Chelsea overcame a feisty test at the Britannia Stadium against Stoke City as they regained their lead at the top of the Premier League.
There were no repeat of Chelsea’s recent struggles on the road as they comfortably disposed of Mark Hughes’ side thanks to goals from John Terry and Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea knew a win would send them three points clear of Manchester City on Christmas Day after the Champions levelled on points over the weekend.
Mourinho prepared for the game well, matching Stoke’s physical threat by lining Mikel up alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield as Cesc Fabregas moved into a more advanced position.
But it was one of Chelsea’s ever-reliables who got them off to a flyer as John Terry escaped Geoff Cameron’s grasp to head home Fabregas’ corner after just two minutes.
An early goal was vital for the Blues as Stoke were now made to push forward instead of staying compact at the back for the duration of the game like Sunderland did a few weeks ago.
The hosts could have been down to ten men on twenty minutes after Phil Bardsley hacked down Eden Hazard, but the Stoke man was only shown a yellow.
Chelsea pushed on and Costa could and should have doubled his side’s lead before the break but he placed it wide after latching onto Fabregas’ throughball.
However, Chelsea did looked comfortable at the break and the main talking points all involved the referee, who inadvertently blocked a Chelsea conter attack as the visitors looked poised to break on Stoke.
Chelsea seemed to invite Stoke on during the second half in the hope they could then break, but Stoke failed to create many clear cut chances and Mourinho’s men remained comfortable.
Charlie Adam went closest, powering a shot inches wide from just outside the box which seemed to give Chelsea a kick up the backside.
This wake up call, combined with tiring Stoke players allowed Chelsea to break and finally double their lead, as Fabregas bundled the ball home after a wonderful run and pass by Eden Hazard.
This was the cue for many Stoke fans to head for the exits; a sign that Chelsea’s job was done. Andre Schurrle replaced Willian and Diego Costa had earnt a rest as he was replaced by Didier Drogba.
Chelsea’s third substitution was a forced one. Eden Hazard remained on the ground for a worrying amont of time following Jonathon Walters’ challenge. The Belgian limped off as he was replaced by Kurt Zouma, himself returning after an injury.
This was the only scar on an otherwise professional Chelsea performance which ensured they sat top at Christmas; an enviable position indeed.
Nemanja Matic stood out for the Blues today. Aided by John Obi Mikel, he put in some top class challenges and made it obvious how much he was missed during Chelsea’s blip a few weeks ago.
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge for the traditional Boxing Day fixture as they host rivals West Ham on Friday lunchtime.
Stoke City 0-2 Chelsea – Match Facts
- Every time Chelsea have been top at Christmas, they have gone on to win the Premier League title (3 times)
- Cesc Fabregas (12) is just 8 assists away from Thierry Henry’s record for a single season (20, PL only)
- Chelsea have lost only one of their last 20 Premier League games played on a Monday (W12 D7 L1)
- Seven of the last 10 teams to be top on Christmas Day have gone on to win the Premier League title
- John Terry has now scored in the Premier League for the 15th successive season
- Both of Cesc Fabregas’ goals in the Premier League this season have come away from Stamford Bridge
Source: Opta
