Chelsea 3-0 West Ham: The one before Christmas

Thiago Silva and Olivier Giroud getting better with age 

Despite not quite hitting the halfway point in the season for matches played, Christmas is always a good marker for assessing the season so far. While Chelsea are currently sat in fifth following the win over London rivals West Ham, they're just 2 points off of second. In a very strange season, that saw the influx of eight new players to bed in without any pre-season at all - it's a decent position.

With the goals drying up a bit before Monday night#, Chelsea no longer hold top spot for goals scored - but only Liverpool have managed more. Entirely accounted for in their recent obliteration of Crystal Palace. While only Manchester City and Aston Villa have conceded fewer goals. Both of those teams having played fewer matches.

Chelsea's defenders have scored a third of their Premier League goals this season. Thiago Silva met Mason Mount's corner kick with a thumping header to give the Blues an early lead. He's now scored more goals in 10 league games for Frank Lampard than he managed in his last three seasons in Ligue 1.

Chelsea have now scored more goals from corners than any other team in the Premier League this season. Imagine if someone had the sense to take Willian off of corner years ago. Arsenal's summer signing has fewer shots on target in the Premier League this season than 73 year old defender Thiago Silva has goals. Let that sink in.

The opening minutes were bittersweet. Ben Chilwell suffered an ankle injury that saw him limp off following a collision with Jared Bowen. Not an ideal way to celebrate a birthday. He is likely to miss the Arsenal clash on Boxing Day - along with Reece James. While Emerson deputised well enough, it did feel like West Ham got a lot of joy down the wings.

Potentially the two defeats in four days in the build-up to this match led to some nerves. Chelsea didn't play with the confidence we've seen so many times this season. The early goal felt like it needed protecting like a baby bird in a nest. Lots of nervous fluttering saw the Hammers play themselves into the match. And potentially should have had a goal stand after Thiago Silva seemed to foul himself for Jarrod Bowen's goal.

Making a case to start against Arsenal

Tammy Abraham the late hero with a quickfire double. His first assisted by Timo Werner who potentially was attempting a shot of his own. Abraham got on the end of it to slot in from close range. Less than two minutes later Pulisic and Mount combined in a great bit of attacking play that saw Captain America's header saved by Fabianski and falling favourably for Abraham to pounce on.

The scoreline papered over some cracks and flatters to deceive. But could be the very thing Frank Lampard's young stars need to restore their confidence and continue their strong form this weekend. 

Next up, Arsenal who have won just 1 of their last 10 matches in the Premier League, having won none of the last 7. Frank Lampard should instill the need to take advantage of a struggling Gunners side and prepare for any 'wounded animal' scenarios. Chelse do not need to be charitable this Christmas and hand them their first win since November 1.

jb xx

RESULT: Chelsea 3-0 West Ham

GOALS: Silva 10, Abraham 78, Abraham 80

CHELSEA XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Silva, Chilwell (Emerson 9), Kante, Jorginho (Kovacic 66), Mount, Pulisic (Havertz 84), Abraham, Werner

STAR MAN: Mason Mount