Diego Costa's first goal in seven games was enough to earn Chelsea a 1-0 win against Norwich City.

The Spaniard capitalised on compatriot Cesc Fabregas's quick-thinking at a free kick to end his barren run in front of goal at Stamford Bridge.

Arguably just as important as that breakthrough goal was John Terry's superbly-timed block to deny Sebastian Bassong in the first half, while Eden Hazard and Willian also stepped up to the plate for a Chelsea side that had lost each of their last three heading into today's match.

Here, Sports Mole runs the rule over both teams to see how each player performed across the 90 minutes in West London.

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CHELSEA

Goal

Asmir Begovic: Had next to nothing to do all afternoon, but when he was called into action he remained strong to keep just a third clean sheet of the season for his side. (6/10)

Defence

Branislav Ivanovic: Returned to the starting lineup this afternoon following nearly two months on the sidelines. Still nowhere near the levels of past, allowing Brady to get past his with ease early on, yet he just about came out on top in that personal battle. (6/10)

Kurt Zouma: Was unlucky when volleying over from a corner in the second half, while also producing a couple of important tackles up the other end. Been an emotional week for the Frenchman, no doubt, but this was a positive way to mark his return to club duties. (7/10)

John Terry: May not have had a great deal to do, though he did have to produce a game-changing block to keep out Bassong's strike in the first half. Almost lifted the roof off Stamford Bridge with a Gianfranco Zola-esque flick which ended narrowly wide. (7/10)

Kenedy: Jose Mourinho made a big call by not only bringing Kenedy into the starting lineup, but also fielding him at left-back. While it was hardly a brilliant showing from the Brazilian, this was still an assured display to maraud down the flank. (6/10)

Midfield

Pedro: The weakest of Chelsea's attacking trio of midfielders this afternoon, which was underlined when Mourinho hauled him off in the second half. Played his part in some nice passing moves, but you expect much more from the summer signing. (5/10)

Cesc Fabregas: Better from the Spaniard, who bagged an assist thanks to his smart free kick which left Costa through on goal. Had a shot of his own kept out by Ruddy prior to that key moment in the match. (7/10)

Nemanja Matic: Produced one of his trademark bursts of old in the final 10 minutes, yet lacked the composure to pick out the bottom corner. That miss did not take anything away from this positive display, though. (7/10)

Willian: Not at his complete best, while he was also a little lucky to escape punishment when nudging Brady inside the box, but the Brazilian is fast becoming his side's key man in midfield. His free kicks once more asked real questions of the opposition defence. (7/10)

Attack

Eden Hazard: The best player on the field, suggesting that he is perhaps on the brink of returning to the form witnessed last season when he was crowned the PFA Player of the Year. Started centrally but was given a licence to drift into wide areas where he created numerous chances for his teammates. (8/10)

Diego Costa: A tough one to weigh up, in truth. Did end a goalless run stretching some 603 minutes in all competitions when coolly converting his chance, though he was otherwise quiet and failed to make the most of Hazard's silky support play. (7/10)

Substitutes

Ramires: Brought on in place of Willian to help shore up the right-hand side. Did what was asked of him during his short time on the field. (6/10)

Oscar: Barely had a touch of the ball upon being introduced at the death. The Brazilian may be utilised a little more as the season wares on. (4/10)

Cesar Azpilicueta: Will be disappointed to have been overlooked at full-back, with his late cameo a simple time-wasting ploy by Mourinho. (4/10)

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NORWICH CITY

Goal

John Ruddy: Made a number of simple stops down low, but also produced two top-class saves to deny Willian and Matic either side of half time. (7/10)

Defence

Andre Wisdom: Was exposed down his side as Chelsea looked to overload on their left. Was caught out on a couple of occasions when trying to get into advanced positions, too. (5/10)

Ryan Bennett: Failed to track Hazard for large parts, which was certainly not an easy task in truth. Will also be disappointed by the manner in which he stood off Costa in the build-up to the only goal of the game. (5/10)

Sebastian Bassong: Came out on top in his personal battle with Costa for large parts, shackling the Chelsea striker before being exposed by a quick Fabregas set piece. Probably should have scored when picked out six yards from goal in the first half. (6/10)

Martin Olsson: Another who struggled to sufficiently deal with the threat of Hazard, allowing the Belgian to find plenty of space and swing in a number of impressive crosses. (5/10)

Midfield

Nathan Redmond: The furthest advanced of Norwich's midfielders, tasked with providing lone striker Mbokani with some support. Failed to do so, however, with his defensive duties essentially making him redundant in attack. (5/10)

Gary O'Neil: There is no shame in being outclassed by players of Fabregas and Matic's quality, yet O'Neil will no doubt feel disappointed not to have got his foot on the ball a little more when the Canaries were left chasing a goal. (5/10)

Youssouf Mulumbu: Did not offer enough defensive support in front of the back four for large parts. Was not helped by a caution picked up early on when pulling back at Pedro. (5/10)

Jonny Howson: Did some good things, including a well-timed challenge on Willian to deny the Brazilian a shot on goal, though he failed to make much of an impact up the other end of the field. (6/10)

Robbie Brady: The liveliest of Norwich's outfield players, almost earning his side a penalty when he went to ground under a nudge from Willian in the first half. Also drove a shot narrowly wide of the target. (6/10)

Attack

Dieumerci Mbokani: Was selected up top in place of Jerome, having played a part in three of Norwich's last five goals. Was completely cut out of the game, however, with Chelsea enjoying the vast majority of possession. (4/10)

Substitutes

Cameron Jerome: Like Mbokani, Jerome was unable to have any real influence on proceedings when brought on as part of a triple alteration. (5/10)

Graham Dorrans: Most noticeable involvement was clearing away Pedro's cross. Norwich badly missed Alexander Tettey in that central midfield position today. (5/10)

Wes Hoolahan: It was a similar case for Hoolahan, who tried his best to change the flow of the contest only for Chelsea to remain pretty comfortable at the back. (5/10)