Not at their best, and without the rested Eden Hazard, Chelsea were still far too good for Stoke, who were thrashed at Stamford Bridge. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 5-0 win.
Had little to do until saving with his legs to deny Saido Berahino after the striker had got through on goal.
As easy an afternoon as the dependable Azpilicueta will ever have. He cruised through the game, keeping things simple without being troubled.
His blushes were spared by Courtois’ save after Cahill misjudged a ball forward from Charlie Adam and was outpaced by Berahino. The skipper’s overall display was a sound one and he produced a superb, acrobatic clearance to prevent another long ball from Adam reaching Berahino in the first half.
Faultless at the back and set the ball rolling for Chelsea with the opening goal – a third-minute header from Willian’s free-kick.
Given the extent to which Chelsea had things their own away, Moses was pretty quiet before going off in the second half. He might have made more of the space afforded to him on the flank.
Another dominating performance in midfield. Delighted the crowd with a cheeky first-half dummy to allow the ball to run to Azpilicueta.
Certainly not the most technically gifted Chelsea player, but Drinkwater hit the net and a great strike – his first goal for the club – and was impressive throughout in midfield. His short passing was effective and he found the mark with longer balls forward too, including in the build up to the penalty which led to the fourth goal.
Like Moses on the opposite flank, Alonso had a fairly subdued game by his standards. He was neat and tidy rather than anything more.
Scored with a fine strike and went close with a number of other attempts. His skill and movement were a problem for Stoke from the first minute.
Worked tirelessly in attack before winning and scoring the penalty for Chelsea’s fourth goal. Earlier, he delivered the free-kick for Rudiger’s opener and the pass to Pedro for goal number three.
Worked hard up front but should have scored. The striker twice shot straight at keeper Jack Butland after being put through on goal. The second opportunity, after a pass from Willian, really was a sitter.
Lively after coming on for Moses and scored with a cracking strike late on – his first Premier League goal.
Did a solid job in midfield after being brought on midway through the second half.
Given 20 minutes against a totally demoralised defence, the striker might have fancied his chances of bagging a goal or two. But he was unable to make much of an impact.
This post was last modified on 31/12/2017