Chelsea tightened their grip on the Premier League title with a 2-1 victory over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The hosts broke the deadlock shortly before half time when Eden Hazard calmly rolled in a penalty, but Charlie Adam restored parity just five minutes later with a spectacular strike from inside his own half.
Hazard turned provider for the winning goal, however, as an Asmir Begovic error gifted the Blues a chance to come forward, with Loic Remy providing the finishing touch.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at whether Chelsea were worthy winners in West London.
Match statistics
CHELSEA
Shots: 19
On target: 10
Possession: 61%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 5
STOKE
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 39%
Corners: 0
Fouls: 22
Was the result fair?
Absolutely. Indeed, Chelsea may feel that they were worthy of an even more comfortable victory having controlled this match for long spells and created a number of chances. Remy, Hazard and Willian all squandered good opportunities to give Chelsea a cushion, but they were a little wasteful in front of goal. They could have paid the price, with Steven N'Zonzi hitting the post and Marko Arnautovic blazing a late chance well off target, but that would have been harsh on the hosts.
Chelsea saw far more of the ball, and a large chunk of their possession came inside the Stoke half. Their pressure was constant and they were in control of the match for the vast majority of it. Stoke were very fortunate to go into the break level, although that should not take away from the quality of Adam's strike. It is no exaggeration to say that the 60-yard equaliser is one of the greatest goals in Premier League history and will be shown many times over the years.
Remy restored the hosts' deserved advantage, however, and from that point on they managed the closing stages expertly. Stoke huffed and puffed and played their part in an entertaining match, but it was Chelsea who always looked most like scoring and they came away with a victory that they fully warrant.
Chelsea's performance
With Arsenal and Manchester United both edging closer with victories earlier in the day, Chelsea went into this match knowing that anything other than a win would have encouraged the chasing pack. As it happened, the Blues were able to keep them at arm's length, but again it was not a vintage performance. They did play some nice football, but had to grind out the win this evening - not for the first time in recent weeks.
The hosts always seemed to have a measure of control over the game, however, and Jose Mourinho may be upset that they only won by one goal. Begovic was called into action on numerous occasions, and a little more cutting edge from Chelsea could have seen the game as good as over before half time. In the end, they needed a goalkeeping error to help them get the winning goal, although they are unlikely to care.
The result was by far and away the most important thing this afternoon. It is some time since Chelsea were really at their best now and, flashes from Hazard and Willian aside, they were short of that standard again today, but that will not matter too much if they continue to pick up victories. They are now seven points clear and, with a game in hand, the title is very much theirs to throw away at this stage.
Stoke's performance
Stoke fans may not have had high hopes for today's game given their dismal record at Stamford Bridge, but they can travel home knowing that their team gave it everything. It was difficult for them against such a dominant Chelsea side, and they spent much of the time on the back foot inside their own half, but they refused to give up and kept themselves in the match right until the end.
They have Begovic to thank for that, with the keeper making a string of fine saves before his mistake gifted the hosts the winner. They posed little threat going forward, despite Adam's stunning strike and N'Zonzi hitting the woodwork, and it would have been a real smash-and-grab job had they come away from this match with a share of the spoils.
The visitors were full of energy, however, and Mark Hughes will be optimistic for the closing stages of the season following this performance. Despite the defeat, which makes it three on the bounce for the Potters, there were no signs of his side taking things easy, with them having little to fight for in the league now. They were deservedly beaten today, but Chelsea knew that they were in a game for sure.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Eden Hazard: Willian enjoyed a good game today, but the standout player on the park was Hazard without a doubt. He was a constant threat to the defence with his direct running and eagerness to get at the opposition, and ended the match with a goal and an assist. Had those around him been a little more clinical, he could well have had a few more assists to his name too.
Biggest gaffe
Philipp Wollscheid made a rash challenge to concede the penalty, but Begovic was responsible for the biggest howler today, rolling the ball straight to Willian for what proved to be the winning goal. It spoiled an otherwise impressive display from the keeper.
Referee performance
Jonathan Moss was a busy man today, handing out no fewer than seven yellow cards, six of which went to Stoke. The referee got the big decision right, though, correctly pointing to the spot for a penalty when Wollscheid felled Cesc Fabregas inside the box.
What next?
Chelsea: Chelsea will be hoping to take another step towards the title away to struggling Queens Park Rangers in a London derby next Sunday.
Stoke: Stoke, meanwhile, face West Ham United at Upton Park next Saturday.
Barney Corkhill
