And with that, it’s goodbye 2017 and hello 2018. Chelsea ended the year by putting in a five star performance as they dismantled a weakened Stoke City side. The 5-0 win is also Chelsea’s biggest win in the Premier League under Antonio Conte.
Here are a few points you can use to strike up a conversation with that girl in the pub wearing the Chelsea top.
#1 Rest For The Best
With the upcoming showdown against Arsenal in mind, Conte handed a day off to alleged contract rebel, Eden Hazard, and Andreas Christensen. Danny Drinkwater received a rare start in midfield alongside his old Leicester City teammate, N’Golo Kante. Up front, Morata was flanked by Willian and Pedro in the familiar 3-4-3 formation. With the big guns holstered, this was an opportunity for the second string to prove their mettle, which they did. And then some.
#2 The Early Bird Catches The Worm
When Chelsea play teams looking to park the bus, they’ve almost always had trouble breaking them down. Not this time, though. A Rudiger goal in the third minute settled any nerves the home supporters might have been feeling. Not too long thereafter, Chelsea raced into a 3-0 lead as Potters’ fans started making their way to the exits after just 25 minutes. Stoke’s lineup and tactics were certainly helpful, but Chelsea were playing with a swagger associated with champions.
#3 Willian the Wonderful
This was one of Willian’s standout performances in a Chelsea shirt. The Brazilian divides opinion amongst supporters like no other player since Mikel. He can be frustrating and ineffective at times, but when he does show up, he tends to put up a stellar show. Two assists plus a penalty won and converted got him a deserved Man Of The Match award. But there was one person who ran him close.
#4 Drinks For Everyone
Ever since his signing was announced, Danny Drinkwater was dismissed as an underwhelming acquisition for the sake of the homegrown quota. He then took months to recover from an existing injury, while Conte tried out a number of combinations in midfield. Playing alongside Kante, Drinkwater was absolutely brilliant against Stoke City. His goal was as unexpected as it was sensational. He did the dirty work in midfield, played a few good passes and kept it tidy. At one point he seemed to have morphed into a Fabregas-lite, spraying passes all over the pitch with confidence. He will get plenty of opportunities to show his worth as the cup competitions restart in January.
#5 Overtaking Maneuver
Manchester City have been almost flawless since the start of the season and sit at the top of the table. But after swatting aside this Stoke City side with ease, Chelsea moved into second as they took advantage of Manchester United stuttering against Southampton. As long as Chelsea keep winning, second spot could be attainable at the end of the season. And from there, who knows?
Chelsea play their first game of the new year away at Arsenal. The Gunners are having a disappointing season and the time is ripe for Chelsea to add to their woes.