The Best Bits: Stoke 1-0 Chelsea (Photos)

Alan Duffy

7th, November 2015

From his hotel room, banned Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho (presumably) watched his side suffer their seventh league defeat of the season after going down 1-0 away to Stoke.

With coach Steve Holland dishing out instructions from the sidelines, the Blues started strongly, with Eden Hazard firing over and Ramires shooting wide.

With the atmosphere red hot at the Britannia, Diego Costa was doing his best to rile the home fans with a number of meaty challenges.

As the half progressed, both sides pushed for a goal, with Glen Johnson forcing a good save out of Asmir Begovic. While at the other end, Costa was continuing to threaten the Stoke goal.

After the break, Xherdan Shaqiri continued to run Chelsea full-back Baba Rahman ragged.

Eventually, the goal came with Shaqiri feeding Johnson who crossed into the Blues’ box, with Marko Arnautovic volleying home superbly after Jonathan Walter had see his effort blocked.

The game came close to boiling over soon after, with Ryan Shawcross escaping with just a yellow for catching Costa with his arm. Arnautovic then clashed with Willian as both sets of players indulged in some good old fashioned pushing and shoving.

The visitors then pushed hard for an equaliser, with Pedro hitting the frame of the goal. Sub Loic Remy then hurdled a challenge from ‘keeper Jack Butland before losing his balance when through on goal. No doubt Costa would’ve left his leg in and won a penalty.

At the death, Arnautovic wasted a great chance for the Potters but ultimately it wouldn’t matter, with Mark Hughes’ men registering a superb victory.

While Stoke go 12th, Chelsea now find themselves in 16th place, just three points above the drop-zone.  Surely Roman Abramovich’s trigger-finger is getting twitchy now?

Posted in Chelsea, Newsnow, Stoke City, Videos

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