Sevilla 0-4 Chelsea: Player Ratings as Olivier Giroud's Four Goals Seal Top Spot in Group E
Olivier Giroud's four goals helped Chelsea cruise to an impressive victory against Sevilla on Wednesday night, sealing their spot as Group E winners in the process.
Frank Lampard rang the changes from the 0-0 draw with Tottenham at the weekend, with Giroud replacing Tammy Abraham up front. The entire back four was changed, while Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic also featured from the outset.
The visitors took the lead when Giroud cut back on to his left foot and curled into the far corner after Havertz's driving run and pass.
The Frenchman grabbed his second in the second half with a composed dink before sealing the contest with a glancing header. A late penalty gifted the World Cup winner a remarkable fourth.
Both sides had sealed qualification for the knockout stages before the game but the result means Chelsea top the group with a game to spare, with Sevilla confirmed as runners up.
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Edouard Mendy (GK) - 6/10 - Claimed a few crosses and made a few saves. A relatively quiet night but another clean sheet for the summer signing.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) - 7/10 - Just shows the depth Chelsea have where Reece James can be dropped and Azpilicueta drafted in. Beaten a few times in the air but decision making remains pretty sharp.
Andreas Christensen (CB) - 7/10 - Won most of his aerial duels, with his distribution fine for the most part. Wasn't overly tested by a blunt Sevilla attack.
Antonio Rudiger (CB) - 8/10 - Had a header cleared off the line by Franco Vazquez. His cross field passes to Callum Hudson-Odoi were joyous to watch. A solid display.
Emerson Palmieri (LB) - 7/10 - Hardly a fan favourite for Chelsea supporters but did little wrong. Certainly did his bit in keeping Sevilla quiet.
2. Midfielders
Kai Havertz (CM) - 7/10 - A good driving run from the Germany international saw him tee up Giroud for Chelsea's first. Often looked to dribble and had some joy throughout.
Jorginho (CM) - 7/10 - Made a few tackles and was characteristically comfortable in possession. A clean sheet will also do his confidence some good.
Mateo Kovacic (CM) - 7/10 - Set up one of Giroud's goals. Has a slight habit of committing fouls after losing possession but was technically good all night.
3. Forwards
Callum Hudson-Odoi (RW) - 7/10 - Some sharp running and clever off the ball movement helped Chelsea's attack. Carried out his defensive duties diligently. Somewhat outshone by Giroud but a good performance nonetheless.
Olivier Giroud (ST) - 10/10 - Absolutely brilliant. Gave the visitors the perfect start with a sharp finish in the eighth minute and grabbed a second with a deft chip. Completed a perfect hat trick with a nice header and got a fourth with a late penalty. Full marks.
Christian Pulisic (LW) - 6/10 - Looked sharp early on, placing a shot just wide prior to Giroud's goal before forcing Sevilla goalie Alfonso Pastor into a save with a low drive. Still building up fitness but a decent enough showing.
4. Substitutes
Hakim Ziyech - 5/10
Mason Mount - 6/10
N'Golo Kante - 7/10 - Came on and set up Giroud for his third with a lovely cross.
Timo Werner - 6/10
Billy Gilmour - 6/10 - A long awaited comeback in a perfect situation for the young Scot.