Chelsea continued to strengthen their hold on the Premier League title, with a comfortable 2-1 victory against West Ham United on Monday night at the Olympic Stadium.
Eden Hazard opened the scoring for Antonio Conte’s side, capping off a clinical counter-attacking move in the 25th minute, before Diego Costa added early in the second half to take his tally to 18 goals for the season, following some poor defending by the Hammers’ from a set-piece. Manuel Lanzini scored a consolation strike deep into stoppage time, but the Blues weren’t to be denied three points in the derby.
The win sees Chelsea stretch their lead to ten points at the top of the table, over second-placed Tottenham Hotspur. In what was an extremely professional performance by the Blues, let’s assess how each player fared:
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
Had absolutely nothing to do, with his defence dealing the West Ham attackers with comfort. Spectator throughout the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7/10
The Spaniard was at his best in the derby. Was always the first to any loose balls and dealt with the threat of Andy Carroll well. Smart and solid at the back.
David Luiz – 7.5/10
So very solid that you could mistake him for a wall. Won almost everything in the air going up against Carroll and on the ground as well.
Gary Cahill – 7/10
Was unperturbed by the physicality of the West Ham attackers and kept them in check with so much ease, making several crucial interceptions throughout the course of the game.
Victor Moses – 7/10
Superb display from the Nigerian. Displayed his attacking and defensive capabilities and made several important blocks at the back. Was good going forward as well and troubled the West Ham defence.
Cesc Fabregas – 6/10
Included in the line-up ahead of Nemanja Matic, the Spaniard did not have the best of games. Picked up a booking late in the first-half and was at fault for West Ham’s consolation goal, as he gave the ball away.
N’Golo Kante – 7.5/10
Once again, the key man for Chelsea on the night. Was brilliant in the middle of the park. Won the ball with an interception before setting up Hazard for the opener.
Marcos Alonso – 7/10
With not much to do in the defensive sense, was always on the prowl to get forward. Showed some fine skills with the ball. Energetic display down the left-hand side.
Pedro – 8/10
The former Barcelona man’s pace on the counter was essential for Chelsea. Interplayed beautifully with Hazard in the lead up to the opener, and grabbed the assist. A constant threat on the right-flank and forced a fine save from Darren Randolph.
Diego Costa – 7/10
Had an unusually quiet first half. But he was there when it mattered, to hit home in the second-half and double the lead for Chelsea.
Eden Hazard – 9/10
The star of the show for Chelsea. Ran West Ham ragged with his pace and dribbling abilities. Took his goal with a cool finish. Brilliant.
Substitutes
Nemanja Matic – 6/10
Came on for Pedro in the 65th minute. Helped Chelsea see the game out comfortably.
Willian – 6/10
Replaced Hazard with fifteen minutes left on the clock. Did not have much to do, with Chelsea having shut shop.
Kurt Zouma – 6/10
Came on to replace Moses in the 76th minute. As solid as the rest of his fellow defenders.