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Chelsea player ratings v Blackburn: Enzo Fernandez purrs in midfield but no bite from Nicolas Jackson

Enzo Fernandez starred against Blackburn (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Enzo Fernandez starred against Blackburn (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea comfortably beat Blackburn to reach the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup through goals from Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling.

Badiashile made his first appearance since May after a long injury and turned in the first goal after a calamitous mistake from goalkeeper Leopold Wahlstedt.

Sterling added a second after Callum Brittain was caught in possession, curling a stunning finish in front of the Matthew Harding End.

Reece James made his first start since August in a crucial morale-boosting victory ahead of a trip to Tottenham on Monday.

Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players...

Robert Sanchez - 6

Mostly comfortable but had his customary shaky moment with the ball. Claimed the clean sheet with an amazing last minute save on Arnor Sigurdsson.

Reece James - 7

The captain fired several long-range efforts on Leopold Wahlstedt's goal. Didn't seem at his absolute physical peak but still a dominating presence on the right.

Axel Disasi - 6

The man mountain dominated his duels but his positioning caught him out a few times. Reunited with his former Monaco teammate Badiashile for the first time at Chelsea.

Chelsea are into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea are into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Benoit Badiashile - 7

An impressive return to action after five months out, scoring from a simple side foot goal after a goalkeeping calamity.

Marc Cucurella - 6

Solid at the back but unremarkable when venturing forward.

Lesley Ugochukwu - 7

Made some good defensive interventions. It is clear Pochettino sees something in this young talent.

Enzo Fernandez - 8

An immaculate display returning after the birth of his baby boy. He is a £100million midfielder and looked like it against a lesser side.

Conor Gallagher - 6

Playing as a No10, he produced his usual high-energy display. Lucky not to concede a penalty.

Cole Palmer - 7

Hit the post and was involved in both goals but somehow not as dominant as he was in defeat against Brentford on Saturday.

Nicolas Jackson - 5

Held up the ball well but still not at his best, blazing over a good second half chance.

Raheem Sterling - 8

Again, looked like a player facing lesser opposition. Denied a stonewall penalty and had the beating of his defenders.

Substitutes

Malo Gusto - 7

Accomplished cameo helped control the match and came on in a planned substitution to rest James.

Levi Colwill - 7

Helped close out the final 30 minutes with ease, allowing Badiashile to rest in a planned change.

Moises Caicedo - 6

Helped bring a bit more control to midfield.

Alex Matos - N/A

Noni Madueke - N/A

Unused substitutes: Petrovic; Maatsen, Castledine, Washington