Chelsea
FT
10		Stoke City
Ashley Cole 85'
1 - 0
 
HT: 0 - 0
Stamford Bridge (Attendance: 41,112)
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  • 90

    CHELSEA 1, STOKE CITY 0.

    Chelsea will be very relieved to take the three points today. They controlled the game in the first half, but had to survive a scare when Jonathan Walters hit the crossbar. Chelsea started strongly in the second half, and the introduction of Victor Moses gave them more width. It seemed that they were happy to take a draw, as they had to withstand a period of pressure from Stoke, in which Matthew Etherington and Kenwyne Jones both tested Petr Cech. In the end, they managed to find a way through and Ashley Cole's 85th minute goal proved to be decisive. Stoke will feel a little disappointed as they defended so well until the final five minutes.
  • 90

    FULL TIME

    Much to the delight of Roberto Di Matteo, the referee brings proceedings to a close. Chelsea 1, Stoke City 0.
  • 90

    THINGS HEATING UP

    Tempers are rising late on, as Matthew Etherington catches Branislav Ivanovic this time. Etherington isn't happy with Ivanovic's theatrics.
  • 90

    YELLOW CARD

    David Luiz goes in dangerously and the Stoke players surround the referee, asking for a red card. John Terry has his say, too, and eventually Luiz receives only a yellow card. A red card may have been a little harsh.
  • 90

    ADDED TIME

    Four added minutes are signalled, but Chelsea aren't happy with their one-goal advantage. They break in numbers and Ashley Cole's final ball in is turned behind by Ryan Shawcross.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Luiz sees yellow foul on Walters #CFC
  • 89

    SUBSTITUTION

    John Terry comes on for Juan Mata. Roberto Di Matteo isn't taking any risks now.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    4 mins added time here at the Bridge #CFC
  • 86

    MORE ON THAT GOAL

    Just as Stoke looked like they were going to cause an upset, Chelsea find a goal from an unlikely place. The ball in is somehwhat fortunate as it comes off Juan Mata and falls for Ashley Cole, who lobs it over the keeper. Great composure. Chelsea 1, Stoke City 0.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Chelsea sub:Juan Mata is replaced by Captain JT on 88 mins #CFC
  • 85

    GOOOAAALLL

    Against the run of play, Ashley Cole puts the home side ahead.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    GOAL!!!!!! Ashley Cole finally breaks the deadlock after 84 mins. 1-0 to the Blues. #CFC
  • 82

    SUBSTITUTION

    Chelsea look like they need some inspiration and leadership. Cue Frank Lampard, who replaces John Obi Mikel.
  • 79

    PRESSURE FROM STOKE

    If anything, it's Stoke who are threatening now. Chelsea are frustrated and the fresh legs for the Potters are casuing David Luiz and Gary Cahill all sorts of problems. A shot from Matthew Etherington and header from Kenwyne Jones force Petr Cech to make two saves in quick succession.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Chelsea sub: Lamps on for Mikel. 80 mins. #CFC
  • 77

    SUBSTITUTION

    Stoke make their final change. Number 9 Kenwyne Jones comes on for Peter Crouch, who has put in a good shift today.
  • 74

    OSCAR GOES TO GROUND

    Oscar is going down far too easily today. He's already been booked for diving and goes down again in the penalty area. Seconds later he is dispossessed and falls to the floor again. The referee is having none of it.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Stoke's final sub: Crouch replaced by Kenwyne Jones - 75 mins. #CFC
  • 72

    SUBSTITUTION

    Stoke make their second change as Matthew Etherington enters the field. Michael Kightly is the man to make way.
  • 70

    SUBSTITUTION

    Michael Owen has come on to replace Charlie Adam, who has been completely ineffective all day. Perhaps Owen can link up with Peter Crouch to cause more problems for Chelsea.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Stoksub: Cameron replaced by Etherington - 71 mins. Still 0-0. #CFC
  • 68

    TORRES NOT IN THE GAME

    Fernando Torres just hasn't been in the game during the second period. Nevertheless, he's working hard for his team. Good to see from the Spaniard.
  • 67

    MATA ALMOST THROUGH

    Juan Mata plays a lovely one-two with Fernando Torres but just as he's about to pull the trigger, Ryan Shawcross slides in to put the ball behind for a corner.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Oscar goes so close but Begovic just manages to get a hand to the goalbound ball. #CFC
  • 64

    IVANOVIC LOOKING FOR PENALTY

    Branislav Ivanovic is found in the penalty area once again and goes to ground under little or no contact. Far too dramatic from the Chelsea right-back

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Stoke sub: Michael Owen replaces Charlie Adam after 63 mins. #CFC

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Another pen shout for the Blues as Ivanovic is upended in the box but ref waves appeal away. #CFC

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Michael Owen about to come on for Stoke #CFC
  • 61

    SUBSTITUTION

    Roberto Di Matteo makes his first change as Victor Moses comes onto replace Eden Hazard.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Chelsea sub; Eden Hazard makes way for a Stamford Bridge debut for Victor Moses - 61 mins. #CFC
  • 59

    TOO CLEVER

    Chelsea are still trying to find a way through. Despite all their flicks and tricks, the Stoke defence stand firm.
  • 57

    PROFESSIONAL FOUL

    Ramires nips a Stoke counter in the bud, albeit unfairly. Tony Pulis isn't happy as a decent attack is stopped. He has to settle for a free kick just past the halfway line.
  • 55

    STOKE CORNER

    A Stoke corner almost falls for Peter Crouch, who only needs to get a touch, but David Luiz does just enough to prevent the England striker from connecting.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Chief executive Ron Gourlay discusses financial regulations domestically and in Europe: bit.ly/UoCOpo #CFC
  • 53

    TURNING THE SCREW

    Chelsea are cranking up the pressure here as Oscar's shot is saved before Eden Hazard's dangerous ball in beats everyone. Juan Mata also takes a shot but misses the target.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Following his booking, Oscar then brings save out of Begovic. #CFC
  • 52

    YELLOW CARD

    Oscar goes down in the penalty area but is judged to have taken a dive and is shown a yellow card for his troubles.
  • 50

    MOSES WARMING UP

    Victor Moses is warming up on the sidelines. Hopfully he can provide some width for the home side.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Ref incurs wrath of crowd as he books Oscar for diving. #CFC
  • 48

    LONG BALL FROM STOKE

    After soaking up so much pressure in the first half, Stoke look to sucker-punch Chelsea, but target-man Peter Crouch is penalized whilst trying to control the ball.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Today's attendance 41,112 here at Stamford Bridge today, most of them willing on a Chelsea victory. #CFC
  • 46

    KICK OFF

    Stoke get the second half underway.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    2nd half underway. Come on Chelsea #CFC
  • 45

    THE FIRST 45

    Well, despite having the majority of possession - as well as one of the most creative midfields in the Premier League - Chelsea just can't break down the stubborn Stoke defence. While the visitors have been careless on the ball, they have in fact had the best chance of the game, when Jonathan Walters' free header was denied by the woodwork. Roberto Di Matteo will be frustrated with the lack of incisiveness from his side, but he does have options on the bench, including veteran Frank Lampard

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    HT: goalless. Stoke have had one shot hitting bar and another cleared off the line. Blues working hard but no goals to show for it. #CFC
  • 45

    HALF TIME

    The referee blows his whistle to signal half time at Stamford Bridge.
  • 44

    IVANOVIC THREAT

    Branislav Ivanovic worms his way into the area but can't get his shot away as he is quickly crowded out by the defence. Chelsea win a corner again, but once again can't produce anything from it. Ivanovic has looked like Chesea's biggest threat as he contines to cut inside from the right wing.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Stoke continue to defend superbly as both David Luiz and Gary Cahill forage forward to join the attack. #CFC
  • 41

    CARELESS AGAIN

    Charlie Adam just doesn't look himself out there. He gives the ball away far too easily in dangerous positions twice in quick succession. There's been far too much of this from Stoke and eventually they will surely be punished.
  • 38

    DANGER FOR CHELSEA

    Geoff Cameron plays the overlap with Peter Crouch and finds enough time and space to pick his pass. He chooses to blast the ball across the goal and the resulting effort from Michael Kightly is saved smartly by Petr Cech. Perhaps that ball in was a little too hard.
  • 35

    COMFORTABLE

    There's a little over 10 minutes to go and Chelsea have done very little to challenge Asmir Begovic's goal. Tony Pulis will be very pleased with the solid defending his team have shown and they've caused Chelsea a few problems, too.
  • 33

    CHELSEA COUNTER

    Chelsea break quickly and Eden Hazard races toward the penalty area. In the end his cross (or shot) is poor and trickles behind for a Stoke goal kick. Danger averted for the Potters.
  • 30

    FREE KICK

    Fernando Torres shows great strength as he runs towards goal. He is under pressure from Ryan Shawcross, and eventually wins a free kick in a decent position. The ball in from the free kick is far too tame and Asmir Begovic take it comfortably.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    David Luiz produces our first shot on target but his long range free kick is an easy hold for Begovic #CFC

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Great chance for Torres to open the scoring. Chests chip from Mata but it's too easy for keeper Begovic. #CFC
  • 26

    TORRES CHANCE

    Oscar plays a lovely chipped ball into Fernando Torres, who is onside and free of any defenders. Asmir Begovic is out quickly and closes him down well; Torres just can't get the ball out of his feet in time.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Charlie Adam first name in ref's book for foul on Ramires. #CFC
  • 23

    YELLOW CARD

    Charlie Adam becomes the first man to go into the book this afternoon.
  • 23

    PENALTY SHOUT

    A neat Chelsea move finds its way through to Branislav Ivanovic in the area, who turns cleverly and goes down dramatically. No penalty says the referee, but no booking for Ivanovic either. On second viewing, it seems that Ivanovic went down without contact.
  • 22

    CROSSBAR

    Chelsea are given a massive scare as Jonathan Walters is completely free in the area. His header hits the crossbar but he really should hit the target from there. Let off for Chelsea.
  • 19

    PUSHING FOR A BREAKTHROUGH

    It's all been Chelsea in the first 19 minutes. Despite their possesion, they are being limited to speculative long range efforts and long balls into the area. Even so, the first goal seems like only a matter of time.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Dangerous moment when Whelan's free kick connects with Walters' head and rebounds off the crossbar. Still 0-0. #CFC
  • 16

    CAUGHT IN POSSESSION

    Stoke are giving the ball away far too cheaply in midfield. This time it's Torres' hard work that pays off, as he hassles the ball of Marc Wilson. Stoke are gifted the ball back, however.
  • 13

    ANOTHER CORNER

    Chelsea's long balls are being defended well by Stoke, who have such an imposing aerial presence. Once again it goes behind for a corner and once again Stoke clear with ease.
  • 10

    WASTE

    John Obi Mikel wins the ball in midfield and it looks like they can make a decent counter-attack. Fernando Torres puts Juan Mata through on the right. He is brought down and appeals for a free kick but the referee rules in favour of Stoke.
  • 7

    TORRES HEADER

    Fernando Torres combines well with Branislav Ivanovic on the right and they manage to win another corner. This time, Juan Mata's ball in is better but Torres can't keep it down.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Torres heads over from Chelsea's third corner of the game - 6 mins. #CFC
  • 4

    ENTERPRISING

    Michael Kightly shows no fear of the Chelsea defence, making an enterprising run down the left before cutting inside a having a go from just outside the area. Gary Cahill blocks it behind for a Stoke corner - but it comes to nothing.
  • 2

    EARLY CORNER

    Branislav Ivanovic wins a very early corner and Hazard's ball in is put behind for a second corner. Mata's corner is no better, though.
  • 1

    KICK OFF

    Chelsea kick off at Stamford Bridge, playing from left to right.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    We kick off attacking the Shed End. Come on Chelsea #CFC

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    With JT and Lamps on the bench, Petr Cech takes the captain's armband today.#CFC

  • STOKE LINE-UP

    Geoff Cameron replaces the suspended Andy Wilkinson in defence, while Peter Crouch will be heading the attack for the Potters this afternoon. Michael Owen is fit and is among the substitutes today.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    The teams are coming onto the pitch... #CFC

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Five minutes to kick off at a sun-drenched Stamford Bridge. #CFC

  • CHELSEA LINE-UP

    Oscar does make the starting line-up after picking up a knock against Juventus in the Champions League. Roberto Di Matteo has plenty of experience on the bench, as veterans John Terry and Frank Lampard don't make the starting 11. Gary Cahill and Juan Mata are preferred today.

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    Neil Barnett, reading out the teams on pitch, just got soaked by the hoses watering the pitch. Ha! #CFC

  • stokecity

    @stokecity
    Live interactive updates from this afternoon's game at Stamford Bridge via Match Live! here - stokecityfc.com/news/article/c…

  • premierleague

    @premierleague
    Chelsea team to face Stoke: Cech, Cole, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Mikel, Hazard, Ramires, Oscar, Mata, Torres #CHESTK

  • chelseafc

    @chelseafc
    The teams are out on the pitch warming up. Not long to go now..#CFCpic.twitter.com/PhBpHR8P

  • stokecity

    @stokecity
    Substitutes: Sorensen, Jones, Owen, Whitehead, Upson, Etherington, Shotton. Come on Stoke!

  • stokecity

    @stokecity
    Starting XI vs Chelsea: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross (c), Huth, Wilson; Walters, Whelan, N'Zonzi, Adam, Kightly; Crouch

  • LIVE COMMENTARY

    Stay tuned for team news and live commentary from 14.30. Kick off is at 15.00.

  • TEAM NEWS

    An ankle injury blemished Oscar's dream midweek debut, but he is expected to have recovered. Elsewhere, Striker Daniel Sturridge is unlikely to feature once again, and Mario Marin isn't expected to make his debut today; both are still suffering from hamstring injuries. Stoke look forward to the return of Jamie Ness, who has returned to training this week. They are, however, without Andy Wilkinson, who received a red card last week for violent conduct. His three-match ban starts today.

  • STOKE FORM

    Stoke haven't won so far this season - but they haven't lost either, becoming only the second ever team to draw the first four fixtures of the Premier League season. They've managed to grind out impressive draws against both Arsenal and Manchester City and they'll have to defend well again today as the unfavourable fixture list continues.

  • CHELSEA FORM

    Roberto Di Matteo continues to run a smooth operation at Stamford Bridge, turning in some impressive performance early on this season, and, more importantly, topping the table. Fernando Torres looks to have his mojo back but after an uninspiring performance against QPR, it will be interesting to see if the new Torres can bounce back.

  • MATCH PREVIEW

    When these sides last met, it was a Didier Drogba's 100th Premier League goal that separated the two sides - this time the onus is on Fernando Torres, who is now Chelsea's undisputed frontman. Two years ago, Stoke suffered their worst ever premier league defeat in a 7-0 thumping at Stamford Bridge and they will have to do something special to set the record straight today against the European champions, Chelsea.
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