Chelsea player ratings: Loftus-Cheek adding goals to his game but Giroud offers very little as Blues secure Europa League final spot

CHELSEA squeezed into the Europa League final to face their London rivals 2,868 miles away in Baku.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek grabbed his second goal in as many games to put Chelsea in front, coolly slotting into the corner with 28 minutes played.

But Frankfurt wonderkid Luka Jovic grabbed himself a deserved equaliser soon after the break to force extra time.

With no winner in the 30 minutes, it went to penalties and after back-to-back saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga, that man Eden Hazard stuck in the winner.

Here’s how SunSport rated and slated Maurizio Sarri’s men…

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Made a flying save to tip over Danny da Costa’s volley which was destined for the top corner with 14 minutes gone. No chance with Jovic’s goal with the Serbian making no mistake when one-on-one. Sarri made all four subs so no chance to see a repeat of sub-gate with Willy Caballero. But he was the hero, staying central to save Martin Hinteregger’s penalty then denying Goncalo Paciencia.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Mr Reliable at right-back from the captain… to start with. After a solid first half, was hideously out of position early in the second half, allowing Ante Rebic to make ground. Should have been sent off for a crunching late tackle on Mijat Gacinovic. Night summed up by seeing his penalty saved.

Andreas Christensen

Another assured performance from the Danish international alongside David Luiz for the majority. But looked like a fish out of water when Jovic trotted past and slid in the deserved equaliser. Was backs to the wall after that and was another player to feel the full force of sweet-lover Jovic. Limped off with a knock.

David Luiz

Can count himself unlucky not to get the opener after glancing Willian’s free-kick on, only for Makoto Hasebe to clear off the line brilliantly. But undid his good work when caught hopelessly out by a simple give-and-go between Jovic and Mijat Gacinovic, with the former finding the corner. Made amends with a stunning goal-line clearance then netted spot kick.

Emerson Palmieri

Coped with the pre-match threat of Rebic well and proved a real threat down the Frankfurt right. Put one dangerous cross in early on which Giroud could not turn in and won the free-kick which David Luiz almost converted from. Could have let fly himself but decided to pass to Loftus-Cheek who couldn’t make it 2-0. Solid enough.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Just like last week, was the man desperately trying to break through the lines and create from midfield. And sure enough it was the England midfielder who put Chelsea ahead for the first time in the tie with a composed finish. That’s two in two for Loftus-Cheek and he’s pushing for a starting spot in the Nations League semis. Subbed off to the absolute disgust of the home crowd.

Jorginho

Was by no means the only one – and can be forgiven given his slight frame – but easily shrugged off by Jovic who almost set up an equaliser. Was once again the Chelsea metronome in the middle and produced one stunning turn on the edge of his own box which started a blistering counter. Hop, skip, jump and cool as you like from the spot.

Mateo Kovacic

With N’Golo Kante injured, Kovacic started ahead of Ross Barkley and almost played his part in a Chelsea opener. Showed quick feet before sending Willian down the right but neither Giroud nor Loftus-Cheek could apply the finishing touch. Played a number of similar, neat through balls throughout and left his mark on Simon Falette with a crunching tackle.

Willian

Was extremely poor in the first leg in Germany but looked more like the Brazilian winger Barcelona are reportedly after. Caused trouble for left-back Falette, who resorted to scraping his studs down Willian’s calf to try and stop him. Replaced just after the hour mark.

Olivier Giroud

Took a whack from Hinteregger’s knee in the first half but tried his best to be the man to deal Frankfurt their knockout blow. Offered very little in the opening half as all the action happened around him. As much as he tried to hold it up and bring others into play, in truth they did just fine without him. A poor performance.

Eden Hazard

Could well be his last Stamford Bridge appearance in a Chelsea shirt – and he put on one final display. Chelsea fans may have taken his trademark dribbling and creativity for granted, but they will miss it when it’s gone. Turned the defender then slipped in Loftus-Cheek to net the opener. There was plenty more to get the locals off their seats and was the brightest spark in a difficult second half. Stepped up for winning penalty and…. SCORED!

SUBS:

Pedro (for Willian, 62 mins)

Scored the goal in the first leg and can count himself unlucky to start on the bench tonight. But then didn’t do much once he did come on.

Davide Zappacosta (for Christensen, 74 mins)

Sarri refused to give in to the fans’ demands when centre-back Christensen went down injured and brought on right-back Zappacosta rather than the departing Gary Cahill. Boo. But headed off his own line to deny Sebastian Haller in extra time.

Ross Barkley (for Loftus-Cheek, 86 mins)

Not a popular substitution with the home crowd, especially considering it is usually Kovacic he comes on for. Struggled to get into the game. Stuck penalty in, shushed the travelling fans. Ross the Rustler.

Gonzalo Higuain (for Giroud, 96 mins)

Can feel hard done by he wasn’t introduced earlier than the sixth minute of extra time. Again, though, another player who offered very little.