On the occasion of his 27th birthday, Nigeria international, Victor Moses, helped Chelsea return to winning ways at Huddersfield.
Moses played from start to finish, as goals from Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willian and Pedro Rodriguez gave the Blues a 3-1 win over the Terriers, in the first ever game between the two sides at John Smith’s.
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Laurent Depoitre grabbed a late consolation for the hosts, who finally had something to celebrate.
Antonio Conte’s side was also without main striker, Alvaro Morata, who missed the game due to an injury.
However, the Spaniard was hardly missed in a rather one sided affair, as the champions ran the PL newbies ragged.
Conte expected a reaction to the disappointing defeat at West Ham over the weekend, but the Blues took a while to get into their stride.
When they finally did, there was no stopping them, as Bakayoko put them 1-0 up in the 23rd minute after Eden Hazard and Willian combined to set him up.
Just before the break, Willian doubled their advantage, as the visitors, who almost scored a third, went into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Pedro made it 3-0, five minutes after the restart but it could have been more as the defending champions had chances to add to the scoreline thereafter.
Nevertheless, Depoitre gave the home fans something to cheer about when he scored a late consolation.
Chelsea held on for a deserved win, and three points, which see them level on points with second placed Manchester United, who face Bournemouth later on Wednesday.
Up next for Conte and Chelsea is a home tie against Southampton on Saturday, while Huddersfield travel to Vicarage Road, where they take on Watford.
Elsewhere in the PL, there was late drama at Selhurst Park, as Crystal Palace are out of relegation waters after a dramatic late win.
The Eagles secured a 2-1 win over Watford, who had Tom Cleverley sent off in the 87th minute with the Hornets leading 1-0.
Palace trailed to a third minute goal by Daryl Janmaat, but took advantage of their numerical superiority following Cleverley’s sending off to turn the game in their favour.
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First, Bakary Sako’s 89th minute goal levelled the score at 1-1 before James McArthur stoppage time winner sealed a dramatic win.
The win sees Roy Hodgson’s side move out of relegation for the first time since the start of the PL season.
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At Turf Moor, Burnley are into the top four, after also leaving it late to beat Stoke City.
Ashley Barnes earned the Clarets a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Potters, and have leapfrogged the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham into CL places.
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“The game was as ugly as the weather, but it’s one of the most pleasing results of the season,” Sean Dyche said moments after the game.
