PSG 5-2 Chelsea, Player Ratings: Some good before the horror show

Chelsea's Argentine midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez (R) celebrates with Chelsea's Portuguese forward #07 Pedro Neto after scoring a 2-2 equalizer during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

1. ENZO FERNÁNDEZ (6.6)

When Enzo Fernández scored to make it 2-2, it really felt like Chelsea could and perhaps would not only get something out of this first leg, but maybe go on to even win it. Or, worst case, lose by one. All of those outcomes would’ve set up a massive second leg next week at the Bridge, with all to play for.

Instead… well, we all know what happened after we equalized for the second time. Not much to play for now.

That said, while Enzo does get credit for his goal in these ratings, even in the game’s

better moments, Chelsea were worryingly open, often discombobulated, and lacking a cutting edge despite PSG presenting some wide open attacking lanes of their own. Some of Enzo’s own passing was uncharacteristically below par, and though Liam Rosenior’s lineup was, on paper, was almost the same as Enzo Maresca’s in the Club World Cup final (aside from Fofana in for the injured Colwill, and of course the fateful switch at goalkeeper), our approach was markedly different (and less effective) this time around — on both the collective and the individual levels.

2. PEDRO NETO (6.4)

PSG gift wrapped an hilarious mismatch by trying to defend their right flank with Marquinhos, and we really should’ve taken much better advantage of that. Neto did finally make his impact, forcing the turnover and then setting up Enzo’s goal with a great cutback. Would love to see that sort of cutting edge from Neto more often, to make him a more persistent force to be reckoned with for the opposition. (6th assist on the season, equal with Enzo for third best of the team after Reece James and João Pedro).

3. MALO GUSTO (6.2)

Great goal from Gusto, who had no wing help and did decently well at either end of the pitch. On paper, that’s the sort of complete wing-back that Gusto can be. Could be. Might be. In theory. One day.