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Chelsea player ratings vs Zenit: Kepa finally looks like a £71m goalkeeper to prevent an even worse night

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

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.

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.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

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.

 (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
(Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

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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