[Player Ratings] Sunderland 3-4 Chelsea: Hazard Blitzes Black Cats In Thriller

Eden Hazard produced a man of the match performance to help Chelsea beat Sunderland in a thrilling encounter at The Stadium of Light.

The hosts took an early lead inside 15 minutes when Jozy Altidore scored his first ever goal for Sunderland. But Hazard crossed for Frank Lampard to head in the equaliser from close range three minutes later marking the Belgian’s finest performance in Blue for some time.

Hazard put the Blues in front on 36 minutes, cutting in on his right foot and firing low beyond Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone. John O’Shea made it 2-2 five minutes after the restart, bundling the ball in following hesitation in the Chelsea penalty area but Hazard could not be stopped and smashed his second in on the hour mark in spectacular style.

Phil Bardsley turned in to his own net with  six minutes on the clock. He then amended for his error by scoring at the right end to make it 4-3 but Chelsea held on for all three points.

The breathtaking contest keeps the Blues in second place in the Premier League, four points behind leaders Arsenal and two clear of third placed Manchester City. Here are my ratings for the Chelsea players:

Player Ratings

Cech- 6- hard to say the Czech did well after conceding three goals but his performance was better than the scoreline suggested.

Azpilicueta- 6- impressive in attack but could have been more resilient in defence. Sunderland looked most threatening from wide areas.

Terry- 6- will be unhappy that he allowed his side to concede so many, but generally played well.

Cahill- 5- an average at best performance from the England man. Will need to show better leadership if he is to be selected for the World Cup squad next year.

Ivanovic- 6- Chelsea looked most vulnerable from wide positions and in this respect Ivanovic struggled.

Ramires- 5- didn’t hit the heights we’ve been used to seeing recently. Struggled to make an impact.

Lampard- 8- grabbed the goal that pulled Chelsea level and was impressive throughout in midfield.

Mata- 6- made the Sunderland defence nervous when he was on the ball but didn’t see enough of the ball.

Hazard- 9- was the star of this Premier League thriller. Scored two sumptuous goals and assisted Lampard for the equaliser. A real menace throughout. Man of the Match.

Willian- 6- a poor first half in which the Brazilian appeared lost but he improved in the second half. Linked up well with Mata and Hazard.

Torres- 5- another missing man for most of this game and was guilty of a couple of glaring misses. Hard work and determination could not be faulted though.

Subs

Ba-6- worked hard when introduced but should have scored.

Mikel- 6- came on with 9 minutes left and just helped to tighten things up.

Schurrle- 5- a very late sub to help run the clock down

How impressed were you by Eden Hazard’s performance?…After winning from going behind against Southampton, what do these performances say about Chelsea’s character?…Are you worried that the Blues conceded three goals?…please leave your comments below…