[Player Ratings] Chelsea 2-0 Fulham: Oscar & Mikel Score In Ugly Derby Win

Chelsea put a bad week behind them with a 2-0 victory over Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

It took the Blues till the second half to break the deadlock in the west London derby, with the excellent Oscar finding the net from close range. John Obi Mikel then added a rare goal to his collection with a fine effort in the 84th minute.

Chelsea struggled to find their flow in the first half and all eyes were on Jose Mourinho as he left both Juan Mata and David Luiz out of his match-day squad. Mourinho and his team have come under criticism recently after losing their last two games (against Everton and FC Basel) and things almost got off to a terrible start in the game. Chances were limited in the first half and the best of those fell to Fulham’s on-loan striker Darren Bent. The ex-England forward raced clear of the Chelsea defence but his effort on goal was tame and Petr Cech saved comfortably.

It took Chelsea till the 52nd minute to take the lead and there was a touch of fortune about it. Andre Schurrle did well to beat his man in the area and his attempt at goal was blocked by ‘keeper David Stockdale. Samuel Eto’o’s shot from the rebound was once again spilled by Stockdale and Oscar was left with a simple tap in. On 84 minutes a deep corner from Frank Lampard was headed back across goal by John Terry, and Mikel adjusted his body superbly to fire into the corner. It was the Nigerian’s first Premier League goal for the club in 185 league appearances.

Chelsea

Cech- 7- made a good save from Bent in the first half to keep the scores level. Had little to do for the rest of the game.

Cole- 7- it’s very rare that we a see a poor performance from England’s first choice left back at Stamford Bridge and Cole didn’t let anyone down. Solid, and an outlet in attack.

Terry- 7- like Cech, Chelsea’s skipper was rarely troubled but dealt with what was put in front of him.

Cahill- 7- looked more comfortable alongside Terry than with Luiz. Posed an aerial threat from set-pieces.

Ivanovic- 7- the Serb complimented a fine defensive display from the back four with composure and assurance beyond the half-way line.

Mikel- 8- protected his back four with his usual dependence and showed brilliant reactions and athleticism to volley in his first league goal.

Ramires- 6- was his usual self rampaging forward to assist in Chelsea attacks.

Schurrle- 5- despite being preferred to Mata on a number of occasions this season, the German has yet to justify his inclusion on the pitch. Did well in the build up to Oscar’s goal but his delivery often let him down.

Hazard- 7- had Fulham’s defender’s running scared with his direct running.

Oscar- 8- with Mata spending most of his time on the bench (or behind the bench!) Oscar has become Chelsea’s Mr Dependable when it comes to creating and scoring goals. Popped up in the right place at the right time to put the Blues into the lead and was superb throughout.

Eto’o- 6- certainly better from the newest recruit but we are still yet to see the best of the Cameroon man. Was at hand to close in on Schurrle’s spilled effort which was eventually dispatched by Oscar.

Man of the Match- Oscar- it was a close call between the Brazilian and Mikel who notched his first league goal in his seven years at the club, but Oscar was dazzling. Brought others selflessly into play and was a threat in the box.

Subs

Torres- 6- obviously saw this as a chance to impress as he looked lively when he came on with 25 minutes to play. Went close with a header.

Lampard- 6- played his part in the victory, his deep corner was headed across goal for Mikel to score.

De Bruyne- 5- introduced with five minutes to play; didn’t have time to make a significant impact.

How good was Oscar today? Who should have gotten Man of the Match: Oscar or Mikel? Are you happy to win ugly or does Mourinho need to introduce a more pleasing style? Should Mata have started? Please leave your comments below…