Llion provides his thoughts following our marvellous away win at Stoke
Having dismantled Nottingham Forest with considerable ease midweek, the Blues produced an equally impressive performance away at Stoke City – with Alvaro Morata leading the way for the Champions.
In a single afternoon, the Spaniard doubled his total of goals for the season with an accomplished performance as he scored the first hat-rick of his Chelsea career. It was quite the afternoon for our Spanish contingent, as Pedro seized on a careless mistake by veteran Darren Fletcher, firing the ball past Jack Butland.
Alvaro Morata’s second goal of the game was quite majestic; the Spaniard retrieved possession before embarking on an advancing run towards the Stoke penalty area. Having reached the opposition box, the former Real Madrid forward produced an exquisite finish to extend our advantage.
While considering that Mark Hughes’ men have managed to take four points from Manchester United and Arsenal combined this season, today’s result was mightily impressive. Three points that ensure we remain within touching distance of the Manchester clubs.
- Mighty Morata
A total of six goals and two assists in six appearances for a new club is a stunning return, and it’s indicative of the quality that the 24-year-old exhibits. Despite his limited time in the Premier League, Morata has acclimatised himself with the gruelling physical demands of the division. In truth, he could have scored five goals, and I found it rather timely that he produced the best performance of his Chelsea career as official confirmation of Diego Costa’s departure had emerged this week.
- Telepathy between Dave and Alvaro
Even though Cesar Azpilicueta operates as a centre-back (although he did have a cameo at LWB today), the Spaniard has already amassed more assists than any other defender in the Premier League this term. Our beloved Dave has provided four assists this campaign, all of which have resulted in Morata goals. Their fruitful understanding is beginning to rival the relationship that Costa and Fabregas shared.
- Another clean sheet
Having failed to secure a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup midweek – having conceded a last-gasp consolation goal – Antonio Conte will be delighted that his side has managed to secure their third clean sheet of the league season, our second successive clean sheet. Despite the absence of Luiz, the defence managed to fulfil their duties in an exemplary manner.
- We’re blessed with attacking options
Following Charly Musonda’s stunning solo display against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, today’s game supplied further evidence that we’re endowed with considerable quality in attacking areas. Pedro seized on his opportunity proficiently and ruthlessly, and both he and Willian were inventive today.
- Deadly finishing
The most pleasing aspect of today’s triumph was our ability to score four goals from seven shots, our first two attempts of the game resulted in goals. In our stalemate against the Gunners last weekend, we were experiencing significant difficulty in manufacturing purposeful goal-scoring opportunities. Thankfully, we demonstrated sufficient quality in front of goal to convert our chances.
Let us know your thoughts!
