BLUES CRUISE

Just for once Conte could relax as Chelsea eased past Everton... but he still wasn’t 100 per cent happy

FOR the first time this season, Antonio Conte had every reason to feel relaxed.

It was hard to believe his prematch claim that he has felt calmer this campaign compared to last after a stressful summer for the Blues boss and an eventful start to the title defence.

But after a roller-coaster opener against Burnley and Wembley derby drama against Tottenham, this was a welcome cruise for Conte.

Chelsea were in control from start to finish against Everton and were winners thanks to their Spanish connection of Cesc Fabregas and Alvaro Morata.

With the sun blazing down on Stamford Bridge, Conte could have got out a deckchair as his team outclassed an Everton side who ran out of gas after their exertions this week at Manchester City and Hajduk Split.

But, of course, it would not be Conte if he was not as animated as ever and micro-managing his team through the game.

The ever-demanding Italian still managed to find fault in his side’s display, though it was only in their failure to kill off the game, which summed up their dominance. Another goal and an encouraging step in the right direction for £70million club record signing Morata were among the plus points for Conte.

He also set up another for Chelsea’s standout player Fabregas, who was key to them controlling the game on his return from suspension.

Conte said: “Cesc played a good game. When we have possession with Cesc, we can play really good football.

“Now he’s trying also to improve the defensive situations to try and be more strong and be a bit like N’Golo Kante. But he has to work on that. And N’Golo has to work to become Cesc with the ball.

“Alvaro scored a really good goal and I’m pleased for him. When you arrive at a new club and you are a striker, to score is very important. It’s not easy for a striker, and the midfielders, to arrive and adapt very quickly to our philosophy.”

Conte admitted the Burnley defeat had focused minds and it certainly appeared that way, with Chelsea looking more like last season’s quick, organised and creative title-winning side from the first whistle.

There was certainly never any danger of the visitors ending their near 23-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s Pedro, twice, and David Luiz both went close in the opening 15 minutes.

And Everton’s frustration was highlighted by a horror late challenge from Idrissa Gueye on Fabregas that he was lucky to only be booked for.

Fabregas dusted himself down to open the scoring when he cleverly steered Morata’s knockdown beyond Jordan Pickford just before the half-hour.

And five minutes before halftime the unmarked Morata made it 2-0 when he headed in Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross.

Pedro, Willian and Victor Moses missed chances after the break to give the game a scoreline that reflected Chelsea’s superiority.

That kept Everton’s slim hopes alive but a late rally in which Ashley Williams went close twice and Thibaut Courtois finally had a save to make from Gueye failed to truly trouble Chelsea.

They have put their shaky start to the season behind them and Conte will hope for more good news in the final few days of the transfer window.

Get him what he wants and the Italian’s mood will improve even further.