Eden Hazard Humilliates Everton

Chelsea moved to the top of the Premier League after dominating Everton from the moment the game kicked off. Eden Hazard’s low shot broke the deadlock after 19 minutes, after which Marcos Alonso swept home his first goal for the club. Diego Costa added a third from close range before half-time and it was 4-0 after 56 minutes when Hazard finished another wonderful solo effort. Nine minutes later, Pedro Rodriguez wrapped up the scoring.

Positives

The tactics were perfect and so was their execution. Most impressive was how every player seemed to know exactly where their teammates were, especially going forward, which is a testament to the work being put in on the training ground.

Negatives

It might sound flippant, but the only negative was that Chelsea didn’t score more goals. Even 8-0 wouldn’t have flattered the hosts.

Manager rating out of 10

10 — Every part of the team worked in perfect unison for the third league match in a row, and yet Antonio Conte was still barking orders in injury time with his side 5-0 up, so high are his standards. His dedication and application has been mirrored by the players.

Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Thibaut Courtois, 7 — Had almost nothing to do, which allowed him to enjoy his teammates’ scintillating display in front of him.

DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 9 — Mobile and authoritative, the converted full-back even won headers against Romelu Lukaku in a faultless performance.

DF David Luiz, 9 — Acted largely as a playmaker from the back, launching attacks with pinpoint 60-yard passes. Was rarely troubled but used his fabulous technique to escape from any tight situations.

DF Gary Cahill, 8 — Untroubled all afternoon, the England international could not have asked for an easier game as he helped contain the threat posed by Lukaku.

MF Marcos Alonso, 8 — Was left trailing in Yannick Bolasie’s wake on a couple of occasions but more than made up for it with a well-taken goal and by providing a constant threat down the left.

MF Victor Moses, 9 — Another performance in which he defended flawlessly while also testing the opposition at the other end. The only thing lacking was a goal, which he nearly got when a shot hit the post.

MF Nemanja Matic, 9 — Bossed the middle of the park, snuffing out any attacks and striding forward purposefully with the ball. A player reborn.

MF N’Golo Kante, 8 — Didn’t put a foot wrong as he found easy pickings while dispossessing opponents in his customary fashion.

FW Eden Hazard, 10 — Utterly sensational. Every time he picked up the ball everyone in the stadium seemed mesmerised, including the Everton players. Scored two goals but that was only part of the story.

FW Pedro Rodriguez, 9 — Bright and lively all game, Everton struggled to contain to him. Scored a tap-in and really should have had an assist when Costa shot wide after excellent approach work.

FW Diego Costa, 9 — Continued to cement his status as the best target man in the league with another tremendous all-round centre-forward display. Could have scored a hat trick but had to settle for one as he ran his markers ragged for 90 minutes.

Substitutes

MF Oscar, NR — Could have provided greater movement but still linked play well enough and made a couple of decent tackles.

FW, Michy Batshuayi, NR — Looked desperate to make an impression and did well without doing anything decisive.

FW, John Terry NR — Came on at centre-back but his most telling contribution was a rampaging run down the left, followed by a delicious cross that wasn’t converted by Costa.