Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Rob Guest

Chelsea first half player ratings: Kovacic superb and Abraham impressive as Blues lead Barcelona

Kepa Arrizabalaga

A passenger for the majority of the half as Barcelona failed to really trouble him. Only brought into action just before the break as Ousmane Dembele tested him with a low drive. 5

Cesar Azpilicueta

Bombed forward early on and had Chelsea's first chance on goal as he headed wide of the target from Mateo Kovacic's cross. 6

Andreas Christensen

Did well to deny Antoine Griezmann as he burst through on goal. Steady for the entire half. 5

David Luiz

Blocked well from Griezmann as he got his shot away after some great play outside the box. Almost played a part in Barcelona equalising as he missed a tackle that saw Dembele go through on goal and test Kepa. 5

Emerson Palmieri

Got forward a few times early on and put a great ball in across goal that was cut out by the Barcelona defence. 6

Jorginho

Really up against it with Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig making a big impression. Picked Sergio Busquets' pocket and teed up Tammy Abraham for the opener. Another decent showing alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield. 7

Pulisic goal in Chelsea training

Mateo Kovacic

Involved a lot early on with a brilliant cross to pick out Cesar Azpilicueta at the back post. Looks a lot more comfortable in a midfield two following his struggles last season. 8

Pedro

Swapped sides a couple of times with Christian Pulisic in the first half and not as busy as he was on Friday. Contributed defensively with a great block on Griezmann outside the box. 5

Mason Mount

Started off quietly but came into the game more and more. Involved in a lot of good play from the Blues and was unlucky with his shot from distance just going over. 7

Christian Pulisic

Swapped sides a couple of times with Pedro in the opening 45 minutes on his full debut for the club. Unlucky with his effort that Ter Stegen spilled in front of Abraham, but he really should have done better when Azpilicueta pulled the ball back to him midway through the half. 6

Tammy Abraham

Put the Spanish side under pressure early on with some great play up against experienced defenders in Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique. Missed an absolute sitter as he shot over from six yards out as Ter Stegen couldn't keep hold of Pulisic's effort. Really should have found the back of the net but atoned for it with a cool finish ten minutes before the break as he rounded the goalkeeper. 7

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.