Morata’s goal put on a plate by Azpilicueta
ANTONIO CONTE claims top scorer Alvaro Morata owes Spanish compadre Cesar Azpilicueta a few dinners after all the goals he has provided.
But in the season of over-indulgence, the Chelsea manager wants to be invited along as well.
The old Azpilicueta-Morata one-two has become a familiar refrain for Chelsea.
The understanding between the Spanish duo is almost telepathic, with the defender yesterday providing his sixth assist of the season, all of them leading to Morata goals.
Conte’s team shrugged off the lethargy of the Christmas binge to routinely overcome a defensive Brighton with goals from Morata and Marcos Alonso, below.
Conte, whose team have now lost only one of their past 11 league games, said: “There is this great link between Azpi and Alvaro. This wasn’t the first time. I hope it continues because we need his assists and Morata scoring.
“Morata has to pay for not one dinner but more with Azpi. And if they invite me, I want to go.”
Chelsea struggled early on, Tiemoue Bakayoko missing a good chance and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan pulling off several fine saves.
But 40 seconds into the second half Brighton’s guard finally slipped, as Azpilicueta again crossed from the right and Morata nodded home his 12th of the season.
Man-of-the-match Eden Hazard then shot wide and Ryan twice saved Albion, before Cesc Fabregas swung in an accurate corner and Alonso glanced his header home at the near post.
Chelsea could have added to their score, with Brighton failing to trouble the defence for long periods – though Shane Duffy did nod a free-kick just wide in the final minute. Conte, who wants to strengthen his squad during
CHELSEA BRIGHTON
the January transfer window, has been linked with a move for Bayern Munich’s Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal.
The Chelsea manager said: “Arturo is a fantastic player. I have great respect for him and we spent many years at Juventus together. I’d always want him with me.
“We dominated this game in the same way we did against Everton. The difference this time was that we scored. We had many chances to improve the final result but I saw good intensity and great commitment from my players. It’s very important for us to start the second half of the season with a win. We have to continue. “There is a great motivation for all of us. We have to stay and fight until the end. I don’t know if that will win the title – it depends upon City. They are doing something extraordinary to win every game. We fight also for a place in the Champions League next season.”
Brighton manager Chris Hughton has been linked with an £18million move for Celtic striker Moussa Dembele, but said: “There’s been no contact between the clubs. That’s speculation. There are numerous names cropping up, thick and fast. At the moment they’re speculation.
“But if we can strengthen, we will. We were hugely disappointed with the two goals we conceded.”
CHELSEA (3-4-1-2): Goals: