Premier League winners and losers: Lethal Liverpool, Hammers get hammered

Winner: Chelsea

The Chelsea vs. Everton game did not live up to its billing, and was hardly competitive for long stretches. The champions dominated the tempo from the start and Everton looked lethargic and slow coming off their second-leg draw in the Europa League on Thursday. It was another reassuring return to form for Chelsea, who were in preemptive crisis mode just two matches ago.

Antonio Conte went back to the usual back three defensive pairing after tinkering with the formation against Tottenham last weekend. David Luiz slotted back in as the central defender and Cesc Fabregas returned to the squad after missing the Spurs’ contest for his two yellow cards picked up against Burnley. Conte got his tactics spot on, as he usually does.

Thibaut Courtois will get credit for the Blues’ first clean sheet of the season, but he could have sat down and read a book and still managed to keep Everton shut out. The Toffees only attempted seven shots, none of which were on target. The closest they came to scoring was a flicked header from Ashley Williams late in the second half that drifted wide of the target.

Another winner on the day was Willian. Last season, the Brazilian only appeared in 19 Premier League contests and was not a first choice for Conte. Even though he made the most of his brief starts and substitute appearances – scoring eight goals and assisting on two – he was an afterthought in Chelsea’s system. This season, Willian has started all three games and consistently put in solid, workman-like performances.

Chelsea are back in form and doing it without their best player, Eden Hazard, who is returning from an injury. They’ll get him back soon, and his presence will strengthen a side that is beginning to hit their stride.