Chelsea v Manchester United player ratings

Man-for-man marking from Stamford Bridge

Petr Cech saves from Javier Hernandez to preserve Chelsea’s lead (Getty Images)

Chelsea

Petr Cech: Looked uneasy and was nearly caught in the first half, but produced a stunning save to thwart Hernandez. 7/10

Cesar Azpilicueta: Strong, held his position well and never gave Cleverley room to play. The Spaniard is growing as a right-back. 7

Branislav Ivanovic: A decent day in a quiet office, making several key tackles in the first half but had little to deal with. 6

David Luiz: Nervy in parts, but was generally strong, particularly on the ball. Looked to get forward whenever possible. 6

Ashley Cole: Looked fired up for a battle down United's left before being brought off after 20 minutes with a hamstring injury. 6

Ramires: Had little support or options in midfield at times, but was more industrious and physical in the latter stages. 6

John Obi Mikel: A typical Mikel performance; did little wrong but little outstanding in a tight game that struggled to open up until late on. 6

Eden Hazard: Opened up pockets of space in United's defence and produced flashes of his star quality throughout. 7

Oscar: Grew into the game with some clever interplay in Chelsea's midfield, particularly in the second half, after a quiet opening. 7

Juan Mata: There is nothing not to like about the Spaniard, who showed his class with a perfectly flighted pass for the goal. 8

Demba Ba: Invisible for much of the first half, but led the line in the second and won the game with an outstanding finish. 7

Best off the bench

Ryan Bertrand: Nervous at times and was booked, but generally solid. 6

Manchester United

David de Gea: Made two decent saves and commanded his area well. Could do nothing about Ba's goal.7/10

Antonio Valencia: In and out of the game at right-back, torn between attacking down the wing and keeping defensive shape. 6

Rio Ferdinand: Calm and composed throughout, especially in the first half, but was on the wrong side of Ba for the only goal. 6

Chris Smalling: Dealt with what little threat Chelsea threw at him in the first half, but gave them too much space in the second. 6

Patrice Evra: Hit-and-miss in an attacking sense down the left, linking up well with Cleverley sporadically, but defended well. 6

Nani: Clumsy and United's poorest player in the first half, but improved later in the game before being taken off. 5

Michael Carrick: Orchestrated proceedings well, bringing United forward calmly with an impressive range of passing. 7

Phil Jones: Used in central midfield and was comfortable in the early stages, but lost his way as the game wore on. 6

Tom Cleverley: Strangely deployed on the left of midfield, where he struggled throughout and grew increasingly frustrated. 5

Danny Welbeck: A threat to Chelsea throughout, causing both full-backs problems with his strength and turn of pace. Substituted late in the game. 7

Javier Hernandez: Got himself in decent positions but missed United's best chance, thwarted by Cech's magnificent save. 6

Best off the bench

Robin van Persie: Failed to make a mark, missing a good chance late on. 5