Why Chelsea's Victory over Stoke City Was Worth More Than Three Points
Premier League football matches are usually worth either zero, one or three points, but what if one were to assert some are worth greater amounts?
Winning one of the more physical challenges England's top division has on offer, Chelsea's 2-0 away victory over Stoke City on Monday should represent slightly more than "plus three."
"42 points. Three points clear of City. A Merry Christmas indeed. #CFC #Chelsea #KTBFFH
— chelseaTALK (@ChelseaTaIk) December 22, 2014"
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Arbitrary stats such as "top of the league at Christmas for the fourth time," mean very little in the grand scheme of things; two Chelsea draws and two Manchester City wins and the Blues are in second place, but the way Jose Mourinho's men find themselves atop the league is anything but arbitrary.
Playing expansively at Everton, playing from behind visiting Burnley and Liverpool and playing a physical battle away to Stoke, the Blues have the ability to match whatever style they encounter.
That said, no side is bulletproof—no matter how great they appear.
Visiting St. James' Park on 6 December, Chelsea incurred their first loss of the 2014/15 season; a second-half brace from Papiss Cisse deciding Newcastle United's 2-1 win. Though not too surprising, as the Blues had not suffered defeat since 30 April, the loss sent many into panic mode and stepping away from "runaway with the league" thoughts which once permeated conversation.
Showing their collective fortitude in subsequent matches, Mourinho's side have bounced back with four consecutive wins in three competitions—culminating in a professional performance at the Britannia Stadium.
So what does this win mean?
In the short term: Chelsea extend their lead over Manchester City, keeping the Citizens at bay for another round of games. Lastly, they further depress the memory of dropped points and now have renewed impetus to finish the Christmas/New Year slate without dropping points.
In the long term: The west Londoners visited five of England's most difficult grounds (Etihad, Old Trafford, Anfield, Britannia, St. James' Park) and took eight points. Many of the last 19 EPL fixtures most deem challenging will be played at Stamford Bridge—where Mourinho's record is impeccable.
Secondly, Chelsea found formulas which can work in most scenarios.
Against Stoke, Fabregas was listed as a central attacking midfielder, but he was often found coming deep to collect the ball. Willian then pushed centrally into the "No. 10" role and Branislav Ivanovic played as an auxiliary right winger, something he has been doing frequently this year. It gave the Blues width and kept the Spanish maestro dictating play, over John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic, whenever possible.
This arrangement could be used later in the year when Chelsea are playing big matches, whether in England or Europe.
Andre Schurrle looked effective in his cameo. The German's ability to run at a tired Potters defence gave Chelsea two clear opportunities for a third goal in the dying moments. As witnessed during the World Cup—Schurrle's "super sub" role could prove an invaluable characteristic as the season marches forward.
Stoke City was a barometer for this Chelsea outfit. A place many teams shudder at the thought of, Mourinho had his players ready for battle. You might say "the three points were expected," and you would be correct, but the manner in which one secures victories are sometimes just as critical as the points themselves.
Proving they can play when punched in the mouth, these three points taken on a cold, windy night in Stoke-on-Trent have a little extra meaning.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
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