Player Ratings: Everton 0-1 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea launched their Premier League campaign by coasting to a 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday evening.

A game hardly befitting the drama and excitement of a new season ended with the Blues taking all the spoils by virtue of a Jorginho penalty.

Both sides struggled to carve out any rhythm or clear cut openings in the first half, partially due to a lengthy stoppage enforced by an injury for Ben Godfrey. It was that stoppage which saw eight minutes added on before the interval, and it was during that time that Jorginho coolly converted from the spot to break the deadlock.

It was just reward on balance, but that isn't to say the Kings of the Kings' Road were firing on all cylinders - far from it. Thomas Tuchel insisted that his men were ready for this curtain raiser in spite of their pre-season travails, but the patterns of play up the top end of the pitch looked someway off clicking in the first 45 minutes.

That was to continue in the second half, with chances at a premium for both clubs. The wingspan of Edouard Mendy denied Everton with their best chance coming not long after the restart, while Raheem Sterling saw his goalbound effort blocked by a late arriving Vitaliy Mykolenko.

It wasn't a classic by any stretch, but three points in the bank represents a good start for Thomas Tuchel's men towards achieving the objectives set down by their manager. The Pensioners now look towards hosting Antonio Conte's Spurs at Stamford Bridge next Sunday. In the meantime, here's how Absolute Chelsea rated the Blues' performance against Everton:

Edouard Mendy - 6/10

A vigilant fingertip save from a James Tarkowski bullet header in the first period serves as a clear reminder of his shot-stopping abilities and catlike reflexes. His sweeping wasn't as strong, with his failure to come for a hopeful Everton long ball under instruction by Thiago Silva leading to a dangerous opening. Guilty of flapping at a few balls into the area.

Cesar Azpilicueta - 7/10

It's another long campaign ahead for 'Mr Chelsea' after committing to taking his stay at Stamford Bridge beyond a decade. It looked set to be a pretty long afternoon for the Spaniard, too. He struggled to keep pace with the livewire Demarai Gray early doors, almost coming undone on a number of occasions if not for his defensive partners being on hand to save his bacon. The skipper was however dramatically improved in the second half, his class shining through as the day wore on.

Thiago Silva - 9/10

A vital interception to snuff out an Everton counter in the dying embers of the first period is the perfect embodiment of his veteran awareness and nous. It was more of the same for the rest of the fixture, with 'O Monstro' positioning himself perfectly in so many instances to shutdown the hosts' offensives. Head and shoulders above the rest in practically every department.

Kalidou Koulibaly - 8/10 [74]

The former Napoli man maintains that he has not come to Chelsea to replace the dearly departed Antonio Rudiger but the fact remains that the German is leaving some huge boots to fill. On the early evidence, the Senegalese giant comes endowed with a large shoe size indeed. The timing of his challenges were consistently superb and he was calm under targeted pressure from the Everton frontline. His killer pass through the lines also sent teammate Ben Chilwell on his way to winning a penalty. An excellent start.

Reece James - 4/10

Usually one of Chelsea's most dependable operators out on the pitch - just don't ask him to take a corner. A slew of set pieces from the young Englishman frustratingly failed to beat the first man. Looked similarly perplexed at how to unlock the stout Toffeemen during open play while also being short on concentration when defending. A disappointingly aimless and languid performance.

Jorginho - 8/10 [90]

Just like his colleagues, the Italian had to put up with the sweltering heat during their pre-season tour of the USA. The good news is that the ice in his veins has not melted. There was no hop, skip and jump for his penalty, but the result was as predictable as ever. The UEFA Men's Player of the Year also pulled the strings in the engine room with the most minimal of fuss. The Chelsea squad may well avoid the number nine shirt but at least they can depend on Jorginho for the goals - however concerning that may be to Thomas Tuchel and fans alike.

N'Golo Kante - 6/10

Offered scant little going forward but his defensive contribution - particularly as the game drew to a close - must be commended. Always available and alive to any danger.

Ben Chilwell - 6/10 [65]

Doubts have been cast by his own manager over his readiness for the high intensity action of the Premier League following his long-term injury last season, and those doubts are founded. Looks a fair few fractions off the pace. Yet his instincts endure even where his body does not, doing well to attack the box and win the penalty for the opener.

Mason Mount - 5/10 [65]

An early sight of goal aside, this was about as anonymous as it comes from Chelsea's talisman. Struggled to get any semblance of effectual time in possession and therefore was unable to exert his usually pivotal influence upon proceedings.

Raheem Sterling - 7/10

His direct dribbling and elusive centre of gravity was a persistent handful for the Toffees, who had to double up on him as a policy response. That response eventually pinned him down, with the England international looking forlorn at being marooned with little helpful movement around him. Still, plenty to like and refreshing viewing for long-suffering supporters.

Kai Havertz - 4/10 [74]

Presented with a more than handy opening early on but the German was just far too pedestrian to capitalise, and it set out his stall for the evening. The former Leverkusen man looked like a lost puppy, meek and marked out of the game by old foe Yerry Mina. Known to be a slow starter at the commencement of every season, but the Blues can ill-afford for him to be a passenger given their current limited forward options.

Bench

Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 6/10 [65]

Took up some good positions on the shoulders of the last man and added some much needed steel to see the game out.

Christian Pulisic - 6/10 [65]

Launched a few progressive charges at the Everton defence, demonstrating a positive attitude in trying to stamp his footprint on the fixture.

Marc Cucurella - 7/10 [74]

A first sighting of the £63 million man after his transfer from Brighton and Hove Albion this week, and almost a first assist if not for a desperate last-ditch challenge from Mykolenko to deny Sterling in the box. Looked bright as a button and actively dangerous on the flank with plenty of zip in his passing, all in spite of a disrupted pre-season and just one training session with his new peers.

Armando Broja - 6/10 [74]

A pretty quiet cameo from the Albanian with all things considered, with the one mitigation that most of the action was happening at the other end of the pitch as the Pensioners ground out the result.

Conor Gallagher - N/A [90]