Final Score: Chelsea 5-0 Stoke City
Chelsea romped home to a comprehensive 5-0 victory over a toothless Stoke City side at the Stamford Bridge earlier in the day.
The reigning Premier League champions were off to a blazing start as Antonio Rudiger handed them the lead in the third minute, before Danny Drinkwater doubled their advantage only six minutes later, with a sublime volley. Pedro made it three for the West Londoners halfway through the first period, to put the result beyond doubt.
Antonio Conte’s men heaped further misery on the Potters post the break, as Willian netted home a penalty in the 73rd minute, before substitute Davide Zappacosta scored his first Premier League goal late in the game to make it five.
The result saw Chelsea move to 2nd place in the league standings, at least temporarily, with Manchester United playing Southampton later in the day.
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
Had absolutely nothing to do between the sticks, apart from a save to stop Saido Berahino in the early parts of the second period.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6.5/10
Quiet game for the Spaniard defensively, with Stoke hardly threatening. Spent most of the time camped up in the opposition half.
Gary Cahill – 6/10
Had little to do, but was alert to danger when needed. Was caught napping for the Berahino chance in the second period.
Antonio Rudiger – 7.5/10
Opened the scoring with a fantastic header in the second period. Strode out of the backline with the ball on a constant basis with great confidence.
Victor Moses – 6/10
Caused a few issues to the young Josh Tymon down the flank, before being withdrawn early in the second period.
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Never allowed the Stoke midfield to get a foothold. Always available as an option to receive the ball from his teammates. Was subbed off early.
Danny Drinkwater – 8/10
The midfielder’s best display since his summer move to the Stamford Bridge. Scored a brilliant goal in the first-half and his range of distribution was exceptional as well.
Marcos Alonso – 6/10
Always found himself in spaces down the left-hand side, but wasn’t at his usual attacking best, especially in the first period. Fared better after the restart.
Willian – 9/10
Was a livewire throughout the game. Brilliant delivery for Rudiger to head home the opener, lovely layoff to set Pedro up for the third. Won and converted the penalty in the second half.
Pedro – 8/10
Was always looking to make things happen in the attacking third, his movement caused problems to the Stoke defence. Great first touch and an even better finish for his goal.
Alvaro Morata – 6.5/10
Worked extremely hard at the top, created spaces for his teammates to exploit, but couldn’t find the net despite having three excellent chances.
Substitutes
Davide Zappacosta – 7/10
On for Moses ten minutes into the second period. Added the 5th with a sweet left-footed strike from outside the box.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 5/10
Replaced Kante five minutes after the hour mark.
Michy Batshuayi – 5/10
Came on for Morata with 20 minutes left to play. Made no impact.