Chelsea analysis: Antonio Conte must keep classy Cesc Fabregas as 20-goal Diego Costa proves transfer value again

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Simon Johnson8 May 2017

Chelsea moved within three points of the Premier League title and consigned Middlesbrough to relegation with a dominant 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Diego Costa, Marcos Alonso and Nemanja Matic saw Chelsea re-establish a seven-point lead over Tottenham. And Antonio Conte's men can win the title before Spurs next play with victory at West Brom on Friday night.

Costa scored his 20th league goal of the season, converting a pass from the excellent Cesc Fabregas, and Alonso netted from a similar position before half-time.

And Matic struck in a second-half which began with Pedro hitting the bar as Brad Guzan conceded through his legs for a third time.

Simon Johnson assesses the key talking points for Chelsea...

Chelsea have to keep Fabregas

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There is a lot of uncertainty over where Fabregas will be playing his football next season, but Chelsea would be foolish to let him leave Stamford Bridge.

This was one of those games where Fabregas looked a class apart on the pitch and underlined his reputation as arguably the best passer of a football in the League.

Middlesbrough just couldn't cope with him all night as the midfielder passed it one way and then the other, finding a blue shirt every time.

He set up two of Chelsea's goals - making him the first Premier League player to record at least 10 assists in six different seasons.

Fabregas has two years left on his contract, but his lack of regular first team football has led to several enquiries from elsewhere already.

Coach Antonio Conte is unlikely to change his rotation policy next term, however if the Italian can keep Fabregas happy, then what an asset to have in the Champions League as well as the three domestic competitions next season.

Traore is not good enough for Chelsea

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When Middlesbrough signed Patrick Bamford from Chelsea in January, the Blues made an enquiry for Adama Traore.

As a graduate of Barcelona's Academy, the 21-year-old clearly has some skills in his repertoire.

Traore's biggest weapon is his pace, but as he showed all season, the end product is consistently lacking.

On the few occasions Middlesbrough did surge forward, Traore inevitably lost possession.

Perhaps some fine coaching from Conte is exactly what he needs, but Chelsea would be better off spending their money elsewhere.

Costa's contribution shouldn't be forgotten

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Should Costa leave this summer as expected, Chelsea can still reflect on money being well spent.

Amid all the controversy, the sulks and mood swings, there have been a lot of goals too.

He scored 20 times to help Chelsea win the League in his first season after joining from Atletico Madrid for £32m.

And tonight he broke the 20-goal barrier again to put Chelsea in front and ease any nerves the home fans were feeling.

It could be argued that Costa's superb form in the first half of the season, which coincided with their club record 13 game winning streak, is a major factor in why Tottenham had too much ground to make up.

Alonso won't give up his place without a fight

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Chelsea are looking at buying another left wing back in the summer to add competition and depth to the squad.

Alonso's first season at Chelsea has been an undoubted success, but Conte wants more players to help cope with the strain of the Champions League.

Among those being looked at is Southampton's Ryan Bertrand and Monaco star Benjamin Mendy.

Yet Alonso will be a hard man to knock out of this team, even though there remains a question mark over a lack of speed.

Middlesbrough found him far too quick this evening. He could have scored after 70 seconds only for a shot to be tipped onto the bar.

He got the luck his display deserved when Brad Guzan deflected a shot into his own net 11 minutes before the break.

Rivals will worry as Chelsea win without Kante

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Perhaps Kante suffered a thigh injury this week due to the weight of all the awards he's been given lately.

Of course it was confirmed earlier today that the France international had added the FWA Player of the Year honour to the PFA award.

Kante has been a major factor in Chelsea's recovery from also-rans a year ago to champions-elect this.

Middlesbrough is just the second League game he's sat out in 2016-17, but he wasn't missed.

It just shows that for all of Conte's concerns about the strength of Chelsea's squad, they aren't half bad without him.

For example, Nemanja Matic has had a very effective season too and it was fitting the Serbia international completed the scoring.

Middlesbrough are a poor outfit and deserve to be relegated, but Chelsea sent out quite a statement by winning in such a manner without the diminutive talisman.

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