Well that was an absolute treat for Chelsea fans.
For 90 minutes, the Blues forgot all the pressure, management uncertainty and possession criticism to trump West Ham United 5-0 and produce the kind of near-perfect performance that yesterday’s Chelsea stars were proud of would be.
Here are the best players in the game according to Chelsea 90minPlayer ratings.
Nicolas Jackson – 9/10
Despite what social media may be trying to tell you, Nicolas Jackson had a sensational debut season at Chelsea.
The Senegal international scored twice here, taking his season tally in all competitions to 16 – as many as the legendary Didier Drogba in his first year at Stamford Bridge. This achievement should not be dismissed lightly.
There was even an assist for Jackson, who knew very little about the rebound that landed at the feet of Cole Palmer in the opening goal. At this level you make your own luck.
Honorable Mentions
Noni Madueke – 9/10
From the first whistle it quickly became clear that Noni Madueke was on a mission to do something special here.
His tireless attempts to score were rewarded with a header in the first half, but his greatest contribution came shortly after the restart when he selflessly directed Jackson into an empty net. Madueke probably could have scored a second goal himself, but that was absolutely the right move after recent penalty shenanigans.
Cole Palmer – 8/10
Erling Haaland’s four goals against Wolves may have ended Cole Palmer’s hopes of winning the Golden Boot, but Chelsea’s new superstar has his sights set on another incredible club record instead.
His early goal here, making him only the third U21 player in Premier League history to reach 30 goals in a single season, was also his 16th at Stamford Bridge. No Chelsea player has ever scored more home goals in a year and Palmer is now level with Drogba and Frank Lampard in the record books.
Conor Gallagher – 8/10
This was your typically excellent performance from Conor Gallagher. The captain brought energy, passion and the technical prowess that a surprising portion of social media likes to claim doesn’t exist.
His volley for Chelsea’s second goal was a sight to behold and a well-deserved reward for another top performance.