In the build-up to the game Norwich boss Alex Neil had been quick to praise his side's defensive improvements of late, but all of that was forgotten with just 39 seconds on the clock at Carrow Road.

Chelsea's Brazilian full-back Kenedy, who was making his first start for the visiting Blues since these two sides met last November, created himself enough space 20 yards from goal to fire a low shot beyond the reach of John Ruddy. It was the fastest goal that has been scored in the top flight this season.

Kenedy celebrates scoring during the Premier League game between Norwich City and Chelsea on March 1, 2016 © Getty Images

The remainder of the half was a relatively mundane affair, with both teams finding clear openings hard to come by.

Norwich's best fell to Cameron Jerome in the 17th minute, but not for the last time the striker was off target with a looping header from Wes Hoolahan's cross.

However, just when it appeared that the hosting Canaries would head into the break with just a one-goal deficit to bridge, they fell further behind in first-half stoppage time.

S&M fan Diego Costa celebrates during the Premier League game between Norwich City and Chelsea on March 1, 2016 © Getty Images

Replays showed that Diego Costa was clearly offside as he raced on to Bertrand Traore's through-pass, yet the referee's assistant kept his flag down and the Chelsea frontman made the most of his good fortune by lifting the ball over Ruddy and into the net.

To Norwich's credit, they responded positively after the restart and fashioned out a handful of early chances. Unfortunately, three fell the way of Jerome and the striker spurned all of them, one of which saw him volley against the crossbar from just six yards out.

They were able to grab a lifeline, though, through Nathan Redmond's fifth goal of the campaign and his first since October 18. Having been picked out by Hoolahan down the right channel, the winger unleashed a rising shot that got the better of Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Nathan Redmond pulls one back for the Canaries during the Premier League game between Norwich City and Chelsea on March 1, 2016 © Getty Images

The goal sparked a period of sustained pressing and domination of possession from Norwich as they went in search of an unlikely equalising goal.

In the 74th minute Jerome had another opportunity to atone for his earlier wastefulness. Robbie Brady volleyed the ball into the danger area where the striker diverted the ball goalwards, but an alert Courtois was able to thwart him.

Ultimately, Neil's men had left themselves too much work to do as their winless run of league form extended to eight matches, which in turn has seen them drop into the relegation zone with 11 games left to play.