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Braces from both Gonzalo Higuaín and Eden Hazard as well as a header from David Luiz saw the Blues sweep away a hapless Huddersfield outfit, who now look destined for the Championship.
After a 4-0 trashing away at Bournemouth, Maurizio Sarri questioned the mentality of his players. His concern over his players' mental strength is far too frequent for Chelsea fans and the press, with both parties comparing Sarri’s actions to former Manchester United and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's stubbornness.
The 4-0 defeat to Bournemouth was the heaviest Chelsea has ever experienced in the Premier League which meant the team was desperate to respond. There was no better fixture for Sarri’s men to give a reaction than against bottom club Huddersfield. Huddersfield, who recently let go of the German-American manager David Wagner, were led out by new appointee Jan Siewert. The Premier League has been a baptism of fire for Siewert and his second game in charge was no different.
Chelsea looked up for the fight from the very first whistle as 'Sarriball' was on full display. Chelsea now finds themselves back into the Champions League spots. The players showed great spirit and tactically, the team looked much sharper. On that note, let's take a look at how each player fared against Huddersfield Town.
Here are the Chelsea player ratings from the emphatic victory at home.
Kepa Arrizabalaga: The most expensive goalkeeper of all time was largely untroubled throughout the game. It was rather comfortable fixture for Kepa, while he also showed some clever footwork out of boredom more than anything else. (7)
César Azpilicueta: The captain and Mr. Consistent, the right back was at his usual best, repeatedly running up and down Chelsea's flank. His attacking run last in the first half was too much for the Huddersfield defence to handle tripping up the Spaniard resulting in a controversial penalty. Defensively as well, there was no beating him down that side. (8)
Andreas Christensen: It is very easy to see why the central defender is wanted by the very top clubs in Europe. Today the man from Denmark was much better, comfortable on the ball and defensively astute, as he constantly cut out the threat of Diakhaby's crosses. He also illustrated his explosive speed when he had to battle it out in a footrace with Kachunga. (8)
David Luiz: At fault for a couple of goals in the Bournemouth horror show, Luiz was one of the players who remained in Sarri's starting line-up. A man with a fair share of critics, Luiz as he so often does, bounced back strong and showed everyone just why he was at one time the world's most expensive defender.
He should have scored a free header from a Willan corner-kick in the first half. However, the veteran not miss the second time of asking as he scored the 5th and final goal, again from a Willan corner. (8)
N'Golo Kanté: Once more in an advanced position Kante just keeps showing what a great player he is. The World Cup winner picked up two assists and was exceptional on both sides of the pitch. Sarri has been given much flack for how he has used Kante, and probably today, Sarri's decision was justified. (9)
Jorginho: Sarri's loyal pupil dictated the play and put in a good shift at the heart of midfield. He was more alert this time around. (7)
Marcos Alonso: His form has been declining in recent weeks but his willingness to drive forward gives Chelsea such a weapon. Today was no different. Not the best defender in the division, but his combination play with Hazard was a real asset. He would have liked a few more accurate crosses though. (6.5)
Willian: His corner kick delivery was excellent, causing havoc for those protecting the Huddersfield goal. Completed the entire 90 minutes and should be pleased with his overall performance. (8)
Ross Barkley: Given the start today ahead Mateo Kovačić, Barkley showed why he was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English football. He does give Sarri is a much more attacking mentality and deservedly, grabbed an assist for one of Hazard's goals. Barkley also lined a few up, to his satisfaction. (8)
Eden Hazard: Chelsea's star man was buzzing all afternoon and making life almost impossible for the Terriers, who perhaps have no way out at the moment. Hazard drove forward with aplomb, completed 12 take-ons - the most by an player in a single league game this season and interchanged a few delightful passes. And when it came to scoring, the star man was never in doubt. (9)* Man Of The Match
Gonzalo Higuaín: The man on loan from Juventus showed very early on why he is widely known as a lethal finisher. A quick fire, one-time blast just after 15 minutes gave Chelsea the early lead on to make up for an earlier mistimed volley.
Although he wasn't at his sharpest and on the top of his fitness, the number 9 did exactly what he was supposed to. His second-half strike from outside the area was the goal of the game and a perfect example of just why Sarri chased the seasoned goal-scorer. A great way to score his first goals for the club. (9)
Substitutes:
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: Not much time to make an impact (N/A)
Mateo Kovačić: Entered from the bench today and asked to do the pivot role but with the game already won, he really did not have much to think about. (N/A)
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Chelsea fans were excited when the wonderkid entered the field for Hazard. With just over 10 minutes to perform the 18-year old showed flickers of his talent. (N/A)
