Chelsea FC would Host Stoke City on Saturday looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Barclay’s Premier League table. With Arsenal cruising past Liverpool earlier in the day, the Blues would know their London rivals were hot on their heels. Gary Cahill would return to the starting XI in central defense.
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As many would expect, Chelsea took control of the game after the first few minutes were used to settle in. Their first real chance of the game came in the 14th minute, when Asmir Begovic was able to keep out Loic Remy’s near post effort.
Chelsea would again have a chance at opening the scoring in the 30th minute, this time through Oscar, but he out his shot from inside the box just wide of the post.
The Blues would go ahead and take the lead in the 38th minute, with Eden Hazard being the goalscorer. Philipp Wollscheid took down Cesc Fabregas in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Hazard, who has a great penalty scoring record, stepped up confidently, and gave his team a 1-0 lead.
Stoke would get their equalizer just before halftime, from an extraordinary goal by Charlie Adam. The midfielder saw Thibaut Courtois off of his line, and sent a shot from inside his own half toward goal. He hit the ball well, and was able to get it past Courtois, and into the back of the net.
Chelsea will see that goal as a real heartbreaker, and know that they’ll have plenty to do to get back in front.
With seven minutes gone in the second half, Diego Costa went down, apparently reaggrivating his nagging hamstring injury. He would be replaced by Didier Drogba.
Chelsea would reclaim the lead in the 62nd minute, with Hazard assisting Remy. Hazard took advantage of a poor throw by Begovic, and sprinted toward goal. After beating his man, he passed the ball to Remy who was able to simply tap the ball in. Chelsea were back in front 2-1.
Betsided
Stoke almost hit right back, but Steven N’Zonzi’s effort in the 64th minute bounced off the crossbar and out of play.
Begovic came up big in the 80th minute, when he stopped not one, but two clear shots within the box from Juan Cuadrado.
Stoke would show some life in the latter stages of the game, but couldn’t muster enough to get the equalizer. Chelsea would get the full three points, and maintain a comfortable lead in the league table. Chelsea fans can now look forward to taking on local rivals Queens Park Rangers next week.
MOTM: Eden Hazard – Hazard came up big in this game, converting his penalty and assisting on the go ahead goal. Chelsea will need more performances like this from him in this stretch run of the season.
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