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Premier League
Mar 4, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

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Hazard (22')

Player Ratings: West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea

Sports Mole takes a look at which players impressed during the Premier League contest between West Ham United and Chelsea.

Chelsea have maintained their five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory away at West Ham United.

In a London derby played at a frenetic pace, Eden Hazard's early header proved to be the difference as Jose Mourinho's team took a step closer to the title.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be delighted with his side's efforts, but their failure to equalise has heaped the pressure on his role at the club.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at how each player fared at Upton Park on Wednesday evening.


Chelsea's Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (R) has an unsuccessful shot under pressure from West Ham United's English defender Carl Jenkinson on March 3, 2015© Getty Images

WEST HAM UNITED

Goal

Adrian: The Spanish stopper could do little about the goal, but other than that, it was a solid night's work as he kept his side in the game during the second half. (7/10)

Defence

Carl Jenkinson: The Arsenal loanee was always going to have a tough task to keep Eden Hazard quiet throughout the match, but it was his contribution in attack which would have impressed his manager. Could have had an assist to his name. (7/10)

James Tomkins: Did well to combine with his defensive teammates to shackle Costa, but didn't produce anything that stood out. (6/10)

Winston Reid: The New Zealand international was given the task of marking Diego Costa, but his evening was brought to an early end after he suffered a calf injury. (5/10)

Aaron Cresswell: Like Jenkinson on the opposite flank, he provided ammunition for the penalty area that could have been used to the side's advantage on another night. (6/10)

Midfield

Cheikhou Kouyate: The summer signing has developed into one of the first names on the team sheet this season and this was another performance of energy and physicality. Didn't deserve to be on the losing side. (8/10)

Mark Noble: The long-serving Hammers midfielder complemented his midfield partners to good effect, but he was unable to create anything significant in and around the box. (7/10)

Kevin Nolan: Preferred to Alex Song in the West Ham engine room and he justified his manager's faith with a committed performance. Arguably one of his best games of the season. (8/10)

Attack

Stewart Downing: The left-footed player continues to perform impressively for the Hammers, and on another night, he would have had a hand in an equalising goal. (7/10)

Enner Valencia: Allardyce has been critical of the Ecuadorian's recent form, and although this display was nothing to write home about, he showed a few positive signs. (6/10)

Diafra Sakho: Proved to be a menace in the Chelsea penalty area all night, but he couldn't add his 12th goal of the season as Courtois acted as a brick wall between the posts. (7/10)

Substitutes

James Collins: Was called upon during the early stages and did all that was asked of him in the centre of defence to keep Costa quiet for much of the match. (7/10)

Nene: Didn't have enough time to make an impact after being introduced in the final stages. (6/10)


Eden Hazard of Chelsea turns away to celebrate after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against West Ham on March 4, 2015© Getty Images

CHELSEA

Goal

Thibaut Courtois: Without him, Chelsea wouldn't be celebrating three points this evening. Made two excellent saves during the first half before offering a safe pair of hands during the second period. (9/10)

Defence

Branislav Ivanovic: This was your standard display from Branislav Ivanovic. Looked strong at the back while always showing ambition to get further forward. (7/10)

Gary Cahill: The England centre-back has reacted well to having his place in the team called into question. Made a number of vital blocks at crucial moments in the match. (8/10)

John Terry: The Chelsea skipper was booked in the first half, but that didn't hinder another superb game. He will surely be penning a new contract in the coming weeks. (8/10)

Cesar Azpilicueta: Didn't contribute much further forward, but his presence at left-back is under-rated and he did well to nullify the threat offered by Valencia. (7/10)

Midfield

Kurt Zouma: Two matches into his stint in centre midfield and he already looks accomplished in the position. Despite his youthfulness, he regularly overpowered his rivals in West Ham's engine room. (7/10)

Cesc Fabregas: Not the most flamboyant of nights for the assist king, but he did what he always does and kept his side ticking over. Still needs to add more goals to his game. (7/10)

Oscar: After being brought in for Willian, Oscar didn't offer too much at either end of the pitch and it was no surprise when he was subbed with 17 minutes remaining. (6/10)

Attack

Ramires: Relished the opportunity to play further forward. Provided the assist for Hazard's goal and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet himself with a shot that struck the woodwork. (7/10)

Eden Hazard: Always looked a threat on either flank without providing an end product for Costa. His goal made the difference though, and it was another match-winning contribution from the Belgian. (7/10)

Diego Costa: Not one of his better nights, but he was always a presence in defence and attack. (6/10)

Substitutes

Willian: Introduced as a late replacement for Oscar and did what was required to ensure that West Ham didn't create too many openings in the final 15 minutes. (6/10)

Didier Drogba: Booked after entering the action in injury time. (5/10)

Loic Remy: Only played a minute after being introduced to waste time. (5/10)


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Eden Hazard of Chelsea turns away to celebrate after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match against West Ham on March 4, 2015
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