[Player Ratings] Chelsea 3-0 Schalke: Eto’o Shines As Blues Take Charge Of Group E

Chelsea took a step closer to the last 16 of the Champions League after a 3-0 win over Schalke 04.

Samuel Eto’o scored his first two Champions League goals for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the first thanks to a mistake by Schalke keeper Timo Hildebrand when Eto’o blocked the hesitant stopper’s clearance.

Schalke had actually started the game the better team and they should have equalised early in the second half through Julian Draxler but Petr Cech saved well. Willian helped Chelsea counter attack and laid on Eto’o’s second of the game: a potent finish across the keeper.

It looked to be 3-0 soon after when Oscar had the ball in the net but his effort was chalked off for offside. Schalke came close again as they sought a way back into the game but substitute Demba Ba ensured it was the blues of Chelsea topping Group E, finishing well after a smart turn.

The home win over the Germans was Chelsea’s 100th win in UEFA competitions and means Jose Mourinho’s side need just one point from their remaining two games to ensure progression to the knock out phase.

Player Ratings

Cech- 7- made an excellent save from Draxler at 1-0, from which his side broke to double their advantage

Azpilicueta- 8- filling in for Cole and the injured Bertrand at left back and did superbly well. Full of energy up and down the flank and did his defensive duties when called upon

Terry- 7- another assured and mature performance from the experienced skipper. Led his team well and defended resolutely

Cahill- 7- formed a solid partnership with Terry. The two look to be Mourinho’s most dependable centre half pairing. Strong in the tackle and read the game well

Ivanovic- 6- the Serb is always ready and willing to play the full back role and despite his eagerness to attack, his final ball was disappointing

Mikel- 6- a decent performance from the Nigerian. A few shaky moments but mostly fine.

Ramires- 5- appeared slightly unsettled and wasn’t his usual energetic self. Looks more comfortable with Frank Lampard alongside him.

Schurrle- 6- was dependable on the left side of midfield. Good in spells, just needs to apply himself for 90 minutes

Oscar- 7- a good performance from one of Chelsea’s best players this season. Had better games but was still a threat and opened up Schalke a few times

Willian- 7- looked much livelier than we’ve seen in his first couple of Chelsea appearances. Set up Eto’o’s second goal and was involved in the third

Eto’o- 8- arguably his best performance since his summer move to the club. Worked hard and put keeper under pressure for the opener. Superb finish for his second goal

Subs

Lampard- 7- came on for Oscar with 10 minutes left. Just gave the midfield a bit more stability to see the game out. Assist for Ba’s goal

De Bruyne- 5- replaced Schurrle with 12 minutes to go but failed to impress

Ba- 7- missed a glorious chance as soon as he was introduced but made amends with a classy finish

Man of the Match- Eto’o- brilliant display from the Cameroonian. Made a nuisance of himself all night, was in the right place to dispatch his first and was clinical to notch his second of the game.

What did you think of last night’s game? Was Mourinho right to make the 6 changes he did? Does the result guarantee qualification? Were you impressed with Eto’o’s performance? Is he the man to fire Chelsea to trophies this season? Just how many goals can he get?…please leave you comments below…