Chelsea trounced Middlesbrough 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, easing into place to set themselves up for a final victory on Friday night that would see them win the league.
The Blues started quickly and barely slowed down from there, netting twice in the first half from countless incisive attacks and shots at goal.
Antonio Conte’s men looked focused from the start and they showed it on the pitch, the win was never really in doubt.
Here are our ratings from today’s featured Chelsea players…
Starting Eleven:
Thibaut Courtois – 7 – Was barely on camera, let alone involved in the action in the first half, and had not much more to do in the second.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7 – A couple of uncharacteristic loose passes early on, but made up for them with a great one before the second goal. Did not get caught out once even as the Blues pressed higher and higher.
David Luiz – 7 – Had plenty of influence from early on as Boro sat back and left him much of the ball. Sprayed it around along with Fabregas for almost the whole game, until being replaced by John Terry.
Gary Cahill – 7 – Messed up an early play with a loose pass to Alonso, but made up with intelligent positioning from then on as the Blues pressed high up the pitch.
Victor Moses – 7 – A steady presence on the right, always pushing into space and interplaying nicely with his midfield to create chances at the byline. Busy and solid in attack and defence.
Cesc Fabregas – 9 – Was given acres of space by Boro and made the most of it. Sent perfect pass after perfect pass sliding through the red defenders through the first half, picking up an assist from Costa’s opener and another for the third goal.
Nemanja Matic- 8 – Steady in the middle of the pitch throughout, despite being urged to shoot constantly. Got his first goal and Stamford Bridge when he rocketed the third through Brad Guzan’s legs after taking the pass from Cesc Fabregas nicely on his chest.
Marcos Alonso – 8 – Threatened early and was a constant threat with both shots and crosses on the left and had his reward before the end of the
Pedro -7 – Smart interplay was important as Chelsea repeatedly broke down Boro. Lacked the cutting edge to get on the sccoresheet.
Diego Costa – 7 – His excellent interplay with Eden Hazard was evident from the first minute, and despite a few missed chances the Brazilian had his 20th goal by the 23rd minute. Continued to work hard in the second half.
Eden Hazard – 7 – Bright and creative throughout, without being too involved. The idea that he might be saving himself a little for Friday and the FA Cup final to come were confirmed when he was taken off after 70 minutes.
