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Stoke Vs Chelsea - 2/4/2011

By stokieadam

Who would handle the break from international duty the best? That was the question facing the managers at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday as reigning champions Chelsea rolled into town looking to keep pace with the leaders Manchester United. With the Champions League game at home to United also at the fore front of Carlo Ancellotti's mind, the question on everyone's lips was "Would Fernando Torres be playing up front"? To even contemplate having a striker worth £50 million sitting on the substitute's bench is inconceivable to many Stoke fans, but on the subs bench he found himself as Ancellotti opted for power and strength in attack with Drogba partnering Anelka. Stoke had the luxury of being able to field an unchanged 11, the same side that convincingly swept Newcastle United aside in the previous game. Once again, Glenn Whelan partnered Rory Delap in the centre of midfield and Jonathon Walters and Kenwyne Jones spearheaded the attack. It would also be interesting to see how world class full backs in Bosingwa and Ashley Cole would cope with the obvious threat of Etherington and Pennant from wide areas.

Stoke had lost all the previous 6 encounters with Chelsea since being back in the Premier League, but apart from the obvious 7-0 defeat last season, can count themselves unfortunate on the other occasions. Twice Chelsea had found themselves behind, but on both occasions had managed to win the game in stoppage time. Many Stoke supporters, myself included, felt that on current form at home we were a match for them. What Stoke had to do was start strongly, and that they certainly did.

Barely 2 minutes had been played when former Chelsea defender Robert Huth headed over from a Pennant corner, and it set the tone for what was an explosive opening 10 minutes. Stoke didn't let Chelsea settle, harrying and pressing all over the pitch at every opportunity. There was no rhythm or tempo from a Chelsea perspective and supporters' expectation levels were rising. On 7 minutes, Higgingbotham played what seemed to be a hopeful ball down the left hand side, Barclays Premier League Player of the Month David Luiz thought he had all the time in the world to control the ball but hadn't taken into consideration the persistence and determination of a rejuvenated Walters. He nipped the ball away from Luiz on the half way line, leaving him looking dejected and bewildered and made his way into the penalty area. Essien came across to tackle Walters who flicked the ball back onto his right foot and drilled a right foot shot beating Cech at the near post to send the capacity crowd into delirium. It was a fabulous goal from the former Ipswich skipper and one that will surely be amongst the April goal of the month contenders.

At that point, Stoke should have really gone for the jugular and asserted themselves to go further in the lead, but the goal sparked Chelsea into life and straight away Ashley Cole latched onto a superb pass and headed goalwards only to be thwarted by Begovic who made a smart save to turn it away for a corner. Chelsea were relentless, keeping the ball with ease, restricting Stoke to very few forays into their half. It was only a matter of time until Chelsea were back on level terms. Anelka, who had been absent for much of the first half, delivered a lovely diagonal ball towards the backpost where Drogba had escaped the grasp of Higgingbotham to direct a firm header to the right of Begovic and into the back of the net. It was the least Chelsea deserved and Stoke were right on the back foot. Stoke were finding it difficult to retain any kind of possession with Chelsea dominating the football for long periods. With that said, clear cut chances were at a premium for both sides, Chelsea being restricted to shots from outside of the area. On a few occasions tempers flared, with Essien counting himself very fortunate to escape a red card with what looked like a reckless two footed tackle on Pennant. Referee Peter Walton, once again poor in my opinion, felt the need to just talk to the Ghanian when surely others would have dismissed him. At half time and after a very entertaining first 45 minutes both sides went in all square.

It was hoped Stoke would start the 2nd half as they started the first it was Chelsea who went closest after the break when Drogba shot across goal, it beat Begovic but hit the outside of the post and went for a goal kick. It was the wake up call that Stoke needed as for the majority of the second half they were the better team and went close on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, Cech was in world class form saving tipping a 25 yard free kick from Wilson onto the bar and from the resulting corner repeating the act by directing Robert Huths header against the bar. They were 2 world class saves and it was clear it would take something special to beat him. Pennant then found Cech's outstretched right boot after a good move down the length and the same player also fired wide, once again after fine work down the left. The wingers for Stoke were causing Chelsea all sorts of problems and after Bosingwa was booked for foul on Etherington, he was replaced by Ivanovic.

It was Chelseas turn to hit the woodwork again when Drogba turned and swivelled in the area, only to find his right foot shot rebound off the crossbar with Begovic beaten.

Torres was introduced on 65 minutes for a dejected looking Anelka but he failed once again to find any kind of form, the Stoke defenders finding it straightforward to keep him in check. With 6 minutes of injury time, resulting from an injury sustained to Higginbotham that will keep him sidelined for 6 months, we all thought Chelsea would once again overcome the Potters at the death. However, the introduction of Fuller spearheaded one final attack from Stoke and when the ball ended up on the right hand side of the penalty area, Etherington curled a delightful cross to the back post where Fuller rose to guide a header over Cech towards the backpost. The crowd waited for the net to bulge but to everyone's amazement it went agonisingly wide and the match would end 1-1. It was a thoroughly entertaining, compelling in parts and a game that Stoke would feel they should have won. For Chelsea, it spells the end of their title challenge and leaves them concentrating on winning the Champions League. Next up for Stoke, a trip to Spurs before the much anticipated FA Cup Semi Final against Bolton.

Created on 06/04/2011.

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