CHELSEA hung on to clinch a controversial 1-0 win over bitter London rivals Spurs.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Maresca’s players.
SANCHEZ – 7
Much has been made of the goalkeeping situation at Chelsea this season, with both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen failing to live up to the standards the home supporters expect.
It was the former selected today, and while far from the greatness of Petr Cech, in fairness to him he put in a good display.
Question marks came up once more when his blushes were spared by VAR, having been beaten from range by Pape Matar Sarr, but he made up for that with a crucial (even if dramatic) save at the death to stop Spurs levelling the scoring.
GUSTO – 6
Malo Gusto’s inclusion in the starting XI would’ve taken a few fans by surprise, especially given the electric impact Reece James had on international duty for England.
That said, he actually started the game very brightly with a huge block in his own box and a shot that had the fans next in ecstasy, only to realise the ball had hit the side netting and not gone in.
Despite doing enough at the back, he disappointed somewhat with his passing, and the Blues look more comfortable with Marc Cucurella inverting into midfield.
CHALOBAH – 8
With Wesley Fofana returning to the medical table, where he has admittedly spent most of his time this season, the January re-call of Trevoh Chalobah was needed once more.
He’s been a very capable deputy for Big Wes, with a strong physical element to his game as well as a good passing range and ability.
It was his long ball over the top that created havoc in the first 50 seconds of the match, leading to Van de Ven hitting his own post.
COLWILL – 8
A rock personified.
Levi was utterly dominant at the back tonight, with a performance that showed just why he is so highly rated by Chelsea fans.
Coming up against fellow Cobham academy product Dominic Solanke would’ve been no easy task, but he marshalled him brilliantly and was strong in the air and on the ground.
CUCURELLA – 9
With Chelsea’s Player of The Season voting being announced this week, Marc Cucurella has been a name on the lips of many this week after what has been his best career campaign.
He was influential once more, this time more in the defensive phases, whereas it’s been his forward play that has earned him so many plaudits this season so far.
Crucial tackles, winning the ball back high up the pitch, and an eye for a pass too, it was another good display from the Spaniard despite not stealing the headlines.
CAICEDO – 9
Enzo Maresca had a look of horror on his face when his star midfielder went down in some real discomfort with his hamstring after a challenge on Djed Spence early on.
And rightly so, as his importance to Chelsea this season cannot be underestimated, with the Ecuadorian sensational once again.
Many would’ve taken the easy way out after picking up a knock, but not Moises, he battled until the very end, hobbling occasionally but stepping into challenges full of heart when his team needed him most.
Had his wonderful half-volley into the bottom corner not been ruled out by VAR, he would’ve had a perfect 10.
FERNANDEZ – 9
Enzo Fernandez does not shy away from a big occasion, and boy did he step up when it mattered for Chelsea tonight.
He perhaps should’ve opened the scoring in the first half when Cole Palmer squared the ball across the box, but he wasn’t able to get that vital touch to divert it into the net.
The Argentine though, who shone for his national team against Brazil in the break, was on hand to make amends as he nodded a delightful Palmer delivery into the back of the net to make it 1-0 just after half-time.
His passion and love in this side is unmatched which makes him a fan favourite here – and the home fans will feel their £200m midfield was worth every penny tonight.
NETO – 6
The return of Nicolas Jackson saw Neto back in his favoured position on the right wing tonight, rather than playing as a striker.
Neither of Chelsea’s wingers were massively impactful, but the Portuguese star was probably the better of the two on the night, shown by him being switched to the left when Noni Madueke returned.
Generally it was more of what we’ve seen from Neto so far this campaign, a lot of hard work and some flashes of good technical ability – but not the kind of end product Chelsea need at the moment.
PALMER – 8
His performance in the away leg of this fixture was the epitome of Cole Palmer at his ice-cold best, if you think back to his panenka penalty and Man of the Match display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But things have changed since then for Cole, with his poor form undeniable since the turn of the year.
After battling through injury and illness, many saw this as a chance for Palmer to burst back into life and get his season back on track, which is exactly what he did.
A supple second half cross landed on the head of Enzo Fernandez who finished with aplomb, giving him his first direct goal contribution in NINE games.
He was a difference maker tonight, and can hopefully kick on for the rest of the season.
SANCHO – 4
Groans rung around Stamford Bridge when Jadon Sancho was on the ball for much of the first half, with fans frustrated at his lack of desire to just hammer a shot at goal like he did in the away leg to score.
It just so happened that one of the Blues’ best chances of the first half fell to his right boot, and when he finally did have a go it was superbly denied by Vicario in the Spurs net.
Jadon was replaced by the returning Noni Madueke midway into the second half to loud applause.
He is going to to offer more in terms of chance creation and goal threat to convince the Blues to keep him come the summer window.
JACKSON – 6
Nicolas Jackson being back was a huge boost for Chelsea in this game, and cause for excitement for the home support, particularly given his excellent record in London derbies.
A physical presence in the box is something the Blues have missed so much while playing Christopher Nkunku or Pedro Neto up front in his absence.
That strength and desire almost paid dividends after just 50 seconds as Van de Ven struck the ball off of his shin and onto the post.
Unfortunately that was about it for Nico today, he couldn’t get his comeback goal.
SUBS
Noni Madueke (Jadon Sancho, 67) – 6
Chelsea fans were pleased to see Noni back from injury at last, and he will no doubt be a welcomed boost to the squad as we close in on the end of the season.
He may have been more impactful had he been selected from the off by Maresca, with the winger needing to do a lot of defensive work as Chelsea looked to keep their 1-0 lead.
His desire and work rate was much appreciated by the crowd.
Reece James (Nicolas Jackson, 82) – 6
A leader in this side, Reece was bought on at the right time to help his side see out the game.
He didn’t have much opportunity at all to venture forward, but did everything asked of him.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Enzo Fernandez, 90+1) – 5
Had 10 minutes to see the game out and help his side defend the lead, with his energy helping put some pressure on Spurs to move quickly.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Cole Palmer, 90+1) – 5
The ‘Uncle’ of the squad was bought on at the death to help marshal his team to victory, which he did.
Provides composure and strength at the back for the Blues, and has been a valuable asset to his side this campaign.
