Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were back to winning ways on Monday as they put three past a West Bromwich Albion side, that look destined to face the drop this season. The Blues opened the scoring through Eden Hazard, who curled past Ben Foster, after playing a neat one-two with Olivier Giroud. West Brom had chances to equalize but failed to take any, as they went into halftime 1-0 down.
Cesc Fabregas’ pass deflected and fell to Victor Moses, who found space and time on the ball inside the box and made no mistake, doubling Chelsea’s lead and Hazard added another not too long later, with a thunderous shot from the edge of the box, to beat Foster at the near post, to steal all three points. Here are the player ratings for the Blues in this win:
Chelsea Players Rated And Slated
Thibaut Courtois (6):
Probably had one real save to make all game, but was alert to danger in the air and kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
Cesar Azpilicueta (7):
Stuck to his task well at the back, negating any threat from West Brom and also winning the ball back quickly, keeping the visitors under pressure.
Andreas Christensen (8):
Only just back from an injury, the youngster put in a solid performance at the heart of the defence, dealing with everything thrown at him and easing himself back into the first team.
Antonio Rudiger (6):
Was hardly tested except at the start of the game but was still pro-active, keeping his side on the front foot.
Victor Moses (7):
Was sloppy with his passing in the first half and was also caught out at the back but since his goal was a real dominant presence at both ends of the field.
Cesc Fabregas (7):
Was always looking to beat the West Brom backline, with through balls and flicks and got lucky early in the second half, when his ball set up Moses for Chelsea’s second.
N Golo Kante (7):
Was his usual self, hunting the ball down in the middle of the park, never giving West Brom time to settle into the game.
Davide Zappacosta (6):
Did nothing of note at either end but was usually solid and kept his flank away from danger.
Pedro (6):
Was unable to find too much space to create chances on the night but did well to keep the ball rolling and the West Brom backline under pressure.
Eden Hazard (9):
Did everything to perfection, scoring with either foot, beating Foster on both the sides, helping himself to a brace and his side to a victory, on just another night for the Belgian.
Olivier Giroud (8):
Took knocks to his head and his legs but was in the thick of the things all game. A sumptuous touch for Hazard’s goal got him an assist and was the second best player on the field for Chelsea.
Substitutes:
Gary Cahill (6):
Came on to give Christensen a break on his return to the first team and did well to see the game off, without any damage.
Alvaro Morata (6):
Got a couple of half chances to add a fourth but will be happy back running on the field after his injury lay off.
Willian (N/A)
