Sunderland vs. Chelsea, Premier League: Half-time report

A few bright passages of play early from Chelsea, and while there was a fair slice of luck involved in our goal, it was no less what we deserved — as far as anyone can ever deserve anything on the football pitch.  Gary Cahill had stayed forward from a set piece, and it was his flicked pass that was deflected into the path of Diego Costa, who curled a sweet finish from a very tight angle past Vito Mannone.

Chelsea didn't particularly kick on from that point however, and the match petered out into a mostly even affair of half-chances and poor passes.  And then out of nowhere, Sunderland's Khazri equalized with a ridiculous finish after Chelsea failed to properly clear the ball.  So 1-1 at the half.

Overall, a disjointed performance from the boys in Blue.  Many are trying, including Eden Hazard and Diego Costa (but as always, the former could use a bit more direct running and the latter could use a little less).  Azpilicueta has been a busy man, and Matic has stepped up into attack multiple times.  Unfortunately, Fabregas and Willian look behind the pace of play, while Cahill is already flirting with a second yellow.

And then Matic SCORES right on the stroke of half-time and I really don't feel like rewriting any of the above.  Like I said, he's been stepping forward effectively.  Costa and Azpilicueta combine for the assist.

So, 2-1 Chelsea at the half.  Let's see a couple more goals and a few minutes for the youth, please.

COME ON, CHELSEA!