Chelsea FC: Best Goals from Every Player in Blues Starting XI

Going in to their fixture with Tottenham today, Chelsea stand four-points clear atop the Premier League table. A lot of this can be credited to the 15 goals they’ve netted in seven games—tied for second in the league.

It’s a feat expected by a club that boasts a handful of playmakers. Whether it’s Fernando Torres up front or Ashley Cole in the back line—Chelsea have proven they have goal-scoring threats all around.

Over the years, these players have put in hundreds of goals combined.

Here are the ones that stand out the most.

Fernando Torres

While he may be lacking in confidence these days, many seem to forget that Torres used to be one of the best finishers in the game only a couple years ago. Just a simple search on YouTube returns brilliant efforts through the air, in space and in just about any possible way of finishing.

However, his best strike came in a contest against Blackburn in 2010.

His first touch was perfect and only superseded by his instinctive finish. With his back to the goal, Torres kicks the ball as he turns and watches the ball sail past the flailing goalkeeper.

Now, let’s hope he can rediscover those instincts here at Stamford Bridge.

Oscar

Upon hearing about the signing of the young Brazilian talent, many of us highly anticipated his appearance in a Chelsea uniform.

After teasing us with several solid cameo appearances, Oscar finally made his debut in the starting lineup for the Blues’ Champions League fixture against Juventus.

And boy, did he make it count.

Oscar netted his first goal for the Blues in the 30th minute. Two minutes later he added his second in sensational fashion.

His first touch allowed him to break away from the defender, and then he curved a shot to the far top-right corner of the net. Even David Beckham would admire that effort.

His goal drew praise from Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon—the one he beat for it.

Well done, Oscar.

Juan Mata

The defending Chelsea Player of the Year Award-winner is no stranger to goals.

Except he’s usually the one assisting them.

Make no mistake, though, Mata is also an excellent goal scorer when given the chance. If he’s one-on-one with the keeper, you can almost guarantee a finish.

During his time with Valencia, Mata made a name for himself with plays such as this one. His finishing skills on this volley are impeccable.

Not only was the ball coming down from the air, but he was also position at an almost impossible angle. Then the left-footed midfielder finished with his right foot to top it off.

Truly amazing.

Eden Hazard

Already, the 21-year-old has made a habit out of making opposing defenders look foolish this season for Chelsea.

At Lillie, Hazard did more of the same.

Here versus St-Etienne, Hazard shows off his footwork by getting past not one, not two, not three but four defenders to spring himself free on goal. He then tops it off by firing a rocket to the far left corner.

Topnotch stuff.

Frank Lampard

The former Chelsea captain has made a name for himself with countless important goals.

Since 2001, Lampard has found the back of the net 189 times—good for third all time in Chelsea history.

However, this strike against Barcelona stands out above the rest.

A mishit first touch left Lampard out of a sure chance and on the edge of the left side of the box. He was at an angle from which it is almost impossible to score. 

Somehow, Lampard turned and chipped the ball over the defender and the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

It was arguably the most difficult goal in Chelsea history.  

John Obi Mikel

Finally, after years and years of waiting, the Nigerian Thunder Cat has finally struck for Chelsea.

With a wonderful dispossession of the ball, Obi Mikel does what only he can do: fire an outrageously long effort on goal.

Who knew that one of these days it would find the back of the net? Guess practice makes perfect.

Yea, right…who are we kidding. Will he ever score for Chelsea?  

Ashley Cole

Who said defenders don't have moves?

Cole has single-handedly changed the way we look at defenders. During his tenure at Arsenal, he made a name for himself for being as successful as a winger as he was back in defense.

Here, Cole displays the softest of first touches, the quick-thinking ability to fake the shot and then the graceful chip over the goalkeeper for the fantastic finish.

Many strikers strive to create finishes such as this one.

John Terry

The Chelsea captain has been bashed throughout the media over his alleged racial abuse on the pitch. Many have claimed he should have used his head before making such a bone-headed decision.

Here, Terry proves he can also use his head in a positive manner.

Left completely open in the box, Terry times his launch perfectly and sends the ball spiraling into the top corner of the net.

Couldn’t have taken that opportunity any better.  

Branislav Ivanovic

I was tempted to throw in this strike by Ivanovic. But with the stakes as high as they were, the strike against Napoli stands above the rest.

The Serbian defender positioned himself beautifully inside the box unmarked. The ball was sent in straight to his feet; he needed only to time it perfectly.

That’s exactly what he did, sending the ball flying into the top of the net, while propelling Chelsea on a run to Champions League glory.   

David Luiz

With his hair, his jokes and his broken-up English, Luiz is no stranger to the spotlight.

And when there's a free kick to be taken, the Brazilian is usually lurking about, looking to take the shot. In Chelsea's Champion's League fixture versus Nordsjaelland, Luiz finally got the chance.

The end result was pure class.

There was not a more perfect place he could have put that ball. Right off the corner post and into the back of the net. It was a goal that helped lift the floodgates for Chelsea's 4-0 victory.

Roberto Di Matteo

We couldn't leave the manager out, now could we?

As a player, Di Matteo helped spark the resurgence for Chelsea during the late '90s. One of his biggest assets was his long-range shooting.

Time and time again, if you left Di Matteo with enough room in front of him, he was bound to let off a rocket. More often than not, it would find its way on target. Several of such shots resulted in goals for the midfielder.

This gem came during Chelsea's FA Cup Final vs. Middlesborough, when Di Matteo took all of 42 seconds to find the back of the net.

At the time, it was the quickest goal in FA Cup Final history.

You can follow Sebastian on Twitter at @SP7988