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Prior to the start of the season, few would have billed Swansea City vs Chelsea FC as a big early season clash. Except on Saturday afternoon, the Swans visited Stamford Bridge sitting second in the league table, only behind the Blues on goal difference. This game could indeed impact both teams aspirations for the season.
Swansea City would be the team who got things started, though not entirely through their own doing. Neil Taylor exploited space down the left flank, and sent in a low through ball across the face of goal. Though his intended target, Bafetimbi Gomis was offside, it didn’t matter as John Terry had the misfortune of putting the ball into his own net.
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It would be Gomis again just minutes later, who used his strength to fend off Oscar, and get a strike at goal. Swansea were the team who were dominating early. They frustrated Chelsea, and “took the air out of the game,” so to speak.
As the first half progressed, the Blues would slowly hit their stride. Andre Schurrle and Cesc Fabregas both saw their chances pass.
It would take all the way until the 45th minute, when Diego Costa was able to connect from a corner kick. Just as it appeared Swansea would be able to go into the break with a precious 1-0 lead, Chelsea would score on the stroke of halftime and change the complexion of the game completely.
As the second half began, it always seemed Chelsea would score the next, and ever important goal. With the momentum from the late goal, and the fans back in full force, it would be hard for Swansea to take control of the game again.
After 56 minutes, it would be Chelsea who did get that second goal. With Blues swarming the box, it was only a matter of time before the Swansea defense cracked. It would again be Fabregas playing the final pass to Costa, who continues his hot start to the season.
In the 65th minute, Swansea had a golden opportunity to get right back in the game. After a Chelsea flurry on the other end, the Swans saw a chance to counter, and broke quickly. Gomis had a one on one with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, but put his shot wide.
Chelsea would make Swansea pay for not taking their chance just minutes later. With men forward once again, Chelsea looked poised to add another goal. Ramires scuffed what looked to be a shot on goal, but his attempt landed right to the feet of Costa, who calmly took his s chance, and secured his hat trick.
It would be a strikers day at Stamford Bridge, as new boy and substitute Loic Remy got his name on the score sheet. Oscar would get the final pass, sliding the ball across the Swansea defense. Remy would then use Lukasz Fabianski’s momentum against him, and finish far post.
Just as it seemed Chelsea would sleepwalk their way to the end of the game, Swansea struck. Jonjo Shelvey made a run from midfield, and saw himself with only the keeper to beat. Shelvey took his chance well, and gave the away fans something else to cheer about, making the score 4-2.
While it looked bleak early on, Chelsea showed their class by scoring four unanswered goals. It will be a good boost for the Blues, who begin UEFA Champions League play this Wednesday.
MOTM: Diego Costa, Costa continued his hot scoring streak by claiming a hat trick with three well taken goals.
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