The Blues cruised to a comfortable victory at Stamford Bridge with goals from Eden Hazard and Victor Moses proving enough to secure all three points.
Eden Hazard opened the scoring with a cool finish in the 25th minute, and Victor Moses doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 63rd minute. The Belgian later scored his second of the night and 15 of the season with a stunning finish, to seal victory for the reigning champions.
While West Brom did have their moments, they couldn’t capitalise on the few chances they came across and after the final whistle, they had only 1 shot on target despite having 43% of the possession. As things stand, the Blues are currently in fourth place, with 53 points to their name 1 point behind third placed Liverpool and a point ahead of fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Had little to do over the course of the game. Had to make some routine recoveries. However, saved the Blues with a fantastic save from Solomon Rondon. Distributed well and thanks to his defence, had a comfortable evening.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 8
The Spaniard was at his very best on the night. Got his side out of many sticky situations and contributed in attack as well. It was an extremely solid display from the Chelsea vice captain, who was their best defender on the night. A clean sheet on his 250th start for the Blues, couldn’t have asked for anything more.
Andreas Christensen: 7.5
The youngster found himself in a tough spot with Solomon Rondon, but was bailed out by Thibaut Courtois on that occasion. Besides that, he had a very good game overall on his return from injury and was subbed off later in the game for some much needed rest.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
The German international had one of his better games of the season against the Baggies. Dealt with whatever came his way well and had a comfortable evening. Even made a marauding run forward on one occasion after finding himself in space. A calm, comfortable night for Rudiger.
Victor Moses: 8
Nearly gifted West Brom the opening goal with a header straight onto the path of an onrushing Jay Rodriguez, who scuffed it. Besides that one incident, the former Wigan Athletic man had a fine game. He scored his side’s second goal after finding himself in the right place at the right time. It was a superb left footed finish and he got even better after that goal.
N’golo Kante: 8
Took some time, but eventually took control of the midfield. West Brom didn’t make it easy for the Frenchman, but he’s come out on top against much stronger opposition in the past and did so on the night. Another display filled with tireless running, tackling and energy. Top class.
Cesc Fabregas: 7
Dictated play as one would expect from the Spaniard. Distributed well and looked comfortable with N’golo Kante in midfield. Made a conscious effort to find Olivier Giroud. Although nothing came of it, he did play a role in Victor Moses’s goal. A good outing from the 30-year-old.
Davide Zappacosta: 7
Missed an easy chance from close range early on in the first half. Did well to constantly get forward and try and get into threatening positions. Didn’t seem too uncomfortable in an unfamiliar left wing-back position. Defended well enough, but couldn’t contribute to his side going forward.
Pedro: 7
The Spaniard wasn’t at his best on the night. There was a lot of running, a lot of energy, but no end result. Will be disappointed that he couldn’t contribute to his side’s goals. Subbed off for Willian in the 80th minute.
Olivier Giroud: 8
The Frenchman made only his second Premier League start of the season and fatigue caught up with him quite quickly. He had a solid game, setting up Eden Hazard for the first, showcasing some of his holdup play and keeping the Baggies defence occupied. Got battered at times and had to to be bandaged after a heavy challenge. A positive, memorable debut nonetheless.
Eden Hazard: 9
Chelsea’s Man of The Match once again. The Belgian was at his mercurial best once again, taking on players and being the focal point of his team’s attack. He opened the scoring after some slick linkup play with Giroud and then showed some individual brilliance to wrong foot Foster for the second.
Substitutes
Alvaro Morata: 6
The Spaniard was brought on just after the hour mark for Olivier Giroud. He had one long range effort saved well by Foster. He kept the West Brom defence occupied and was a more mobile figure than Giroud. It was his first appearance after returning from injury and clearly, is no where near full fitness.
