Chelsea 1-0 Stoke City: Cole Gets Bobby Di Out of Jail

David Luiz signed a five year contract after the game at Stamford Bridge and he could have easily celebrated it by receiving a red card for an awful lunge on City’s Jonathan Walters who by comparison after laying motionless on the ground for a few seconds, got up and wanted to fight everybody.

When you compare Shelvey’s red card today, Luiz was extremely lucky.

Tony Pulis seems to suffer from selective memory.

Severely critical of Luiz, Pulis has his own band of thugs namely Etherington, Walters and Shawcross (remember that tackle against Arsenal) and his complaints about cheating – selective memory again Pulis – Crouch handball last week, does that jog the memory?

Just go away and wind your neck in!!!

Not 24 hours after Bobby Di spoke of all players becoming goal-scorers, up popped Ashley Cole to delicately chip in over a sprawling Begkovic six minutes from time.

Of all of Chelsea’s dominance, the Blues huffed and puffed along the 18 yard line as they tried to break down a resolute City defence.

At times it was frustrating to watch as Chelsea tried to score the ‘perfect’ goal, when shooting first time may have brought bigger rewards.

Mata, Oscar and Hazard were excellent in their passing, movement and overall team play. It was the first time the three had played together and it was Oscar who had a couple of crisp shots saved by Begkovic as the second-half wore on.

Torres still continues to struggle in front of goal. After chesting down a Mata chip in the first-half, he contrived to air kick the bounce allowing Begkovic to smother.

There is nothing wrong with Torres’ work rate and his contribution to the team, but Sturridge returning to fitness cannot come quick enough then at least Sturridge’s return will afford Bobby Di another option.

It would be remiss not to mention the standing ovation given to Mikel when he was substituted by Super Frank who helped in the build-up to Cole’s goal.

Mikel had a decent game apart from a couple of no damage missed passes and the ovation proved he has more fans than haters.

Chelsea: Cech (c), Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Ramires, Mikel (Lampard 81), Mata (Terry 88), Oscar, Hazard (Moses 61), Torres

Goal: Cole 84

Booked: Oscar 50, Luiz 90

Stoke City: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross (c), Huth, Wilson, Nzonzi, Whelan, Walters, Adam (Owen 63), Kightly (Etherington 71), Crouch (Jones 75)

Booked: Adam 23

NEXT UP: Wolves (H), Capital One Cup, Tuesday 25^th September 2012, k.o. 7.45pm

FIRST LONDON CLUB TO WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

2012 FA CUP WINNERS

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