Marcos Alonso scored a brace while Pedro was also on the scoresheet as Chelsea made light work of defending champions Leicester City to move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, despite Diego Costa’s absence.
Antonio Conte’s side were without their top scorer after a training ground dispute over his fitness, amid reports he has received a whopping deal from China but it did not affect the league leaders as they registered a comfortable win at the King Power stadium.
Alonso fired the Blues to the lead in only the sixth minute when Eden Hazard poked a Cesar Azpilicueta cross to Alonso who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. Apart from the goal, neither of the two teams could make build any substantial attack as the half ended with Chelsea maintaining their one goal advantage. Antonio Conte’s men then got the much-needed breathing space when Alonso struck six minutes into the second half to double the lead. He came close to scoring his first hat-trick in a Chelsea shirt when his volley from the edge of the penalty box missed the target by a whisker. Shortly afterwards, Pedro put the game to the bed with a header from the close range.
While Alonso was undoubtedly the star man for the Stamford Bridge, let us see how other players fared:
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
With Chelsea midfield and backline in their element, the Belgian had very little to do but was up to the task whenever he was called into action. Also made a terrific reflex save.
David Luiz: 6.5/10
The Brazilian had some nervous moments in the game but fared well otherwise. Gave a solid performance in the second half.
Gary Cahill: 7/10
Apart from a couple of nervous moments while dealing with Jamie Vardy, the England international had an excellent game.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 7.5/10
Defended solidly throughout the match and was excellent while going forward. His cross in the first-half helped Alonso to open the scoring.
Victor Moses: 7.5/10
Another solid performance from a player who is fast turning out an asset for Conte in the 3-4-3 system. Made several dangerous crosses in the opposition box and was up to the task while defending.
Marcos Alonso: 8.5/10
Scored early in both the halves to ease the pressure off his side and deservedly won the Man of the Match award.
N’Golo Kante: 8/10
Had a solid game. Marshaled the midfield brilliantly right from the start to the end and was instrumental in building up the attacks from his own half.
Willian: 7.5/10
Toiled hard throughout the game and linked beautifully with Pedro for the latter’s goal.
Nemanja Matic: 8/10
Arguably the best player in the midfield, the Serbia international built several attacks. Troubled the Foxes throughoo
Pedro: 7.5/10
After an unusual silent first-half, the former Barcelona star burst into life when it mattered the most. Threatened the Leicester defense on several occasions in the second half and deservedly found the back of the net after he started the move for it with a brilliant flick.
Eden Hazard: 7.5/10
After setting up Alonso for the opener, the Belgium star had a relatively quiet game as he preferred to play a deeper role.
Substitutes
Cesc Fabregas for Eden Hazard, 78th minute
Michy Batshuayi, for Willian, 83 minute
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, for Pedro, 83 minute