Chelsea cruised into their third 1-0 win a row, and extended their winning streak to 11 victories to record a new club high today against Crystal Palace!
We’re currently on top of the Premier League table with 9 points clear from Arsenal and Liverpool who follow behind. Antonio Conte also has now become the first ever Premier League manager to win 14 of his first 17 games in the top-flight. Brilliant.
Diego Costa scored his 50th goal for the club in a very fashioned way by nodding in Cesar Azpilicueta’s inch-perfect cross at the end of the first half. The Spaniard duo were the best players on the pitch today, but you can see the rest of the Chelsea players’ ratings from below…
Starting Eleven:
Thibaut Courtois – 7 – Did well to come off his line when needed to catch the early crosses from left and right.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 9 – MOTM – Brilliant play defensively, and his inch-perfect assist was the cherry on top. Was quick to chase down the likes of Zaha and Puncheon, and clear most dangerous crosses to safety. Finished the game with 82% pass accuracy and through his lovely assist to Costa’s winning goal, he is deservedly today’s man of the match.
David Luiz – 8 – Good game from the Brazilian. Did his job when needed, but still hasn’t found that same free-kick magic he used to provide at Chelsea. Very strong in the air against Christian Benteke.
Gary Cahill – 8 – Did good work both in and off possession. Played slightly higher today, helping Alonso and Hazard out on the left. Looks much more secure on the ball as well than he used to.
Victor Moses – 6 – Has been slightly absent since his impressive performance at Manchester, but did well to get into the game on the second half. Needs to improve on his defensive abilities though. Booked, and replaced by Ivanovic on the 79th minute.
Nemanja Matic – 7 – Was chosen ahead of Fabregas for his strength and defensive awareness. Did great job alongside Kante throughout the game. Solid performance.
N’Golo Kante – 7 – Yellow carded and set to miss the next game against Bournemouth on Boxing Day, but did important defensive runs up and down – was basically all over the pitch. Had two shots on target but unluckily denied in both occasions.
Marcos Alonso – 7 – Was very good overall. Plenty on the ball and his through balls over the top keep impressing. Was close to a goal twice with a side-netting shot and a curling free-kick which hit the bar.
Willian – 5 – Seemed gassed throughout the game and was struggling to prove his worth versus the Palace defenders today. Subbed off at 65 minutes.
Diego Costa – 9 – Once again, the game changing figure! Lovely game from the hard-working Spaniard excluding his silly mistake which led to his fifth booking of the campaign, and he’s set to miss the game on Boxing Day alongside Kante. However, thirteen goals before Christmas is a magnificent performance!
Eden Hazard – 8 – Slick as you like on the ball, and should’ve he been less fouled, a few better scoring chances might have come to his way. Did well to create space and make his way through the defenders to open up chances for his teammates.
Subs:
Cesc Fabregas – 7 – Was subbed on for Willian after 65 minutes of play and didn’t put a foot wrong or pass wide after coming in. Was close to an assist right away, and had a few good goalscoring chances himself. Makes us wonder – why isn’t he starting?
Branislav Ivanovic – 6 – Didn’t have too much time to get into the game after being subbed on ten minutes before the end of the game.
Michy Batshuayi – N/A – Came on to have a jog on the stoppage time. Exciting to see him start against Bournemouth following Costa’s suspension.
