EPL: Chelsea beat Swansea, move 11 points clear

REFEREE: Neil Swarbrick (ENG).

Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Swansea City on Saturday reaffirmed their status as favourites to win the Premier League.

A attractive inspired pass by Cesc Fabregas set up the first meaningful play on goal, on 14 minutes, but when the ball returned to the midfielder, his goal-bound shot was deflected dope a corner.

On Pedro’s goal, with a shot which went beneath the Swansea goalkeeper, Clement added: “Fabianski is disappointed”.

The midfielder would have doubled the lead in the 27th minute with an acrobatic volley but for the Swansea keeper’s second outstanding save of the game.

Cesc in the city: Fabregas was afforded a rare start for Chelsea and marked his 300th Premier League appearance with a well-taken opener.

Second-placed Manchester City are not in action this weekend because their derby against Manchester United was postponed due to their rivals’ League Cup final showdown with Southampton tomorrow.

Costa wrapped up the points with his 16th league goal of the season, volleying in from Eden Hazard’s pass.

Supporters love a flair player, though, and Fabregas has talent in abundance and an ability to craft a goal for a teammate or himself from nothing.

Fabregas again the architect, his free-kick was met by Gary Cahill but the header went a few yards wide.

Fabregas was not to be denied, however, and sent the home side ahead in the 19th minute when he collected a low cross from Pedro before bundling the ball into the bottom corner of the net. But Conte is expecting the Swans to put up a fight at Stamford Bridge. “To watch the others [teams] play in this competition is not good”, he said.

“I think it is clear from what has happened to the managers who have won the title that football has changed“, said Mourinho.

The club’s all-time top goalscorer returned to Stamford Bridge to say a special thank you to fans, having left in 2014 to sign for New York FC.

Pedro had another go.

On that 72nd minute, Pedro was able to restore Chelsea’s lead. The shot curled around Lukasz Fabianski, beating him at the far post. Subs: Jordan Ayew (for Carroll, 76): 5, Luciano Narsingh (for Routledge, 81): 5.

Swansea, who offered nearly nothing in attack all match, found a way back into the game in first half stoppage time, when an unmarked Fernando Llorente headed home an excellent Gylfi Sigurdsson free-kick.

Costa’s goal, seven minutes from time made the scoreline look like it was a dominant display, but it was anything but.