MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 23:26:33| >> :60:2352:2352:
Stoke logo
Premier League
Jan 12, 2013 at 3pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

0-4

FT(HT: 0-1)
Walters (45' og.), Lampard (65' pen.), Hazard (73')

Match Analysis: Stoke City 0-4 Chelsea

Match Analysis: Stoke 0-4 Chelsea
© PA Photos
Sports Mole takes a closer look at Chelsea's 4-0 win at Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Chelsea travelled to Stoke City on Saturday knowing that a win would send them back into third place in the Premier League table.

They had little trouble in getting the three points at the Britannia Stadium as two own goals from Jonathan Walters, a Frank Lampard penalty and a spectacular drive from Eden Hazard sealed a 4-0 triumph.

Walters's afternoon was made worse late on when he missed from the penalty spot as Stoke lost their first home match in the league since February 2011.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action from the Potteries.

Match statistics:

Stoke:
Shots 11
On target 5
Possession 44%
Corners 6
Fouls 13

Chelsea:
Shots 11
On target 9
Possession 56%
Corners 7
Fouls 9

Was the result fair?

While there was little to split the teams in the first half, Chelsea proved their worth in the second with some slick attacking football. Stoke battled as they always do, but they were comfortably beaten in the end.

Stoke's performance

It was typical Stoke in the opening 45 minutes, but they had the stuffing knocked out of them when the second goal went in. If they had taken their chances early in the match then it could well have been a different outcome.

Chelsea's performance

Rafael Benitez's side came into their own after the break having weathered a feisty opening half. Everyone wanted to be involved in attack, while there was an improvement in their defence considering Wednesday's defeat to Swansea City.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Eden Hazard: The Belgian was a model of skill and guile at the Britannia Stadium and he capped a dynamic performance with an absolute screamer. When he's in this sort of form he's one of the best players in the Premier League.

Biggest gaffe

Jonathan Walters was desperately unlucky to score two own goals and then miss a penalty in the final stages. The midfielder gave a tireless display for his team and he deserved better than that.

Referee performance

Andre Marriner caused some controversy when he denied the hosts a penalty in the second half following Cesar Azpilicueta's foul on Jonathan Walters, but it was ultimately the right decision due to the Stoke player being in an offside position. Otherwise, the official did well to keep the lid on what could have been an explosive encounter.

What next?

Stoke: The Potters entertain Crystal Palace on Tuesday in their FA Cup third-round replay.

Chelsea: The Blues continue their Premier League campaign on Wednesday when they host Southampton.

ID:63619: cacheID:63619:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4589:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Kenwyne Jones attempt on goal is saved by Petr Cech on January 12, 2013
Read Next:
Live Commentary: Stoke 0-4 Chelsea - as it happened
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!