CaughtOffside rates the Chelsea players for their performance against West Ham on Boxing Day.
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Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side secured their ninth straight home win and are now 10 unbeaten on Boxing day following a 2-0 win over West Ham.
The Blues were typically secure at home with the Hammers posing next to no threat despite a late rally in the last five minutes when Amalfitano hit the post.
John Terry opened the scoring with a tap in from a headed on Fabregas corner before Costa wrapped up the win after a delightful through ball from Eden Hazard.
Read the ratings for the Chelsea team below:
GK) Thibaut Courtois – 7
Was not required to do much at all and barely made a save but a minor criticism would be he looked shaky on one West Ham corner, missing the ball completely when he came for it.
RB) Branislav Ivanovic – 7
A typically strong and dominant performance from the Serb though could have been booked for a dive late in the first half.
CB) John Terry – 8
A 2nd goal in as many games with the Chelsea captain putting in a commanding display from the back.
CB) Gary Cahill – 7
Not much to do for Cahill. His relative lack of defensive work allowed him to get forward and he could have put the Blues ahead with a fierce strike early in the first half.
LB) Cesar Azpilacueta – 6
The Spaniard marshalled the left side to great effect and kept the Hammers wingers at bay.
CM) Nemanja Matic – 7
The lynchpin of the Chelsea midfield once again. Protected the back four from the minimal West Ham threat though this was certainly not the hardest competition he’s ever had to face.
CM) Cesc Fabregas – 6
Typically calm and composed and a few lovely passes from midfield but not the cutting edge assist machine we’ve come to expect this season.
LM) Willian – 6
Another standard performance with no real highlights but did what he had to do to keep the Hammers at bay and drive his side on.
RM) Oscar – 7
Another standard performance from Oscar who showed some flair with some stinging shots at Adrian but no end product.
CAM) Eden Hazard – 8
Pace, skill, trickery and the assist for Diego Costa’s goal. Another sublime performance from the Belgian.
CF) Diego Costa – 8
Scored his 13th league goal of the season and wrapped up a late Christmas present for Jose Mourinho.
Manager: Jose Mourinho – 8
A typically robust Chelsea performance orchestrated by Mourinho who to top the Premier League for another week.
Subs:
1) Didier Drogba – 5
No real impact from the substitute in his 8 minute cameo.
2) John Obi Mikel – 5
Sured up the midfielder with Matic for the last few minutes.
3) Ramires – 5
Could have had a goal at the end but couldn’t sort his feet out.