Rudiger’s goal gives Chelsea victory over Swansea
Chelsea 1 Swansea 0
Antonio Rudiger’s first Premier League goal gave Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge, where Antonio Conte was sent to the stands.
Rudiger scored 10 minutes into the second half, heading home after N’Golo Kante’s shot was diverted towards the German by a deflection off Swansea’s Wilfried Bony.
Chelsea’s win was much more comfortable than the scoreline might suggest.
They dominated from the start and almost took an early lead when Willian’s left-wing free-kick drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
Swansea keeper Lukasz Fabianski then gathered low shots from Alvaro Morata, Davide Zappacosta and Pedro as the Blues continued to press.
Fabianski also dived to his left to keep out Morata’s firm header from Cesc Fabregas’ right-wing corner and pushed over Morata’s volley from Pedro’s cross.
Chelsea boss Conte, who rested Eden Hazard and Cesar Azpilicueta, was ordered to leave the technical area by referee Neil Swarbrick a couple of minutes before half-time.
The Italian angrily protested to the fourth official after Swarbrick awarded a goal-kick rather than a corner despite Willian’s cross coming off Swans defender Alfie Mawson.
However, the visitors were not so fortunate when Bony’s attempt to block Kante’s effort inadvertently set up Rudiger for the game’s only goal.
Fabianski then produced fine saves to deny Marcos Alonso, Willian and Morata – who also missed a great chance to double the lead when the striker lifted the ball over the bar after finding himself through on goal.
Chelsea: Courtois; Rudiger, Christensen, Cahill; Zappacosta, Fabregas (Moses 74), Kante, Alonso; Willian (Drinkwater 80), Morata, Pedro (Hazard 80).
Subs not used: Caballero, Azpilicueta, Ampadu, Bakayoko.
