An array of stunning individual performances as well as an all round solid team display got Chelsea’s season back on track as they brushed Stoke City aside at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from the Egyptian Salah, making his first start for the club, as well as Frank Lampard and Willian were enough to send Chelsea back to the top of the league, albeit depending on results elsewhere on Sunday.
Chelsea rested Eden Hazard and Oscar for the game, with Mourinho possibly having PSG in his mind, and instead gave Salah his first start, alongside Willian and Schurrle behind Fernando Torres. Lampard replaced Luiz alongside Matic and the defence remained unchanged.
Chelsea struggled to get into the game, as did Stoke, for the first 20 minutes, but the two January signings of Matic and Salah combined to give the latter his second Chelsea goal on just his first start for the club, with an emphatic finish.
Fernando Torres also had a couple of chances, firing wide from range before failing to capitalise on Erik Pieters poor back pass.
The teams went in at 1-0 for the break, with a lack of clear cut chances for either side, but the Blues holding that all important lead that Stoke failed to come back from.
The Chelsea faithful will have been comforted by a confident and impressive first half performance, to follow a week of uncertainty and disappointment following away defeats to Crystal Palace and Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea continued their dominance in the second half, with Mohamad Salah involved once again as he went down under Andy Wilkinson’s challenge to earn a penalty, which Frank Lampard converted at the second time of asking following a save from Asmir Begovic.
The Egyptian winger, who cost Chelsea ÂŁ11 million in January turned provider yet again with a simple pass to Willian, before the Brazilian perfectly executed a curling effort into the Stoke City net as defenders backed off on 72 minutes.
Following a week of criticism from fans and a suggestion (to put it lightly) of frustration from his manager, striker Fernando Torres looked sharp on the pitch today, completing a full 90 minutes in the absence of Samuel Eto’o.
Unfortunately for the Spaniard, he failed to get on the scoresheet thanks to a couple of brilliant saves by Stoke’s Asmir Begovic.
However, the striker’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by Mourinho and the boss was impressed with Torres’ performance:
“As always, Fernando Torres gave everything he has, and today he won with the team. We stick together.”
With Stoke failing to pose a threat to Petr Cech’s net and the game finishing at 3-0, Chelsea, surprisingly following the week their fans have had to endure, returned to the summit of the Premier League, until tomorrow (Sunday) at least.
The win extended Mourinho’s stunning unbeaten home league record in charge of Chelsea and ensured Chelsea’s faint title hopes continue to worry both Liverpool and Manchester City.
Chelsea fans leaving Stamford Bridge may not have forgotten about last week’s turmoil, but will certainly be feeling a whole lot better looking ahead to the crunch tie against PSG on Tuesday.
Evidently, Mourinho was now focusing on the Champions League task and felt his team were capable of achieving a famous feat, especially with today’s boost:
“If we concede one goal or have a clean sheet against PSG, we have a chance. We must defend well.”
The Chelsea manager also praised recent signing, and my (as well as many others’) Man of the Match Mohamad Salah, claiming Chelsea “did well” to seal his signature, as well as stating he is “the type of player we (Chelsea) need”. This points towards many more starts in the future, especially next season for the young Egyptian.
Who was your Man of the Match?
The Barclays Man of the Match award was given to Willian, for his stunning solo goal as well as a typically hard-working performance from the man who has become a real fan favourite around Stamford Bridge.
The only downside to today’s win was the possible injury to winger Andre Schurrle following a nasty challenge from Charlie Adam. However, Mourinho calmed any fears by stating he should be fit for Tuesday night’s game should he be picked for the clash with PSG.
Chelsea fans will also be boosted by Fernando Torres’ sharp display today, as the Spaniard will be needed if Samuel Eto’o remains sidelined by injury.
Ashley Cole also returned from injury as a second half substitute, looking quick as he attacked in forward positions, but failing to get a chance in his favoured left-back spot ahead of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Chelsea continue their pursuit of the Premier League title next Sunday away to Swansea City, at a strange 16:07 kick-off time due to the FA’s Hillsbourgh disaster tribute.
Chelsea vs Stoke City: Match facts
- Mohamed Salah was fouled seven times against Stoke City, five more than any other player
- Frank Lampard has now scored 250 goals in his club career
- Mohamad Salah: 1/2 attempts converted, 88% pass success, 3 tackles, 50% take-on success
- Fouls: Chelsea 8 – 18 Stoke City
- Chelsea are unbeaten in 76 Premier League home games under Jose Mourinho; winning 60 and drawing 16
Salah man of the match