Fabregas scores as Chelsea win friendly

By

New signing Cesc Fabregas scored with a stunning free-kick to help Chelsea to a comprehensive 3-1 pre-season victory over Dutch top-flight side Vitesse Arnhem.

Fabregas curled in a delightful 25-yard effort to add to Mohamed Salah’s simple opener.

And Diego Costa, who laid on Salah’s goal, also set up a straightforward third for Nemanja Matic to wrap up the Blues’ second win in the third game of their European tour.

A strong side looked in control throughout with the only blemish coming late on when some sloppy defending allowed Uros Djurdjevic to head in from close range.

Fabregas caught the eye playing behind Costa in the ‘number 10’ role, with Fernando Torres – the third of four Spaniards in the starting line-up – out wide.

There was no place in the squad for Didier Drogba following his return, but the Ivorian was watching with his new team-mates and saw fellow striker Costa tee up a fourth-minute opener.

Costa showed his unselfish nature, racing through on goal and squaring the ball for a tap-in for Salah.

Fabregas made it 2-0 when he found the corner of the net with a fine free-kick that dipped over the wall and beyond goalkeeper.

Salah almost added a third with a low strike that was tipped around the post as the Blues began to dominate an open game.

At the other end, Petr Cech showed his class in goal, making three impressive first-half stops.

The Blues goalkeeper, facing strong competition from Thibaut Courtois who is now back with the sqaud after the World Cup, tipped over two decent long-range efforts and also raced from his goal with great effect.

But Vitesse, who included Chelsea loanees Wallace and Bertrand Traore, did not look as sharp or fit as their visitors and struggled to match their urgency.

The chances largely dried up after the interval as the tempo dropped and the number of changes increased.

Zakaria Labyad did hit the post with a glorious strike for Vitesse.

Costa had a shot saved when one-on-one, but he ensured Chelsea added to their margin of victory when he once again showed great awareness and selfless play to cross for Matic to score in to an empty goal.

Djurdjevic’s late goal slightly marred a good evening but there was no chance of a comeback.

Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook