Not read any of the other posts so I don't get tainted and this is how I saw it from the very corner of the Trinity.
Friedel - 8 - Did everything he had to perfectly and was absolutely rock solid even with an unfamiliar 4 in front of him. Closed down brilliantly when they were through a few times and made one fantastic save. Very confident with kicking etc.
Beye - 7 - An extra point because he hasn't played for a while and was dropped in the deep end. Committed himself too quickly into challenges a few times which left us open but was positionally sound.
Collins - 9 - Covered for everyone else and had to lead the inexperienced Clark beside him. Couple of magnificent blocks as is usually the case.
Clark - 8 - Slightly shaky at times but did very well considering the occasion and having no preparation time. Very confident in possession and uses the ball well. A clean sheet against Chelsea is no mean feat.
Warnock - 9 - Tied with 2 others for MOTM. Committed, dangerous when attacking, solid when defending. You'd pick the wrong England LB from that showing.
Young - 6 - Not especially effective. Tried hard but ultimately came up against a good RB who he couldn't get the better of. Ref accused him of diving early on and he was whinging a lot after that.
Reo-Coker - 7 - Solid, stopped their midfield on the edge of our box which he was there for. Looked nicely comfortable in possession and showed some nice touches. Unfortunately we also saw some of the old NRC with some pretty poor passes and that 1 on 1 near the end was really bad, to force the keeper to make a save is one thing but to just run it straight into him is not good.
Petrov - 9 - Tied for MOTM. Really had a point to prove and put his body on the line on a number of occasions. Tireless, worked hard and didn't waste a pass all night.
Downing - 9 - So, so impressed with Downing tonight. So confident and direct, the only one who would actually take a full back on and got the better of him quite a few times. Went in hard a few times to show people he isn't afraid to get a knock. I actually think he's faster than Gabby.
Ireland - 8 - Nice touches, made some stuff happen and showed promise. Hope he continues to flourish in the hole when he can get a bit more space.
Carew - 5 - It's not that he didn't try, he obviously did but he looks a crock. He looks like he can't run and doesn't have the greatest of touches these days.
Sidwell and Delfouneso both did alright, the game was petering out by the time both came on anyway.
Houllier - 8 - The perfect tactics to nullify the strong Chelsea midfield and subs at the right time. It's like MON taught the players how to be well-organised and solid and now Houllier is bringing the flair out. I'm really impressed with how much more comfortable everyone is on the ball and how we pass and move really well. Pretty soon we're gonna destroy some unlucky team.