Willian stars for Chelsea as they impress against Huddersfield

Willian scored one and made two others as Chelsea finally turned in a display worthy of Premier League champions to win 3-1 at Huddersfield.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte declared his side’s title defence was over after Saturday’s defeat at West Ham, but his players responded to a man as goals from Tiemoue Bakayoko, Willian and Pedro secured them victory at a canter.

Town substitute Laurent Depoitre headed home a fine goal deep in stoppage time but it was a mere consolation for David Wagner’s side.

What they said

Tweet of the match

Star man – Willian

Made two and scored the other. Chelsea’s Brazilian has not always been a regular under Conte this year but he tends to produce when he starts.

No pressure, no worries

Chelsea began this contest 14 points adrift of the Premier League’s runaway leaders Manchester City, and with Conte having conceded the title race before the campaign’s halfway point. His team’s response was to produce a confident performance in Yorkshire, albeit in the face of little resistance, and with the pressure off in this competition maybe the Blues will play with more freedom.

No press, plenty of worries

Wagner’s Huddersfield won plaudits for their high-pressing, intense style during their promotion campaign and this season’s early stages. None of that was evident on a wet and windy Tuesday night as they sat off the reigning champions and watched Chelsea stroll around the pitch. This was an uncharacteristic Terriers performance where they appeared to move away from their fundamentals.

Player ratings

Who’s up next?

Watford v Huddersfield (Premier League, December 16)

Chelsea v Southampton (Premier League, December 16)