Stoke v Chelsea player ratings

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Alvaro Morata grabbed a hat-trick as Chelsea secured a clinical win against Stoke City. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in the 4-0 victory at the bet365 Stadium.

Thibaut Courtois: 6

Did not have a noteworthy save to make but he caught well. He had a nasty tumble when he fell over Cary Cahill coming for a corner, but recovered well and looked to be okay.

Antonio Rudiger: 7

The big German defender had his work cut out trying to help out Marcos Alonso against the constant threat of Mame Diouf and the roaming Xherdan Shaqiri, but stuck to his task.

Andreas Christensen: 8

Christensen and his defensive colleagues all came through a testing match with a clean sheet, with the Danish defender showing he can deal with the hurly burly of the Premier League as well as the more technical side.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 9

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Simply outstanding at both ends of the pitch, defending with typical composure and pace and setting up two goals. He is making a habit of teeing up Alvaro Morata and his lofted through-ball to his fellow Spaniard for the second-minute opener was delightful, as was his chested pass for the hat-trick goal.

Victor Moses: 7

Moses made some astute runs that, with a better final ball, could easily have led to him being through on goal. He defended resolutely and was not caught out of position despite regularly bombing forward. He almost got on the scoresheet late on but was off target with his cross-shot.

N’Golo Kante: 8

Another lung-busting display from Kante, whose work-rate and ability to wear down opponents is second to none. Made numerous excellent defensive interceptions and set up even more attacks.

Tiemoue Bakayoko: 8

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Bakayoko’s superb early surge out of defence set up the opening goal and he played with typical power. He was caught dwelling in possession on a couple of occasions but won some important tackles and, along with Kante, he laid the platform for a clinical victory.

Marcos Alonso: 6

Chelsea’s left wing-back had one of those afternoons where he spent more time running up and down the flank without the ball than having possession. He was cautioned for a rash tackle on Joe Allen not long after he felt he was caught in the face and was understandably replaced by boss Antonio Conte as he became increasingly frustrated and likely to be sent off

Pedro: 7

A nagging presence for the Stoke midfield throughout, Pedro took his goal brilliantly and showed no signs of the injury which saw him taken off against Arsenal.

Willian: 7

Chelsea’s brightest attacking player for much of the game, relieving pressure at key moments with his relentless running and dribbling ability. But his final ball was often not up to scratch.

Alvaro Morata: 9

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A dream day for the Spaniard, whose first two goals were exquisitely taken and he was always a menace. He was unlucky not to score a fourth with a fierce strike but did miss a glorious chance from on the line. His hold-up play continues to improve but there is still work to be done on that side.

Gary Cahill: 7

Cahill’s second-half introduction at the expense of Alonso was the obvious move and the England man played a vital role in defending against Stoke’s considerable aerial threat.

Cesc Fabregas: 7

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Fabregas made the most of the open nature of the game in the closing stages, and his majestic pass was the key to Morata’s hat-trick goal.

Eden Hazard: 6

Another encouraging cameo from Hazard who looked sharp in his short time on the pitch.