Chelsea player ratings

Petr Cech 6.5; Made a decent early stop from Yaya Toure but was otherwise untested by City’s lack of a forward threat. Efficiently mopped up the few crosses and balls the visitors did throw into his box.

Branislav Ivanovic 7; Defended infectiously as usual and went forward with enthusiasm but the Serb’s commitment often impedes his composure which effects his delivery in good areas.

John Terry 7; Showed why Fabio Capello wants him back as England captain with a signature performance of command. Marshaled his defence and team well enough not giving Eden Dzeko much change and brought the ball out regularly.

David Luiz 8; The darling of the Bridge can do no wrong. Capped another fun-filled performance with the opening goal and conducted his day job of defending with a style and grace which has already endeared him to the terraces. That’s still no hair-cut for a centre half.

Ashley Cole 6.5; Grew into proceedings as City’s presence numbed. Offered width and intent when going forward and was another member of the Blues defensive line not sufficiently tested.

Michael Essien 6.5; Gave Chelsea energy against City’s midfield stocks. Broke up play well and collected his fair share of loose ball but distribution was erratic and wasteful.

Frank Lampard 6; Did well as part of the midfield trio that got the better of their counterparts but didn’t show enough quality to orchestrate moves. Hasn’t quite rediscovered his range of passing or the timing of his arrival into the box.

Ramires 8; Chelsea’s third January signing was arguably the best player on show yesterday but had his thunder stolen by the Luiz love-in. Becoming more influential, the Brazilian gives Chelsea a tempo in midfield that has been lacking. Is showing more with the ball evident in the decisive goal.

Florent Malouda 6; Had plenty of ball as Chelsea imposed themselves but did little with it and didn’t link up well enough with Cole down the left. Part of the underwhelming forward cohort who must do better.

Salomon Kalou 6.5; Like the rest of the forwards he does bits and pieces but just not enough. Flittered around looking menacing but too often that menace meanders out and doesn’t appear any solution to the Torres conundrum. A better bet coming off the bench.

Fernando Torres 6.5; More promise but still no goals and one didn’t look likely. Showed good touches and movement to stretch City’s back four as chelsea maneuvered from different angles but most of his best work came in areas away from goal. Worked hard but lacking the clinical final cut that a £50m price tag demands. Will be interesting when this goal comes.

Substitutions

Yuri Zhirkov 6; Replaced the ineffective Malouda for a breezy final thirteen minute spell.

Didier Drogba 6.5; Given twenty minutes to change things and he did. Devilish delivery for the first goal was replicated minutes later when Kolarov almost turned in another free-kick. Drogba is best playing as a wounded beast and Ancelotti’s benching of the Ivorian could be a masterstroke if Drogba wants to prove a point during the run-in.

Nicolas Anelka 6; Sent on with Drogba and offered pace and invention as City tired rapidly before the bell.