Chelsea ensured that they would be top at Christmas with a 2-0 victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium this evening.
John Terry got the opening goal inside two minutes, before Cesc Fabregas wrapped the points up for the visitors with a 78th-minute strike.
Here, Sports Mole looks at who impressed during a physical encounter.
© Getty Images
STOKE
Goal
Asmir Begovic: Could do nothing about either goal. Performed well otherwise, denying Costa, Willian and Fabregas good chances. (7/10)
Defence
Phil Bardsley: Perhaps lucky not to have been sent off in the first half for a terrible challenge on Hazard and then a shirt tug on Costa. (5/10)
Ryan Shawcross: Was engaged in a fascinating physical battle with Costa and generally came out on top against the striker, although Costa still should have scored twice, including once when Shawcross mistimed his offside trap. (6/10)
Marc Muniesa: Looked cool and collected on the ball and was up for the physical challenge. Predictably found it tough at times against such a talented attack, though. (6/10)
Erik Pieters: Also had a bit of a running battle with Costa, and didn't back down once. Couldn't get forward as much as he might have like, though. (6/10)
Midfield
Steven N'Zonzi: Did a good job of protecting his back four on numerous occasions, despite being up against the likes of Fabregas and Hazard. (7/10)
Geoff Cameron: Beaten in the air by Terry for the opening goal. Was not quite as effective as N'Zonzi alongside him in midfield. (5/10)
Jonathan Walters: Put everything into his performance for the team, but struggled to make a real impact on proceedings. (6/10)
Bojan: Looked like the only player capable of really causing the Chelsea defence problems, but came up against Matic and Mikel in fine form. (7/10)
Marko Arnautovic: He certainly has plenty of skill, but his decision-making and end product remains in doubt. Wasted a few good positions with poor deliveries this evening. (6/10)
Attack
Peter Crouch: Got very little joy against Terry and Cahill during his time on the field. Largely anonymous throughout. (6/10)
Substitutes
Mame Biram Diouf: Replaced Crouch but had no greater impact than the departing striker. Failed to cause the Chelsea defence any problems. (6/10)
Charlie Adam: Always eager to have a go at Chelsea during his time on the field, firing an effort just wide and putting some good deliveries into the box. (6/10)
Oussama Assaidi: Had an eight-minute cameo at the end and caused Ivanovic a few problems. (6/10)
© Getty Images
CHELSEA
Goal
Thibaut Courtois: Another clean sheet on his return to the team, although he will have busier days than this. Made one good save from a deflected effort in the first half, but the only other stop he had to make was fairly routine. (7/10)
Defence
Branislav Ivanovic: A typical Ivanovic performance - always eager to get forward yet never caught out defensively. Solid as you like. (7/10)
Gary Cahill: Kept Stoke's attackers quiet throughout with a sturdy performance alongside Terry at the back. (7/10)
John Terry: Got the opening goal of the match with a fine header and also carried out his defensive duties admirably. (8/10)
Cesar Azpilicueta: Back on the left and as reliable as ever. Never looked too troubled and contributed to a comfortable defensive performance. (7/10)
Midfield
John Obi Mikel: Enjoying an extended run in the team and showing no signs why he should be taken out. Broke up numerous attacks and gave his defence some excellent protection. (7/10)
Nemanja Matic: Is there a better defensive midfielder in world football? Another magnificent display, soaking up Stoke attacks time after time and putting in a classy performance. Our man of the match. (8/10)
Willian: One of his quieter games for Chelsea as he struggled more than anyone with the physicality of the game. Worked as hard as ever, but didn't really have an impact on the ball. (6/10)
Cesc Fabregas: It may have been a physical game, but Fabregas's class still shone through. Yet another assist was joined by a goal, which was well taken despite the finish being scuffed. (8/10)
Eden Hazard: Picked up the assist for the second goal with a clever pass to Fabregas and was always looking to make things happen. A constant threat to the Stoke defence. (8/10)
Attack
Diego Costa: Relished the physical battle against the Stoke defence, but probably came out second best. Showed good movement to have two clear chances, but then squandered those openings. (6/10)
Substitutes
Andre Schurrle: Replaced Willian with 10 minutes to go and should have done better with a chance on the break right at the end of the match. (6/10)
Didier Drogba: Came on for Costa in the 85th minute and held the ball up well. Also came close with an ambitious effort from 30 yards. (6/10)
Kurt Zouma: Introduced in the third minute of stoppage time, replacing the injured Hazard. Played in a more advanced role than usual, but didn't have time to make an impact. (6/10)
Barney Corkhill
