Fulham 1-3 Chelsea: Key stats & player ratings

Chelsea moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table after they comfortably brushed aside Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage.

After a goalless first half, the Blues stepped up a gear and blew away their opponents in a 16 minute spell with Andre Schurrle netting all three goals for his first hat-trick in English football.

Johnny Heitinga grabbed a late consolation after smashing home a loose ball from a corner, but Chelsea were comfortable and worthy winners as they sealed a crucial advantage in the race for the title.

Fulham

Maarten Stekelenburg (-28) - Conceded three goals, but made four saves and completed one key pass.

Sascha Riether (-7) - Made nine clearances, completed two crosses, but completed only 68% of his passes.

Brede Hangeland (3) - Hangeland lasted just ten minutes before going off with a head injury and made one interception during his brief spell.

Johnny Heitinga (24) - Scored with his only attempt on goal, won two tackles, but committed three fouls.

Kieran Richardson (-20) - Completed only 69% of his passes and attempted just one tackle all game.

Scott Parker (7) - Made three interceptions and completed two take-ons, but won only one of his five tackling attempts.

Ashkan Dejagah (-46) - Completed only 61% of his passes, connected with just one of 11 crosses and won only one of five aerial duels.

Steve Sidwell (10) - Lost all four tackling attempts, but made five interceptions and make three clearances in a more reduced role.

Pajtim Kasami (-4) - Hit the target with just one of his four attempts on goal and connected with just 69% of his passes.

Clint Dempsey (-20) - Completed only nine passes all game and won only two of his 11 headed duels.

Darren Bent (-5) - Failed to have a single shot on goal and won only three of 14 aerial battles.

Subs:

Dan Burn (-22) - Completed only 54% of his passes and lost his only tackling attempt after coming on as an early substitute.

Giorgios Karagounis (19) - Completed all 14 of his passes and hit the target with his only shot on goal.

Lewis Holtby (3) - Late cameo, but completed eight of ten passes and won one foul.

Chelsea

Petr Cech (-10) – Failed to make a save, failed with one of three catches and found a Chelsea man with only 33% of his distributions.

Branislav Ivanovic (-6) - Lost both tackling attempts and won two of six aerial duels, but did make nine clearances.

Gary Cahill (23) - Won four of five aerial duels, made eight clearances and completed 90% of his passes.

John Terry (29) - Made ten clearances and won seven of his eight aerial duels, while he completed 57 passes at an accuracy of 90%.

Cesar Azpilicueta (14) - Won five of his nine tackling attempts, four out of five aerial battles and completed six clearances.

Nemanja Matic (32) - Won eight aerial duels as he demonstrated his worth and completed six clearances to help shield the defence.

Ramires (-17) - Committed five fouls over the course of the game, winning just one of his four tackling attempts.

Eden Hazard (84) - Completed six take-ons and claimed two assists from six key passes in yet another brilliant performance.

Andre Schurrle (105) - Given a standing ovation from the travelling fans after a fine hat-trick netting three of his eight shots on goal and winning all four headed duels.

Oscar (-17) - Oscar lost all of his duels in the game, failing to win any of his three tackling attempts, while he only connected with 67% of his tackles.

Fernando Torres (44) - Didn’t get the goal his performance deserved, despite four attempts on goal, but did claim an assist for the third and final Chelsea goal.

Subs:

David Luiz (1) - Late substitute, he completed all three of his passes and made one clearance.

John Obi Mikel (-2) - Completed 12 passes after coming on at an accuracy of 86%, but failed with his only tackle.

Demba Ba (1) - Another late sub, he had one shot on target, but won just one of three aerial duels.