[Player Ratings] Stoke City 3-2 Chelsea: Assaidi Late Show Stuns Chelsea

Oussama Assaidi came off the bench to hit a stunning 90th minute winner as Chelsea fell to another away defeat at Stoke City.

The hosts fell behind at the Brittania Stadium to a superb individual strike from Andre Schurrle but were pegged back before half time when Peter Crouch struck from close range.

The Potters looked to heap more away misery on Jose Mourinho’s side when Stephen Ireland put them ahead shortly after half-time but Schurrle equalised minutes later with his second of the game.

Both sides had opportunities to take all three points but just as the game looked to be heading for a stalemate, Assaidi emerged from the bench and found the top corner with a sensational effort.

The defeat see’s the Blues drop a place in the Premier League to third following Liverpool’s win at home to West Ham. Mourinho’s men have now conceded six goals in their last two away games and the ex Real Madrid boss was highly critical of his defence following the defeat.

Player Ratings

Cech- 5- must take responsibility for making a mess of his attempted claim for Crouch’s equaliser. Got stuck in no-man’s-land and allowed a simple tap in which helped turn the game in Stoke’s favour. Not much of an attempt to stop Ireland’s goal either.

Azpilicueta- 6- could have been stronger in the build up to Ireland’s goal but was out-muscled too easily by Jonathan Walters. Otherwise, the full back was his energetic self.

Terry- 5- not a great afternoon for the birthday boy. Has been playing with keeper Cech for long enough to be able to communicate at corners. Didn’t look his best.

Cahill- 5- another defender that struggled today. Almost caught out on a number of occasions.

Ivanovic- 6- played his part in the early stages when Chelsea were on top but struggled when Stoke came back into the game. Could have done better to stop Assaidi shooting for the winner.

Ramires- 6- was fantastic in the first half getting forward but the Brazilian had three glorious chances to but the game to bed, fluffing them all.

Mikel- 5- was clearly brought in for Frank Lampard  to offer more protection to the defence but failed to fulfil this role.

Schurrle- 8- one of few players in Blue to come off the pitch at the Brittania with any credibility. Scored two excellent goals and shined throughout. Man of the Match.

Mata- 7- was at the centre of Chelsea’s best moments in attack but the team proved wasteful. Busy and neat in linking midfield and attack.

Hazard- 7- a similar level of performance from the Belgian to the one we saw at the Stadium of Light in midweek. Attacked Stoke’s full backs with pace and looked threatening cutting inside.

Torres- 6- looked good helping attacks progress but failed to be in the right areas when it came to converting chances.

Subs

Lampard- 5- on for Mikel with 20 minutes to go but couldn’t produce that bit of magic that would win the Blues the game.

Eto’o- 5- on for Schurrle towards the end but failed to liven things up. One good chance to score went amiss for the Cameroonian.

Ba- 6- replaced Torres on the hour mark but made little impact.

Give us your thoughts on the thriller at the Brittania…what went wrong?…what went right?…Mourinho said after the game that the defence was a ‘big concern’- would you agree?…what’s Chelsea’s best defence?…are the missing Ashley Cole?…were you impressed with Schurrle’s performance?…please leave you comments below…