Chelsea vs. West Bromwich Albion, Premier League: Half-time report

Chelsea overcame a slow and bad start to take the lead just past the halfway point of the first-half, with Eden Hazard scoring his 10th league goal of the season, 14th overall. Wonderful link-up between Hazard and Giroud on the play, with the big man collecting his first assist in his first Chelsea start. More of that, please.

Giroud should’ve had a goal as well, but fluffed his chance in rather stunning fashion when found unmarked in front of goal by Hazard. With the entire goal to aim at, Giroud placed his shot right into the feet of Foster. But other than that miss, Chelsea’s no.9x2 has been a welcome sight for sore eyes, linking up well, holding up the ball, and doing the things he needs to do to make the system work. He’s certainly has been in the wars as well, collecting at one point a couple studs into the back of his head, accidentally, from Hegazi, suffering a couple cuts that required some quick treatment and wrapping to stop the bleeding. Just before the half’s end, Evans left one in on Giroud as well from behind, which required even more treatment and a slow hobble off the pitch.

Missed opportunities have been the story of Chelsea’s season however, and Zappacosta, starting again in place of Marcos Alonso, who’s missing through a twisted ankle this time after missing last Monday with a different knock, added to them when his far post finish was saved well. Zappacosta’s extreme right-footedness does limit his ability to affect the game on the left flank in general however. In fairness, West Brom probably should’ve taken the lead early when Jay Rodriguez, on for the injured Daniel Sturridge, was put through by a poor Victor Moses header.

After a shaky start, the Chelsea defense has largely settled down, and have also been able to affect the match with their usual forays forward into midfield.

So, not too bad of a first-half, with room for improvement. An early second goal in the second-half would do wonders.

COME ON, CHELSEA!