Chelsea beat Bournemouth to claim club record 12th consecutive Premier League win
By
Musah Abelyire
December 26, 2016
Eden Hazard inspired leaders Chelsea to a club record 12th successive Premier League win as Bournemouth were beaten 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte said the absence of Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante would be a good test for his side. The strikerless Blues passed with flying colours.
And Hazard thrived in a central role, scoring a penalty in between Pedro’s double.
Star man – Eden Hazard
Whilst there was not any player in a blue shirt who played a poor game at Stamford Bridge Hazard’s contribution to the victory was phenomenal. The Belgian was involved in every Chelsea attack, scoring the second goal and proving to Antonio Conte why he is such an important asset to the team, even when playing out of position.
Surprise of the match
There were concerns Chelsea might struggle without Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante, with the Blues only winning one of their last 11 matches when Costa was not playing, but the hosts completely dominated against a Bournemouth side which did not get a look in. Chelsea proved just how strong their whole squad is, even without a striker on the pitch. Pedro, Willian and Hazard were pushed further up the pitch to help cover for the absence of Costa.
Data point
Chelsea set a new club record of 12 successive league wins, passing their previous best which was set in September 2009. If Conte’s men beat Stoke and Tottenham in their next two matches, they will equal Arsenal’s Premier League-record 14-game winning sequence.
Player ratings
Willian was pushed further forward to help Chelsea compensate for being without top scorer Diego Costa
Willian was pushed further forward to help Chelsea compensate for being without top scorer Diego Costa (Scott Heavey/PA)
Willian was pushed further forward to help Chelsea compensate for being without top scorer Diego Costa (Scott Heavey/PA)
Chelsea: Thibaut Courtois 7, Cesar Azpilicueta 7, David Luiz 8, Gary Cahill 7, Victor Moses 8, Cesc Fabregas 8, Nemanja Matic 7, Marcos Alonso 8, Willian 8, Eden Hazard 10, Pedro 9. Substitutes: Ola Aina (on for Moses, 89 minutes) 5, Nathaniel Chalobah (on for Willian, 82) 5, Michy Batshuayi (on for Hazard, 90+4) N/A.
Bournemouth: Artur Boruc 6, Adam Smith 6, Simon Francis 6, Lewis Cook 6, Charlie Daniels 6, Brad Smith 6, Harry Arter 7, Andrew Surman 6, Dan Gosling 7, Jack Wilshere 7, Joshua King 6. Substitutes: Junior Stanislas (on for Surman, 66 minutes) 5, Benik Afobe (on for King, 66) 5, Jordon Ibe (on for B Smith, 76) 5.
Bournemouth: Artur Boruc 6, Adam Smith 6, Simon Francis 6, Lewis Cook 6, Charlie Daniels 6, Brad Smith 6, Harry Arter 7, Andrew Surman 6, Dan Gosling 7, Jack Wilshere 7, Joshua King 6. Substitutes: Junior Stanislas (on for Surman, 66 minutes) 5, Benik Afobe (on for King, 66) 5, Jordon Ibe (on for B Smith, 76) 5.
Who’s up next?
Chelsea versus Stoke
(Steve Paston/PA)
(Steve Paston/PA)
Chelsea v Stoke, Premier League (Saturday December 31)
Swansea v Bournemouth, Premier League (Saturday December 31)
source:sportbt.com
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