Chelsea held off a late Norwich resistance to earn all three points in a tight game at Carrow Road this evening and continue their run of good form under Guus Hiddink.While the Blues were good value for their win, the Canaries missed a host of chances and posed problems as the game dragged on, creating a nervy ending for Hiddink and company.The vastly experienced Dutchman opted to field some of the club’s promising young talents in the shape of Bertrand Traore and Kenedy, in a decision that largely paid off.It was the latter, the tricky Brazilian winger, who opened the scoring with a fine effort after just 39 seconds – the fastest goal in the Premier League so far this season.Diego Costa, controversial as ever, double his side’s lead on the stroke half-time and the West London giants looked as if they would soon ease their into a relatively routine win.Despite the many problems dogging Alex Neil’s men, the home side certainly showed they do not lack heart.After Nathan Redmond pegged one back just after the hour mark, they began to ramp up the pressure and should really have added to their tally.The main culprit being Cameron Jerome, who missed a series of sitters.Tonight’s result lifts Chelsea into a lofty (for this season anyway) 8th position and just 5 points off Manchester United in fifth place, while Norwich slip into the drop zone on goal difference.
What else can we glean from the meeting in East Anglia? Well, here are FIVE things.
KENEDY A BRIGHT SPARK
One of the major criticisms surrounding Jose Mourinho was his refusal to blood the youngsters during even the darkest days of his tenure as Blues boss.
It’s becoming increasingly baffling as to why the Portuguese didn’t take a risk on the likes of Kenedy earlier on this season, when his side were in dire need of a lift.
The Brazilian is by no means the final product, though his goal was taken well with some fancy footwork, creating an exciting outlet playing just behind Diego Costa.
He has a long way to go, but amid the intense rebuild likely to go underway at Stamford Bridge soon, can represent a beacon of hope for the future.
NORWICH’S LACK OF GOALS COULD BE KEY
Norwich really aren’t a bad team in the slightest. They play a good, expansive brand of football but are let down in key crucial areas – defence and attack.
Yeah, it’s not the best mix.
Still, the Canaries created a host of chances against the Blues this evening and would no doubt have come away for something if they had a better finisher leading the line.
Cameron Jerome was a crucial part of the side during their promotion push last season, but the step up to the Premier League is clearly a bridge too far for the former Birmingham City forward.
Granted, he’s played his fair share of games at the top level, but has never been prolific. During his time with Stoke City, the 29-year old was more of a supplement to an otherwise well stocked department.
As the man to lead the line more often than not, Norwich are in for a bumpy ride.
REDMOND WILL HAVE SUITORS
Nathan Redmond is re-establishing himself as a top performer this season, despite the struggles of his team in a much wider sense.
The winger impressed during the Canaries’ last stint in the top tier, and is proving to be far more than merely a flash in the plan. He posed the Chelsea rearguard real problems today, notching the consolation goal before going close twice in the final stages.
A modern wide man, who takes his defensive duties just as seriously, the England under-21 international will no doubt have caught the eye of a few other sides in top tier.
With the East Anglia outfit’s position within it looking increasingly perilous, a summer move well be on the cards for the ex-Birmingham City trainee.
PATO STILL NOT READY
The decision to sign Alexandre Pato in the winter transfer window continues to baffle. Not only has the Brazilian suffered a severe dip in form and fitness over the past few years, he hasn’t even played since November.
Having only arrived on a six month loan deal, it begs the question, what was the point?
The forward was included in Hiddink’s match day squad for the first time since arriving, with many thinking he would make his debut.
However, fans on Twitter believed the former AC Milan wonder kid to still be carrying a bit of weight and he was left on the bench throughout proceedings.
The situation doesn’t add up in the slightest.
