Abraham at the double as Chelsea sink West Ham

Chelsea’s English striker Tammy Abraham (L) vies with West Ham United’s Paraguayan defender Fabián Balbuena (R) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in London on December 21, 2020. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)

Chelsea returned to winning ways on Monday (December 21), overcoming a nervy spell to beat West Ham 3-0 and reignite their challenge for a Premier League top-four place after consecutive defeats.

West Ham proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to respond to Thiago Silva’s early goal before two late strikes in the space of two minutes from Tammy Abraham killed the contest.

Frank Lampard’s team enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth position.

Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves.

West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after a cute finish from a tight angle. Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a bullet header from Mason Mount’s corner. The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, giving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski no chance.

Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham established more of a foothold as the half wore on.

Timo Werner had a golden chance to double Chelsea’s lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably. Werner cut inside and saw his weak shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell.

West Ham made life uncomfortable for Chelsea after the break but did not have enough of a cutting edge to hurt their opponents. Abraham made it 2-0 with 12 minutes to go to settle Chelsea’s nerves.

Two minutes later Chelsea made it 3-0 when Abraham fired home after Fabianski had kept out Christian Pulisic’s header.

Earlier, Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League’s relegation zone, thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

© Agence France-Presse via SPNAfrica News

www.spnafricanews.com

Tom Kirkwood

Recent Posts

World trail athletes aiming for the Top of the Table in RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town

The eyes of the trail world will be focused on the southern tip of Africa…

5 hours ago

Marathon magic in New York and Soweto

Competitive racing was the order of the day at the TCS New York City Marathon…

2 weeks ago

Mainz 05 Coaches Inspire Youth at Totalsport Safe-Hub in Johannesburg’s Alexandra

A coaching team from Bundesliga club 1.FSV Mainz 05 has visited the Totalsport Safe-Hub in…

3 weeks ago

Spotlight on African basketball talent and milestones as NBA’s 2024/25 season takes off

An NBA season packed with African talent and colourful courts is underway, with games available…

3 weeks ago

Tsitsikamma and Trail Running – setting the gold standard for inclusive conservation

Victor Mokoena and his team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park…

4 weeks ago

Xaba and Tola re-write the record books at Sanlam’s Cape Town Marathon

Rising Ethiopian marathon star, Abdisa Tola, and South Africa’s running great, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba, created…

1 month ago