Well that was an absolute treat for Chelsea fans.
For 90 minutes, the Blues forgot about all the pressure, managerial uncertainty and criticism of ownership to absolute hammer West Ham United 5-0, pulling out the sort of near-perfect performance that Chelsea stars of yesteryear would be proud of.
Here are Chelsea’s best players from the game according to 90min‘s player ratings.
Nicolas Jackson – 9/10
Despite what social media might want you to think, Nicolas Jackson has had a sensational debut season with Chelsea.
The Senegal international netted twice here to take his tally for the season to 16 in all competitions – as many as the iconic Didier Drogba managed during his first year at Stamford Bridge. That feat should not be dismissed lightly.
There was even an assist for Jackson, who knew very little about the ricochet which ended up at the feet of Cole Palmer for the opener. You make your own luck at this level.
Honourable 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 relentless efforts to score were rewarded with a headed goal in the first half but his biggest contribution came shortly after the restart as he selflessly squared for Jackson to tap into an empty net. Madueke probably could have had a second goal of his own but this, after the recent penalty shenanigans, was absolutely the right move.
Cole Palmer – 8/10
Erling Haaland’s four-goal haul 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 unbelievable club record instead.
His early goal here, which makes him just the third Under-21 player in Premier League history to rack up 30 goal contributions in a single season, was also his 16th at Stamford Bridge. No Chelsea player has ever scored more home goals in one year than that, with Palmer now level with Drogba and Frank Lampard in the record books.
Conor Gallagher – 8/10
This was your typically excellent Conor Gallagher performance. The captain brought energy, passion and the technical ability that a surprisingly large portion of social media likes to pretend does not exist.
His volley for Chelsea’s second goal was a sight to behold and a much-deserved reward for yet another top showing.
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