Chelsea player ratings: Mudryk stakes claim for starting spot but Sanchez nervy on return to team in FA Cup win

SUB Conor Gallagher was Chelsea’s 90th-minute hero after another night of many questions for boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The much-changed Blues sunk Leeds 3-2 to book an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Leicester.

Rex

Mykhaylo Mudryk scored and shone on a rare start for the Blues[/caption]

Getty

Conor Gallagher cracked Chelsea’s winner despite pressure from Liam Cooper[/caption]

Mateo Joseph fired home twice for the Championship visitors – with Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk flashing fine replies for Chelsea inbetween.

Then just seconds away from stoppage time, Gallagher spun well in the box to wriggle through to plant the Blues’ winner.

Here’s how Poch’s Blues rated in a ding-dong clash at Stamford Bridge.

ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5

You could feel the nerves at times when the ball went back to him.

It is understandable why many fans were left scratching their heads over why Maurico Pochettino started him over Djordje Petrovic. 

AXEL DISASI – 5

Was caught in possession for Leeds’ opener by Mateo Joseph. Seems to have not got anyone convinced despite that blinder of a performance against Manchester City recently. 

Reuters

Alfie Gilchrist was handed a surprise start in Chelsea’s defence[/caption]

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6

Could have done better to cut out the cross for the second goal but was a steady return to the line up on his first start of the season. 

ALFIE GILCHRIST – 5

Allowed Dan James to get in behind him in the build up to the opener. Looked nervy playing at left-back and you could see that when he played a back pass a little short to Sanchez early on. 

MALO GUSTO – 6

Bit scrappy to start with, chipping a pass straight out of play but was involved in the passing sequence which led to the opener. 

ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6 

He went from zero to hero. Archie Gray, just 17, made Fernandez look bang average for most of the match.

It was hard to believe they splurged £106million on him before he produced a blistering run to tee up Gallagher for the winner to prove his worth.

MOISES CAICEDO – 7

Fed through to Nicolas Jackson for the opener but struggled at times against Ethan Ampadu. 

NONI MADUEKE – 6

Was involved in the build up for Chelsea’s second goal but was frustrating to watch him stroll about on the pitch while the Blues were out of possession. 

Getty

Big-money buys Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo were again paired in Chelsea’s midfield as they sandwich Leeds forward Joel Piroe[/caption]

MYKHAILO MUDRYK – 8

His twinkle toes wreaked havoc on Leeds in the opening stages and he produced the slickest of finishes to make it 2-1.

Seems to pop up when Poch is under pressure, considering he was on target against Palace, Fulham and Newcastle in the League Cup. He’s staking a claim to start games. 

NICOLAS JACKSON – 7

The Senegal forward has looked reinvigorated since returning from AFCON, hitting his tenth goal of the season across all competitions to give the Blues a glimmer of hope. Has to be given credit for a crisp finish for the opener.

RAHEEM STERLING – 6

Whipped an inch-perfect cross into Mudryk to make it 2-1.

Was the oldest Blues’ player on the pitch at age 29 but lacked leadership and impact when the team needed it most before he was substituted. 

SUBS

CHILWELL 5
PALMER 6
COLWILL 6
GALLAGHER 8
TAURIAINEN 5

Getty

Nicolas Jackson hails his early equaliser in a dramatic tie[/caption]