Chelsea 8 Aston Villa 0
Frank Lampard became Chelsea’s highest top-flight scorer as the Blues ran riot at Stamford Bridge.
They inflicted most of the damage in the opening 35 minutes, Fernando Torres’ bullet header, David Luiz’s immaculate free-kick and Branislav Ivanovic’s finish putting them in command at the break.
Lampard scored the pick of the goals with a stunning low drive from distance and Ramires added a fifth with a cute finish, set up by fellow substitute Lucas Piazon.
Oscar’s penalty, Eden Hazard’s solo effort and Ramires’ late goal completed the rout.
The result is Chelsea’s biggest Premier League victory since thrashing Wigan by the same score on the last day of the 2009-10 Double-winning season.
Even more impressive was the fact seven of the eight goals arrived from different sources – and were all of high-quality.
A rejuvenated Torres opened the scoring in the third minute, powering home an unstoppable header from Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross.
A lacklustre 20 minutes followed until the outstanding Luiz, who excelled in central midfield, struck a wicked, dipping free-kick – reminiscent of Didier Drogba and Alex’s best – beyond a bemused Brad Guzan.
Ivanovic made it 3-0, reacting quickly to head in after Gary Cahill’s shot on the turn had been parried by Guzan.
The American made a succession of fine saves but Chelsea turned on the style in the last half-hour against their young opponents.
Lampard marked his 500th Premier League start with a trademark drive from 25 yards, breaking Bobby Tambling’s long-standing club record and underlining the popular midfielder’s case for a new contract.
Ramires made it 5-0 and Oscar converted a penalty after he was fouled by Chris Herd.
Hazard danced through the Villa defence to make it 7-0 and Piazon missed a penalty after being fouled by Ciaran Clark before Ramires side-footed home his second.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole; Luiz, Lampard (Ramires 60); Moses, Mata (Piazon 74), Hazard; Torres (Oscar 67).
Subs not used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Ake, Marin.
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This post was last modified on 24/12/2012