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An absorbing game of football at the Bridge saw Chelsea come on top after a thumping performance against the Canaries. Though there was no clean sheet this time around, that goal from Holt may have forced the Chelsea faithful to shift up a gear and dictate the match.
Di Matteo included Lampard in the starting lineup ahead of Ramires and Hazard slotted in on the left flank replacing Moses from midweek. The formation setup was the usual 4-2-3-1 with ‘Mikel the Guard’, ‘Lampard the Driver’ and Oscar, Mata, Hazard ‘The Wizards’ comprising the midfield.
Chris Hughton named Bassong in his defense. Bennett and Hoolahan started in the midfield and Tettey started ahead of Jackson in attack. They were setup in a 4-3-1-2ish formation with Hoolahan acting as the pivot.
Quality in the middle
With the skillset of some Chelsea players completely in the ‘mindblowing’ zone, there was little worry for the Blues. Confidence was oozing in their play as Norwich were chasing shadows all over the pitch. The attacking trio of Hazard, Mata and Oscar were exchanging positions all over whenever they had the ball. Lampard was at the heart of every attack, launching pinpoint aerials onto the flanks. He was today’s Orchestrator for Chelsea. Mikel was given the job of screening the defense and he was average to be honest.
Hoolahan and Holt were two bright spots for Norwich. Many a time, Hoolahan would overrun Lampard and Mikel and dash straight onto Cech’s goal only for Luiz to close the gates for him. The first goal of the game was a result of a Hoolahan moment. He sped past Oscar while Mikel and Lampard were still high up and crossed the ball for Tettey to head down into the path of Holt, whose finish was world class.
Lampard the Orchestrator
Lampard started beside Mikel in midfield. Initially, he was caught high-up when Norwich played on the counter, but settled into the game very soon. His aerial balls were a joy to watch as he sprayed the ball all over the pitch. He dictated the tempo of the game when Chelsea had possession frequently releasing players into space. He started off the attack for the first Chelsea goal.
After some good buildup play and a failed Torres overhead kick, the ball kindly fell into the path of Lampard who was making his trademark late-run into the box. He finished with ease, smashing the half volley past Ruddy who had no chance whatsoever. At 34, Lampard still has it in him and will be a crucial piece of the Chelsea puzzle in this season.
The Mata Show
The Norwich goal was a complete switch off from the Chelsea defense. Cole didn’t challenge Tettey and Holt was left free; a wakeup call for the Blues which was answered instantly. Mata was lurking on the right wing along with Ivanovic. A clever backheel for Ivanovic to set up the Torres goal after he received a diagonal ball from Lampard was the first of his contributions.
His sublime assist to Hazard for the third goal after a long and quick counter-attack was the second. Torres was helpful in dragging a defender wide and providing space for Mata to run into and Hazard took two defenders with him and still beat them for the offside trap and finished off a classic counter-attack.
With Ivanovic playing as a winger, Mata ventured into space in the centre and was the soul of every attack Chelsea made. His movement centrally allowed Oscar to play much higher along with Torres. His first touch for Oscar’s cross set up Ivanovic to fire home his third goal of the season. Though he didn’t score, Mata was involved in all the goals and thoroughly deserves the MOTM.
Norwich play a Stoke
For most of the second half Hughton’ s players sat back and defended deep with their only source of attack being Ruddy’s throws and Hoolahan’s trickery. Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and were happy to play around a congested ‘Canary Bus’. Fernando Torres was impressive again, continuously getting in between Barnett and Bassong. Barnett particularly had a bad game. Hazard had an average outing despite the goal and he tormented the Norwich defenders with his runs. Oscar was everywhere; the slim Brazilian has settled seamlessly into the team and is living up to his reputation.
Missed Chances and The Referee
Anthony Taylor had a mixed day at the office. Though he didn’t reach his pockets, some of his decisions left the Chelsea fans in dismay. Atleast two clear penalties were denied after Hazard and Torres were fouled inside the box. Bradley Johnson took out Mikel and Luiz in a single sequence of tackles on their knees and got away with it.
And finally, Chris Hughton will rue the chances his team failed to capitalize on. During that shaky spell for Terry and co., Norwich had three very good opportunities. Tettey was the worst player on the pitch with his wayward passing and aimless shooting.
PIE Verdict
A fair result, though a clean sheet for Cech would have been much better. Mata was the man for Chelsea, with Torres, Lampard and Oscar putting in impressive shifts. Hoolahan and Holt led the line for Norwich and were their best players. Chelsea sit on top of the BPL table with 19 points until the next round of matches after the international break.
