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September 25, 2017

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Morata ‘trick keeps Chelsea on course

DESPITE having been Chelsea’s second choice in the transfer window, Alvaro Morata is quickly proving his doubters wrong in the English Premier League.

The former Real Madrid forward showcased his skills with a hat trick as Chelsea defeated Stoke City 4-0 on Saturday, drawing him level with Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero with six league goals.

“Alvaro took his goals very well, which for a striker is very important,” Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said. “I am pleased with the team also because it means we are creating chances for our strikers.”

Aguero and Lukaku were on the scoresheet, too, as Manchester City and Manchester United won but stayed unbeaten by different paths.

City’s latest victim was winless Crystal Palace by 5-0, while United ground down Southampton 1-0 thanks to Lukaku’s first-half strike.

Liverpool overcame its leaky defense to secure a first win in September as Philippe Coutinho starred in a 3-2 win at Leicester City.

Tottenham Hotspur and Watford also maintained perfect away records. Spurs withstood a late West Ham United comeback to win at the London Stadium 3-2, Watford won at Swansea City 2-1, Everton came from behind to defeat Bournemouth 2-1, and Burnley and Huddersfield played out a goalless draw.

Morata’s first three EPL goals came via his head, but a cool side-footed finish after just two minutes gave Chelsea the lead at Britannia Stadium.

His second was even better as he picked up the ball on the left, drove past two Stoke defenders and curled his shot past Jack Butland.

His third was simple, but the Spain striker’s movement was on display as he slipped his marker to find space to tap in Cesar Azpilicueta’s knockdown.

If there was any remaining sadness over Diego Costa’s exit from Chelsea, which was finally resolved this week, Morata ensured his compatriot was forgotten on Saturday.

Pedro scored Chelsea’s other goal as Conte’s side maintained its perfect away record in the league, keeping it within three points of United and City at the top of the table.

City scored five or more goals for a third consecutive league game as the impressive Leroy Sane opened the scoring before Raheem Sterling added a double against Palace.

Aguero maintained his goal-a-game record and substitute Fabian Delph rounded off the scoring, to leave Roy Hodgson’s Palace pointless and goalless after six games.




 

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