Loftus-Cheek’s goal caps Chelsea win

Chelsea 3 Brighton 0

Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s cracking goal capped a resounding win for Chelsea.

Olivier Giroud and Eden Hazard also scored at Stamford Bridge, where Callum Hudson-Odoi finally made his first Premier League start – and did not disappoint the Blues fans who had been calling for his inclusion.

Neither did Loftus-Cheek – another player fans are keen to see establish himself as a first-team regular.

Hudson-Odoi set up Giroud for the opening goal seven minutes before half-time.

The England international breezed past Anthony Knockaert on the right and crossed for Giroud, who flicked the ball in at the near post.

Loftus-Cheek was involved in the build up to the second goal, scored on the hour mark.

Hazard collected Loftus-Cheek’s clever first-time pass, evaded Lewis Dunk and then scored with a fine strike from near the edge of the penalty area.

And, from a similar distance, Loftus-Cheek hit the net with an even better strike four minutes later.

Hazard returned the favour by supplying the midfielder, who brilliantly curled a shot into the far corner.

The win moved Chelsea up to fifth in the table.