Chelsea cruised to a 3-1 win at Huddersfield Town to underline their class on a bitterly cold night in West Yorkshire.
First-half strikes from Tiemoue Bakayoko and Willian put them in control before Pedro’s delightful strike finished the Terriers off five minutes after the restart.
Chelsea still have desire under Antonio Conte
Consummately professional, ruthlessly efficient and clinical with the chances that came their way, the Blues showed their class at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Their title defence may be over, as Antonio Conte admitted himself, but the Italian’s team had no problems marching to a comprehensive victory in West Yorkshire.
Huddersfield saw off Manchester United on this ground in October and ran Manchester City close just over a fortnight ago.
Yet Chelsea took systematic control from the outset and first-half goals from Tiemoue Bakayoko and Willian put the Terriers to bed.
A delightful third from Pedro shortly after the restart was just reward for Conte’s men, whose collective desire could certainly not be faulted.
Does Michy Batshuayi have any real future at Chelsea?
The Belgium striker has had few chances since a £33million move last year and has started only two Premier League matches this season.
His goal return of nine in 17 is impressive but two came against MK Dons in the Football League Trophy last week and another three were against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup.
At Huddersfield, Batshuayi came on to replace Eden Hazard in the 69th minute.
But he would have hoped to start with first-choice striker Alvaro Morata rested due to fatigue.
Huddersfield’s team spirit cannot be faulted
David Wagner has fashioned a remarkable spirit at Huddersfield since he arrived in November 2015 with ambition coursing through his veins.
Last season he guided the Terriers into the top flight for the first time since 1972.
Their results this term have encouraged hopes of beating the drop and establishing themselves in the Premier League.
Even when the game was beyond them against Chelsea, the Terriers’ spirits never sagged and substitute Laurent Depoitre headed home a late consolation.
It is that togetherness which bodes well for their hopes of beating the drop.
Does Huddersfield boast the best atmosphere in the Premier League?
Apathy and disinterest can often reign at top-flight football stadia, especially at some of the bigger clubs who attract the ‘day-tripper’ supporters from far and wide.
Yet the environment at the John Smith’s Stadium is a welcome antidote to the sterile atmospheres witnessed elsewhere throughout the Premier League.
The cardboard ‘clappers’, handed out free before every game to supporters, might not be to everyone’s taste, but they certainly make for an impressive cauldron of noise.
If Wagner’s team are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, picking up points on home soil will be vital.
The buzz created by their passionate army of supporters could prove crucial in the Terriers achieving their objective.
