Chelsea FC vs West Brom: Post-Game Reflection

Diego Costa Scores Again For Chelsea

Chelsea FC extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to seven points after cruising to a 2-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge. The Blues also set a club record by going 12 games unbeaten in the league.

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Chelsea looked to be in control from the very beginning, they went ahead after Diego Costa brought an Oscar pass down with his chest to volley a close-range shot into West Brom’s net. The forward could have easily scored a hat trick if he had a little more luck.

Eden Hazard scored the second, the Belgian got on the end of a low cross off a Cesc Fabregas corner, and shot through the legs of keeper Ben Foster. Fabregas has now assisted 10 of Chelsea’s league goals, a phenomenal stat — this early in the season.

The Blues had several other attempts on goal, but they were thwarted by Foster’s heroics. Foster was easily the Baggies’ best player today, he made six saves, keeping the scoreline respectable till the end.

Things got easier for Chelsea when Claudio Yacob got himself a red card after making a two-footed lunge on Costa. West Brom sat back and defended, as they were really left with no other choice.

After the half-time interval, Chelsea took their foot off the gas. They hovered around West Brom’s box seemingly in search of the perfect goal. West Brom defended till the final whistle, leaving Thibaut Courtois an untroubled spectator for the duration of the second half.

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Jose Mourinho will be pleased with his side’s performance, they didn’t “kill the game off” simply because they did not have to. With the games set to come in thick and fast till the end of the year, the Blues seemed more focused on conserving energy than anything else.

Such is the strength of Chelsea this season, they do exactly what they have to. Against Everton, there was no let up; they kept on attacking till the end. Against Crystal Palace, they were content to move the ball around till the last minute. Against Manchester United, they played a balanced game, and although they could not come away with a victory, it was still an inspired performance.

Mourinho’s men have a ruthless and clinical air about them, they are always in control. They dictate the pace of the game with ease. They have everything it takes to win the title this season; a stubborn back line, a strong but creative midfield, and a prolific hitman up front.

The only weak link seems to be Willian — and he isn’t even that weak of a link. The Brazilian is an important player in Mourinho’s squad; he works hard for the team and does a lot on the defensive end, but he could really do better offensively.

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He was such an attacking threat at Shaktar Donetsk, but at Chelsea, he seems content to stay just outside of the box and pass the ball around, occasionally shooting from way off, with the ball usually ending up in the stands. He was no different today, he did nothing of note on the offensive end, only succeeding in earning himself a silly yellow card.

Chelsea are reportedly in the hunt for Marco Reus, if they actually snag the German’s signature, Willian’s spot will instantly be under threat. So far, he has been able to keep Andre Schurrle out of the starting 11, but that’s largely due to injury and the winger’s own wastefulness.

With the way things are going, there is actually a very slight chance of Chelsea ending their season unbeaten. They seem unstoppable. Fabregas keeps on assisting, and Hazard continues to dazzle defenses.

Costa made a huge impact on the game today despite only having 35 touches, he got his name on the score-sheet in what was probably — by his own standards — his worst performance in a Chelsea shirt. The striker has now scored 11 goals in 10 Premier League appearances, another phenomenal stat.

Nemanja Matic is having a superb season as well, he is the fulcrum of the team. Sweeping up in front of the back four, starting attacks from deep midfield, and still chipping in on the offensive end with goals and assists.

No other team is on par with Chelsea at the moment, if they can navigate through the hectic Christmas period unscathed, they will have the title all but won by February.