Champions-Elect Enjoy Routine Win

Serial division-hoppers Middlesbrough fell through the trapdoor tonight at Stamford Bridge, following a dismal run since Christmas. They were no match for a rampant Chelsea, whose players took it in turns at shooting practice. It certainly felt like a contest between the best team in Britain and a team from a lower league. The visitors really needed to be positive and seek a win, but this was just about the most comfortable clean sheet that Courtois and chums have accumulated.

In front of Thibaut, everyone tried to get in on the goalscoring act. Luiz blazed over from an awful free kick. Why does he take the first free kick anyhow? Azpilicueta shot narrowly over. Lethal Cahill produced a decent hit too, which worked the unfortunate Guzan. Fabregas should have done better when teed up by Hazard in the first half. Moses was desperately unfortunate again not to score. He is long overdue a goal. Pedro grazed the bar when he should have scored. Then there was Costa who did find the back of the net halfway through the first half and big Matic who also scored from close range following incessant Chelsea pressure in the second half. Last but not least, Marcos Alonso, possibly the inspired signing of the season, could have had about four goals, but in the end had to make do with one, in off Guzan's outstretched leg.

The first two goals were a product of our Spanish Armada. Cesc assisted and Diego converted. Then 'Dave' turned provider and Marcus played the executioner. Fabregas, the king of assists, then fashioned the third for his midfield partner from Serbia. There is constant gossip about pending moves for Fabregas, but for a club with Champions League ambitions, the Spanish playmaker is simply indispensable. Extend his contract please! In all of the excitement, the absent Kante wasn't even missed.

CHELSEA 3 Middlesbrough 0; half time: 2-0

CHELSEA goal scorers: Costa; Alonso; Matic

CHELSEA team: Courtois; Azpilicueta; Luiz; Fabregas; Moses; Cahill; Alonso; Matic; Costa; Pedro; Hazard. Used substitutes: Willian; Chalobah; Terry

CHELSEA leading scorers:

Costa 21 goals

Hazard sixteen goals (including two penalties)

Pedro twelve goals

Willian eleven goals (including one penalty)

Cahill eight goals

Alonso six goals

Fabregas six goals

Batshuayi five goals (including one penalty)

Moses four goals