bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent – 5 December 2054 – Chelsea’s incredible Premier League campaign continued in devastating fashion as they annihilated Stoke City 8–0 away from home, extending their unbeaten start to fourteen consecutive victories. The champions-elect delivered another masterclass in fluid attacking football under Calin Dimario, dismantling their opponents with surgical precision.
Full-back Alan Kardeć opened the floodgates with a thunderous header from close range in the 21st minute before winger Jairzinho doubled the lead just before halftime with a powerful finish after cutting inside. The Brazilian would go on to complete a stunning hat-trick, further underlining his growing reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting wide players.
Just after the restart, Júnior rose highest to nod in Chelsea’s third from six yards out, a goal initially disallowed for offside but reinstated after VAR review. Stoke’s defensive line was in disarray, and another mistake from Márcio Jorge gifted Jairzinho his second of the evening. By the hour mark, it was pure damage control for the hosts.
On 61 minutes, Kieran O’Sullivan got in on the act with a composed close-range finish into the bottom corner before doubling his tally with a confidently dispatched penalty in the 80th minute. The Irish winger, who covered an astonishing 13.4 kilometres during the match, also provided an assist and earned the Player of the Match award with a superb rating of 9.6.
Midfielder Mario Cardozo capped off the rout with an 83rd-minute strike — a skidding drive from outside the area that left the goalkeeper rooted. The match also marked a proud moment for Sikiru Isa, the 17-year-old Bromley-born defender making his professional debut for Chelsea after coming on in the 64th minute to a rapturous reception from the travelling fans.
Statistically, the gulf was staggering: 27 shots to 5, 58% possession, and an expected goals total of 4.53 to Stoke’s 0.55. Chelsea’s combination of intensity and intelligence has turned routine fixtures into showcases of tactical dominance.
Final Score: Stoke 0–8 Chelsea
Goals: Kardeć (21’), Jairzinho (45+3’, 54’, 63’), Júnior (51’), O’Sullivan (61’, 80’ pen), Cardozo (83’)
Attendance: 30,089
Player of the Match: Kieran O’Sullivan (Chelsea, 9.6 rating, 2 goals, 1 assist, 7 key passes, 13.4 km covered)
With 67 goals scored in just 16 matches, Chelsea’s relentless run shows no sign of slowing. Dimario’s men remain top of the Premier League, and whispers of an unprecedented domestic and European double are growing louder with every passing week.