Chelsea vs. Stoke City, Premier League: Half-time report

Chelsea started the end of year party early, putting hapless Stoke City to the sword repeatedly and showing very little mercy ... in the first 25 minutes. After that, with a three-goal lead established, the level of intensity dropped, Stoke passed it around a bit, and we’ve had a bit more even affair. Stoke even managed to score, but Diouf’s goal was ruled out for handball or offside or both (harsh, either way).

Chelsea have had plenty of chances as well to add to the lead, with Morata alone wasting two glorious opportunities, and that’s without Azpilicueta dialing in his crosses just yet.

And so it remains “just” the 3-0 at the half, with the Rüdiger header inside of 3 minutes giving Chelsea the lead, Drinkwater doubling it with a rather spectacular first strike for the club inside of 10, and Pedro making it comfortable before the half-hour with one his classic great-touch-great-finish combinations.

Stoke came in to the game with the worst defense in the league (i.e. most goals conceded), and have had to make do with a makeshift line, too, so it’s nice to see Chelsea take advantage in an expected situation. Let’s add a few more in the second half, shall we?

COME ON, CHELSEA!