It
was the Blues' 21st victory of the league season and another big step
towards winning the title in Antonio Conte's first season as manager...Read more story below...
The
Italian was once again spot on with his tactics - nullifying the
predictable aerial threat of the Hammers' 6ft 4in frontman Andy Carroll
early in the match.
And then in the 25th minute his attackers cruelly exposed the hosts' defence with a devastating counter-attack.
N'Golo
Kante read a pass from Robert Snodgrass deep inside the Chelsea half on
the left and played the ball to Hazard. The Belgium winger drove
forward, played a one-two with Pedro and then shifted the ball past
keeper Darren Randolph before slotting home.
The Blues doubled
their lead after the break when Hazard's corner from the left was turned
in with his thigh by Costa - the Spain striker's 17th league goal of
the season.
The Hammers came close after Costa's strike when
Sofiane Feghouli's low drive was brilliantly saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso then appeared to block Manuel Lanzini's
half-volley with his arm moments later - but referee Andre Marriner
deemed it to be accidental.
West Ham finally pierced the last line
of defence in stoppage time. Carroll robbed Cesc Fabregas and fed Andre
Ayew, who squared for Lanzini to fire in.
No comments: