The Pride of London
Fansided

Chelsea FC 1-0 Up: Half-Time Briefing, Watch The Goal

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Bertrand Traore of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Bertrand Traore of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on March 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Chelsea FC managed to bag a goal in the first half of their contest with Stoke City, as they take a 1-0 lead into the second half.

Chelsea and Stoke City have partaken in a very open first 45 minutes of football at Stamford Bridge. Bertrand Traore has given the Blues the lead with a spectacular effort while Mame Biram Diouf has squandered a decent chance for the visitors.

Diego Costa did not start the game due to what has been reported as a minor tendon issue. In his place, youngster Bertrand Traore has been given the start up front, despite Alexandre Pato and Loic Remy being fit enough to feature on the bench. The striker has already justified Guus Hiddink’s decision, by hitting the back of the net with a wonderful long-range effort.

Traore looked a bit nervous to begin with, looking sloppy around the six yard box. However, he put all the doubts to bed with a 20 yard attempt that rifled past Jack Butland. A decent turn on the edge of the area was followed by another shimmy. With the ball on his left foot, Traore unleashed a sweet strike that flew into the back of the net.

Both sides have had their fair share of half-chances, but neither seemed to be able to take control of the contest. Diouf, Marko Arnautovic and Gianelli Imbula have caused problems for the Blues defence, but they have failed to show any teeth. In some ways, Stoke may be disheartened by the Chelsea goal, but Mark Hughes will certrainly have them riled up for the second period.

Next: Chelsea FC’s Top 20 Goals Of The Roman Abramovich Era

For the Blues, it will be interesting to see how they approach this. With an eye on Wednesday’s clash with PSG, it would not be surprising to see the foot somewhat taken off the pedal. Would you make any substitutions? Let us know in the comments below!

Home/Premier League