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West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 analysis: Pedro stands out in exciting game in which Thibaut Courtois saves penalty from James Morrison

ANALYSIS: View from the bench and the moan of the match as John Terry sees red

Sunday 23 August 2015 16:26 BST

Pedro celebrates his goal for Chelsea (GETTY IMAGES)

STAR PLAYER

Pedro

The Chelsea new boy looked like he had been a Blues player for years with a debut of pace, precision and quality.

His opening goal and assist underlined his quality but workrate and commitment to the cause should not go unnoticed.

It will be Manchester United's loss that they failed to sign the winger from Barcelona as he gave a glimpse of what he will offer Chelsea in the title race.

The Hawthorns on a wet Sunday afternoon is not the most glamorous place for a debut for someone used to the Nou Camp but Pedro proved his worth.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Chelsea doubled their lead after half an hour with a lightning break and gave the Baggies a mountain to climb.

John Terry's initial header from Chris Brunt's corner found Branislav Ivanovic who, in turn, fed Willian.

The midfielder's touch was crucial as he got it out of his feet to find Pedro and his cross shot was turned in by Diego Costa.

It wrestled control of a game which could have been so different had Thibaut Courtois not saved James Morrison's early penalty.

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Show all 22

1/22West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

West Brom: Myhill

The goalkeeper conceded three goals, but was let down by his defence. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Dawson

A central defender by trade but playing at right back, he struggled to cope with Hazard’s pace but got involved with West Brom’s attacks when he could. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McAuley

Costa got the better of the Northern Ireland international time and time again, and after the centre-back had lost his battle with the striker, it allowed Costa to set up Azpilicueta for Chelsea’s third. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Olsson

The Sweden international couldn’t deal with the pace of Pedro in the build-up to the winger’s opening goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Brunt

The left winger, who has been used at left back under Pulis, came close to equalising with a late shot that went high but he was exploited by Pedro throughout the game. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Yacob

It was his run forwards that allowed Willian to get in behind him and set up Costa for his goal. Was lacking in pace in opener as Willian got past him to make it 2-0. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McManaman

The winger’s pace caused Azpilicueta all sorts of problems and after skipping past the left-back, he was brought down by Matic for the penalty. He also provided the cross for Morrison’s second goal. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Morrison

West Brom’s longest-serving player made up for his missed penalty by scoring twice in what was a positive showing for the midfielder. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Flecther

Worked hard in midfield to combat Fabregas’ influence but failed to fully protect his back line. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McClean

Was dangerous for West Brom and it was his good work that allowed him to get past Ivanovic and create Morrison’s second goal. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Rondon

Looked sharp on his debut and it was his overhead kick that set up Morrison for his goal. Didn’t get on the scoresheet but was a threat up front for the home side. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Chelsea: Courtois

Remained calm in goal despite the end-to-end nature of the match, saving Morrison's early penalty before making several late saves to ensure the win. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Ivanovic

Did better on the right flank than against Manchester City last week, but Chelsea’s vice-captain was beaten too easily by McClean for West Brom’s first goal before McManaman got the better of him for the home side’s second. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Zouma

Provided strength in central defence and made some good early tackles. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Terry

After being the subject of headlines following his substitution against City, the Chelsea skipper let himself down when he saw red for failing to keep up with Rondon before pulling the striker back while he was through on goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Azpilicueta

Helped restore Chelsea’s two-goal lead with his strike just before the break, but was beaten too easily by McManaman in the lead-up to West Brom’s penalty as he struggled with his defensive duties. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Fabregas

It was the Spaniard’s lofty pass that instigated the move that led to Azpilicueta’s goal, and the midfielder continued providing accurate passes to help build-up Chelsea’s attacks as the game went on. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Matic

Clumsily brought down McManaman to give away the penalty but was let off the hook when Courtois saved the resulting spot-kick. He didn’t look as strong in midfield as usual, and couldn’t contend with Morrison’s strength for West Brom’s second goal. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Willian

Made a great run on the counter to set up Chelsea’s second goal and should have scored just before the break but drove high. Another good performance with a high work rate against West Brom. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Hazard

The Belgian looked back to his best against West Brom as he set up Pedro for the opener and used his pace to cause the home side’s defence problems. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Pedro4

Chelsea’s man of the match. The winger seemed at ease on his Premier League debut scoring a goal and setting up Diego Costa’s strike. His pace on the right and his superb crosses will prove dangerous for Chelsea this season. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Costa.jpg

His goal was the icing on the cake for the striker, who enjoyed a very good performance up front. Costa looked dangerous throughout and really should have bagged a brace in the second half but drove high with time and space. 8

VIEW FROM THE BENCH

Jose Mourinho would have been troubled by Chelsea's start as they were on the ropes and survived a let-off when Courtois saved Morrison's penalty.

But he would have been delighted with the response and impact new signing Pedro made once he scored a debut goal on 20 minutes.

Tony Pulis continues to search for a win at West Brom boss this season - and has pointed out their tricky start - but the Baggies need to get their campaign up and running.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Terry continued his stuttering season after being sent off after the break at The Hawthorns.

The defender got himself into all kinds of trouble up against Salomon Rondon and allowed the striker to get goal side.

There will be a doubt over whether the forward would have got the ball ahead of Courtois but referee Mark Clattenburg had little option at first glance.

After retaining his place despite being replaced at half time at Manchester City last week, Terry could find it tough to return to the side after suspension.

John Terry leaves the field after dismissal against West Brom

WHO'S UP NEXT

Chelsea v Crystal Palace (Premier League, Saturday August 29)

West Brom v Port Vale (Capital One Cup, Tuesday August 25

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