An inauspicious start to what was supposed to be a new era for Chelsea saw Thibaut Courtois red carded in his first competitive match post-Petr Cech.
The injury that followed was obviously outside his control, but it is notable Cech's name has been on many fans' lips more than Courtois' so far this season (2 out of 5).
Asmir Begovic subsequently showed he was a great back-up, and truly more than a number two. But after a bright start, the finger has been pointed regarding his positioning a couple of times, and communication with the ever-changing back four hasn't always been great (3 out of 5).
Defence
Two of Jose Mourinho's four untouchables this season sit in the defence, and one of them has been far and away the most complained about player in Chelsea's squad.
Branislav Ivanovic looked uncomfortable from the off, but his status as scapegoat has gathered pace, as other teams have identified him as a weakness. The last two or three games have begged a mercy-benching, but to no avail (1 out of 5).
Chelsea's other ever-present defender in the Premier League has been Cesar Azpilicueta. One of the better performers this season (which puts him in a club of not many), he has still found himself on occasion out of position, and to blame for mishaps (3 out of 5).
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Gary Cahill's performances have been changeable, to say the least, and can vary a lot depending on who he is paired with at centre half. Not the biggest culprit in Chelsea's leaky defence, but one of them (2 out of 5).
So quick off the back of possibly his greatest ever season, John Terry has entered into one that has been the stuff of nightmares. No longer a first choice for big games and, when pitched against supposed lesser sides such as Southampton, has looked calamitous. Now in that Lampard-esque position of needing matches to regain quality, but not being consistent enough to be offered them (2 out of 5).
A case of too much too young for Kurt Zouma, whose experience belies his tender years, but simply isn't considerable enough to command a Premier League defence week-in week out (2 out of 5).
Midfield
One of Chelsea's crushing disappointments this season has been Nemanja Matic whose public humiliation against Southampton, intended or otherwise, characterises much of his input this campaign. Seems to have forgotten how to defend (2 out of 5).
An inexplicable ever-present in the league this season, Cesc Fabregas has been anonymous not just since August, but largely since January. Given his proven ability, arguably a greater underachiever than Ivanovic (1 out of 5).
Eden Hazard has looked tired an uninterested, yet has still been picked for every Premier League match. Has created little all season, though has shown signs when switching it on that the quality is still there (2 out of 5).
The return to the side after injury of Oscar seemed to initially lift Chelsea, and his 69 minutes against Arsenal were among the best display by anyone in a blue shirt this season (3 out of 5).
After a dream debut at West Brom, Pedro has given little to the team. Often culpable in Chelsea's right-sided weakness when under attack (2 out of 5).
Most would be hard pressed to point to a great game this season from Willian, but the great moments are mounting-up. Which elevates him beyond anyone else in the team. But those four set-piece goals in consecutive games have yielded just the one league point (3 out of 5).
Strikers
Other than Diego Costa, nobody else has really had a look-in, except when Mourinho's hand has been forced. We've seen plenty of the street fighter that is so crucial to his game, but little of the game itself. Another player who seems to have lost his key on-pitch attribute – with only one goal in six league outings (2 out of 5).
Those are the only players to have started three or more Premier League matches. The leading bit-part players have show little more.
Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy (both 1 out of 5) look thoroughly out of condition; Kenedy has showed promise in short bursts (2 out of 5); Ramires (2 out of 5) has run about a lot; and an experiment with John Mikel Obi in a more forward position didn't really come off (1 out of 5).
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