Chelsea 2 Stoke City 1
Chelsea responded from conceding a Charlie Adam goal from his own half and losing Diego Costa to a hamstring injury to beat Stoke 2-1 and move seven points clear in the Premier League title race.
Stoke midfielder Adam's 65-yard strike soared over Thibaut Courtois to cancel out Eden Hazard's penalty opener before Loic Remy struck the winner after substitute Costa had come and gone.
The 20-goal striker, not considered fit enough to start, was introduced at half-time but lasted just 11 minutes as his fragile hamstrings forced his withdrawal in an injury which could have repercussions for the title race.
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea lead second-placed Arsenal by seven points, with Manchester United a further point behind in third, while holders Manchester City are nine points behind in fourth ahead of Monday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
Chelsea’s first Premier League title in five years and post-season victory tour are on course, but the Capital One Cup winners were severely tested by a Stoke side denied a first point at Stamford Bridge in 21 years.
Hazard’s penalty was just Chelsea’s third in the Premier League this season and first for five months, since the home defeat of QPR.
It was a statistic which was highlighted last month by the official website in an article headlined ‘Penalty puzzle’ in apparent support of Mourinho’s frustration with match officials.
Stoke may have had reason to feel aggrieved as Philipp Wollscheid made minimal contact with Cesc Fabregas for the spot-kick.
The Blues then had further cause for complaint as Hazard was felled in the build up to Adam’s audacious strike.
Mourinho had been hoping to keep Costa in reserve after a hamstring injury against Hull saw him miss international duty with Spain.
He may have wished he had not called upon the striker at the interval, but Remy ensured the short-term damage was limited and Mourinho punched the air in delight at the final whistle.
