Thoughts from Studham … Stoke vs Chelsea

This was literally a game of two halves, with Stoke the better of the two sides in the first 45.  However, after the break it was a totally different story, with Chelsea always in command and looking the most likely to score.  It was not to be, and on reflection I suspect that Tony Pullis will be the happier of the two managers.
 
My man of the match (and Sky’s): Fernando Torres.  Always looking to go forward and take on players, unlucky not open his account for the season and should have had a penalty early in the second-half.  Certainly his best performance in a Chelsea shirt.
 
Not far behind was Asmir Begovic, who made two superb saves.  First, from a great volley from outside the box from John Obi Mikel and then tipping a looping shot from Nicolas Anelka onto the bar.
 
Third was John Obi Mikel.  I am not one of his greatest fans, but as well as the superb shot he hardly put a foot wrong all game. He manged to get into attcking positions on several occasions as well as his normal defensive midfield duties.

By Ross Balaam