[Player Ratings] Man City 2-0 Chelsea: Poor Chelsea Crash Out Of FA Cup

Chelsea crashed out of the FA Cup after being beaten 2-0 by Manchester City on Saturday evening. Here, Joe Carroll gives us his player ratings for Jose Mourinho’s men.

Chelsea’s second trip to the Etihad Stadium in two weeks ended in defeat as Manchester City progressed to the quarter finals of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win.

City were well beaten a fortnight ago by Jose Mourinho’s men as they ran out 1-0 winners in the Premier League. But Manuel Pellegrini’s side took revenge by knocking out their title rivals with goals from Stevan Jovetic and Samir Nasri.

Despite fielding a strong XI Chelsea were a shadow of the team that performed so admirably in the side’s league encounter at the beginning of February. And when City took the lead inside 16 minutes, it only looked as though the tie would go one way.

Jovetic nearly scored from close range when Yaya Toure’s effort was spilled by Petr Cech, but he was not to be denied moments later. David Silva and Edin Dzeko combined to play in the Montenegrin who swept the ball beyond Cech’s reach.

Chelsea struggled to respond to City’s slick attacking movement and failed to register a single shot on target. However the Blues were still in the tie as long as the score remained 1-0 and with the talents of Eden Hazard and Willian on show Chelsea fans were well aware that anything could happen.

But City continued in search of a second and the introduction of Nasri signalled a first appearance for the Frenchman after a five-week injury lay off. He combined with Silva at full pace on 67 minutes and was afforded an easy tap in to make it 2-0.

Player Ratings

Cech- 5- City’s goals were not solely his fault, but the Czech may have done better to deter such easy finishes.

Azpilicueta- 6- did okay but his usual forward running was missing meaning Chelsea were very narrow when they tried to play.

Luiz- 4- he may get away with playing centre half against ‘lesser’ teams but his eagerness to win the ball often defeats him (and his team) against quality forwards

Cahill- 6- one of Chelsea’s better performers on the day although he was not a suitable enough replacement for Terry’s leadership qualities.

Ivanovic- 6- his defending in general was good and could well have prevented more goals from his side.

Mikel- 5- his role is usually to offer protection to his back four but Chelsea were too often exposed.

Matic- 6- the Serb looked tired having played in almost every game since arriving in January. Passed well but maybe a rest is needed.

Hazard- 5- a surprisingly poor performance from a player of the year contender.

Ramires- 6- not as effective in a more advanced midfield position. Should have started as partner to Matic in defensive midfield.

Willian- 6- carried Chelsea’s only threat, which was very little. At least he tried to score, registering one of just three shots on target in the whole game! Man of the Match

Eto’o- 5- his contribution was non-existent. A day to forget for the striker.

Subs

Torres- 5- on for Ramires to give extra fire-power to Chelsea’s attack, but someone seemingly forgot to light the fuse.

Salah- 6- came on at half time for Eto’o but seemed a little over-awed by the occasion. A big task to ask of the newly signed Egyptian.

Oscar- 5- replaced Willian with 20 minutes to play but offered very little.

How would you describe Chelsea’s performance?…Lifeless?…Terrible?…Embarrassing?…Are you worried that Chelsea were made to look like a much inferior side?…Is Mourinho concentrating on the Premier League and Champions League?…I couldn’t name a Man of the Match…if you had to, who would you give it to?…please leave your comments below…