Chelsea vs. West Ham United: Score, Grades, Reaction from London Derby
Chelsea opened up the festive period with an ultimately comfortable 2-0 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Friday.
Sam Allardyce's West Ham are flying high and could have been a thorn in the Chelsea side, but goals from John Terry and Diego Costa ensured the league leaders kept the forward momentum going.
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With the side fearful of what happened last season, when West Ham frustrated the Blues with their defensive approach, an early goal would have been the ideal scenario for Chelsea.
Oscar should have provided it on five minutes. A loose ball fell into the Brazilian's path, and he had time and space to pick his spot, but he blazed his effort over the bar from seven yards.
Chelsea's midfield zipped the ball around at pace, probing for openings. The patient approach almost paid dividends on 10 minutes. After a lengthy passing move, the ball was stood up at the far post for Gary Cahill. The defender got a run on his marker, Carl Jenkinson, but he was unable to direct his header on target.
Another chance fell to Cahill on 21 minutes. West Ham left the defender unmarked, and from eight yards he made crisp contact with his shot, but Adrian was able to beat the ball away.
The threat from Chelsea continued, with Adrian keeping out a free-kick from Cesc Fabregas and low drive from Willian.
Hammers boss Allardyce had said before the game: "Hopefully we'll frustrate them," per the Premier League's official Twitter account.
For half an hour his side did just that, but the wave of Chelsea pressure eventually forced open the door.
And for the second game in a row, it was skipper Terry who opened the scoring. The defender will have scored few easier goals, as he was on hand to turn the ball home from two yards out after Costa had nodded a Fabregas corner into his path.
"Mourinho has been working that corner for years, gallas used to pick up 6 goals a season on that back post knock down!
— Jermaine Jenas (@jjenas8) December 26, 2014"
Chelsea's football at times was a joy to watch, with West Ham's players seemingly one step behind the movement of the ball.
West Ham showed a bit of attacking intent at the start of the second half, with a couple of corners testing the Chelsea defence—but the greater threat was carried by the home side.
Adrian had to show strong hands on 52 minutes, as Eden Hazard let fly with a fierce drive from just inside the box that the 'keeper did well to repel.
The West Ham 'keeper could do nothing about the crucial second goal on 62 minutes. Cheikhou Kouyate gave the ball away on the halfway line, and West Ham were forced to pay a heavy price. The ball was played to Costa on the edge of the box. He then turned onto his left foot to create a yard and space and sent an unerring shot across the 'keeper and into the far corner.
"Elegant and clinical. Diego Costa worked the opening with his right, finished with his left. 2-0 to #cfc
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 26, 2014"
West Ham could have set up a grandstand finish, but Morgan Amalfitano hit a post with five minutes remaining after tricking his way past Cahill and Terry and dinking his shot over Thibaut Courtois.
Ultimately, Chelsea eased to victory—with Mourinho afforded the luxury of being able to give star striker Costa a few minutes' break by subbing him as the game wound down, which may help going forward.
The action continues apace over the festive period. Chelsea have been top all season, and on this form, Mourinho’s men will take some stopping. They travel to Southampton on Sunday looking to keep the chasing pack at bay.
Notable Player Grades
Nemanja Matic: A
Matic's importance to Chelsea is huge. Once again he provided the shield for his defence, but his engine enables him to get forward and aid the attack as well.
John Terry: A
The Chelsea skipper is doing his bit to earn a new deal, with another goal capping a superb display.
Diego Costa: B+
This was another power-packed display from the Spain international. His header created the opening goal, and his superb shot sealed the three points.
Andy Carroll: C
The forward was forced to feed off scraps, but he kept working the line until he was replaced on the hour mark.
Stewart Downing: C-
It has been a fabulous season so far for Downing, but he was unable to exert any sort of influence on the contest.
