Chelsea will be looking to win in December despite squandering a one-point advantage against Atalanta on Tuesday night. The defeat saw Chelsea drop out of the top eight in the Champions League phase table, with the west London side taking 10 points from six games.
Joao Pedro responded to Reece James’ cross and put the Blues ahead with a smart finish in the 25th minute. Atalanta equalized in the 55th minute when Gianluca Scamacca headed in a cross from Charles de Quetelaer. Express Sport rates and predicts the Blues…
Chelsea vs Atalanta player ratings
Robert Sanchez – 5
He has scored in the last three games in the Champions League. Ademola Lookman did a good job of denying Atalanta an early lead. Atalanta’s second goal could have been better.
Josh Achiampong – 9
He made his first Champions League start, playing as right-back. Around the 12th minute, he started the Blues’ attack with a brilliant cross-field pass to Jamie Gittens. He made an incredible block in the 19th minute to deny Lookman an obvious goal. He also blocked Lookman’s shot late in the first half. Great performance from the teens.
Trevor Chalobah – 6
Chalobah was a solid presence for the Blues, but he was given an unnecessary booking in the first half that put them under pressure. He was substituted at halftime.
Benoit Badiashil – 6
Badiashile shows an aggressive attitude and is always looking to step up and steal the ball from Atalanta. It’s a reminder of his value as a centre-back when he’s fit and available.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Cucurella showed aggression on the ball. We often go to the center but were disappointed by the lack of options once we got there. Performance you can expect.
Reece James – 8
James provided a great assist to João Pedro in the 25th minute. Impressive runs and even more amazing passes into danger zones. So far, it’s fun to watch.
Moises Caicedo – 7
It would be great for Chelsea to have Caicedo back in the lineup. If anyone needs a reminder of his impact, he made a couple of sharp interceptions early in the game.
Pedro Neto – 6
Neto wasn’t as involved as usual. Although he had his moments of brilliance, he was almost invisible in Bergamo.
Enzo Fernandes – 5
Fernandes was heavily involved from the start, but his crosses and shots were a little inconsistent. Sloppier than usual, a worrying sign considering a similar performance at Bournemouth at the weekend. You look tired.
Jamie Gittens – 5
Gittens started brightly, constantly challenging the wing-backs and eventually pushing them back. Unfortunately, as the match progressed, he disappeared.
Joao Pedro – 8
It was great to see the Brazilian score. His smart movements allowed him to find space near the posts and he finished with great skill.
substitute
Wesley Fofana (Charova 46 minutes) – 5
He appeared during the halftime interval. There was too much space for Scamacca to allow the striker to score. He suffered a blow to the head and his time on the pitch was shortened.
Maro Gusto (66 minutes for Fernandes) – 6
He played in the midfield, playing the role of number 10. I didn’t get too involved.
Alejandro Garnacho (played in Neto’s 66th minute) – 6
The Argentine player didn’t have the impact we expected.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Fofana 76th minute) – N/A
I was in the game for about the last 15 minutes.
