Didier Drogba scored the winner as Chelsea overcame ten-man Stoke City 1-0 this afternoon.
Chelsea started the match much the stronger and so nearly took the lead after just three minutes when Stoke's Ryan Shawcross headed towards his own goal, but it drifted just high of the bar.
The home side again went close moments later with a powerful header from Branislav Ivanovic, but his effort was just off target.
Chelsea continued to dominate possession and Gary Cahill's long-range effort brought a fine save from Potters goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Ramires was next to go close for the home side after 16 minutes, but the Brazilian just failed to connect with a cross from Salomon Kalou.
Stoke's best chance of the half fell to Jonathan Walters, but his strike just evaded the top corner. The away side were reduced to ten men after 25 minutes when Ricardo Fuller stamped on Ivanovic following an altercation in the area.
Despite Chelsea's constant pressure, they still could not find the opening, with Didier Drogba and Ivanovic both threatening in the latter stages of the half.
Stoke continued to resist the pressure early in the second period, with John Terry leading the charge with a 25-yard effort after 60 minutes just missing the post.
The away side remained non-existent as an attacking threat as the half progressed, but still Chelsea could not find the opening to break down a stern Potters defence.
Stoke keeper Begovic make a fantastic save to deny Drogba from a free kick after 65 minutes, but it was the Chelsea striker who was the happiest moments later.
The vital goal came after 68 minutes when Juan Mata found Drogba, and the Ivory Coast international made no mistake from inside the area.
Walters remained Stoke's main threat, and he came close after 74 minutes in a half which brought few chances for either side.
Chelsea will look to continue their winning run when they face Manchester City on March 21, while Stoke travel to Tottenham Hotspur.
Matt Law
