Two first half goals earned champions Chelsea a 2-0 win over Everton in a launch time kickoff at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues were looking for their first home win of the season, and started the game on a positive note when Cesc Fabregas gave them a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute.
New signing, Alvaro Morata doubled their advantage nine minutes later to hand Antonio Conte’s side a first home win of the season and most importantly, all three points.
Everton hadn’t won at the Bridge since 1994, and that record looked set to continue as the home side dominated the game.
The first real chance game in the 10th minute of the match, when Willian’s cut back pass found Pedro, whose attempted bicycle kick went just over the bar.
Four minutes later, Jordon Pickford saved two consecutive shots, first from David Luiz and then, Pedro.
However, just before the half hour mark, Chelsea took the lead.
A quick free kick by Chelsea found Willian on the right wing, with the Brazilian finding Fabregas, who played a quick one-two with Morata, before finishing with a side footed effort.
Nine minutes later, it was 2-0 to the champions, as Azpilicueta delivered a perfect cross for Morata, who brilliantly headed past an onrushing Pickford, as the Blues went into the break with a comfortable advantage.
The second half was more of a cagey affair, but the home side continued from where they stopped in the first, in control, winning an early free kick through Pedro, but it came to naught.
In the 50th minute, Everton finally had a chance of their own, as Wayne Rooney charged forward, before releasing Sandro Ramirez with a through ball, but the 21-year-old’s effort was deflected for a corner.
It was the Toffees first real chance of the match, and they really should have done better.
Chelsea were back to asking questions of the visitors’ rear guard, just before the hour mark, but a poor decision making by Pedro saw the chance go begging, after Sandro was dispossessed.
Everton grew into the game, during a very good spell in possession, Williams met a Sigurdsson cross, but can only head his effort wide.
With both sides not creating any other real chances, Antonio Conte side held on for the second win of the season, moving back into the top four ahead the international break.
“We had to react and we did against Spurs. Now to get two wins straight for the confidence of the team is vital,” Fabregas said moments after the match.
At the Hawthorns, Peter Crouch’s goal snapped West Brom’s perfect start to the season, as they played out a 1-1 with Stoke City.
After a goalless first half, Jay Rodriguez gave the home side a 1-0 lead in the 60th minute, before Peter Crouch ensured the points were shared when he equalized for the Potters 17 minutes later.
Picture credit – @PremierLeague Twitter
