Chelsea ended 2017 with a resounding win over Stoke City on Saturday. The Blues were 5-0 winners in an impressive victory for Antonio Conte’s side, which saw five different goalscorers get themselves on the scoresheet. Antonio Rudiger, Danny Drinkwater, Pedro, Willian, and Davide Zappacosta all netted for Chelsea. The win, and Manchester United’s draw, has seen the Blues leapfrog United into second place in the Premier League. Here’s how the Blues players rated:
Thibaut Courtois – 6
Untested for the majority of the game, but saved well from Saido Berahino when called upon. Another clean sheet for the Belgian.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
A relatively quiet afternoon from the Spaniard. Breezed through the game, and was untroubled by a poor Stoke attack.
Gary Cahill – 6
Courtois saved his blushes in the second half, after his error allowed Berahino through on goal. Otherwise, was strong at the back.
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Opened the scoring after only two minutes. Made a few good surging runs and was faultless at the back. Impressive from the German.
Victor Moses – 6 (substituted after 57 minutes)
The Nigerian was rather quiet during the game, with a number of other players stepping up during the afternoon. Subbed off just before the hour mark.
N’Golo Kante – 6 (substituted after 65 minutes)
Reunited with his former Leicester teammate Drinkwater, and the two combined well, with Kante doing his usual stuff and dominated the midfield.
Danny Drinkwater – 8
Highly impressive in midfield. Scored his first Chelsea goal with a superb volley. His long balls and passes were impressive too.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Like his opposite wing-back, Alonso was quiet on the left-hand side. Strong and comfortable when in possession.
Pedro – 7
Scored with a great strike, and could’ve had a few more if it weren’t for some fine stops from Jack Butland. Stoke struggled to handle his skill and pace.
Alvaro Morata – 6 (substituted after 71 minutes)
Worked hard up front, but couldn’t find the goal. Had two great opportunities to score, but both were saved well by Butland.
Willian – 8
Brilliant from the Brazilian. Grabbed two assists for the Rudiger and Pedro goals, before winning and scoring the penalty to score himself.
Substitutes
Davide Zappacosta – 7 (came on after 57 minutes)
Looked lively after replacing Moses. Grabbed his first Premier League goal with a fine strike towards the end of the game.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 6 (came on after 65 minutes)
Solid in midfield when he came on, not much to be said about the Frenchman.
Michy Batshuayi – 6 (came on after 71 minutes)
Given 20 minutes against a poor Stoke side, but couldn’t find a goal which would’ve shown Conte why he can lead the line in Morata’s absence.
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