CHELSEA against wasted decent chances but at least had no problems between the sticks at the other end in a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
Serbian Dorde Petrovic strengthened his claims to displace Robert Sanchez as the Blues’ No1 in the Premier League after Friday’s low-key fourth-round tie.
AFPChelsea’s Serbian goalkeeper #28 Djordje Petrovic (R) makes a save during the English FA Cup fourth round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on January 26, 2024. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos […][/caption]
GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Moises Caicedo of Chelsea on the ball during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on January 26, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)[/caption]
Mauricio Pochettino saw Chelsea struggle for firepowerGetty
But further forward £115million record buy Moises Caicedo again struggled to make any impression in the Blues’ midfield.
There were also contrasting fortunes for winger Noni Madueke and attacker Cole Palmer.
Here’s how the Blues rated at Villa Park on Friday night.
DORDE PETROVIC – 8/10
Did well to stop Youri Tielemans’ header from close range, got down quickly to palm away a sharp Ollie Watkins effort and then brilliantly tipped Matty Cash’s curler around the post.
ALFIE GILCHRIST – 6
A late call-up for the injured Levi Colwill. It was his headed block that allowed Douglas Luiz to tap in only for VAR to come to his rescue for a handball.
BENOIT BADIASHILE – 6
Deployed at left-back and never looked comfortable. Spent most of the game tracking back and playing backwards passes.
THIAGO SILVA – 6
Was on the end of several ear-bashings from Poch for his distribution, then picked up a deserved yellow for a rash lunge on John McGinn.
AXEL DISASI – 6
For the most part kept his composure when he needed to and covered against the pace of Ollie Watkins, but still looks too rigid when in possession.
GettyChelsea winger Noni Madueke whips in a cross as Alex Moreno crosses[/caption]
Centre-back Thiago Silva shows his frustration on a tense nightAP
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 7
Kept things ticking along when needed. Is becoming one of Chelsea’s most consistent performers of late, but still needs to do more in terms of assists and creativity.
MOISES CAICEDO – 4
Another game that has drifted by one of the world’s most expensive midfielder – you begin to ask the question of what he actually brings to this Chelsea side?
RAHEEM STERLING – 6
Lively. Energetic. Constantly driving with the ball down the left, but with little to no end product, but for the occasional good link-up or one-two pass inside.
A breakaway over the top in the second half sums his game up: good run, too many touches, fluffed finish.
CONOR GALLAGHER – 6
Tried his best to influence, especially with his pressing off the ball, and you can never question his work ethic as he covered almost every blade of grass.
Burst through on goal late on but Emiliano Martinez was there again to blast clear.
NONI MADUEKE – 7
Missed a golden opportunity from a neat Palmer lay-off inside the box, straight at the feet of Martinez.
COLE PALMER – 5
Simply had to put Chelsea ahead with a chance better than Madueke’s after Villa’s defensive mix-up, but again at the feet of Martinez.
And then, another howler of an effort after blocking a Martinez clearance, deciding to let the ball drop and attempt to side foot it instead of lacing it. The result? A complete air-shot.
SUBS
AFPCole Palmer tries to fend off Villa full-back Matty Cash[/caption]
BEN CHILWELL (GILCHRIST, 65) – 6
Brought some much-need quality down the left and helped push Villa back with his ambitious running
ARMANDO BROJA (STERLING, 76) – 6
Chased down both Villa centre backs but never got a chance to get on the end of a delivery into the box – his main strength. His one chance through on goal ended with a heavy touch out for a goal kick.
MYKHAILO MYDRYK (MADUEKE, 76) – 6
Quiet, but who can blame him when he gets fleeting minutes to show his quality? When he does start games, he often grows into the sort of player we expect him to be.
CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA (FERNANDEZ, 89) – N/A
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