Player ratings v Tottenham: Cucurella and Gallagher top class in brilliant Chelsea display
Cucurella and Gallagher among many excellent performances as Chelsea delivered one of their best displays of the season to beat Tottenham
By Jon Turner | May 3, 2024
It was a performance so good that you could feel the pressure being lifted off Mauricio Pochettino’s shoulders. Chelsea outclassed, outfought and outplayed Tottenham to secure a 2-0 Premier League win at Stamford Bridge and complete the double over our rivals.
Following on from a superb second-half showing against Aston Villa last Saturday, the players maintained their momentum and utterly dominated a side chasing Champions League football; although perhaps not anymore!
What made it even more impressive is that they did so completely depleted. The Blues entered Thursday evening’s match with 14 senior squad members out injured, leaving the first XI supported by a bench made up entirely of youth-team players.
None of that mattered on the night, though, as Chelsea bossed the game in all areas of the pitch.
Their early excellence was rewarded in the 24th minute when Trevoh Chalobah rose to meet Conor Gallagher’s curling free-kick and placed a superb header into the top corner.
Despite ceding much of the possession to Spurs (37% v 63%), only one team ever looked like winning this game, and the Blues got their insurance of a second goal in the 72nd minute as Nicolas Jackson nodded in the loose ball after Cole Palmer’s free-kick cannoned back off the crossbar.
There were spells of Tottenham pressure, both before and after the second goal, but a collectively composed and focused defensive display from the entire team ensured a thoroughly deserved victory.
The result moves Chelsea up to eighth in the Premier League table, just two points behind Newcastle in seventh and three adrift of faltering Manchester United in sixth.
With four winnable games remaining – especially if they play like this for the rest of the campaign – against West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Brighton (A), and Bournemouth (H), hopes are revived that Europa League football is back on the cards.
Here are the player ratings from Stamford Bridge.
Djordje Petrovic – 8/10
The Serbian stopper didn’t put a foot or glove wrong all game. Petrovic was largely a spectator for the first half, but as Tottenham pressed forward after the break, he was commanding when called into action.
He made four important saves to play his part in an impressive victory and a second clean sheet in four league games – Chelsea had previously gone 13 games without a shutout.
Alfie Gilchrist – 7/10
Handed arguably the toughest task on the night in trying to contain Tottenham’s star man Son Heung-min, Gilchrist stood up to the challenge admirably.
Spurs frequently attempted to overload his flank, which left the defender isolated at times, but he showed mature positioning to limit the damage. Fully committed, as we’ve come to expect from him, and linked up well with Noni Madueke down the right.
Trevoh Chalobah – 9/10
Chalobah said after the game that he’s spent much of the past four years learning as much as he can from Thiago Silva. It showed against Tottenham.
The centre-back took on the role of defensive leader in fine style, commanding the backline to stay disciplined and compact during moments of Spurs pressure. That he brought out the best in centre-back partner Benoit Badiashile is testament to his leadership on the night.
And, of course, he took his goal superbly, timing his run and jump to perfection to send a looping header beyond Guglielmo Vicario.
Benoit Badiashile – 8/10
By far the Frenchman’s best game of the season. Assumed the role of rugged centre-back with conviction, producing two blocks, eight clearances, two interceptions, and seven recoveries.
For a player of his size and strength, he used it to great effect when often this season he had been too easy to bully. It just shows what a bit of confidence can do for a player.
Marc Cucurella – 9/10
Who would’ve thought just a few games ago that Cucurella would be the key to unlocking this talented yet frustratingly inconsistent Chelsea team?
The Spaniard has been solid at left-back for much of the campaign but his switch to inverted full-back has pushed the Blues onto a new level. Moving into deep central midfield when we were on the ball, Cucurella provided not only an extra body in the middle but proved to have the ability and composure on the ball to play in those areas.
Defensively in his more traditional role, he was absolutely brilliant, winning 9/9 duels. His positioning was faultless (when at times it’s been his Achilles heel) and his timing in the tackle immaculate.
Can’t believe I’m actually writing this, but… Cucurella is starting to make the £60m Chelsea paid Brighton look like money well spent.
Moises Caicedo – 8/10
Caicedo took his brilliant second-half performance from Villa Park straight home to Stamford Bridge.
The Ecuadorian played his bread-and-butter role of midfield destroyer to perfection, breaking up play and intercepting Tottenham attacks with ease. He won 10/12 duels, produced five recoveries and two blocks, and drew five fouls.
It’s no coincidence that his best most recent performances (vs Villa, Everton, and now Spurs) have come when playing alongside Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher – 9/10
Honoured with his own giant banner before kick-off, Gallagher did the tribute plenty of justice with a fantastic display. Claimed his ninth assist of the season with a delightful free-kick that found Chalobah’s head and led his team through performance and personality.
Gallagher, who completed 22/24 passes (92%), never stopped running and roused his teammates during moments of fatigue. Got stuck in all match, winning 3/4 tackles and nine duels.
The massive concern now is whether he’s still at the club next season. With a year left on his deal, new terms need to be agreed asap. If not, Thursday night might have been the perfect audition; Tottenham have identified Gallagher as a top target.
Noni Madueke – 8/10
Fresh from his inspirational performance against Villa, Madueke was in the mood once again to cause carnage. The winger was frightening every time he was on the ball, always looking to attack the full-back and get as close to the goal line as possible.
Madueke completed 5/7 dribbles and created two chances; unfortunately the final ball or finish just wasn’t there on the night. He put in an impressive defensive shift, too, winning 11/18 duels, and made five recoveries. Anyone doubting his commitment now?
Cole Palmer – 8/10
He just oozes class, doesn’t he? Palmer knits everything together for this team and it was more of the same against Spurs. Drifting from his central position out to wide attacking areas on the left and right, Tottenham couldn’t lay a glove on him.
Had chances to extend his club record by scoring in an eighth successive home league game, but blazed one good effort high and had another that forced Vicario into tipping the ball over the bar.
He would play a key part in the second goal, though, as his sumptuous free-kick rebounded off the bar, allowing Jackson to head home. Officially not an assist for the stats nerds, but as good as one.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7/10
This was the sort of game we expect Mudryk to enjoy as Chelsea played on the counter to exploit the space between Tottenham’s midfield and defence.
The Ukrainian had success when on the ball and completed 2/3 dribbles, including a brilliant mazy run that deserved to end in a goal.
Mudryk’s end product is still lacking, and he blazed a couple of good chances miles off target, although he had one curling effort that whizzed just wide. A much-improved performance from the winger.
Nicolas Jackson – 8/10
This was Jackson at his very best. Whether he was sprinting on to chances through the middle, running at the defence with the ball at his feet, or taking on his man from wide left positions, Tottenham had no answers for him.
The Senegalese showed great reaction timing and anticipation to pounce on the loose ball from Palmer’s free-kick to score the nerve-settling second goal.
He now has 11 Premier League goals – one more than Didier Drogba in his debut season; 19 goal involvements (14 scored, five assisted) is a very solid return.
SUBS: Cesare Casadei (Mudryk 75’) – 6/10
The most senior outfield player on the bench, the 21-year-old Italian came on at 2-0 up and again played his part to see out the victory. Casadei won 3/4 duels (all in the air) and got stuck in to preserve the clean sheet.
Josh Acheampong (Gilchrist 85’) – N/A
A special moment for the 17-year-old Academy player making his debut, and he gave an excellent account of himself. Only on the pitch for five minutes but still produced three blocks and a recovery.
Jimi Tauriainen (Jackson 90’) – N/A
The highly-rated 20-year-old also made his debut in the final couple of minutes.
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino – 9/10
The sort of managerial performance that should get plenty of fans back on side. The team selection took care of itself due to the chronic injury crisis, and Pochettino deserves immense credit for keeping his tiring players motivated and focused.
The decision to deploy Cucurella as an inverted full-back (after it was so effective against Villa) appears to be a masterstroke and could have a transformative impact for the final few games of the season.
This was the clearest evidence yet of how Pochettino wants his team to play; organised and brave in defence, quick in transition, plenty of movement, and playing the ball at pace in attacking areas. But most importantly: commitment and competitiveness.
After the second half against Villa and this match against Spurs, it feels like something has finally clicked. Maintain this level for the remaining games and a solid foundation has been set for next season.
