Chelsea was looking for their ninth straight victory at their at Stanford Bridge against Stoke City who sit 10th in the Premier League. After finding out that Arsenal and Manchester United were each able to collect three points, Chelsea was looking to continue sitting on their comfortable lead.
Stoke City’s keeper, Asmir Begovic had an early action to deny Chelsea a lead. Just three minutes in, Chelsea was able to find Loic Remy in the box, who had a shot on goal and despite it being deflected, almost beat Begovic.
There was another great opportunity by Chelsea in the 30th minute. With lots of fast, successful, quick passes, Oscar was found in front of the goal with the ball at his feet. Oscar had an attempt on goal was unable to convert the first goal of the night as his shot went wide.
It was only a matter of time until Chelsea found the back of the net. In the 38th minute Cesc Fabregas was brought down inside the box and Chelsea was awarded a penalty kick. It seemed that Fabregas had flopped, as there was no contact in the play that would have brought him down. Eden Hazard took the penalty kick. Hazard waited until the goalkeeper beat himself and simply tapped it in.
Just five minutes later, Stoke City tied up the game after a massive banger by Charlie Adam who saw Thibaut Courtois away from his goal. Adam struck the ball from 66 yards out to score what might just be the goal of the weekend.
Jose Mourinho at half made an interesting substitution and subbed Oscar out for Diego Costa. Just twelve minutes later Didier Drogba came on to replace Diego Costa who seemed like he was not quite healthy enough to be back on the pitch.
In the 61st minute, Asmir Begovic made a huge mistake. He played the ball short, after a mad throw and the ball was picked up by Willian. Willian quickly played Eden Hazard, who dribbled and assisted Loic Remy. All Remy had had to do was simply nudge the ball in.
After this important victory, Chelsea continues to lead the Premier League with 70 points. They sit seven points ahead of the new second place Arsenal. Chelsea will visit Queens Park Rangers next week and will try to continue to extend their lead.
Photo Credit: Chelsea FC/Press Association Images