Chelsea player ratings as N'Golo Kante impresses in Super Cup defeat to Liverpool

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  • Liverpool’s love affair with Istanbul was furthered as they enjoyed another victorious European night at the venue on Wednesday despite Chelsea’s best efforts.

    An enthralling Super Cup was decided 5-4 on penalties in favour of the Champions League winners after the tie was level at 2-2 with extra-time concluded.

    Tammy Abraham was the only player to miss from the spot with Adrian saving the 10th penalty of the shootout.

    Earilier, Olivier Giroud had opened the scoring via an excellent pass from Christian Pulisic in the first half but Sadio Mane drew Liverpool level early in the second.

    The Senagalese then gave his side the lead in extra time but his effort was cancelled by a Jorginho penalty after Abraham was brought down, taking the tie to a shootout where the Europa League winners were second best.

    Here, we rate the performances of Chelsea’s players.

    STARTING XI (4-3-3)

    Kepa Arrizabalaga 6 – Made a smart save to deny Salah one-on-one before pulling off an extraordinary one to turn Van Dijk’s effort onto the bar. Failed to deny anyone during the shootout despite getting a hand to a couple of efforts.

    Cesar Azpilicueta 6 – Read the game well but showed no desire to get up the pitch and attack.

    Kurt Zouma 6 – Made numerous clearances and was strong in possession.

    Andreas Christensen 6 – Good on the ball and barely put a foot wrong.

    Emerson Palmieri 6 – Much more reserved than he was at Old Trafford and to good effect.

    Jorginho 7 – Played the midfield metronome well and took both his penalties expertly.

    N’Golo Kante 8 – Driving force from midfield, pushing Chelsea forward and even impressing with his forward passes.

    Mateo Kovacic 5 – A few good moments but needs to make more of an impact.

    Pedro 7 – Was the orchestrator in the final third and crashed an effort off the crossbar. Worked hard and led by example.

    Olivier Giroud 7 – Continued his great European form for Chelsea, netting his 12th goal in 16 appearances. Made excellent runs, linked play and slotted his goal away expertly. Tired in the second half and was hooked.

    Christian Pulisic 7 – Lively from the start but initially struggled with the physicality of the game. Rose above it though and produced a great assist for Giroud before his own effort was ruled offside.

    SUBS

    Tammy Abraham (74′) 6 – An eventful display. Denied by Adrian, won a penalty, put a good chance wide and set up Mount for a shot. Missed from the shootout.

    Mason Mount (74′) 6 – Showed great drive and industry down the left.

    Ross Barkley (101′) N/A – Didn’t really affect the game after coming on.

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