Chelsea FC Preseason: Player Grades Against Kitchee

Chelsea began their defense of the Barclay's Asia Premier League title tonight with a 4-0 win over Hong Kong Champions Kitchee. Goals from Lampard, Drogba, Sturridge, and and own goal from Kitchee defender Ubay, are only tangible evidence in a game Chelsea dominated from start to finish.

Chelsea opened the game by dominating position, but had few opportunities on goal. After Benayoun drew a penalty in the 37th minute and Lampard scored it, the Blue's began to find more and more chances.

The second goal came in a low cross into the box from Malouda. Drogba's pressure on the back of Kitchee defender Ubay was too much for him to handle and he ended up putting the ball in the back of his own net.

With no subs at half, Chelsea picked up where they left off. 15 minutes into the second period Malouda put in another cross aimed at Drogba. This time the ball found the Ivorian as he bravely used his head to cut in front of the foot of the defender and put them up 3-0.

Sturridge's entrance into the game just after Drogba's goal sparked more life into the squad. His creative play making on the right wing was rewarded in the 77th minute with a spectacular goal. Receiving the ball on the right side of the box, he was able to out dribble and out pace two defenders before firing the ball pass the goalie's near side from a tight angle.

This was by far the team's best game of their preseason. They earned all their goals and created more clear chances than any of the others. They also controlled the ball for nearly the entire game. Chelsea fans will enjoy seeing their team finally finding its footing.

Chelsea will now take on the winner of Aston Villa and Blackburn this Saturday for the Barclay's Asia Premier League trophy.

Player Grades

Ross Turnbull: B

As usual he did not have to do much. Made a nice sprint to save a ball from going behind for a corner. Did not get threatened once. 

Ashely Cole: B+

Got forward well and worked very nicely with Malouda on the left hand side. Looked his typical self making strong inside runs off the wing.

Slobodan Rajković: C

Not very active in the back and didn't really get challenge in the air as much as you would like a center back to be able to.  

John Terry: B

Strong in the air putting a good effort toward goal from a set piece. Played unusually high up. Didn't have to do much defensively, but worked well with Rajkovic. 

Paulo Ferreira: A

Had the best game on anyone on the pitch. He got forward multiple times and delivered great balls into the box. He also set up Benayoun's goal with a very nice long pass on the ground. If he can continue this form, it will relieve pressure to sing another right back. 

Yuri Zhirkov: C+

Mostly inconsequential. Gave away the ball far too many times in the midfield. 

Yossi Benayoun: A

Electrifying throughout the game in the attacking midfield role. Created plenty of opportunities with his runs and own dribbling. He earned the penalty that gave Chelsea their first goal using his feet to beat defenders and his mind by keeping calm under the pressure. Chelsea's answer to their lack of midfield creativity may by in the Israeli. 

Frank Lampard: B-

OK game, but still have trouble fitting into the system. He seems to be too passive and holds the ball too long for this swift attacking style. His penalty was taken with class as usual. 

Salomon Kalou: B

Did very well in the wing role. Exchanged nicely with Ferreira and made good cutting inside runs. He seemed to find his form today. 

Florent Malouda: B+

Set up two goals with good crosses. Him and Cole completely controlled the left side through their exchanges. The two looked like they did early last season, what is exactly what any Chelsea fan would hope.

Didier Drogba: B

Was inconsequential until his part in the own goal. Kitchee seemed to just corral the lone striker by keeping three or four defenders constantly within a few yards of him. Despite that he was still able to find room and punch in a goal. His free kicks were menacing as well.

Subs- 62nd Minute

Josh McEachran (for Zhirkov): C+

Not quite as good as he was in other games, but with the limited time and a three goal cushion he could be excused. Found Torres in space late in the game with good vision.

Daniel Sturridge (for Malouda): A

By far his best game ever in a Chelsea jersey. Though it was only against Kitchee, he performed marvelously all over the pitch, from crosses, to finishing, even on free kicks. He may prefer the center, but he seems to just as well on the wing. You can really see his desire to make this squad and become an meaningful part of the team.

Fernando Torres (for Drogba): C

Other than a good shot from far that banged off the post he didn't really do much. He continues to struggle in front of the goal, not able to latch onto through balls the way that is expected of him. He has to turn it on soon or he will not be in the starting eleven come the start of the season.

Subs- 64th Minute

Henrique Hilario (for Turnbull): B

Did even less than Turnbull.

Branislav Ivanovich (for Terry): B

Played similar to the man he replaced. Not much going on defensively, he got high up and backed up the attack.  

John Obi Mikel: B+

Got in on tackles well and made himself a big body to contend with. Had decent heading opportunity he put just wide of the post. 

Nathaniel Chalobah (for Rajković in 77th minute): N/A

Didn't have enough time or opportunities to fairly evaluate.