[Player Ratings] Chelsea 3-1 Man Utd: How The Blues Players Rated

Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon thanks to a well-taken hat trick from Samuel Eto’o. Here, Blues fan Joe Carroll gives us his player ratings for Jose Mourinho’s men.

Samuel Eto’o bagged his first hat-trick in English football, helping Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.

United started brightly and nearly went ahead inside two minutes but Eto’o gave his side the lead on 17′, a shot which went in off Michael Carrick.

No one could deny his second moments before half time when Gary Cahill crossed for the Cameroonian to finish from 6-yards, and the game was all but wrapped up minutes after the interval when the striker turned in following a corner.

Javier Hernandez replied for the visitors from the bench with 12 minutes remaining but there was no way back for the Premier League holders who also had Nemanja Vidic sent off for a reckless challenge on Eden Hazard.

Here are my player ratings for the Blues players:

Player Ratings

Cech- 7- made a very important save from Ashley Young just moments into the game.

Azpilicueta- 7- preferred at left-back over Ashley Cole and had a very good game. Competent and dangerous in attack.

Terry- 7- rarely disappoints in the big games. Led his team to a vital victory to make sure Chelsea keep pace with Arsenal and Man City.

Cahill- 8- not only was he solid at the back, but the centre-half turned provider for Eto’o’s second with a lovely cross and was involved in the third.

Ivanovic- 6- a steady showing on his return from injury, although looked worried whenever Adnan Januzaj strayed near him.

Luiz- 6- had a good defensive game in the middle, helping to shield his keeper and defence.

Ramires- 7- was always looking to get the ball forward quickly. A real driving force in the middle, and balanced well with Luiz sitting.

Willian- 8- starting to make the right wing berth his own and continued his good form with a skilful showing.

Oscar- 5- disappointing performance from the Brazilian. We like to see players of his calibre light up these occasions but the spark was lacking from him today.

Hazard- 8- a constant threat with his quick feet, change of direction and skilful runs inside and out.

Eto’o- 9- as good a performance as you could ask for from your striker. Three goals against Manchester United (even in their current state) is no mean feat. Also, improving with every game. Man of the Match

Subs

Mikel- 6- came on for Oscar with the Blues cruising. Just tightened things up defensively.

Torres- 5- struggled to get into the thick of the action, but with Chelsea 3-1 up when he replaced Eto’o 11 minutes from time, there was no need for the Blues to hurry it forward to him. Forced off with a knee injury.

Matic- N/A- on for Willian with 4 minutes remaining. Not enough time to impress on his return to Stamford Bridge.

What were your ratings from the game? Share your suggestions below.