Chris Maduewesi
Member
Chelsea made sure that they remained top of the English Premier League table at Christmas with a 2-0 victory over Stoke City on Monday night.
In a cold and windy night in Stoke, Chelsea got their noses in front in just under 95 seconds through their skipper John Terry.
The 34-year old defender eluded his markers to head his side 1-0 up early in the match.
It was the kind of game many knew Chelsea would not have easy or just roll over Stoke, especially considering that they lost this fixture last season.
They had to fight their way all through the match in a feisty duel that both parties keenly contested.
Diego Costa had a good chance to double Chelsea's lead, latching on to Cesc Fabregas' through ball, but the Spaniard didn't measure his angle accurately as his shot sailed inches wide.
Steven Nzonzi's long range deflected strike almost found the net but an expert save from Thibaut Courtois prevented a goal.
Stoke pressed on for an equaliser, but they rarely troubled Courtois nor found a way to get past Chelsea's defence who were resolute and protected their perimeter very well.
Chelsea added a second goal after Fabregas arrived early in the box and with the faintest of touches was able to beat Asmir Begovic for the second goal.
Costa missed another good chance later on in the second half, and it was not just his day as he haggled a lot, getting frustrated before making way for Didier Drogba.
Bojan Krkic's long range strike went just wide as there was no way in for Stoke with Chelsea holding on to three precious points.
Chelsea have now opened up a three-point gap over Manchester City going into the festive period. With games going to come thick and fast, it will now be a matter of who blinks first.
In a cold and windy night in Stoke, Chelsea got their noses in front in just under 95 seconds through their skipper John Terry.
The 34-year old defender eluded his markers to head his side 1-0 up early in the match.
It was the kind of game many knew Chelsea would not have easy or just roll over Stoke, especially considering that they lost this fixture last season.
They had to fight their way all through the match in a feisty duel that both parties keenly contested.
Diego Costa had a good chance to double Chelsea's lead, latching on to Cesc Fabregas' through ball, but the Spaniard didn't measure his angle accurately as his shot sailed inches wide.
Steven Nzonzi's long range deflected strike almost found the net but an expert save from Thibaut Courtois prevented a goal.
Stoke pressed on for an equaliser, but they rarely troubled Courtois nor found a way to get past Chelsea's defence who were resolute and protected their perimeter very well.
Chelsea added a second goal after Fabregas arrived early in the box and with the faintest of touches was able to beat Asmir Begovic for the second goal.
Costa missed another good chance later on in the second half, and it was not just his day as he haggled a lot, getting frustrated before making way for Didier Drogba.
Bojan Krkic's long range strike went just wide as there was no way in for Stoke with Chelsea holding on to three precious points.
Chelsea have now opened up a three-point gap over Manchester City going into the festive period. With games going to come thick and fast, it will now be a matter of who blinks first.