Chelsea Player Ratings: Noah's Match, Enzo Leads the Blues
Chelsea scraped past Nottingham Forest in a tense encounter at the City Ground, with Enzo Fernandez leading the charge and Noah Madueke putting in a man-of-the-match performance. The Blues, despite struggling to find their rhythm, secured a vital three points thanks to a late goal from Raheem Sterling. Let's dive into the player ratings for this hard-fought victory.
Enzo Fernandez: 8/10
Enzo was the engine room for Chelsea, dictating the pace of the game with his trademark passing range and composure. He controlled the midfield, linking defense to attack, and his presence was sorely missed when he was subbed off in the second half. Enzo's ability to break lines with a pinpoint pass was crucial, and he constantly pushed the Forest defense.
Noah Madueke: 9/10
Noah was a whirlwind of energy and skill, causing havoc on the right flank. He was a constant threat, creating numerous chances and driving the Forest defense crazy. He was unlucky not to score, hitting the woodwork on a few occasions, but his performance was deserving of a standing ovation. Noah was a complete nightmare for the Forest defenders, his speed and trickery were just too much to handle.
Raheem Sterling: 7/10
Sterling, often the target of criticism, delivered when it mattered. He bagged the winning goal in the 89th minute, a moment of brilliance that saved Chelsea from a potentially embarrassing draw. He wasn't at his best throughout the match, but the impact of his goal cannot be overstated. It was a classic Sterling moment, where he popped up at the right time and delivered a clinical finish.
Other Notable Performances:
- Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10): Mudryk was lively throughout, causing problems with his pace and dribbling skills. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he was a constant menace to the Forest defense.
- Wesley Fofana (7/10): Fofana was a rock at the back, dominating the air and making crucial interceptions. His presence was vital for Chelsea's defensive solidity.
- Ben Chilwell (6/10): Chilwell was a constant threat down the left flank, with some dangerous crosses and runs into the box. He could have done better with some of his final decisions, but he played a crucial role in the victory.
Overall Thoughts:
Chelsea's performance was far from perfect, but they managed to grind out a vital win. Enzo and Noah were the stand-out players, with sterling contributions from Raheem Sterling and a strong defensive performance. The Blues will need to improve their overall consistency and creativity, but this victory is a good sign as they head into the crucial final stretch of the season.