[Player Ratings] West Ham 0-3 Chelsea: Lampard Double Nails Hammers

Chelsea bet West Ham 3-0 on Saturday evening at Upton Park. Here, Joe Carroll gives us his player ratings for the Blues.

Chelsea moved up to third in the Premier League thanks to a Frank Lampard double against his former club, West Ham.

Having gone a record 10 games without a goal since joining the club, Lampard bagged his brace either side of an Oscar effort at Upton Park as Chelsea ran out easy 3-0 victors.

Oscar played his part in the first goal, winning the penalty which former Hammer Lampard dispatched with conviction in the 21st minute. The Brazilian made it 2-0 13 minutes later running through unchallenged to slot home after an inventive Eden Hazard flick.

West Ham, starting without a recognised striker, struggled to deal with Chelsea’s sharp passing and quick movement. With Kevin Nolan isolated up front for much of the half, Sam Allardyce tried to salvage something from the game just before half time by removing Jack Collison with striker Madibo Maiga and Joe Cole with Mohamed Diame.

But things didn’t get much better for the home side in the second half and Chelsea continued to exert their dominance. Samuel Eto’o had a curling effort saved before Gary Cahill’s header was hacked off the line, but it seemed inevitable that the visitors would add a third.

And with eight minutes remaining Lampard scored his second of the game, wrapping up a deserved victory with a typical low drive from the edge of the area.

The win will be welcomed no more so by the travelling supporters who have only seen the Blues win once in their last five league away trips.

Player Ratings

Cech- 6- didn’t have a save to make until the closing stages of the game. Largely a spectator.

Azpilicueta- 7- preferred at left-back to regular Ashley Cole and more than staked his claim for a place. Was purposeful in attack and did well to stop Ravel Morrison when he looked to counter.

Terry- 7- never put a foot wrong. He knows what these London derby games are all about and the occasion never once got the better of him.

Cahill- 8- another assured performance in a Chelsea shirt. Appeared to struggle in the opening few games but looks settled with Terry by his side. A rock in defence and nearly scored.

Ivanovic- 7- completed a very strong and determined back four and also offered himself in attack on a number of occasions. His cross led to Lampard’s third.

Lampard- 8- a Man of the Match performance from the ex-Hammer. There was no sentiment left for his old side as he celebrated his first goal looking like a man relieved to be back on the score sheet. I’m sure Lampard would be the first to admit his recent form has been below par but his double here inspired Chelsea to victory.

Mikel- 6- enjoyed a solid game in the holding role. Screened his back four and was composed in possession.

Ramires- 6- a decent performance. Was full of running and linked up well with the liked of Oscar and Hazard.

Oscar- 8- just pipped to MOM award by Lampard’s two goal but Oscar was instrumental for Chelsea. Worked hard, was a threat throughout and took his goal very well.

Hazard- 7- appears to have a great understanding with Oscar and the two terrorised West Ham’s defence as long as they were on the pitch. A real live-wire performance.

Eto’o- 7- the striker is looking more and more comfortable in the league with every game. Had a couple of chances and should have scored but for some fine goalkeeping from Jussi Jasskelainen.

Subs

Essien- 5- replaced Hazard at 3-0 and with only minutes remaining as Chelsea looked to see out the game. Did okay.

Schurrle- 6- hard act to follow when he replaced Oscar but the German showed willingness and intent to make a mark on the game.

Ba- 6- came on for Eto’o with 11 minutes left and was unlucky not to get himself on the score sheet, seeing a goal chalked off.

Give us your verdict on the win at Upton Park…was it a case of Chelsea being brilliant?…or were West Ham just very poor?…Have we seen Lampard’s return to form?…would you start the England man in this week’s Champion’s League clash?…how important is Oscar to the Blues?…please leave your comments below…