Here’s five things we learned from Chelsea’s Boxing Day clash against Bournemouth.
1. Chelsea look set to keep breaking records in 2017
Chelsea have been commanding as they’ve chased records in the Premier League, and it’s all the more impressive considering that they’ve hardly broken a sweat in recent games. They were too good for a battling Bournemouth side, although they have a couple of tough opponents on the horizon.
Stoke and Tottenham are up next to try and end the streak, but there’s no reason why the Blues can’t keep up their winning ways.
They’re edging ever closer to Arsenal’s record of 14 straight victories.
2. No Costa or Kante? No problem
Much was made of the Blues missing N’Golo Kante and Diego Costa before the game, but Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard proved to be capable replacements for two of the key cogs in the system.
The squad have been lucky to avoid injuries and suspensions for the most part this season, but they have a supporting cast that would walk into most teams across the country. Fabregas has the ability to unlock any defence, while Hazard nearly scored with an audacious rabona.
He cheekily dinked the ball over a prone Fabregas as he played with a smile on his face throughout, and he’s a fearsome force up front with Pedro.
3. Michy Batshuayi is still waiting for his chance
As £33m strikers go, Michy Batshuayi has struggled to make an impact despite his supposed role as backup to the first team. Diego Costa’s ban was supposed to give Batshuayi a chance to show his progress, but Antonio Conte opted for the experience of Hazard and Pedro.
It proved to be the correct decision, but it’s a shame that the striker only got a few seconds at the end of the game.
He’ll be hoping for more playing time, or he could go the way of Romelu Lukaku.
4. Courtois looks comfortable once more
After a horror show at Swansea in September, Chelsea’s goalkeeper took a lot of flak for an error strewn display. The change in system has given Thibaut Courtois added security, while he’s been sharp when called into action.
His class was never in doubt, but it’s clear that he’s settled once more, emanating calm from the six-yard box. He stopped an effort from Benik Afobe to keep another clean sheet.
5. Pedro has earned the right to lift Chelsea to the title
When Pedro first made the move to London, there were murmurs that Barcelona had sold a dud. He struggled to replicate his past form, and he was ineffective for a misfiring Chelsea side.
He has gone on to form a vital understanding with Hazard this season, sharing the responsibility of scoring or providing for the Blues as they continue to keep up the pressure on the chasing pack. He’s proved his doubters wrong, and he deserves to keep his place in the squad after a dazzling display. Two goals takes his tally to five in the league.
