Chelsea came back to Premier League action after the international break with a 4-0 hammering of West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.
Perhaps scarred by losing passively at lowly Crystal Palace after the last set of international fixtures, the attitude from the whole team was excellent from start to finish. The defence was well organised and the attack clinical when the chances arrived, which meant that key players Hazard, Fabregas and N’Golo Kante could be substituted with Wednesday’s Champions League game against Qarabag in mind.
West Brom’s typically rugged approach saw the team get drawn into some unnecessary yellow cards with both Hazard and Morata booked for needless acts of petulance.
Antonio Conte had clearly drilled into his players the importance of starting quickly as they were on their toes from the first whistle. He also got his team selection spot on with three players in midfield allowing Fabregas to roam free and pull the strings while Hazard tore the opposition apart.
Cesar Azpilicueta had a flawless game until a mistake in the 85th minute allowed McClean a clean run on goal. Otherwise untroubled.
Eden Hazard isn’t usually the most confrontational of players but after being booked, he channeled his anger the right way. Ripped West Brom to pieces with his speed of thought and close control while scoring twice and creating another.
FW Alvaro Morata showed that he is as good at playing in teammates as he is at scoring himself. Took his goal smartly b
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