Lots of Smoke, Little Fire at The Bridge

Chelsea were almost held to a nil all result at Stamford Bridge in this evening's game against Stoke. The ray of Hope came in the 68th minute when Drogba defeated the keeper, skipped past him and netted home Chelsea's saving grace. The match ended 1-0 in Chelsea's favour.

Here are some match moments:

Chelsea started out pressing, amassing 3 corners in 3 minutes, however were unable to capitalize on them.

Cahill in the early rounds tried to capitalize on the gaps in Stoke's defence but a save from Begovic's, Stoke's keeper denied the young Chelsea player.

The real game changer came in the 25th minute, when Ricardo Fuller of Stoke, intentionally stomped Ivanovic of Chelsea and was shown a straight red card, leaving Stoke down a man for the remainder of the match.

In the 36th Minute, Chelsea would make what would be an essential change when they brought on Mata as replacement for Meirles.

A glimmer of Hope came right before the half time, when Drogba flicked on a shot for Mata, which was denied by the Stoke keeper.

2 minutes of added time. 0-0 at the half.

The second half started off fairly slowly with David Luiz replacing Ivanovic for Chelsea.

In the 59th minute Captain of John Terry makes an attempt at goal that went just wide.

By the 60th minute the game was looking sort of sticky, as even against 10 men, Chelsea could not find the chink in Stoke's defence to capitalize. 63th minute Chelsea had had 10 corners to Stoke's 1, yet still could not capitalize.

In the 66th minute a foul from Stoke would provoke and excellent free kick from Drogba, luckily saved by Stoke's keeper.

However, in the 68th minute, the man from the Ivory Coast would not be denied again! GGGGGGOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!! Chelsea Football Club!!! Drogba, feed an excellent ball by Mata, defeats the keeper to secure a goal for the Blues, also securing his 100th Premier League goal. Drogba finds the gap to put Chelsea ahead 1-0.

Further glimmers of blue came in the 69th and 84th minutes when Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard respectively, produced excellent tackles to shut Stoke's defence down.

Further Chelsea domination was apparent in the 86th minute when Mata took a wonderful shot which was blocked by the post. The rebound which was scored wad however ruled offside. Chelsea was denied goal number 2.

Right before the match end, it was all Daniel Sturridge as he made a solo effort in search for Chelsea's second. His shot was however deflected to produce 1 more double digit corner for Chelsea. The Blues could however not capitalize.

3 minutes of stoppage time added, but nothing would result and the match ended at 1-0 in favour of Chelsea, to help them secure 3 points to put them level with Arsenal in the Barclay's League.

Match Highlights

Intentional stomp on Ivanovic in the 25th minute by Ricardo Fuller, that reduced Stoke to 10 men for the remainder of the match.

100th goal in the Premier League for Didier Drogba, 1st African Player to reach this achievement.

Winning return for Captain John Terry, who's been out injured.

2nd Straight win for Rob Di Matteo, as interim manager.

Hope you've enjoyed my commentary. Go Blues!! lol :D

Ciao,

Lisa

Football goddess, Sports Junkie, Barca Girl.