Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points clear as they cruised into a flattering 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park this afternoon.
The hosts were very tame considering their eight consecutive wins at home and Chelsea didn’t mind taking an advantage of that. A clean-sheet and second half goals from Pedro, Gary Cahill and Willian made the difference and the Blues are seeming unstoppable of reaching their title dreams!
Here are our player ratings from the intriguing exhibition from the vital Premier League clash:
Starting Eleven:
Thibaut Courtois – 7 – Was alerted to action right from the beginning to save a quick shot from Calvert-Levin. For the rest of the game he barely had a thing to do, but a clean-sheet will do very well!
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8 – Important interceptions and tackles. Was in good control of the game. Great game all in all. Booked.
David Luiz – 8 – Was slightly struggling to match Lukaku’s strength and pace at times, but attacking-wise his long balls forward were causing all sorts of troubles for the Toffees defence. Injured his groin and headed straight into the tunnel to receive further treatment on the 80th minute.
Gary Cahill – 9 – Good defending and a great great goal to seal the victory for the Blues. A good tap in from close range as Hazard’s free-kick resulted a hustle inside the Everton area. What a worthy captain he is!
Victor Moses – 7 – The Nigerian wing-man was great today, showing superb skills on one-on-one situations and defensive tasks. Good performance from him.
N’Golo Kante – 8 – Well you’d have to search for long to find a player as consistent as Kante. Yet again a great display from the Frenchman as he kept Barkley and Davies deep in the bottom of his back pocket in the middle of the field.
Nemanja Matic – 8 – Was close to score a terrific solo goal as he dribbled past three Everton players, but his shot from the edge of the area was well saved by Stekelenburg. Good assist for Pedro’s winning strike.
Marcos Alonso – 7 – His crosses weren’t as on point as usually today. But he did valuable work towards the defensive end. Good game.
Pedro – 9 – Replaced Fabregas in the starting line-up and did it with style. Wonderful turnaround from a neat short pass from Matic before a thunderous shot with his left to the top corner of the net! What a goal!
Diego Costa – 6 – Missed a huge chance after 25 minutes of play as David Luiz’s long ball fell for him perfectly, but he lashed his volley well over the bar from 11 yards out. Was the object of some heavy tackling which might have slowed him down a little. Booked for a foul on Stekelenburg. Didn’t really provide a major threat for the Everton defence.
Eden Hazard – 9 – Scintillating right from the beginning. His great pace and admirable control of the ball caused all sorts of troubles for the hosts, especially Gueye. He earned a free-kick from the left, and delivered it well to assist Cahill for the Blues’ second goal.
Subs:
Nathan Ake – 6 – Replaced injured David Luiz for the last ten minutes about and did a good job.
Cesc Fabregas – 7 – What an impact right after he stepped onto the pitch at the 82th minute. Great run and a cut-back assist for Willian to tap in Chelsea’s third.
Willian – 7 – He came on on the 82th minute as well, and his first touch of the game led to Chelsea’s third goal of the tie. Great impact!
