Moments of brilliance at both ends saw Chelsea share the spoils with West Ham after a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last night.
The Hammers came out riding the waves of confidence generated by a charge toward the Champions League positions, finding a way through the host backline in the 17th minute with a magnificent 25-yard hit from Manuel Lanzini that even a diving Thibaut Courtois could not deny.
It took time for Guus Hiddink’s men to put some possession together and they were rather fortunate to find a lifeline just before the interval, when Cesc Fabregas’ free-kick looped over the wall and just inside the bottom-corner.
A tactical masterstroke from Slaven Bilic would again turn the tables, when an unchecked Andy Carroll put West Ham back in front just a minute after his introduction early in the second-half. Chelsea’s late desperation would see a number of chances put over the bar or denied by Adrian, yet the visitors were again responsible for the own undoing as Michail Antonio fouled Reuben Loftus-Cheek inside the box with minutes remaining before halftime.
Fabregas would convert from the spot for his second of the match, keeping Chelsea’s hopes of finishing with Europa qualification alive, while stopping West Ham from entering the top four for another week.
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Chelsea
Thibaut Courtois – 6: Had no chance to stop Lanzini’s opening goal, but perhaps should have done more against Carroll at his near post. Kept Chelsea in the match when a shaky backline was under pressure.
Branislav Ivanovic – 5: Returning to the right-side of defence the Serbian was constantly put to work by Payet and lost the run of Caroll before the second goal. Showed some composure when tackling though and also went forward to deliver four crosses.
Gary Cahill – 5.5: Gave up too much space at the top of the box when West Ham pressed early, yet recorded three clearances, two interceptions and won all attempted tackles.
John Terry – 6: The captain forced a sharp save from Adrian in the second-half with a commanding header and kept his line intact enough that West Ham’s best attacking periods early did not blow the scoreline away.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5: Hardly had a second to rest against West Ham’s press on the left-wing, at times looking a step too slow against Lanzini. Also needed to be better in the tackle.
Cesc Fabregas – 9: The Spanish wizard’s best performance of the season by far, equalising for the Blues moments before halftime with an unstoppable free-kick and again when dispatching the late penalty with ease. Also created five chances for teammates, yet did not add much to the defence.
John Obi Mikel – 5.5: Was not afraid to foul West Ham’s attack to shut momentum down, but did not have the speed or necessary physicality to win the midfield battle.
Willian – 7: Chelsea’s workhorse was kept out of the most dangerous areas by the visiting defence, yet still delivered 11 crosses into the box, won four out of six take-ons and came close to goal with a 41st minute effort.
Oscar – 6.5: Had numerous chances and should especially have done more with a near-open net ahead in the 50th minute. Passing was good, yet was bullied around the 18-yard-box.
Kenedy – 4.5: Struggled to gain any respect from the opposition and was replaced at the halftime interval.
Loic Remy – 5.5: Had some sparse chances but never seriously tested Adrian. Made way for Bertrand Traore on the hour mark.
Substitutes
Pedro – 6.5: Added some much-needed creativity down the left-wing and was able to charge the ball toward goal before setting up opportunities for teammates.
Bertrand Traore – 5: Did not make himself seen on the pitch after replacing Remy.
Reuben Loftus-Cheek – 5: Won the all-important penalty when he was held just inside the area, otherwise only had a few touches of the ball.
West Ham
Adrian – 6.5: The superb free-kick and late penalty from Fabregas were all that got past the Spanish custodian. His distribution was slightly below-par, but recorded six saves during the match.
Aaron Cresswell – 6: Hit the crossbar with a rocketing strike in the 57th minute and also delivered three crosses when moving forward, yet his defensive passing needed to be better.
Angelo Ogbonna – 6: Commanded the ball when it came to the 18-yard box, outmuscling the likes of Remy to clear numerous crosses and set-pieces.
Winston Reid – 5: A reckless shove on Oscar gave Fabregas the chance to equalise just before halftime and the 27-year-old was seemingly beaten too easy when one-on-one.
Michail Antonio – 4.5: The slightest of clips to the heels of Loftus-Cheek saw Antonio give away a penalty in the 88th minute which cost West Ham two points. Only won one of six attempted tackles and passed at a poor 57% accuracy.
Mark Noble – 5: An off-day for the West Ham captain, also poor in when tackling and distributing the ball.
Cheikou Kouyate – 6.5: Did not really manage to break into the final-third of the field, yet commanded the midfield battle by throwing his body behind every tackle.
Dimitri Payet – 8.5: The Frenchman constantly had the Chelsea back four on edge with his supreme ability when in possession. Assisted Carroll’s goal with a diagonal through ball, while recording five shots and 11 crosses of his own.
Manuel Lanzini – 8.5: His thunderous shot from the top of the box left Stamford Bridge rocked early on and while he continuously passed with a pin point eye, his influence dipped in the late game.
Enner Valencia – 6: Seemed content to sit back off the ball for the most part.
Diafra Sakho – 5.5: Did not get a sight on goal from inside the box and was replaced on the hour-mark.
Substitutes
Andy Carroll – 8: Made an immediate impact with a run that caught to host defence unaware before a solid finish in the 61st minute. Tested Courtois a couple more times as his big frame proved invaluable in this contest.
Emmanuel Eminike – 5.5: Looked to add another dimension of speed in the final minutes, but could not get on the ball enough.
Pedro Obiang – N/A: Only played the final minutes.
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