Match Coverage
Player Ratings: Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle United | Premier League
The curtain closed on Chelsea’s Premier League season with a drab 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Toon Army threatened to spoil the party as the Blues said farewell to club legend Frank Lampard for a second – and altogether more unsuccessful – time in the managerial hotseat, but the spoils were shared.
Typically shocking defending allowed one-time transfer target Anthony Gordon to nudge the visitors ahead inside ten minutes but parity was restored after Raheem Sterling found the back of the net via a Kieran Trippier deflection in minute 27.
Sterling would go on to miss a couple of handy chances while teenager Lewis Miley would clip the bar for the Tyneside outfit in the dying embers, as the two sides played to a relatively serene conclusion.
It means the Pensioners end up in 12th position in the Premier League in a campaign they will want to forget about in a hurry. For the final time this season, here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performance in London.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7/10
Will get the vocal portion of the blame for Gordon’s goal for which he should have done better. but the calamity in front of him should be taken into account. Good save to deny Miguel Almiron in a one-on-one situation. A good game amidst all the criticism of late.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5/10
In theory this wasn’t the final hurrah even in spite of the touching banner that paid tribute to ‘Mr Chelsea’ before kick-off. If it was, then it was a tough afternoon at the races. All the joy for the Geordies came down Azpilicueta’s side of the field as he struggled to keep pace with his runners. Far too advanced at times for someone of his advancing years.
Thiago Silva – 5/10
Richly rewarded as Chelsea’s player of the season in a field without a lot of competition. Caught a little sleepy and flat-footed for the Magpies’ goal all told – a trend that continued throughout the afternoon.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5/10 (45)
Naïve defending to be dragged out of position for the Newcastle opener. Not immediately obvious why he was withdrawn at the interval.
Lewis Hall – 7/10
Picked up right where he left off in the game with Manchester United on Thursday night. Sumptuous delivery time and time again and more than held his own at the back. Has proven beyond doubt that he belongs around the first-team.
Enzo Fernandez – 7/10
As ever, so neat and tidy in the middle of the park, pulling the strings and keeping the Blues ticking over. One hopes he will be given a more advanced role next season.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6/10
Got his flowers upon leaving the Stamford Bridge turf for what looks to be the final time ahead of a purported summer departure. Injuries aside the best word to describe his career from Cobham graduate to Champions League winner is ‘dependable’, and that’s exactly what can be ascribed to the performance he signed off with.
Conor Gallagher – 5/10 (69)
Worked hard and mucked in defensively but sloppy in the offensive phase to say the least.
Noni Madueke – 8/10 (87)
Gave Matt Targett a torrid time of it with his directness on the right flank. The majority of Chelsea’s positive attacking play went through the former PSV Eindhoven starlet. A bright spot yet again.
Raheem Sterling – 6/10
Effort and attitude levels not of the requisite standard, as has been the case for the brunt of 2022/23. Gets a few points for getting the Blues back on terms but really does need to up the workrate and spend less time dallying on the ball – he will have no choice but to fall in line under the new manager next year.
Kai Havertz – 4/10 (58)
Offered scant little at the spearhead of the attack. Movement was puzzling on more than one occasion, to both his colleagues and spectators.
Bench
Wesley Fofana – 6/10 (45)
An altogether more assured showing off the bench after a real shocker in his last outing. Very comfortable passer of the ball.
Joao Felix – 5/10 (58)
Scarcely got a touch of the ball in what is his final appearance before returning to Atletico Madrid after his loan.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 7/10 (59)
Somewhat inexplicably benched from the off after a good performance midweek that received praise from Frank Lampard. Impressed again. Created a handful of decent chances that typically went begging.
Mateo Kovacic – 5/10 (69)
Pretty poor in what could be another goodbye. Looked so far off the pace and lacking in motivation.
Christian Pulisic – 3/10 (87)
The American’s big moment came at the end and he fluffed his lines, firing straight down the throat of Martin Dubravka. The story of his Chelsea career.