Chelsea vs. Reading: Player Ratings from Blues' Thrilling 4-2 Win

If every midweek match is as good as this one, I'll certainly be taking extended lunches at the local pub near work.

Who would have figured a game between Chelsea and Reading would have played out quite like this? Chelsea goes down to newly-promoted Reading 2-1 by halftime? Then they score three unanswered goals in the second half?

Stamford Bridge is in for a treat if the first two matches by the Blues are any indication of how their season will go.

All in all, Chelsea are atop the Premier League table with six points and a four-goal advantage. The most recent scoreline says the team looked superb overall, but how did the individuals grade out?

Check out my player ratings for Chelsea's win over Reading and let me know if you agree.

Goalkeeper

Petr Cech: 5.0

A night the Czech international would sooner forget.

Impressive and physical in the opening minutes, punching away crosses and commanding his box—but an absolute howler of a mistake with Reading's second goal in the 29th minute overshadows any bright spots from the night.

His defenders didn't do much to help on any of the Royals' scores, but a 'keeper of his class should have put forth a better effort. Especially at home.

Defenders

Ashley Cole: 6.0

Started the match with incredible physicality, tackling Reading's midfielders well and thwarting several attacks. But he was, well, awkward in possession, conceding the ball often and having passes either miss targets or easily intercepted. A ho-hum performance for the left-back.

John Terry: 6.0

Poor play for the centre-back who gave clumsy tackles and showed steep decline as the match went on. Is the 31-year-old finally showing his age? 

Gary Cahill: 6.5

Couldn't keep pace with Reading's Garath McCleary, and the midfielder took full advantage, wreaking havoc on Chelsea's defenses throughout the match. Cahill did scored an amazing equalizer in the 65th minute that got the Blues—and Stamford Bridge—back in the match.

Branislav Ivanovic: 5.5

For much of the match, the least impressive of the defensive back line. Bad passing, poor in possession, would have been a throwaway night for the Serbian international if not for a goal in extra time of the second half.

Midfielders

John Obi Mikel: 5.5

The only time the focus was on Mikel was when he was conceding fouls. Came out in favor of striker Daniel Sturridge in the 68th minute, and Sturridge immediately made the impression on offense that Mikel never did.

Ramires: 6.0

Was ill over the weekend and showed little that he'd recovered. Slowed up when he could have challenged in the box and was (wisely) taken out by manager Roberto Di Matteo in the 57th in favor of Oscar.

Frank Lampard: 7.5

Scored an easy penalty and was quite the offensive menace in the first half. Great surges and sprints toward Adam Federici and showed great vision, as always. Lasted all 90 minutes, which is doubly impressive for the 34-year-old.

Juan Mata: 6.5

Solid performance in the middle of the pitch. A few poor passes for the Spanish international and his finishing was questionable, but he still tried with a few attempts.

Subs

Oscar: 7.0

Replaced Ramires and had a few good sprints at Reading's goal, contributing well for not having been at Chelsea for very long. Still, largely nothing of note.

Daniel Sturridge: 7.0

Threw himself into the offense after replacing Mikel. Volleyed some shots in his 20 minutes on the pitch and might have earned himself a start next match.

Forwards

Eden Hazard: 8.5

Man of the match for Chelsea—no question. Assisted the last two scores for the Blues and was a menace on offense. His intelligent runs toward goal were a big reason the home team kept possession for 72 percent of the match. One for the highlight reel.

Fernando Torres: 7.0

He scored, yes, but he also missed several easy opportunities to add to his tally. His performance probably keeps him in Stamford's good graces, but with the chances provided him by Mata and Hazard, the Spaniard should've done more.