Rating the Chelsea Players Against Swansea

Chelsea celebrated a 2-0 victory over Swansea on Sunday evening to strengthen their top-four ambitions thanks to two goals from midfielders Oscar and Frank Lampard.

The Blues were in command throughout but struck twice in the space of two minutes on the verge of half-time to put the game beyond the reach of their visitors.

It was a very composed performance from the hosts, and one that belied the tiredness they must be feeling in the midst of a demanding schedule across three competitions.

Let's, then, take a look at how Chelsea's players rated in sealing victory.

Petr Cech: 6

It was a quiet afternoon for Chelsea's Czech goalkeeper, but he dealt well with the efforts that did eventually make it on target.

Cech will enjoy few afternoons this placid in the Premier League and did well to remain fully focused throughout.

Overall Rating: 6

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7

Cesar Azpilicueta was shown a yellow card in the second half for a poor tackle on Swansea's Ben Davies but apart from that had easily been the better of Chelsea's two full-backs.

Ever willing to push forward in attack, the Spain international was frequently involved in building up moves and offered valuable width to his side throughout.

Defensively, too, he was strong, limiting the impact of Swansea's attacks on the left flank and making a couple of important interceptions for his side.

Overall Rating: 7

John Terry: 7.5

In the week that it was revealed that Terry is hoping for a return to international football, it is little surprise that the Chelsea captain decided to put in a very composed performance for his side.

While Swansea were not at their threatening best, Terry dealt well with the danger offered by Michu in attack and also was a commanding presence for set pieces—as has come to be expected.

In attack, Terry was able to get on the end of a couple of free-kicks and corners delivered into the area, but to little effect. It was, though, a very accomplished all-around performance from the aging defender.

Overall Rating: 7.5

Gary Cahill: 7

While not as involved as captain Terry, Gary Cahill was generally a composed and reliable figure for Chelsea in the centre of the defence—even if there was often little to keep him occupied.

His central defensive colleague was more willing to step out of the back four and get onto the ball, but Cahill was just as important to the handling of the Swansea forward line.

The former Bolton man went close with a header from an Eden Hazard corner and also made a fine last-ditch tackle to deny a shooting opportunity in the second half.

Another display to show just why he is challenging Terry for his first-team place at present.

Overall Rating: 7

Ashley Cole: 5

England international Ashley Cole has spent some time out of the side recently with injury and didn't look at his best at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with far less involvement than he would normally expect.

The England full-back was dispossessed on a couple of occasions and allowed both Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer enough space to get shots on goal at various stages, when perhaps he should have done better.

In attack, Cole was subdued compared to his normal showings and was certainly less involved than Azpilicueta on the opposite flank. While he did nothing wrong particularly, we have come to expect much more from one of the best left-backs of recent years.

Overall Rating: 5

David Luiz: 7.5

This was another good showing from the Brazilian in his new defensive midfield position, and it is now very much a case of the Blues performing best with him installed in the role.

Alongside Ramires initially, and later Frank Lampard, Luiz helped ensure that Chelsea maintained a degree of control over midfield areas at all times. Swansea, for all their reputation, were kept out of the game for long periods.

Luiz has proved adept at reining in his instinct for hitting a long pass and instead is more selective with his distribution when in midfield areas. His role at the base of the attacking unit has become central to much that Benitez's Chelsea has to offer.

Overall Rating: 7.5

Frank Lampard: 9

While Frank Lampard started the match on the bench, it would only take 25 minutes for him to come into the fray as Ramires departed injured.

Chelsea had started well, keeping the ball in midfield, but were struggling to create any opportunities against what was a well-organised and compact Swansea defence.

The introduction of Lampard, though, changed the game. The England international may not feature in the club's plans for next season, but today was evidence of the impact that he can still make in the top flight.

Lampard added directness to the side, testing Michel Vorm with a couple of well-struck long-range efforts and linked well with both Demba Ba and Juan Mata in particular.

It was, ultimately, a match-winning contribution from the central midfielder.

Overall Rating: 9

Oscar: 8

Brazilian attacking midfielder Oscar has had his critics this season and started the game in tentative fashion. However, once he found his feet, the Brazilian began to show just how important he can be to the side.

It was a well-struck right-footed effort from the former Internacional player that opened the scoring, but there was much more to his contribution than that single shot.

Oscar is not a natural defensive player but once more put in a big effort in defensive areas to shore up the midfield. It has been an unexpected but pleasing part of his game this season.

In attack, he was one of the most incisive of the Chelsea attacking unit, looking to play through balls or take shots at every opportunity. Once he had overcome early sloppiness, it was a very impressive performance indeed.

Overall Rating: 8

Juan Mata: 7.5

It was one of Juan Mata's quieter games of the season, but the Spain international was typically smooth and precise in everything he contributed in the match.

Mata linked play well in the final third, looking to bring those around him into the game, and also played an important role with his pinpoint set-piece delivery.

He would go close with a couple of efforts late on, as well as set up chances for both Oscar and Lampard. While Lampard may have changed the game on this occasion, it is Mata who Chelsea can rely upon for consistent returns.

Overall Rating: 7.5

Eden Hazard: 7

Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard was a constant threat to Swansea on Sunday afternoon, cutting in from his position on the left flank to great effect.

The wide player created numerous chances for striker Demba Ba and his attacking midfield colleagues, but saw the opportunities repeatedly squandered.

Hazard has been excellent in spells this season and, while this wasn't his best game of the campaign, he is clearly in decent nick at present.

It was also noticeable that he gave improved cover to Ashley Cole compared to periods earlier in the season.

Overall Rating: 7

Demba Ba: 7.5

January signing Demba Ba has made a big difference to the Chelsea side since joining and showed exactly why in this encounter against Swansea.

Ba's movement and pace caused big problems for both Ashley Williams and Chico Flores all game, and, indeed, Williams was very lucky to avoid a red card for pulling him back.

Had it not been for some inspired saves from goalkeeper Vorm, Ba could have written his name onto the scoresheet and, indeed, can be considered very unfortunate not to have done so.

His running of the channels opened up space for teammates behind him, and there were some impressive interchanges between Ba and his supporting players. Only a goal was missing from a fine display.

Overall Rating: 7.5