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Chelsea were the clear favourites going into their Champions League clash against Malmo on Tuesday. Thomas Tuchel's side had beaten the Swedish side 4-0 at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture, so a repeat was expected.
Malmo had other plans, though, and were keen to prove they were in the group to compete and not just make up the numbers. Despite their efforts, the Swedish side saw Chelsea leave with all three points, thanks to a lone goal from Hakim Ziyech.
The Premier League side had to work hard in the second half to get their goal. Moreover, their defence was solid enough to keep the home side away from their box. Edouard Mendy did not have to make a single save on Tuesday night. That helped Chelsea return to London with a win and all but seal their qualification in the Round of 16.
On that note, here are Chelsea's top five players from their win over Malmo:
#5 Andreas Christensen
Andreas Christensen's contract situation is in the balance, but his performances on the pitch have been consistent. The Danish star was back in the right centre-back role, and he did well to stop any counters from Malmo.
Apart from a solid display in defence, Christensen was keen to get Chelsea a much-needed win by helping in the attack. He drove forward, and completed three dibbles in the game. He also had two shots on target, and ended with a 91% pass success.
#4 Jorginho
Jorginho controlled the game for Chelsea once again, and was unsurprisingly named the UEFA Man of the Match. The Italian was the only outfield player for the Blues not to have a go at the Malmo goal, but he did his job to perfection.
The UEFA technical director said about Jorginho's performance in the game:
"He took care of the balance in the team, securing the defense and organizing the first phase of the build-ups – with and without the ball."
The Ballon d'Or 2021 nominee was once again at his best in passing, making two tackles to stop Malmo from countering in the game.
#3 Callum Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi has taken Thomas Tuchel's 250 games challenge seriously, and is now proving his worth. The winger once again ran at his opponents, not giving them a moment's peace.
He swapped wings with Hakim Ziyech in the second half, helping Chelsea get their lone goal of the game. Hudson-Odoi whipped in a stunning low cross that went in the middle of the Malmo defence and goalkeeper, finding the Morrocan waiting for a tap in.
#2 Hakim Ziyech
The game was almost a make-or-break one for Hakim Ziyech, as Chelsea needed him to step up and deliver. The Moroccan has been working hard, but has not matched the intensity of the other forwards for The Blues this season.
He started the game on the right wing, and dominated in the final third for Chelsea. However, he could not get on the scoresheet once again until Tuchel made a brave change in the second half.
When the players returned from the break, the manager made Hudson-Odoi and Ziyech swap wings and switch from their inverted winger roles. The change helped Chelsea, as the former Ajax star slotted in the lone goal of the game.
Ziyech's outing almost earned him the Man of the Match, as he had scored the winner, but his sloppy passing cost him the honour.
#1 Ruben Loftus-Cheek
What a season Ruben Loftus-Cheek is having! He is now challenging for a starting role in Thomas Tuchel's side, and the Malmo game helped him further cement his credentials.
Loftus-Cheek started the game slowly, as Malmo were able to press him quickly and get the ball off him or intercept his passes. But he grew into the game well, and eventually turned out to be the best player for Chelsea on the night.
Tuchel was also full of praise for the midfielder, saying:
"He wants to dominate opponents; he wants not to just be a part of the game because I think he is too talented to just be a part of the group. He needs to use his full potential - that is the absolute key for him - and if he does like in this moment, he can be a big part of the squad."
The Chelsea manager hailed the player for his performance in the game, and wants him to show more consistency. He said:
"That is why I am very happy, and after the first 15 minutes he was involved in a lot of dangerous moments for us. I am happy he pushes himself through these little downs and comes up with another strong performance."
"I am very happy with him, and the next step is to show consistency and push himself because the limit can constantly be pushed because he has so much potential."
Loftus-Cheek completed eight dribbles, won four aerial duels, took four shots, and had an 83% pass-success rate in the game against Malmo.
