CHELSEA CRUISE

 

A review of the Boxing Day action in the Barclays Premier League, starting with Chelsea's 2-0 win over West Ham.

 Diego Costa was on target in a 2-0 win as Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea proved a barrier too far for West Ham.

The Hammers, who began the day in fourth place, have been transformed since being criticised by Jose Mourinho for playing "football from the 19th century" last season and joked on Twitter they had arrived at Stamford Bridge by horse and cart.
Sam Allardyce believes that goalless draw was the turning point for his side to go from relegation candidates to European hopefuls after they achieved their highest Christmas position in nearly 30 years.
The Hammers boss had spoken of breaking down barriers, but compromised his enterprising tactics for a more pragmatic approach in a bid to frustrate Chelsea once again.
The Blues, though, have a greater armoury than last term and threatened repeatedly before John Terry's tap in after 31 minutes broke the deadlock.
And Costa's 13th goal of the season sealed victory and a ninth win from nine home games this term.
The win might have been more convincing but for fine saves by Adrian to deny Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic.
There was one moment of alarm for the Blues as West Ham substitute Morgan Amalfitano hit the post three minutes from time.
Chelsea go to Southampton on Sunday looking to enter 2015 on top of the table.