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The match was effectively over as an actual contest just 25 minutes in, after Pedro put Chelsea 3-0 up with a classic world class finish (he tends not to score ordinary goals). Chelsea eventually got a fourth after Willian won and converted his penalty kick (Cameron tripping him after Willian cut inside). Zappacosta, of all players, added a fifth for funsies.
Perhaps the only negative today is Chelsea not scoring in double-digits. Morata by himself missed a hat-trick of 1-v-1s, though he’s probably just saving his good finishing for the next game, away at Arsenal in the new year. Clever boy!
Not a bad way to end 2017. Here’s to 2018!
Carefree.
- Nice to see Chelsea take advantage of Stoke’s league-worst defense, which was even more makeshift today than usual (8 more goals conceded than the next worst team). Chelsea have 9 of those over the two games this season.
- Wouldn’t be surprised if Mark Hughes got the sack after this one.
- 4 consecutive clean sheets for Chelsea in the league; 6th in a row unbeaten in all competitions.
- Hazard gets a full day of rest, while Kanté, Morata, and Moses all get brief rests as early subs off.
- Christensen back on the bench after missing midweek through illness.
- Having started the day one point behind Manchester United, Chelsea move into second, temporarily. United play later today, at home against struggling Southampton.
- Next up: Arsenal, away on Wednesday
- KTBFFH