Brave to focus on P21 social commitment SPORTS 2424 Sunday, December 31, 2017

Stoke City’s Goalkeeper Jack Butland dives but can- not keep Rodriguez Pedro’s shot out for Chelsea’s Chelsea third goal (Picture courtesy: theguardian) hit five against Stoke London Their afternoon here might as Willian, again involved, illian scored one and set have been even more punishing supplied Pedro, who cushioned up two more as Chelsea had not been the ball on his back foot to avoid crankedW up the pressure on rested, the Belgian left on the Josh Tymon before whipping with a thumping bench presumably with next it past Butland and into the 5-0 win over Stoke. week’s trip to Arsenal in mind. bottom corner. Chelsea were three up at But still, Chelsea were ahead Mame Biram Diouf had half-time as a sensational within three minutes and in the the ball in the net for Stoke Danny Drinkwater volley came simplest of fashions. Willian but he was adjudged to have between goals from Antonio whipped a free-kick from to the controlled with his arm while Rudiger and Pedro, both laid back post where Rudiger rose Morata spurned another on by the brilliant Willian. high to nod home his fourth chance in behind, despite being Willian then turned scorer goal of the season. generously deemed onside. in the second half by earning Hughes had barely finished Stoke improved at the start a penalty and then converting shaking his head before Chelsea of the second half and Saido it before substitute Davide doubled their lead as Pedro’s Berahino could have ended his Zappacosta added a fifth late cross spilled out to Drinkwater 22-month goal drought after on. on the edge of the box, where nipping in behind , Victory means Chelsea reduce the midfielder took one touch but he shot straight at Thibaut the gap behind Manchester City before sending a dipping volley Courtois. to 13 points, with City facing into the top right-hand corner. The match drifted as Chelsea Crystal Palace on Sunday, while Chelsea were rampant and dictated possession without Stoke stay two points above the Alvaro Morata should have needing to over-exert but with relegation zone. made it three when he was freed 17 minutes left Willian finally Stoke’s win over West Brom by the busy Willian but Jack got the goal he deserved. The last week eased the scrutiny Butland did well to save one- Brazilian was chasing in the box building up on Hughes but his on-one. and after winning the ball back side have now won only twice in Morata’s miss seemed to was scythed down by Geoff 11 matches. Their game at home matter little given the frequency Cameron. Willian slotted the to Newcastle on Monday now of Chelsea’s chances and so penalty down the middle. (espn. Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger celebrates with teammates looks all the more important. it proved in the 23rd minute in) (Picture courtesy: standard.co.uk)

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