Chelsea player ratings vs Zenit: Kepa finally looks like a £71m goalkeeper to prevent an even worse night
Chelsea were denied top spot in Group H after conceding a late equaliser against Zenit Saint Petersburg on Wednesday night.
Magomed Ozdoev’s 94th-minute volley left Kepa Arrizabalaga with no chance and earned a thrilling 3-3 draw for the Russians.
It meant the Blues could face Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in defending their crown with an unseeded ranking in the last-16 draw.
Here, James Robson delivers his verdicts on the Chelsea stars vs Zenit...
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 9
Has he ever looked more like a £71million goalkeeper? A series of wonderful saves kept Zenit at bay, with none better than his second-half stop to deny Sardar Azmoun’s header.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 5
Part of a ragged Chelsea defence that was cut open too often. One important interception stopped a dangerous break, but it only delayed the inevitable.
Andreas Christensen - 6
Pulled all over the place by Zenit’s mobile forwards and never looked comfortable in the face of the home side’s pace up front.
Malang Sarr - 6
Zenit had too much joy on his side – particularly in the first-half. Better after the break when Chelsea got more control of the ball.
A stunning strike from Magomed Ozdoyev 😮💨
A wonder goal right at the death from Zenit stops Chelsea from topping #UCL Group H 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Rajrv6Hfx7— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 8, 2021
Mason Mount - 6
Often ended up in a wing-back role and as a result was nowhere near as effective as when playing further forward. Chelsea were too vulnerable in wide areas.
Reece James - 6
Given a central midfield role, which might become a regular feature if N’Golo Kante’s injuries problems persist. But Chelsea looked particularly weak in the centre of the pitch when Zenit pressed.
Ross Barkley - 7
Holding midfield is not his favourite position, but his corner led to Werner’s goal and he was also heavily-involved in the build-up for Romelu Lukaku’s equaliser.
Saul Niguez - 6
Probably his best performance in a Chelsea shirt despite playing in an unfavoured wing-back role. Had his problems defensively, but there were some encouraging signs.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 5
A chance for him to make a statement, but rarely stretched Zenit and was replaced in the second-half.
Timo Werner - 9
Will this be a turning point for the German at last? Made a flying start with the opening goal and routinely found space in-between Zenit’s defenders. Brilliant feet and finish for what looked like the winner – and even made a goal for Lukaku.
Romelu Lukaku - 6
Back in the goals and he got 75 crucial minutes under his belt, which could be vital heading into the Christmas schedule.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic (Hudson-Odoi, 65’) - 6
Provided the assist for Werner’s second in a bright performance from the bench.
Hakim Ziyech (Barkley, 65’) - 5
Chelsea gained more control of midfield after he came on.
Marcos Alonso (Saul, 75’) - 5
Helped to push Zenit further into retreat.
Kai Havertz (Lukaku, 75’) - 5
Gave Zenit something fresh to worry about from an attacking point of view.
Unused subs: Bettinelli, Mendy, Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Loftus-Cheek
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