John Terry’s Red Card Adds Further Intrigue To Chelsea Future

After the break, Chelsea came out looking sharper than their previous two games and had a positive start to their second half.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, meanwhile, was quick to praise the spirit of his team-mates after they claimed a first Premier League win of the season.

Chelsea hung on for a 3-2 win at The Hawthorns to record their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season after Pedro’s debut goal set them on course for the win.

Terry headed an Albion corner clear to Branislav Ivanovic, who found Willian scampering clear. To be fair to the Belgium worldwide, there was little he could do about the Baggies’ goals, and he was composed under pressure when Chelsea were reduced to 10 men. The forward did just enough to chest the ball into the path of Cesar Azpilicueta, the left back took his chance well, and will make a rare appearance on the score sheet.

The Blues also remain keen to do a deal for Everton defender John Stones and his possible signing looks like being the biggest plausible in seeing the long-serving Chelsea captain usurped in defence.

In fact a couple of Ps came to his rescue, with new signing Pedro scoring the first and making the second for Diego Costa on his debut.

Jose Mourinho cleared John Terry of blame for being sent off on Sunday. James Morrision stepped up to take the spot kick but was denied by the returning Courtois.

Pedro’s Barcelona-bred expert positioning had made his goal, the type of decisive incursion that Van Gaal’s leaden attack now looks incapable of.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis dropped Saido Berahino from his squad after he was the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Tottenham Hotspur, but the Welshman was reluctant to discuss the matter after the game.

Willian fed the ball to Pedro and his shot across goal was turned in by worldwide team-mate Costa from point-blank range.

Fortunately Chelsea’s attacking meant West Brom weren’t really able to do much of the same, and although there were some nervy moments Courtois’ goal was never again seriously threatened.

And Terry, who was substituted at half-time against Manchester City last weekend, lasted just 54 minutes before he was dismissed for a professional foul on Salomon Rondon.

Seems happier with his good friend Pedro in the side too, but may struggle for game time if Mourinho ever considered a formation change.

Terry’s hard season got even worse into the second half when he brought down Rondon as the last man and was given his marching orders.

Pedro has scored as many goals as Manchester United players have in the Premier League this season.