Follow Us on GoogleBY JOE APU
English Premier League run away leaders Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the ladder with another victory to equal the top flight record of 13 consecutive wins in a single season after overcoming hard fighting Stoke in a 4-2 thriller at Stamford Bridge.
An exceptionally entertaining second half witnessed five goals as the Blues were twice made to retake the lead by a Potters side who gave them one of their toughest tests this season. Gary Cahill gave Chelsea the lead when he headed in shortly before half-time, but Stoke defender Bruno Martins Indi levelled only a minute after the break when he poked in from close range.
After the initial shock, Chelsea created further chances with Willian firing just wide after good work from Victor Moses and Costa’s shot from a tight angle being saved by Grant.
They got their reward when Moses’ cross was touched off by Hazard into the path of Willian, who smashed the ball home
Willian handed the Blues the advantage again only for Peter Crouch to level with a sidefoot effort high past Thibaut Courtois.
Stoke barely had time to celebrate, as moments after the restart Chelsea drove towards goal with Willian applying a fierce angled finish.
With five minutes remaining, the Blues all but sealed the three points when Diego Costa – who was magnificent as a target-man – shrugged off the attentions of Martins Indi to fire in the fourth.
At the Old Trafford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba scored late goals as Manchester United deservedly beat Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
The home side had fallen behind when Grant Leadbitter gave Boro a shock lead, drilling home a low finish from Alvaro Negredo’s knock down.
Up until then, United had bossed a match in which Pogba struck the post with an overhead kick and Martial hit the same upright with a long-range strike.
EPL: Chelsea keeps grip on top spot
01 January 2017 2:41 am WAT
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