Chelsea moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after defeating Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge and set a new club record of twelve straight victories in the Premier League.
In the first half, Cesc Fabregas assisted Pedro to put Chelsea one nil ahead following a deflected shot that ballooned into the top corner. Eden Hazard made it two nil from the penalty spot after he was fouled by Simon Francis: Hazard's goal capped off yet another excellent display from the Belgian international, who really struggled last season under Jose Mourinho.
With only a minute of extra time time spare, Pedro made it three nil with another deflected shot. Once more, Chelsea appeared formidable as they romped home with ease. Impressively, Chelsea were without suspended star players N'golo Kante and Diego Costa, who were replaced by Nemanja Matic and Pedro respectively.
Bournemouth's best opportunity came late on as substitute Benik Afobe was denied by Chelsea golkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Throughout the match,Bournemouth only had three shots on target and seven shots in general. Bournemouth stay in thirteenth place after they were comprehensively beaten.
What they said
Following the match, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte congratulated his team on their superlative efforts this season.
Invoking the analogy of a phoenix, Conte said that his team has demonstrated unrelenting passion and determination to right the wrongs of last season.
"Last year, under Mourinho, wasn't good for us. However, this year, the team has picked themselves up and have delivered a series of impressive results that allow us to sit top of the league heading into the New Year.
We know,half way through the season, that the job is far from done. We must continue to strive towards perfection as I know we have a team capable of achieving great things here", said Antonio Conte.
Eddie Howe, Bournemouth manager,said: "It was always going to be tough to come to Stamford Bridge and get any sort of result. We knew we would be up against it and we certainly was.
However, I feel we gave a good account of ourselves and showed we can be competitive against the best team in the league".
Manchester City can reduce Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points if they beat Hull later this the evening.
