A second half free-kick from Olivier Giroud was needed to spare Chelsea’s blushed in the Europa League against Vidi FC.
Willian’s free-kick after the half hour mark was cancelled out by an own goal from Ethan Ampadu before Loic Nego struck a stunning volley after 56 minutes to give Vidi the lead.
However, substitute Giroud’s fine free-kick 15 minutes from time earned a 2-2 draw in a match of little consequence for the Blues, who had already qualified for the last 32 as Group L winners. Vidi finished third, as BATE Borisov joined Chelsea in the knockout stages.
Here, we rate the performances of Chelsea’s players.
STARTING XI
Willy Caballero – Only had a couple of saves to make. Little he could do about either goal. 5
Davide Zappacosta – Solid defensively and assured in possession. Whipped in a couple of teasing crosses too. 6
Ethan Ampadu – Vidi’s first deflected in off him but the youngster never put a foot wrong otherwise and was excellent on the ball, playing probing forward passes. 4
Andreas Christensen – Also effective with his passing while he read danger early at the back. 6
Emerson – Provided plenty of drive down the left, bursting past opponents and getting into the final third. Managed to make four interceptions as well. 7
Ross Barkley – Always involved in the build-up and had some neat touches but lacking end product. 6
Cesc Fabregas – Orchestrated Chelsea’s play, showing off his superb distribution. His 119 passes on the night were far more than anyone else. 7
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – Tried to force the issue and drag Chelsea forward. Impressed with the way he evaded defenders but lacked the killer pass. 6
Callum Hudson-Odoi – Led the way for key passes (4) and dribbles (5). Always a threat, running at defenders and beating them with ease. His shooting needs work though as his efforts were comfortable for the keeper to deal with. 7
Alvaro Morata – Had a couple of shots without really threatening in the first half. Seemed to pick up and injury and was replaced. 5
Willian – Chelsea’s most threatening player in the first half but was hooked on 55 minutes to preserve his energy. Scored a sumptuous free-kick and was the creative force in the final third. 7
SUBS
Olivier Giroud (46′) – Speaking of shooting, Giroud’s was wayward until it was perfect. He missed a couple of great opportunities and then pulled off the perfect free-kick. 7
Pedro (56′) – Was full of energy and buzzed about the final third but to no avail. 5
