Stoke vs Chelsea: The One Conte did on a cold, windy afternoon in Stoke

Loving Life

Over the course of ninety minutes on Saturday afternoon, Mark Hughes undid much of the good work he's done at Stoke. While they've been longstanding and reputed bullies over the years, Hughes has attempted to bring a new style of play to the cold, wet pitch in the Bet365iseum. He has introduced unexpected players like Bojan and Xherdan Shaqiri to the squad in an effort to make Stoke's brand of football a little more palatable and a little less pugnacious.

Saturday was very much a return to type for the Potters as they attempted to foul their way to a point. Failing to learn from their predecessors. Many of Chelsea's players may be diminutive in stature but focusing on the physical rather than the football failed for Mourinho's men on Monday - why ever would it work on Saturday? And as tiny as some of the Blues may be they still boast the biggest, baddest b*stard in the league.

Grinding out those three points on Saturday has led to a whole string of clichés about those are the type of games that win you titles. You know what else wins you titles? Winning 19 of your last 22 league games - with only 1 loss in that run. More than anything, this match highlighted the importance of Eden Hazard this season.

With Nemanja Matic coming in for height Cesc Fàbregas and Pedro in for Hazard, there were minimal changes to Antonio Conte's typical starting XI. And despite how few changes there were, Chelsea struggled to maintain their shape throughout the first half. There were a few decent efforts, but no one really tested Stoke's back line. Admittedly they've been solid keeping 3 clean sheets in 4 before the weekend. But that 1 game they shipped 4 goals in 45 minutes to Tottenham.

While this may not go down as a Premier League classic - there were a number of moments that were so deeply satisfying they need addressed. And in no particular order as I couldn't possibly choose a favourite.

1. Antonio Conte

"Never let me go"

The Don had two glorious moments - the first of which I missed from the away end, but luckily enjoyed in a series of video clips and memes on the way home. Conte celebrating Gary Cahill's winner by hanging off the dugout was epic. Just when you thought the little Italian couldn't top his touchline exuberance - he goes and does that. His passionate displays are so authentic, it would be difficult for anyone not to enjoy watching that.

Following the final whistle Conte always marches on the pitch to hug all of his men proudly before making his way to the traveling support. But the tension and subsequent relief of seeing out the game and securing the points at this stage of the season saw Conte jog to the centre circle in his shiny loafers and leap into the arms of Thibaut Courtois. Part of me hoped they'd never let each other go.

2. A goal that wasn't

Honestly, is there anything funnier? One of my favourite things in football is the mad celebrations and then the slow realisation of a goal being ruled out. Especially if people try and style it out like they were celebrating like maniacs. Chelsea being the obvious exception.

It's funny enough when it's fans who haven't seen the linesman's flag go up, but even more special when players are too busy celebrating to realise it's all for nowt. Saturday was no exception. Saido Berahino's shove of Cesar Azpilicueta saw Bruno Martins Indi's goal ruled out - but not before the two of them celebrated inside the goal. They probably should have just stayed in there.

3. Phil Bardsley getting sent off

This was a little too little too late to be as gratifying as some other moments but it was still good to see that snidey piece of work take a walk. Football is, and should be, a physical game. By all means get stuck into a challenge. Go shoulder to shoulder. But when you constantly look like you're trying to end someone's season, its too far. Bardsley nearly broke Hazard in half two Christmases a go. He made a number of sinister challenges before getting his second booking of the afternoon. Just because you play in front of fans that boo a player who's had his leg broken at your ground doesn't mean you have to give them another as a sacrifice.

4. Cesc Fàbregas

He might be small and his appearance was brief, but you can't deny his direct impact on the game. Fàbregas not only incited and then absorbed the challenge that saw Bardsley walk, but his prowess at set-pieces led directly to Gary Cahill's winner. A beautiful ball into the box onto David Luiz's head eventually saw the ball land at Captain Cahill's feet and into the back of the net. He also masterfully wore down the clock to ensure Chelsea returned to London with all three points, picking up a yellow card for his mischief.