Chelsea into action with a beautiful curler from the edge of the box to open Chelsea’s account. Subbed off early for Eden Hazard to get a run-in. Conte will have a dilemma over him vs Willian for the Arsenal game.
Substitutes:
Eden Hazard – 7.5/10
Got a good 40 odd minutes under his belt ahead of a crucial Arsenal game. Showed a few neat flicks and tricks as the Chelsea fans cheered him on.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 8/10
Replaced N’Golo Kante and scored his first goal in the blue shirt. Also assisted Batshuayi for his goal and is slowly starting to show why Chelsea paid the high fee for him.
Antonio Rudiger – 7/10
Lost the ball once or twice but did well to recover it back. Must start the Arsenal game despite Cahill’s return.
