Rich Godden rates Chelsea's fallen heroes after they bowed out of the Champions League against Monaco. A 2-2 draw at home simply wasn't good enough...
Player Ratings: Monaco (h)
By Rich Godden
Updated Thursday, 6th May 2004
Mario Melchiot- Might have just played his last game for the club. It was Mario who allowed Rothen to get inside him to cross for Morientes en-route to Monaco's first. Even once Rothen had skinned him, a simple tap of the ankles outside the box would have done the job. Mr Casual just isn't up to it at the highest level. 6
John Terry- Led by example as ever. Should have communicated better with Gallas for Monaco's second but other than that he was immense. Won everything in the air and was just as good on the floor. Didn't deserve to be on the losing side, but that's football. 9
William Gallas- Like Terry, he was immense. Covered for Melchiot more times than I care to remember, and was generally on top of his game. If only he had played in the first leg... 8
Wayne Bridge- Did us proud last night, ran his heart out and gave his all for the cause. His crossing, apart from the odd loose one, was back to his best and defensively he was on the ball. Another who didn't deserve to be a loser. 8
Jesper Gronkjaer- Scored his first goal since scoring the goal that gave us Champions League football. But, apart from the odd decent cross, his performance just wasn't good enough. If only he had more belief in his crossing and shooting, rather than the seemingly half hearted efforts thrown in the majority of the time. Unfortunately for Jesper, performances like this just add to the arguments calling for him to be sold. At least he admitted his goal was meant to be a cross! 6
Geremi- Superb in the first half, but just went missing in the second before being replaced by Parker. Never seemed rushed in possesion, and tackled as hard as anyone. But you still always feel like he can offer that little more, and until he does he will be nothing more than a bit part player. 7
Frank Lampard- Took his goal superbly and his first half performance was sublime at times. But, like in Monte Carlo a fortnight ago, his influence waned in the second half and the team suffered because of it. But he kept putting in the effort for the full 90 minutes, even when things weren't going well for him. A class act. 8
Joe Cole- This game could have been the making of Joe Cole. Don't get me wrong, I thought he played extremely well. Certainly one of his better performances this season. He was the main man for us at times tonight, jinking his way past the Monaco defence and causing menace to all. But the end product wasn't great and ultimately, the result will mean that Joe's performance won't get the recognition he deserves. 8
Eidur Gudjohnsen- Linked up well with Jimmy, as ever, and should have had a couple of goals. If he was more clinical in front of goal, Eidur would be first name on the team sheet every week. As it is, he is worth his place in the team for his excellent passing and vision, as displayed by his through ball to Lamps for our second. Were we watching a re-run of Bridgey's Arsenal goal??? 8
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink- Possibly Jimmy's last chance of glory, but it just wasn't to be. Looked a tad slower than usual but he still managed to cause a big threat to the Monaco defence and on another day he may have had a couple of goals. 7
