Blues beat West Ham in one-sided derby

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Chelsea 2 West Ham 0

John Terry’s first-half tap-in and Diego Costa’s 13th league goal in 15 games saw Chelsea claim a stylish victory at Stamford Bridge.

Terry’s strike deservedly put the Premier League leaders ahead after a scintillating first-half display which could have seen them out of sight.

And Costa danced through the West Ham defence and scored with a precise low shot just after the hour to put the Blues in control.

The Hammers, who could have gone up to third with a victory, threatened in the opening seconds through Andy Carroll and hit the post three minutes from the end in a strong finish.

But the game was otherwise all Chelsea, with Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic dominating the middle of the pitch and laying the platform for a performance full of pace, power and quality.

A heart-warming pre-match minute’s appreciation marked the 100th anniversary of the World War One Christmas Truce football match.

But the fierce London rivals showed little sign of harmony in the Boxing Day fixture despite both managers making peaceful moves in the build-up.

Terry's first-half goal set Chelsea on their way to victory
Terry’s first-half goal set Chelsea on their way to victory

West Ham’s 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season irked Blues boss Jose Mourinho to the point that he accused them of playing “19th century football”.

But although the Hammers packed their defence again and showed limited ambition, it was Chelsea’s quality that shone through and the visitors were simply outclassed.

Oscar blazed a glorious early chance over, Gary Cahill twice went close and there were numerous close calls for an overworked West Ham defence.

Oscar, back in the side in the number 10 role, missed the best opportunity inside four minutes when he shot wildly over the bar from six yards after great work by fellow Brazilian Willian.

Eden Hazard, who played despite concerns over an ankle knock, was a constant menace and had decent claims for a penalty waved away.

But finally the relentless pressure told when Terry opened the scoring, netting from two yards after Costa headed on a Fabregas corner.

With West Ham barely escaping their own half, Chelsea continued to boss things.

Matic drew a fine save from keeper Adrian,mCosta twice almost added a second goal and there were more penalty claims when Branislav Ivanovic appealed for a tug by Carroll.

A couple of dangerous set-pieces briefly raised away hopes after the break, but it was fleeting and Chelsea continued to create opportunities at will.

Hazard unleashed a rasping strike that Adrian blocked and Willian curled a free-kick over before Costa doubled the lead with a composed strike that saw him deceive three defenders and find the bottom corner.

More chances followed, with Oscar, Costa, Ivanovic and Terry all having a sight of goal.

After Thibaut Courtois made a fine save, West Ham almost set up a nervy finale when Alex Song found fellow substitute Morgan Amalfitano, whose effort came back off the post.

But Chelsea preserved their clean sheet and ensured a ninth successive home league win in nine games.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian (Ramires 86) Oscar (Mikel 82), Hazard; Costa (Drogba 82).
Subs not used: Cech, Zouma, Filipe Luis, Schurrle.

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