Chelsea kept the pressure on Manchester United with a remarkably comfortable 5-0 thumping of Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.
Stoke had barely touched the ball by the time Chelsea took a commanding 2-0 lead, as goals from Antonio Rudiger and Danny Drinkwater seemingly put the game beyond the Potters with just nine minutes played. Rudiger’s opener was as simple as they get, fashioning himself space between the four men marking him to power Willian’s delivery past Jack Butland.
Drinkwater then doubled Chelsea’s lead with his first ever goal for the Blues, an incredible volley from the edge of the area that just looped into the top corner of the net. The win was then put beyond any doubt when Pedro collected Willian’s lay off from about 20-yards before firing across goal in similar fashion to his goal against Stoke earlier in the season.
Chelsea understandably weren’t in much of a hurry to add to their lead, but two late strikes from Willian and Davide Zappacosta put the icing on the cake as Antonio Conte’s men strolled into the New Year. Just Chelsea’s second penalty of the season handed Willian the chance to get the goal his performance deserved, a chance he didn’t pass up, whilst Zappacosta got in on the act with a crisp left-foot drive from Josh Tymon’s ill-fated knockdown.
Thibaut Courtois - 6
Was lucky to see Mame Biram Diouf’s goal ruled out for a handball, but other than that he faced just one attempt all game from Saido Berahino, who’s tame effort barely troubled the Belgium shot stopper.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 6
Very quiet game as has become the norm against sides at Stamford Bridge this season. Nearly added a seventh assist of the season, when teeing up Morata early on
Gary Cahill - 6
Was caught out by Berahino early in the second-half, but other than that he was defensively sound and resulted to just building up play from the back under no real pressure.
Antonio Rudiger - 8
He loves a goal at Stamford Bridge, this time evading four Stoke defenders to power home the opening goal. Much like the rest of his defensive colleagues he enjoyed a very quiet afternoon.
Victor Moses - 6
Exploited the spaces left by the young Josh Tymon – who had a torrid afternoon, but was rested with Arsenal in mind by Zappacosta early in the second-half.
Danny Drinkwater - 8
Easily his best performance in a Chelsea shirt. He showed a brilliant range of passing, due in part to the space he was afforded by Stoke’s midfield, and showed great technique to volley in his first Chelsea goal.
N'Golo Kante - 7
Gave the experienced if not energetic midfield pairing of Darren Fletcher and Charlie Adam no time on the ball, as Chelsea looked to dictate play early on. Was again replaced to conserve fitness ahead of the Blues’ trip to Arsenal.
Marcos Alonso - 6
Improved as the game wore on but considering Chelsea’s dominance he would’ve expected to have been more involved in the attacking play than he was.
Willian - 8
Thoroughly deserved his goal as he dazzled Stoke’s defence with his movement and quick feet, laying on assists for both Pedro and Rudiger. Could well have put himself in the frame for a start against Arsenal. He also won the penalty from which he scored.
Alvaro Morata - 6
Followed up Tuesday’s impressive showing with yet another subdued performance, with his lack of consistency showing in the two clear cut opportunities he squandered. On his day he can be a defences worst nightmare, but these types of performances are too far and few between.
Pedro - 8
Had eight shots with four on target, including his goal and both him and Willian were right at the heart of Chelsea’s dominant display. In place of the rested Hazard he lived up to expectations.
Subs:
Davide Zappacosta – 7, didn’t offer too much offensively until he capitalised on a late lapse in concentration from the Stoke defence to score his first Premier League goal.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6, distributed the ball well but was quiet throughout until Chelsea clicked into gear in the final 15 minutes.
Michy Batshuayi – 6, will again be disappointed to have made little impact following his introduction from the bench.