4-1 to Chelsea. The scoreline says it all. Chelsea were dominant and in control mostly throughout the match, but Wigan after scoring their first stayed in the game for awhile and had a few chances to equalize. However, it was mostly all Chelsea.

Scorers : 

Stats : 

What We Learned : 

1. Luiz belongs in the midfield.

2. Mata and Hazard are key to our success.

3. Fernando Torres showing his better side.

4. Defense is shaky.

1. Luiz belongs in the midfield : 

Luiz  was back in his best position, the Brazilian’s range of passing was superb. He broke out of his own half well to create the Blues’ opening goal. He belongs in the pivot. It’s his natural position at Chelsea and that’s where he belongs. As Gary Cahill settles into the back 4, Luiz settles in the pivot. A decision that Di Matteo rarely tried, but something Benitez has made his tactical money out of.

2. Mata and Hazard are key to our success : 

Hazard was back after suspension and his trickery gave Stam and Scharner a real headache throughout the match and he took his goal superbly to double Chelsea’s lead. Mata came on as a late substitute and used the ball effectively. Played a cute dummy to setup Lampard’s goal. These 2 click together on the pitch. When Mata is missing, we misfire and same goes for Hazard. It’s more noticeable when Mata’s out, but when Hazard was out due to suspension, we felt his absence. Luckily for us, they are both fit again and ready to play.

3. Fernando Torres showing his better side : 

Torres has a goal and 2 assists in his last 3 matches. Not exactly what we want from Nando, but certainly something we’ll take over his anonymous matches. Torres played a lovely first-time ball to setup Ramires’ opening goal. Could have got on the scoresheet himself but was denied by a string of fine saves from Al-Habsi. He deserved a goal, but his finishing and Al-Habsi’s reflexes denied him 2 goals. A decent performance from Nando.

4. Defense is shaky : 

We’ve conceded 7 goals in the last 3 matches. Azpilicueta had a tough task keeping Beausejour under wraps on the left flank but kept the Honduran quiet overall. His delivery into the box when in the final third was reliable throughout. Cahill had a nervy second half performance after Wigan got themselves back into the match,but did enough to help his side see out the win. Ivanovic dealt with the threat of Franco Di Santo well on the whole, was caught out of position on a couple of occasions. Ashley Cole struggled as Maloney drifted in field more often than not, leaving Cole with little to do defensively. Wasn’t his usual assured self going forward, misplaced a couple of passes in the final third. Overall, we should be happy to get the 3 points, but the defense must tighten up.

Other Points : 

1. Lampard up to 198 goals (4 away from tying, 5 from breaking).

2. Azpilicueta is our first back since Bridge that can cross.

3. Marko Marin scores his first goal.