By Ross Mooring
Chelsea won (like we all knew they would) in a thoroughly comfortable and classy performance against a Stoke side who did challenge them for the first half hour. While the result may not make a difference in this season’s title race, it bodes well for next year, in contrast to several league games at the Bridge this season in which the home side have struggled to break down inferior opponents.
Mourinho’s decision to rest Hazard and Oscar showed the increasing strength of this Chelsea squad as “first change” Andre Schurrle and the new kid on the block Mo Salah effortlessly fitted into both Chelsea’s forward system and tactical style. Indeed from one to eleven this was one of the best team displays of the season with every player (bar Cech who had next to nothing to do) contributing in one manner or another.
Encouragingly for once, Chelsea opened up straight from kick off for the first five minutes of the game, but Stoke weathered the initial storm and battled away until Chelsea relaxed just prior to Salah’s opener. In the end Salah and Willian proved to be the difference makers with a mixture of one touch passes and defensive work rate. Stoke melted away once Lampard bundled in a Salah-won penalty, before Willian netted a peach of a goal to secure a deserved three goal victory.
Petr Cech 6
Caught a cross at one point I think.
Branislav Ivanovic 6
Another energetic performance from our right back, inconsistent in the final third however. Unluckily but correctly offside when he powered in a near post header.
Gary Cahill 7
Was in command at the back when Stoke challenged Chelsea for the bulk of the first half. Instigated a couple of moves from the back reminiscent of Riccy Carvalho.
John Terry 7
Comfortable day at the back for Terry and like Cahill got forward on more than one occasion.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7
What more can you say about Azpi? About the only moment of discomfort he faced was when he lost his boot. Played on anyway!
Frank Lampard 7
Benefited from being alongside Matic, but played well in his own right and Makeleled in a penalty. Great cross for Ivanovic’s disallowed goal.
Nemanja Matic 7
Another authoritative all round display from the Serb, including a neat assist from the left byline for Salah’s goal. As the game wore on allowed others to take up the mantle.
Mo Salah 8 – Man of the Match
Jose’s gradual introduction of Salah to English football has proven to be wise as, given his first start in a Chelsea shirt, the Egyptian looked relaxed and free. Unlike some wingers of his ilk, Salah was diligent in his defensive positioning and added an assured touch going forward, which combined with his effortless pace proved a real handful. A strong finish for the first and a cleanly won penalty won the match for the Blues.
Willian 8
Set the tempo for Chelsea’s first half performance, pinching the ball in the Stoke half while being involved in most Chelsea breaks and moves. Scored a very Mata-esque goal (with his right foot) pushing a beautiful curler inside the far post.
Andre Schurrle 7
A busy shift from Schurrle whose work rate and general involvement allowed Willian and Salah to add the finishing touches.
Fernando Torres 7
Responded positively to a couple of dreadful displays in his last two outings. Could have won a penalty and was unlucky to see a shot saved when he nipped in behind the Stoke backline in the first half. Obviously one would expect more end product from a number 9, but he worked hard for the team.
Substitutes:
Eden Hazard 6
Came on against a fading Stoke and had the opportunity to add an assist or another goal, but his radar was a little off.
David Luiz 6
As usual added energy while lacking a bit of discipline in midfield.
Ashley Cole 7
“The beard” came on and did well. Makes you wonder if he’ll get any more game time as the season plays out.
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