Chelsea player ratings vs Slavia Prague: Alonso saves the day as forward struggles with 4

The Blues hold a slender advantage in their Europa League clash with Slavia Prague after winning the first leg 1-0 away from home.

Marcos Alonso scored the only goal of the game for the Blues, heading home late on as Sarri’s side stuttered to victory.

Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante were both left on the bench in the Czech Republic as fringe players were given a chance to shine, although they both made late cameos.

Chelsea dominated possession but only mustered two shots on target and will look for an improved display in the return fixture next week.

Express Sport has rated how the Chelsea players performed against Slavia Prague, but do you agree?

Chelsea player ratings vs Slavia Prague – Europa League

GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 8

Made a number of key stops to keep his side level and played a huge role in securing a vital clean sheet away from home.

Not brilliant under the high ball but difficult to pick holes in his performance.

RB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 5

Afforded plenty of space to meander forward but failed to really make the most of it, despite the lofty presence of Olivier Giroud up top.

Given a hefty workout in defence with the home side getting some joy don his flank.

CB: Antonio Rudiger – 6

Led the rearguard with David Luiz rested and got through plenty of work as the Blues creaked under pressure.

However, the German stood tall and can return home with a job well done.

CB: Andreas Christensen – 6

Only been given a chance to impress in Europe this season but is doing his best to make an impression, winning headers and throwing himself into tackles.

LB: Marcos Alonso – 8

Better defensively than he has been in recent weeks and was a ready attacking outlet for Sarri’s side.

His forays forward were eventually rewarded when he was in the right place at the right time to nod home the winner.

CM: Jorginho – 6

Found it difficult to get a foothold throughout the night with his usual passing game disrupted by energetic opposition.

CM: Mateo Kovacic – 5 

Was busy in the attacking third and won the ball in some promising areas but fails to offer too much in possession, particular when alongside Jorginho and Ross Barkley.

CM: Ross Barkley – 4

Plenty of hustle and bustle but rarely looked like creating anything of note.

RAM: Pedro – 4

A below-par performance from the Spaniard, getting little change from his opposite number and struggling to find a pass to a player in Blue.

LAM: Willian – 7

One of the better Chelsea attackers, hitting the bar in the first half and getting hold of the ball in dangerous positions.

Then provided the assist late on and can be happy with his work.

ST: Olivier Giroud – 5

A missed opportunity to continue his impressive goalscoring exploits in Europe with service lacking for much of the night.

SUB: Eden Hazard (on for Pedro, 59 mins) – 6

Looked busy and tried to make things happen but didn’t get a clear sight of goal.

SUB: N’Golo Kante (on for Kovacic, 68 mins) – 6 

Immediately helped Chelsea gain the upper hand in midfield.

SUB: Ruben Loftus-Cheek (on for Barkley, 75 mins) – 7

More attacking than Barkley and set up the move that led to the goal.

source: express.co.uk