Chelsea FC: Player Grades vs. Stoke City

Chelsea opened their 2011/12 Premier League campaign today with a 0-0 draw at Stoke City. New manager Andre Villa-Boas would like to have seen his team get a better result against Tony Pulis’ men, but they were denied despite having a majority of possession and better chances on goal.

Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic had a game to remember, showing some impressive skills to deny the Chelsea strikers. Saves on fine efforts from John Obi Mikel and Nicolas Anelka were enough to make him the hero of the day.

Villa-Boas is by no means in any kind of trouble for the result, but it is expected some of his choices for starters will be questioned. With that said, two-and-a-half months is not enough time to change the tactics and playing personality of a team of veterans like Chelsea. It was evident today that they still have some work to do to become the free flowing side that Villa-Boas envisions.

Petr Cech: B-

He seemed unsure a couple of times and was put off by the big bodies of Stoke. But he kept the ball out of the net, and that’s the most important thing.

Ashley Cole: D+

The usually solid left back was bit out of it today. On one play, he seemingly fell asleep and let the Stoke forward in behind him. He also received a yellow card for a nasty tackle.

Alex: B

Played well considering he was coming off an injury. Had his hands full with some physical Stoke play but handled it nicely.

Terry: B+

Played like the captain today. Like Alex, he was solid in the back and dealt with the big forwards very well. Even had an opportunity on a set piece.

Bosingwa: C+

Got forward well, but overall, did not have the impact necessary to get a win. It will be interesting to see if Villa-Boas sticks with him.

Mikel: B+

Being asked to fill the shoes of Michael Essien is no easy task, but Mikel didn’t have to. He played his own game, not trying to do too much, and was a good link between the defense and attack. He even had volley shot that brought the best out of the Stoke keeper.

Ramires: A-

By far the best player on the pitch today. His work ethic and hustle saw him have influence all over the field. Offensively, he was creating chances, and defensively, he was a thorn in the Stoke midfield’s side all afternoon. If he can keep this up, Chelsea will be really happy.

Lampard: C+

Still seems to have trouble finding his footing in Villa-Boas’ system but still managed to put together an acceptable game. Wrongly had a penalty he drew waved off.

Torres: B-

Played a good game with the ball on his feet. He was dribbling defenders, drawing fouls and creating chances. Off the ball, he seemed out of sync with his team and did more harm than good to the attack. In the end, he still couldn’t find the net.

Malouda: C

A very dull game from the French midfielder.  Never really seemed to get going or find his stride. Had a decent shot on goal but right at the keeper. You would expect more from him.

Kalou: B

Played well today as a right winger. Was able to run at defenders and dribble around them. Maybe with different partners on that side he could have been more effective.

Subs

Anelka (‘65th for Malouda): B-

Played well for coming on late. Had a great shot on goal, but the Stoke keeper made an even better save to push it on to the crossbar.

Drogba (‘75th for Kalou): B

Brought an immediate impact into the game. His ball control and physical presence was a change of pace but just not enough. The decision to start Torres over Drogba will be met with skepticism for sure.

Chelsea opened their 2011/12 Premier League campaign today with a 0-0 draw at Stoke City. New manager Andre Villa-Boas would like to have seen his team get a better result against Tony Pulis’ men, but they were denied despite having a majority of possession and better chances on goal.

Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic had a game to remember, showing some impressive skills to deny the Chelsea strikers. Saves on fine efforts from John Obi Mikel and Nicolas Anelka were enough to make him the hero of the day.

Villa-Boas is by no means in any kind of trouble for the result, but it is expected some of his choices for starters will be questioned. With that said, two-and-a-half months is not enough time to change the tactics and playing personality of a team of veterans like Chelsea.

It was evident today that they still have some work to do to become the free-flowing side that Villa-Boas envisions.

Petr Cech: B-

He seemed unsure a couple of times and was put off by the big bodies of Stoke. But he kept the ball out of the net, and that’s the most important thing.

Ashley Cole: D+

The usually solid left back was bit out of it today. On one play, he seemingly fell asleep and let the Stoke forward in behind him. He also received a yellow card for a nasty tackle.

Alex: B

Played well considering he was coming off an injury. Had his hands full with some physical Stoke play but handled it nicely.

Terry: B+

Played like the captain today. Like Alex, he was solid in the back and dealt with the big forwards very well. Even had an opportunity on a set piece.

Bosingwa: C+

Got forward well, but overall, did not have the impact necessary to get a win. It will be interesting to see if Villa-Boas sticks with him.

Mikel: B+

Being asked to fill the shoes of Michael Essien is no easy task, but Mikel didn’t have to. He played his own game, not trying to do too much, and was a good link between the defense and attack. He even had volley shot that brought the best out of the Stoke keeper.

Ramires: A-

By far the best player on the pitch today. His work ethic and hustle saw him have influence all over the field. Offensively, he was creating chances, and defensively, he was a thorn in the Stoke midfield’s side all afternoon. If he can keep this up Chelsea will be really happy.

Lampard: C+

Still seems to have trouble finding his footing in Villa-Boas’ system but still managed to put together an acceptable game. Wrongly had a penalty he drew waved off.

Torres: B-

Played a good game with the ball on his feet. He was dribbling defenders, drawing fouls and creating chances. Off the ball he seemed out of sync with his team and did more harm than good to the attack. In the end he still couldn’t find the net.

Malouda: C

A very dull game from the French midfielder.  Never really seemed to get going or find his stride. Had a decent shot on goal, but right at the keeper. You would expect more from him.

Kalou: B

Played well today as a right winger. Was able to run at defenders and dribble around them. Maybe with different partners on that side he could have been more effective.

Subs

Anelka (‘65th for Malouda): B-

Played well for coming on late. Had a great shot on goal, but the Stoke keeper made an even better save to push it on to the crossbar.

Drogba (‘75th for Kalou): B

Brought an immediate impact into the game. His ball control and physical presence was a change of pace, but just not enough. The decision to start Torres over Drogba will be met with skepticism for sure.

Beanyoun (‘88th for Torres): N/A