Chelsea 1 Norwich City 0: Costa wakes up at last

It was the first clean sheet that the club has kept since returning to the Premier League, and their first priority at Stamford Bridge will be to frustrate Chelsea and give as little away as possible.

Another Hazard cross evaded everyone, with Costa absent.

They became anxious as Norwich launched balls into the box.

Vardy is looking for 10 in 10, which would equal Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s unbelievable scoring record (although the Dutchman actually got his haul across two seasons) but with an injury putting his chances of playing at a slight risk, he might be overtaken as the form striker by Romelu Lukaku this weekend.

Chelsea’s lack of teeth nearly came back to bite them in the 34th minute, ironically.

Found himself a weak link at right-back as Pedro, Willian and Hazard found it all too easy to get past him throughout the game. The Portuguese is a renowned man-manager and cultivator of player loyalty but aside from rallying his troops around him, what can Jose do to dig his way out?

The Brazilian was another important player going forwards for the Blues, although he did escape giving away a penalty after clattering Brady in the area. Certainly a sign of a striker low on confidence. Costa, short of goals this season, also seemed eager to chase opportunities and it was no surprise when he eventually opened the account.

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However, he would soon make amends as he netted the winning goal in the 64th minute.

Chelsea began to assert in the second half and it was quick thinking from the impressive Fabregas that made the crucial difference.

“He was on the bench in the last game (against Swansea), so that hasn’t changed”.

Kurt Zouma also hit the bar after Chelsea had gone 1-0 up.

Cesc Fabregas is back alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield after starting the last two Premier League games on the bench. However, the visitors stood firm and proved to be a tough nut to crack for the Blues.

“But if we have to win the last match at home, let’s go for that”.

The caveat of the board’s support was that results had to improve and Chelsea have now won three times in eight games since.

Well played, Chelsea fans.

The club’s struggles have been well-documented but with the festive season nearly upon us (woo, I’ve just ordered my Christmas tree), there will be nowhere to hide as we head into the New Year. Had it not been for a few lazy play on behalf of his teammates, the Belgium could have easily racked up a couple of assists.