Chelsea nightmarish Premier League campaign continued with a 1-0 defeat away at Stoke City on Saturday evening.
Heading into this match, the Blues had already lost a whopping six goals in the EPL, but their toil continued as Marko Arnautovic hit a second-half effort to bury the Blues and heap even more pressure on Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach was banned from the Britannia Stadium following his recent tirade against the referee as the Londoners were defeated by West Ham United, and without him, the reigning champions appeared listless and uninspired.
Defeat leaves Mourinho’s side in 16th place, although it remains to be seen whether he will be given the opportunity to restore them to their former glory.
Click on for the Chelsea Player Ratings vs. Stoke City:
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GK: Asmir Begovic
An unhappy return to his former club, but at least there were no more glaring errors. 6/10.
DR: Cesar Azpilicueta
Brought down by those around him, was troubled regularly by Arnautovic. 6.5/10.
DL: Abdul Rahman Baba
Terrorised by Xherdan Shaqiri, and may have just blown another opportunity to establish himself in Chelsea’s starting XI.. 5/10.
DC: John Terry
Creaking, although Jon Walters perhaps isn’t the forward to truly trouble Terry. 6/10.
DC: Kurt Zouma
Retained his place ahead of Gary Cahill, and was by far the stronger of the central defenders. Could be used alongside Cahill for the next fixture. 7/10.
MC: Ramires
Little contribution of note, replaced by Remy with 13 minutes to play. 6/10.
MC: Nemanja Matic
Impressed in midweek, but still looks far from his best. It’s a worrying day when you’re thoroughly outclassed by Glenn Whelan. 6.5/10.
AMC: Willian
Once again a key man for Chelsea-as he was in the midweek triumph of Dynamo Kiev-and was unlucky to be on the losing team here. 7.5/10.
AMR: Pedro
Brought into the side to replace Oscar, and hit the woodwork. 6.5/10.
AML: Eden Hazard
Recalled to the starting lineup after his late cameo against Kiev convinced Mourinho of his worth. A few moments of excellence, and suggestions that he could be the man to pull the Pensioners from their slumber. 7/10.
FC: Diego Costa
Clearly relished a brutish battle against a brutish Stoke side, although the goals still aren’t flowing as they once were. 6.5/10.
Sub: Oscar
Will be disappointed to have lost his place in the starting lineup, but showed little after coming on on 70 minutes to suggest that he can be a difference-maker for the Blues. 6.5/10.
Sub: Cesc Fabregas
Dropped after a lethargic showing in the Champions League and still hasn’t recovered his lustre. 6/10.
Sub: Loic Remy
A few late efforts after being introduced for the final stages of the match. Could have had a penalty late on. n/a