How the West Londoners fared in their triumoh over the Gunners.
Chelsea kept up their credentials for being Premier League champions this season with a convincing 2-0 victory over London rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE:
Diego Costa goal v Arsenal.
Eden Hazard penalty v Arsenal.
Mourinho v Wenger – managers shove each other in dugout.
Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa in either half settled the match and here is how Jose Mourinho’s men rated.
13. Thibaut Courtois (Cech, 24′) – 6
Was forced off the pitch midway through the first half as after a heavy collision with Alexis Sanchez the goalkeeper was bleeding from the ear and had to go to hospital.
2. Branislav Ivanovic – 7
Kept the Chile international under wraps down the left hand side and continues to greatly impress at right-back.
24. Gary Cahill – 6
Probably should have been sent off for a studs up challenge on Sanchez, but made up for that with a solid display in the second half.
26. John Terry – 7
Danny Welbeck barely got a sniff in the match as the captain kept the England international quiet and organised the defence brilliantly.
28. Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
Defensively there are few full-backs in the entire division better than this Spain international who will continue to keep Filipe Luis out of the starting XI.
4. Cesc Fabregas – 8
It was always going to be a tough game for the midfielder as he faced the club he spent eight years at, but Fabregas was as reliable as usual and set up Costa with a superb through ball.
21. Nemanja Matic – 7
Alongside Fabregas this Serbia international has formed a brilliant partnership and Matic anchored everything in the middle with class.
14. Andre Schurrle (Mikel, 69′) – 5
Looked bright when the Blues had the ball, but never really got going in the game and was eventually substituted in the second half.
8. Oscar (Willian, 87′) – 5
Another relatively anonymous display from this 23-year-old who needs to start giving some better performances soon.
10. Eden Hazard – 9
The best player on the pitch and the difference between the two sides, with a brilliant run seeing Hazard fouled for a penalty which the Belgian then converted and the attacking midfielder was superb throughout.
19. Diego Costa – 7
Led the line well once again and when his chance came the 25-year-old showed enough power and skill to put the North Londoners to the sword.
Substitutions:
1. Petr Cech – 7
Came on for the injured Courtois for only his second appearance of the campaign and made some fine stops and Mourinho is lucky to have two world-class goalkeepers at his disposal.
12. John Obi Mikel – 6
Brought on for Schurrle to help close out the game and did so well.
22. Willian – N/A
Came on late for fellow Brazilian Oscar but had little time to make an impact.
Manager: Jose Mourinho – 8
Another fine displays of tactics from the Portuguese coach who never let Arsene Wenger’s men into the match and has clearly riled his opposite number as well.