Petr Cech – 7
Produced an absolutely fantastic save to deny Demba Ba early on in the game and was good in his box overall. However, he had some nervy moments when Shola Ameobi rattled the cross-bar while his brother Sammy Ameobi’s shot was cleared off the line by Terry.
Branislav Ivanovic – 7.5 This man turned in yet another no-nonsense display at defence and he has clearly been one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. Followed his managers orders totally as he kept things simple and uncomplicated at right back.
David Luiz – 2 The Brazilian with crazy hair was lucky to be on the pitch after the referee failed to show him a regulationary red card when he fouled Demba Ba, when he was clean through on goal. Was shaky on the whole evening and could have easily given away an own goal. Why he is chosen ahead of Alex in the lineup remains a mystery.
John Terry – 8.5 While his defensive partner did everything in his power to cause problems for Chelsea, the Chelsea and England skipper turned in an inspired performance. Although he is not as quick as he used to be a couple of years ago, his positional sense and agility have made up for the loss in pace. Intercepted quite a few passes and kept things simple at the back.
Ashley Cole – 7.5 A committed display from the England international once again. He showed class and was seldom troubled on the left flank. Showed a lot of heart as he risked a head injury to ensure that Demba Ba did not get a clean swipe at the ball in what was Newcastle’s best chance on the afternoon.
Oriol Romeu – 7 The former Barcelona youth academy player produced a great performance as he was not afraid to tackle and neither did he shy away from an opponent’s tackle all afternoon. He did not let the Newastle midfielders dictate the pace of the game and broke down their play on many occasions.
Frank Lampard – 6 The England International had a disappointing game as he missed a penalty kick and was substituted in the 61st minute for Raul Meireles.
Ramires – 7.5 He put in a decent performance. The Brazilian was his energetic self and made some fantastic runs into the opponent’s half. Could have easily had a goal had it not been for Tim Krul at the Newcastle goal.
Juan Mata – A perfect 10 The Spaniard was Newcastle’s biggest threat throughout the match. His off the ball running and visionary passing was a constant cause for concern for the opponents as he enjoyed playing on a free role for the second match running in the Premier League. Mata created the first goal for Chelsea as he whipped in a cross from the left that was headed in by Didier Drogba.
Didier Drogba – 9 In spite of having some differences with the club hierarchy over the issue of his contract, Drogba showed his class as he headed powerfully for the first goal and was always a handful for Newcastle to deal with. Newcastle just could not cope with his power and skill on the ball.
Daniel Sturridge – 9.5 This kid has clearly dislodged Fernando “50 Million” Torres from the starting lineup at Chelsea with some brilliant displays of late. Was a menace all night for Newcastle and scored a superb third goal for Chelsea.
Substitutes
Raul Meireles – 5 The Portuguese international did not make any difference after coming on and seldom got possession of the ball.
Salomon Kalou – 7.5 Capped his fifteen minute cameo appearance with yet another goal.
Fernando Torres – 5.5 He has no luck going for him at the moment and was toothless in his eleven minute stay in the park.