The hosts’ Carlos Soler opened the scoring in the 40th minute but Frank Lampard’s side responded quickly as midfielder Mateo Kovacic fired the ball home just a minute later Christian Pulisic then put Chelsea ahead just five minutes after the restart following consultation with VAR only for Daniel Wass to equalize for Valencia in final 10 minutes
Ratings
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6
Was lucky not be called into action early in the first half, first when Rodrigo slid in Maxi Gomez only for the striker to miss his shot and second when Gomez shot wide when he had only the goalkeeper to beat.
Could have done better to save Soler’s shot for Valencia’s goal. Was erratic with his passing throughout the game. Redeemed himself when he saved Parejo’s penalty.
Reece James 7.5
He looks destined to reach the top. Another assured display from the 19-year-old in what is his breakout season. Defended well throughout the game and always looked a threat in crossing positions.
Kurt Zouma 6.5
Does not look comfortable passing out from the back and it showed on the night, misplaced few passes inviting pressure on Chelsea’s defense
Andreas Christensen 7
Surprise starter ahead of Fikayo Tomori but vindicated his selection with an assured if not spectacular performance. Won his headers and was composed on the ball.
Cesar Azpilicueta 6.5
Started ahead of Emerson as the left-back with Lampard wanting more solidity. Defended well and was always keen to get forward without much success. Booked for a flailing arm
Jorginho 6
Booked early in the first half for a cynical challenge. Wasn’t given time on the ball to dictate the tempo of the game with the Valencia forwards dropping deep. Gave away a penalty which was saved by Kepa before being taken off in the second half
Mateo Kovacic 8
Best played on the pitch by a mile. He got his first goal with a strike from outside the box and almost got his second soon after when his shot was saved by Cillissen. Always got Chelsea on the front foot with his dribbling.
N’Golo Kante 7
Highly energetic display from the Frenchman. Always pressed the Valencia defenders and didn’t give them a moment’s rest. Could have scored the first goal of the game but shot over when the ball dropped to him in the box.
Willian 7.5
Looked dangerous on the break with his running. Tracked back well as he always does. He should have scored in the second half when he was put through by Batshuayi but shot straight at the goalkeeper.
Christian Pulisic 7
He continued his superb scoring form with another goal that was awarded by VAR after it was initially ruled out by the referee. Harried Valencia’s defenders all night.
Tammy Abraham 6.5
He started the game well and was unlucky not to get a goal when he adjusted well to get his shot away but was well saved by the goalkeeper. Taken off just before half time after he fell awkwardly heading a cross from a corner. Lampard will hope the injury isn’t serious.
