Top of the table, ten points clear of their nearest rivals and with that kept in mind, Antonio Conte’s Chelsea travelled to take on Mark Hughes’ Stoke City at the Bet365 stadium and the day was going to be a massive one. Chelsea needs just nine wins to secure the league and they were favourites to start off the first with this one. The match started on a balanced note until Willian beat Grant at the near post with a powerful free-kick where Grant should have done better.
Stoke City won a penalty as Cahill’s soft challenge was penalised and Walters equalised from the spot. Chelsea however with their commendable spirit equalised with three minutes left until the full-time whistle after Gary Cahill pounced on a ball which came off Grant and clinically finished.
The Best & Worst Chelsea Players Rated In Their Win Over Stoke City
1) GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6.5/10
His distribution has become brilliant under Conte. Couldn’t do much about the penalty and no clean-sheet again would disappoint him.
2) RWB: Victor Moses – 6/10
Had a decent game today and not much of an extraordinary flair that he usually gets going. Provided a dimension out wide and kept things tidy.
3) CB: Cesar Azpilicueta – 6/10
Defensively unbeatable again and gave Berahino some competition he won’t forget. Top notch!
4) CB: David Luiz – 6.5/10
Did his usual job so well again today. What a signing and top development under Conte.
5) CB: Gary Cahill – 6.5/10
It was harsh that his soft challenge was deemed to be penalty worthy but he twisted the tale around and made it heroic today. His awareness and clinical finish gave Chelsea all the three points and defensively tidy as usual.
6) LB: Marcos Alonso – 8/10
Usually gets negativity due to his pace but his technical ability and other aspects are outstanding. He hit the bar with a sublime free-kick and won the free-kick earlier for Willian’s opener. Man of the match!
7) CM: N’golo Kante – 6/10
Protected the defence like usual and kept things very neat.
8) CM: Nemanja Matic – 6/10
Effective in terms of possession and rotation and did well before being subbed off.
9) FW: Pedro Rodriguez – 7/10
Pedro’s an asset when the game reaches the point where things open up and become pacey. He came ever so close to scoring and was a constant threat throughout.
10) FW: Willian – 7.5/10
Beat Grant with a very clever free-kick and stepped up without Hazard and did a good job.
11) ST: Diego Costa – 5/10
Has been majorly poor on a consistent basis for quite a while now and today wasn’t any different as he let himself cry out for little things. Improved in the second half but Chelsea really needs him to step up and get them over the line.
