article_snippet.sent: Played with more freedom once Chelsea had the lead and tried to help in attack down the wing.
article_snippet.sent: Looked cool when called into action and was able to clear the danger as Stoke tried to cross their way into the lead in the second half.
article_snippet.sent: Manned the back well and it took a goal-of-the-season contender for Jose Mourinho's team to concede against a Stoke side that ran out of ideas at times.
article_snippet.sent: Tried to get forward and help Hazard down the left.
article_snippet.sent: Closed down well and put in a tireless performance.
article_snippet.sent: Cleaned up well when needed to win back possession, however.
article_snippet.sent: Won the penalty with a clever cut back that fooled Wollscheid.
article_snippet.sent: Kept the midfield ticking over well.
article_snippet.sent: Scuppered one of Chelsea’s best chances to take the lead by placing his shot wide of the far post, and was ultimately – and unfortunately – sacrificed for Diego Costa at half time.
article_snippet.sent: Assisted the winning goal.
article_snippet.sent: Looked a worthy replacement for Diego Costa as Loic Remy - 7.5 twice went close to giving Chelsea the lead in the opening seven minutes.
article_snippet.sent: Scored in the second half when Mourinho really needed it, and it was deserved.
article_snippet.sent: Had little to do but hold up the ball.
article_snippet.sent: Little to do but helped Chelsea get over the line.
article_snippet.sent: Outstanding one-handed save at full stretch to deny Remy’s deflected shot after less than three minutes.
article_snippet.sent: Captained his team well on a ground that has been unkind to them previously, but ultimately could not help them steal a point.
article_snippet.sent: Took the bait from Fabregas by sweeping the Spaniard’s feet to give Chelsea a penalty and ultimately the lead.
article_snippet.sent: Strong in midfield but found it difficult to get involved as that area was dominated by the men in blue.
article_snippet.sent: Rightly booked for a late challenge on Fabregas but did not see much of the ball as Chelsea dominated midfield.