The tension will have to wait. Chelsea cut loose here, developing their advantage in goal difference to eight and leading Manchester United by a point in the Premier League. The afternoon turned into a lull in the drama of the title race after Salomon Kalou had scored the first couple of goals in a hat-trick. The victors’ purpose never slackened, with the substitute Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda both hitting the net in the closing 10 minutes.
Stoke City’s capacity to protect themselves had been impaired by injuries that meant the captain Abdoulaye Faye and their goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen had to be replaced. The Dane’s prospects of representing his country in the World Cup finals now seem in doubt after damage to his elbow.
By contrast, a return to international action in South Africa is entirely likely for Ashley Cole now that the left-back has come through this comeback from a broken ankle. He had one enterprising run in the second half and this outing was good preparation for next Sunday’s game at Anfield.
John Terry served his suspension here on an afternoon that Chelsea used well. The value of some figures was underlined in the win. This Chelsea squad is to be revamped next season, with an eye to establishing younger players, but there have already been more subtle changes in this campaign. Malouda is fast becoming the key to the team’s attacks because he now has the confidence to attempt the telling pass more often.
Even before playing a part in the opener, the Frenchman had released Didier Drogba only for the striker to lash an attempt off-target. Disconcertingly, there was no goal for Drogba in this spree. Chances, all the same, came with a reassuring regularity and Sorensen was soon making a splendid save from the Ivorian.
The breakthrough for Chelsea arrived after 24 minutes. Malouda swept the ball to Drogba on the right and Kalou headed in the cross for the first of his goals. For the next Drogba’s lay-off set up Frank Lampard for a drive that Sorensen could not hold and Kalou bundled home the loose ball. In the melee, the goalkeeper was hurt and he had to be replaced by Asmir Begovic.
By then the injured captain Faye had given way to Ryan Shawcross. The Stoke manager Tony Pulis has complained of favouritism towards Chelsea by referees, but he must have been disappointed more than angered at this match. A third goal was conceded as Lampard converted a penalty in the 44th minute after Robert Huth had pulled down Kalou.
Lampard released Kalou after 68 minutes and the attacker, having smashed his first attempt against Begovic, turned in the rebound. There was another goal for Lampard in the 81st minute when he converted a cross from the substitute Sam Hutchinson with a deft volley off the outside of his right foot. This rout has put Chelsea in a cheerful mood for the critical days ahead.
Premier LeagueChelseaStoke CityKevin McCarraguardian.co.uk