Monday, 6 April 2015

Chelsea vs Stoke: The One That Shouldn't Have Been a Surprise

Eden Hazard: Good at Football
As Saturday's late match muddled it's way through inevitability, it became apparent that there was much about the match that seemed to come as a surprise to people. Things that very much should have been a surprise to absolutely no one.

Diego Costa didn't start

I am willing to accept this one as a surprise. Just. The silky movement of Loic Remy isn't exactly what anyone would have in mind when facing Stoke's back line. Costa's, we'll call it physicality, is more suited to dealing with Stoke's style of play. However, he was very clearly injured. Not 'injured' to get out if international duty injured. But actual injured. Costa requested to be subbed off against Hull - and as someone who limped into the starting lineup of the Champions League final - you know it's serious when he decides he can't go on.

 You can add people being surprised that Diego Costa was actually injured into this little rambling tangent. Chelsea signed hobbling Harry when he was injured and managed a cool 10 minutes in the CL final. His hamstring has been and will continue to be a problem.

Costa coming on and lasting just longer than Gerrard

Like everyone else, it appears that DC forgot about his Champions League debacle and said he was fit enough to get that goal that Chelsea needed. It took just 10 minutes for his hamstring to remind him of last May as he hobbled off. Was the goalless 10 minutes worth the risk? The next 8 games will tell. Try and not be surprised if Remy lines up against his former side next weekend.

Thibaut Courtois concedes goals

This isn't to say the lanky Belgian was completely at fault for making Charlie Adam look like a footballing prodigy for a moment. A goalkeeper would not normally feel compelled to be on his line when the opposition player is 70 yards out. However, he was a touch further out of his box than necessary considering the speed demons that are in front of him - and he just really doesn't do the whole clean sheet for Chelsea thing get. Triple saves are fun when they aren't preceded by *those* goals at Hull.

Stoke are bullies

How this surprised anyone is beyond me. They aren't exactly known for being precious little petals. These are fans who boo Aaron Ramsey for having the audacity to break his leg on Ryan Shawcross's boot. The cheeky scamp. Phil Bardsley also tried to get up close and personal with Eden Hazard's colon via his knee cap just a few months ago. Stoke aren't punished for their actions so there's no incentive for them to stop. Play on.

Eden Hazard is good at football

I can quite comfortably say that the little Belgian is one of the best players I've seen in person. Let me just take a moment here. Feel free to imagine me with the heart eyes emoji.

And moving on ... Hazard's movement and vision are magic. He was a step above everyone on the pitch on Saturday. There were more than a few times last season that he carried the team. There's a reason that he's getting the Messi comparisons in the press. He's more than worthy of the praise he receives - but it seemed a revelation to some that he was quite good. And maybe a bit better than they'd thought.

All in all, Saturday should have been a win for everyone at the bookmakers. Chelsea would dominate play. Somehow embarrassingly let Stoke back into the game. Get kicked a lot. Cause unnecessary anxiety for the home support. And eventually win through some individual brilliance from Eden Hazard.

15 points to go (thanks for that Palace)

jb x

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