Stamford Bridge, waking up to the system of 3-4-3 and finding it’s voice again was to welcome the blues from Merseyside and the stage was set for a tactical battle and goals were expected in plenty. Little did anyone know that the match would prove the sensational superiority of the home side and even words like staggering or magnificent would appear to be an understatement.
The game started a little evenly but fifteen minutes went by, the home side started to get a grip. Beautiful exchanges, calculated rotations, pinpoint passes and probing in at every given opportunity, the goal arrived. Costa’s breakaway allowed him to release Hazard on the left and the Belgian cut in, scored and once again made it look so simple.
Not even a minute went by, another breathtaking move and passing saw Alonso drift inside the box and score with the ball going between the legs of the keeper. Chelsea ended the half at three with Diego Costa scoring the third goal.
The second half was a riot from the home side again. Magnificent interchanges from Pedro and Hazard set up the latter to get his second of the game but what was much beautiful was Pedro’s back-foot pass. For all the creativity, blistering pace of Pedro, he deserved a goal and the fifth came after Hazard’s shot was diverted from the keeper into the legs of Pedro who slotted in calmly.
The system of 3-4-3 and the stepping up of Chelsea players has come at a right time for the Blues of London and a world class performance like this only makes it even more evident that Chelsea reinstate their name as title contenders. Here are the player ratings from their amazing display against Everton.
GK : Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
Everton failed to register a single attempt on target and Courtois had nothing to save. 7 clean sheets in 7 for the Belgian though!
CB : Caesar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
Reliable as usual and seems like he’s enjoying himself in this central role. Another solid display for Azpilicueta.
CB – David Luiz – 7/10
Calm, composed and brilliant at times. A commanding display from David Luiz who’s sincerity and dedication under Conte has been a revelation to what was expected earlier.
CB – Gary Cahill – 6.5/10
Had very little to do since Everton hardly threatened on his side. Clean-sheet is a lift for the defense department as a whole.
