Match Analysis: Stoke City 0-4 Chelsea

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.