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Chelsea edge past Norwich City

Juan Mata scores the only goal of the match as Chelsea move closer to the top two with a 1-0 win over Norwich this afternoon.

Chelsea made it three Premier League wins in a row by beating Norwich City 1-0 at Carrow Road this afternoon.

Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez - in front of Frank Lampard - on the bench at Carrow Road on December 26, 2012© PA Photos

The visitors enjoyed the first opening of the match in a tight first half when David Luiz played a cleverly-disguised pass to Juan Mata, but the Spaniard couldn't squeeze his shot in at the near post.

Mata had another chance to open the scoring soon after, and this time made no mistake, linking up with Oscar and Victor Moses before firing his strike past Mark Bunn from 20 yards.

Mata almost grabbed a second with a quick free kick 10 minutes after the restart, but Bunn was alert enough to scramble across and save the effort.

Chelsea star Juan Mata scores the first goal against Norwich on December 26, 2012© PA Photos

Anthony Pilkington almost stole an equaliser for the Canaries on the hour mark as he beat three defenders, only to produce a tame shot that Petr Cech comfortably stopped.

Moses could have doubled his side's lead with just over 20 minutes left when he controlled a cross on his chest, only to drag his shot harmlessly wide.

Norwich couldn't find an equaliser in the closing stages as Chelsea held out for another win under interim boss Rafael Benitez.

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Chelsea star Juan Mata scores the first goal against Norwich on December 26, 2012
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