Conte continues Chelsea’s tradition + Three things we learned from WestHam’s victory
Chelsea started their 2016/17 campaign with a hard earned victory over their London rivals WestHam yesterday to kick start Antonio Conte’s era with a victory.
Chelsea joined the likes Sunderland, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester City, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham as the clubs to have scored 5000th top-flight goals.
5000 – Chelsea have scored their 5000th top-flight goal. Landmark.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 15, 2016
Antonio Conte side also continued their tradition of not losing an opening game in the Premier League.
Chelsea remain unbeaten in all of their opening Premier League fixtures this millennium.
Incredible record. pic.twitter.com/qR1ZcOuisZ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 15, 2016
Eden Hazard and Diego Costa scored as Chelsea beat WestHam at Stamford Bridge on Monday Night Football, here are the 3 things we learned.
1. Eden Hazard may have found his magic back
Chelsea and Eden Hazard endured a terrible 2015/2016 season that led to the eventual sacking of their 2014/15 title winning manager Jose Mourinho. Hazard who is known for his take-ons, dribbling skills and willingness to play found those a rare thing last season.
It took him 34 games to score his first goal last season but after tormenting WestHam defence all evening he scored his first goal of the new season through penalty kick.
Eden Hazard completed 9 take ons this evening, more than any other player in the Premier League this weekend. pic.twitter.com/XjsaN6M3f2
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 15, 2016
He was named the man of the match for his impressive display
Man of the match, @ChelseaFC‘s Eden Hazard
81 touches
55 passes, 82% accuracy
53 sprints
3 shots
42nd PL goal pic.twitter.com/LXp84XobPD— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 15, 2016
2. Oscar looking good again
Oscar like Hazard also had a bad 2015-16 season, but with a very good 2016-17 pre-season that saw him scored with ease for the Blues, the Brazilian shone against WestHam. He was actively involved in everything good Chelsea did on the night, he won more tackles (6) from his role behind a striker than any other player on the pitch.
3. Chelsea defensive woes still linger
Just when the commentator said if Chelsea was going to concede it will be via a set-piece, James Collison equalized for the Hammers when a deflected set-piece found him in the box and he volleyed the ball into the net.
Chelsea conceded awful lot of goals via set plays last season and it seems the trend might continue this season.
