[Player Ratings] Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham: How The Blues Fared In Thrilling Draw

Chelsea drew 2-2 with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night to keep the race for Champions League qualification very-much alive. Here, Blues fan Joe Carroll gives his player ratings from the game.

Chelsea came to within 10 minutes of guaranteeing qualification for next season’s Champions League as Tottenham came from behind twice to deny them victory.

The clash at Stamford Bridge ended 2-2 with the home side taking the lead twice only to be pegged back back spectacular finishing. Chelsea took the lead inside 10 minutes through Oscar who nodded in at the far post but despite a good spell of Chelsea dominance Spurs levelled on 26 minute: an exquisite long range finish from Emmanuel Adebayor.

The scores were not level for long though, Ramires putting the Blues back in front before half time when he poked in from a Fernando Torres through ball. Chelsea spurrned numerous chances to increase their lead: Ramires as guilty as any when he mis-kicked from close range. And Rafael Benitez’s side were made to rue such missed chances when Gylfi Sigurdsson pounced with 10 minutes to go after good work from Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Adebayor.

The point is more damaging for Spurs who had the chance to leapfrog rivals Arsenal with victory, while Chelsea are almost over the finishing line, sitting in third place with two games left to play.

Chelsea

Cech- 6- another dependable performance from the Czech international. Not at fault for either of the goals and was competent when relied upon.

Cole- 7- much improved from Sunday’s game against Manchester United, the England full-back joined in the attack and was part of a formidable defence.

Cahill-7- came into the team having missed the trip to Old Trafford and the England man looked as though he’d never been away. A rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Ivanovich- 6- constantly shuffled around the Chelsea back-line but his versatility is not his only attribute. A formidable presence at the back and snuffed out the threat of Adebayor superbly (except for his goal!).

Azpilicueta- 7- another consistent performance to help cap a brilliant debut season in the Premier League. Has made the right-back berth his own this season and he continued to offer balance on the right hand side: both in an attacking sense, and defensive.

Luiz- 6- moved back into midfield for this game and put in another impressive display. Helped break up Spurs attacks before they advanced and always composed in possession.

Ramires- 8- MOM- brilliant showing from the Brazilian who failed to score higher purely for missing the chance to put the game beyond doubt in the second half. Otherwise, he was energetic and carried the fight to Spurs from deep.

Oscar- 6- was in the right place at the right time for the goal. Despite a promising start his influence waned towards the end, being subbed with 5 minutes to play.

Mata- 8- with Hazard, was Chelsea’s most creative force and impressed in his usual supporting-striker role. A threat from set-pieces, Spurs spent most of the game worrying about the little Spaniard.

Hazard- 8- another sparkling display from the Belgian in another impressive debut Premier League season. Effective receiving the ball out wide, his constant running and dribbling had Spurs on the back foot for large parts of the game.

Torres- 5- showed some nice touches but didn’t do enough in front of goal.

Subs

Moses- 6- linked up well with Mata when he came on.

Benayoun- 5- came on as a late sub; not a lot to go off!

It was a shame that Chelsea could not seal Champions League as a certainty on a night where beating your city rivals at the same time would have been sweet for the Blues. But the point keeps them on course for qualification and should they pick up at least two points from their last two games, they will make at least 4th place regardless of Spurs and Arsenal’s results.

What did you think of the game? Was it a good point or two points dropped? With CL qualification all but wrapped up, is it too premature to start thinking about the Europa League final with Benfica? Should Rafa be resting the likes of Mata, Oscar and Hazard in the remaining Premier League games? Please leave your comments below…