Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images

Chelsea playmaker Cesc Fabregas scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. Here are five things we learned from the encounter.

1. CESC FABREGAS SHOULD BE A STARTER

Chelsea’s impressive form means more teams will want to defend deep and stop Chelsea from breaking through their defence. Having a Cesc Fabregas in the team will help Chelsea break opposition defences who park the bus against Chelsea. Sunderland tried to frustrate Chelsea just like West Brom over the weekend but Fabregas helped Chelsea carve open Sunderland’s defence with his quick and incisive passing.

2. CHELSEA HAVE STRENGTH-IN-DEPTH

Many pundits prophesied doom for Chelsea if Eden Hazard or Diego Costa gets injured this season but Chelsea showed against Sunderland we have a good depth as Willian started the game in place of injured Hazard. Chelsea coped well without Eden Hazard and left Sunderland with a win.

3. CHELSEA NEED TO KILL OFF GAMES

Chelsea won Sunderland 1-0 but Chelsea should have scored more if we were efficient in front of goals. Chelsea need to kill off games and this is something Antonio Conte complained about after the game. We still look good defensively but we have to start taking our chances again in front of goal.

4. THIBAUT COURTOIS IS WORLD-CLASS

Thibaut Courtois is one of the best goalkeepers in the world if not the best. With Chelsea failing to convert our chances into goals, Sunderland almost got a point late on but a world-class save from Courtois ensured we left the Stadium of Light with all three points.

5. PEDRO IS BEGINNING TO LOSE HIS SPARK

Pedro’s good form kept Willian out of the squad but the Spaniard has failed to shine since scoring against Tottenham. He was missing in long periods of the game in matches against Manchester City, West Brom and Sunderland. Maybe it’s time Antonio Conte gave Pedro a rest and play Willian instead.