Player Ratings: Chelsea 1 – 0 Everton

Tim Howard - 8

A somewhat controversial return for the American proved to be the right one as he was equal to everything Chelsea threw at him, with a point blank save from Loic Remy particularly impressive. Some will blame him for the late winner, but not here. Good performance from Howard.

Seamus Coleman - 7

An odd performance from the fullback but decent nonetheless. It's always a hard game against Eden Hazard but he dealt well with the Belgian's attacking forays, so much so that Hazard was moved out to the right wing after a while. Attacking wise he looked better and was more confident with Aaron Lennon as a partner than Aiden McGeady.

John Stones - 9

The youngster is easily the best defender have, and at such a young age that is some statement. He was comfortable all evening and makes Phil Jagielka look a better player as well. One particular sliding challenge was one of the best I've seen, endless talent.

Phil Jagielka - 7

As already mentioned, he looks a better player with Stones alongside side him and was also comfortable against lone striker Loic Remy. Having said that, his clearances were a bit hurried from time to time and he's not as assured on the ball as his teammate. This was a solid performance all the same though.

Bryan Oviedo - 7

The left back struggled with Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado all night as the new Chelsea winger looked to impress, although he did reasonably well against him. Sadly he's not in the same class as Leighton Baines, which is more credit to the England man than anything, and he did provide a wonderful ball into Romelu Lukaku for the big, big chance of the game.

Muhamed Besic - 6

The Bosnian loves a tackle doesn't he? Booked after just four minutes he quickly becomes a liability for the side, but his eagerness to impress and desire to win the ball back in commendable. Taken off at half time as a precaution given Garethy Barry was also on a yellow and already suspended.

Gareth Barry - 4

Not one of Barry's best performances in an Everton shirt. The midfielder has never been blessed with great pace and this was evident here as the Chelsea midfield passed him by. First booking was harsh to say the least, but the second which saw him go off was stupid from someone so experienced and easily cost Everton a point.

Aaron Lennon - 7

The Tottenham loanee is still a bit rusty given his lack of game time this year but has impressed so far. He always looks to push forward when he can and his pace is a massive danger, while his desire to impress can only be a good thing. His tracking back is also commendable, while his ability to stay on the touchline allows Coleman more freedom and the pair look a good fit.

Ross Barkley - 5

The youngster continues to be a mystery this season. A bright and sparkling cameo against Liverpool was following by a turgid display by him at Stamford Bridge as he looked devoid of confidence. One particular incident where he elected to pass to Jagielka on the edge of the Chelsea box, rather than doing it himself, highlights this problem. Also seemed unwilling to work on the defensive side, which is a big issue.

Steven Naismith - 4

Another one who performed badly against Chelsea, although the position he was in didn't help. There's no chance Naismith is a winger, as has been proven time and time again, but the forward was arguably put there to help Oviedo deal with the threat of Cuadrado. Despite that, his passing was off all game with many an Everton attack coming to an end because of a wayward pass. He seems to be surviving on past performances at present.

Romelu Lukaku - 7

A hard game for Lukaku, who was often left isolated or not given much to do with the balls he was given. Despite that, a surging run past defender Kurt Zouma highlighted his abilities while only a wonder save from keeper' Petr Cech denied him a goal on his return to Stamford Bridge. The sooner Everton learn that the Belgian is better running at defenders and not with his back to goal, the more goals he'll score.

Subs:

Darron Gibson - 6

Didn't really do much and never looks that fit, although he does look in better shape than previously seen. This was another to put under the strange substitutions category for Martinez.

James McCarthy - 7

Impressive without doing too much, but every time he's on the pitch Everton look a better side. His running, tackling and even passing all help the Everton game and it will be interesting to see if Martinez pairs him with Besic for Everton's next game, what with Barry suspended. That is a partnership that could really work.

Kevin Mirallas - 7

Again, another player who didn't do much but is obviously vital to Everton. The Belgian makes things happen and it was strange that he never started from the off as him playing on the left would have been a more balanced side and given the Blues a greater attacking threat. You have to feel his antics against West Brom are costing him at the minute.