Stoke vs Chelsea: The One That Let Chelsea Concentrate on the League

Definitely not worthy of a card

Chelsea’s result at Stoke last night wasn't brilliant. Which pleased the beIN Sport commentators to no end as they reminded everyone every 45 seconds that it could be Chelsea's seventh loss of the season. And while it is technically a loss on penalties, it's a draw at full time and I'll take that. The technicality, however, could have dominated headlines for the rest of the week. However, here were are today - WEDNESDAY - and it's not quite the catastrophic story that it could have been. Thank you Aresenal for banding with Chelsea in a show of solidarity. You took that embarassing result bullet like an absolute champ. As a result the papers’ lasers that have been pointed towards a certain Portuguese manager were set to stun rather than kill. I doff my cap Arsenal.


As we are amongst friends here, we can be honest. Circle of trust, people. I have been slightly hesitant in criticising Chelsea’s ebullient little Belgian. And so that I remained on speaking terms with some of you, I may have turned a deaf ear on any and all criticisms some of you may have had. (That still stands by the way). The match at Upton Park broke me a little. Saturday saw as much criticism from me towards Eden Hazard as you'll ever likely see. I’m not saying he read it he did - but word obviously got back to him. Such harsh words coming from his biggest stalker fangirl supporter weighed heavily on his mind (no weight jokes).

What else could explain Hazard’s performance last night against Stoke?! Sure he's a professional athlete and often takes time to really get into the season, but come on.... Tuesday was the player who we all know and love. And by we I’m clearly excluding Phil Bardsley and company here. Because love does not mean kicking the living bejesus out of someone. Unless you are Chris Brown.

Hazard evaded as many of the studs plunging towards him throughout the evening to create some brilliant and dynamic play with Willian. He, like so many of Chelsea's players last night, was unlucky not to score. Of course there is the small matter of the penalty but we should probably leave that in the palm of Jack Butland’s glove and never speak of it again. It detracts from what was otherwise an impressive performance which hopefully will be a regular occurrence from this point forwards.

The opening 45 minutes definitely looked like the Chelsea team of last season. The runs from Hazard, a solid looking defence organised well by Terry, Diego Costa going off injured. Ah the memories. The second half did not start quite as impressively by and large because of Jon Walters. You remember him, right? He was the one who scored not one but two own goals and missed a penalty all in one match against Chelsea. Well didn’t Chelsea just make him look like Lionel Messi for a moment last night. Needless to say it shook the team to their very core. The pace of the game took a bit of a hit as players from both sides tried to wrap their heads around that goal.

You know the rest, Loic Remy ponced around for a bit and reflected on the idea of what might happen if he got himself into the box. Seconds before the final whistle he only went and did just that. And scored! Of course the goal pushed the team into extra time. While Stoke managed to hold on for dear life via Butland to send the game to penalties, it was actually fun to watch. Fun! The thing that has really been missing from games this season.

Obviously players like Kurt Zouma, Kenedy and Bertand Traore helped. They were enthusiastic and did what they could to try and get a result. Maybe Zouma was told he wouldn’t get birthday cake if we went out, who knows? Either way they did whatever they could to not let the massive travelling support down, who themselves deserve credit for being outstanding. Not that they aren’t always. But in a defiant mood and probably full of a little more than just team spirit - everyone was in good voice.

The Art of Seduction by Jon Obi Mikel

As for the other lot on the pitch - they’re a nice bunch, aren’t they? It beggars belief how Charlie Adam went 120 minutes without being booked, or that Bardsley only received a second yellow after 93. I’m all for a solid tackle - but Stoke are like your drunk mate after a night out that just takes it too far. Too far Stoke, too far. With all the complaints about Chelsea’s players surrounding referees and not getting calls because of it, one player took matters into his own hands and try a very different approach. Full credit goes to John Obi Mikel who tried to tempt Kevin Friend by following him around with his nips torso on display. A bold move that appeared to backfire. Mikel may need some help with the subtleties in the art of seduction if he’s to get anywhere with Mark Clattenburg on Saturday.

jb x

Negative Note: Which didn't need a mention in the warm and fuzzies above - Asmir Begovic. I'm a big fan. No real criticism except surely, he should have managed one penalty save over Stoke. It's fine Cheslea didn't go through on pens - we've lost 9 of the last 12 or something terrifying. But these were your people Asmir! You know all their penalty tricks! Remember this for the next game - Adam might just get awarded a penalty for Eden Hazard running into his boot.