Anichebe Saves West Bromwich From Defeat, Tie Chelsea

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First-place Chelsea travelled to face West Bromwich Albion in a midweek Premier League match.  Samuel Eto'o started as striker for Chelsea while two new players, Saido Berahino and Thievy Bifouma, started for West Brom.

As expected Chelsea had the majority of possession and in the first-half alone earned seven corner-kicks.  It was on the final corner-kick of the first-half that Chelsea managed to score durring stoppage-time.  Willian delivered a low driven cross that David Luiz flicked-on.  The flicked ball came to Ivanovic waiting at the far-post for the easy finish (45 +3').

West Bromwich did not offer much offensively, though Thievy Bifouma looked quite good when he did have the ball.  After half-time West Brom made the two wingers Chris Brunt and Morgan Amalfitano switched sides and the team was able to attack more effectively.  Also Victor Anichebe was brought in to give fresh legs up top, a move that saved the home team late in the match.  Anichebe scored with a header when Berahino picked him out with a cross (87').

Chelsea remain in first place for now, but by the end of tomorrow could find themselves in third place.  Arsenal and Manchester City could both leap Chelsea if they win tomorrow.  West Bromwich's next match is home to Fulham while Chelsea have a huge FA Cup match Manchester City this weekend

Manchester City Shutout At Home, Chelsea Win Again

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The biggest match-up this week was the Monday feature of Manchester City hosting Chelsea.  Manchester City held the first-place position in the table prior to Arsenal's win on Saturday, but could reclaim the top spot with a win today.  Chelsea, in third-place, aimed to upset the home side and become level with City in points.

Manchester City have been perfect at home this season winning all eleven previous league matches at the Etihad.  However, Chelsea won the first meeting at Stamford Bridge 2-1 and today they were again able to get the better of City.  Branislav Ivanovic scored for Chelsea following a blocked shot in the first-half.  Ramires fired a shot inside the box that was blocked and the rebound came out to Ivanovic.  The rightback stepped into his shot and picked out the far corner to give Chelsea the lead (32').

Ivanovic's goal was the only goal of the match as City were unable to respond.  Though Chelsea only scored the one goal, they created better chances than City throughout the match.  Thrice Chelsea were denied by the woodwork to the relief of keeper Joe Hart.  City had a few shots on target, but could not find the quality to get the equalizer.

Taking the big road-win, Chelsea are now level with Manchester City with 53 points in the league table.  City still maintain a huge goal-differential advatage, but getting shutout at home is cause for concern.  Up next City travel to Norwich and Chelsea host Newcastle.

Aston Villa Own-Goal the Difference for Chelsea

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Playing the midweek match at Stamford Bridge, Aston Villa caught a bad break early in the match, conceding an own-goal.  Chelsea's Hazard fired a shot from the left side that keeper Guzan had covered.  Guzan parried the shot away from his goal, but right at his teammate Luna who inadvertently sent the ball back into his own net (6').

Chelsea were well in control for the first-half with 70% of possession while holding Aston Villa to only one shot.  On top of that Aston Villa had to make a change to their back line when Clark received a gash on his forehead that required stitches.  However in the first-half stoppage time, Villa finally managed to get a shot on target.  Winger Agbonlahor made a strong run up the left side that forced Cahill out wide to defend.  With Cahill out of place Agbonlahor picked out Benteke in the box who found just enough space to slip his shot inside the near-post (45 +3').

Chelsea continued to maintain about 70% of possession in the second-half, and retook the lead from a set-piece.  Lampard delivered the free-kick into the box that landed perfectly for Ivanovic right in front of goal.  Ivanovic finished with a clean header, struck down to give the keeper no chance (73').

Aston Villa had a couple good chances to score themselves in the second-half, but twice Weimann was denied by keeper Cech who made two great saves.

Though the season just started Chelsea are off to a perfect start under manager José Mourinho.  Next will be a big test for Chelsea as they travel to Old Trafford to take on the defending league champions Manchester United.