LONDON: Chelsea showed why they are the Premier League leaders with a comprehensive 2-0 dismissal of London neighbours West Ham United in yesterday’s early Boxing Day fixture.
John Terry and Diego Costa were the men on target as Jose Mourinho’s side stayed three points clear of second-place Manchester City.
West Ham had begun the day in fourth place, but the gulf in class between the two teams was apparent throughout, with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard the game’s most eye-catching performer.
Andy Carroll volleyed wide in the first minute as West Ham – criticised by Mourinho for their defensive tactics in the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last season – indicated they might be more ambitious this time.
There was a much better chance for Chelsea soon after when the West Ham defence failed to deal with a cross from Willian that found Oscar, but the recalled Brazilian blasted over with only goalkeeper Adrian to beat.
Gary Cahill then headed over from a delivery into the box by fellow centre-back Terry as Chelsea continued to dominate the opening exchanges.
Nervous
There was a nervous moment for the visitors when Hazard pushed the ball between Winston Reid’s legs and went down on the edge of the box when the defender made contact, but referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue.
A goal was coming and it was Terry who provided it in the 31st minute, side-footing home from a couple of yards out after Costa had headed on a Fabregas corner.
Chelsea continued to move the ball about speedily and Adrian had to dive to keep out a low drive from defensive midfielder Nemanja Matic before Costa’s deflected effort spun just wide.
Tempers flared just before half-time when West Ham’s players reacted angrily to what appeared to be a dive inside the area by Branislav Ivanovic, who went to ground near Carroll.
West Ham began the second half with a flurry of activity, but could not fashion a clear chance, and it was not long before Adrian had to parry a fierce drive from Hazard that almost knocked him off his feet.
West Ham lost possession on the half-way line, Hazard found Costa, and the striker found the bottom-right corner despite the presence of three defenders to register his 13th effort of the campaign.
