Chelsea managed to leapfrog over their other rivals as they got themselves back into the top four by winning 2-0 against London rivals West Ham United.
The game will probably be forgotten by the time this season ends, but Eden Hazard’s brilliant solo goal will definitely live in the memories of football fans for long. The Belgian picked the ball deep in midfield and decided to take on everyone. His pace and dribbling skills were too much for the Hammers defence to handle and the 28-year-old scored a brilliant solo goal to get his team in the lead.
The Hammers made things interesting in the second half by coming up with a more attacking display. However, that wasn’t enough in the end. Hazard grabbed a late second to round off his and Chelsea’s night perfectly.
Here is how Sarri’s men fared.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 6
Had it easy in the first half as West Ham didn’t trouble him at all. Made a crucial save in the second half when Chelsea were leading by just one goal.
David Luiz 6.5
Distributed the ball well and pressed high when his side lost the ball. Comfortable game for the Brazilian.
Antonio Rudiger 7
Another strong display from the German defender. Was strong and decisive in his defending.
Emerson 6
He is less attacking than Marcos Alonso but brings more defensive stability. Covered well at the back down the left.
Cesar Azpilicueta 6.5
Put in his usual assured display. Worked hard on both ends of the pitch. Caused trouble with some overlapping runs and put in a decent shift down the right.
Jorginho 6.5
Orchestrated the play from deep areas. Found his team-mates with some lovely crisp passing. Struggled slightly in the second half on the defensive front.
Ruben Loftus Cheek 7.5
Linked up play well in midfield. Worked hard and made some incisive runs. Pellegrini’s men found him tough to deal with as the Englishman was strong on the ball.
N’golo Kante 7
Put in a big shift once again as he played in a box to box role. Could have got himself on the score sheet in the first half. His movement in the attacking third was impressive.
Callum Hudson Odoi 7
Put in some decent crosses down the right. Always tried to take on defenders. Faded in the second half slightly but overall an assured performance from the youngster.
Eden Hazard 10
His first goal was just breathtaking as he drove at West Ham’s defence like a hot knife through butter. Was unplayable for most parts. Got a well deserved second goal in the end.
Gonzalo Higuain 5
Too slow with his decision making in the final third. Got in some good positions but never managed to take advantage. Looked tired by the middle period of the second half.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley 7
Assisted Hazard’s second with a smart ball. Could have scored himself earlier.
Pedro N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Olivier Giroud 6
Fabianski stopped him from scoring, but the Frenchman looked threatening for the 15 minutes he was on the pitch.
