Frank Lampard got his positive send off in Chelsea’s final game of the season after his side raised their game to earn a well-deserved draw against Newcastle.
Raheem Sterling forced a Kieran Trippier own goal but the Blues again squandered a host of chances despite getting level after Anthony Gordon’s early strike.
The England international himself was the most guilty of missing a crucial chance late on in the final match of the season that confirmed the Blues’ 12th-placed finish.
It is the lowest that Chelsea have finished in the league since 1993, while they’ve recorded the fewest points, goals and wins ever in the Premier League era.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge watching Chelsea’s miserable 2022/23 season end.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 7
The 29-year-old has been Chelsea’s most improved player this season and saved several shots well, particularly a one-on-one with Miguel Almiron at the end of the first half.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 5
Didn’t track Eliot Anderson’s overlapping run when he crossed for the opening goal. He did, however, show great commitment and effort throughout.
Thiago Silva - 6
Almost scored from an early set piece and then made several key interventions after being named Chelsea’s Player of the Year before the match. Nowhere to be found, however, for the opener.
Trevoh Chalobah - 5
Chalobah struggled at times with Alexander Isak and was substituted for Wesley Fofana at half-time.
Lewis Hall - 6
The 18-year-old’s set piece delivery was outstanding from set-pieces again but faded as the match wore on.
Enzo Fernandez - 7
Produced some impressive crossfield balls which seemed a key part of breaking down Eddie Howe’s typically stubborn defence.
Conor Gallagher - 5
Played very high up the pitch, just as he did against Man United but didn’t do much beyond his typical work rate and running ability.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 5
A very quiet display from the homegrown midfielder who has serious transfer interest from AC Milan with just one year left on his deal. He looked emotional when he came off.
Noni Madueke - 7
Madueke linked well with Azpilicueta on the right, forcing shots on goal and delighting the crowd with his entertaining style of play. Earned a standing ovation.
Kai Havertz - 5
Anonymous and rightly taken off for Joao Felix who outperformed him. Remarkably, ends the season as Chelsea’s top scorer with Sterling.
Raheem Sterling - 7
Sterling was Chelsea’s main threat getting into threatening positions but it took an own goal for him to get the equaliser after his shot was off target. Had a good effort cleared off the line by Fabian Schar and wasted a late chance to win the match.
Substitutes
Wesley Fofana - 7
Recovered well from his disaster class away at Manchester United, particularly using possession well and competing with the dangerous duo of Isak and Callum Wilson.
Carney Chukwuemeka - 6
The 19-year-old did well to get involved in both the offensive and defensive sides of Chelsea’s game, offering an upgrade on Loftus-Cheek.
Joao Felix - 6
The Portugal international was a significant threat in the final third when he came on and was unlucky not to score a late effort that hit the side netting.
Mateo Kovacic - N/A
Christian Pulisic - 5
Missed a good 90th-minute chance after being played through by Sterling.
Unused subs: Mendy, Mudryk, Ziyech, Koulibaly, Chukwuemeka, Fofana
