MX23RW : Sunday, January 12 23:38:16| >> :60:1721:1721:

Match Analysis: Chelsea 1-0 West Bromwich Albion

Match Analysis: Chelsea 1-0 West Brom
© PA Photos
Sports Mole analyses the Premier League clash between Chelsea and West Brom at Stamford Bridge, where Demba Ba scored the only goal in a victory for the hosts.

Demba Ba scored a first-half winner as Chelsea climbed back to third in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

His 27th-minute strike proved to be the only goal at Stamford Bridge on a day when interim manager Rafael Benitez was again greeted by boos from the Blues fans.

Below Sports Mole analyses whether the result was reflective of the action in West London.

Match statistics

Chelsea:
Shots: 25
On target: 19
Possession: 54%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 12

West Brom:
Shots: 8
On target: 4
Possession: 46%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 16

Was the result fair?

Yes. Chelsea were excellent for the first hour, creating numerous chances, one of which Ba converted to end a seven-game scoring drought. Although the hosts faltered in the final third of the match, West Brom never offered enough to net what would have been an unwarranted equaliser.

Chelsea's performance

The only thing that may frustrate Benitez regarding Chelsea's display was that their winning margin wasn't greater. Juan Mata and Oscar were at the heart of their stylish attacking play, which helped them create 25 goalscoring opportunities. Whenever the Baggies ventured forward, Chelsea coped comfortably until the latter stages, when Petr Cech came to their rescue with a fine double save.

West Brom's performance

In the absence of Blues loanee Romelu Lukaku, Shane Long was isolated up front and the visitors rarely provided sufficient support to the Irishman. Their defence was often cut open by Chelsea's quick passing moves and they would have lost by a more convincing scoreline had it not been for Ben Foster. The goalkeeper produced a number of fine saves to make his case for an England recall on the week that he came out of Three Lions retirement.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Ben Foster: This was between him and Chelsea's Oscar, who was only missing a goal from his skillful and composed performance. Foster denied the Brazilian his first Premier League goal from open play on four occasions, and the fact that the Blues scored just once from their 19 shots on target is a credit to how well Foster played.

Biggest gaffe

Gareth McAuley fell asleep at the back post and allowed David Luiz to head across goal unchallenged, leading to Ba's opener. A rare mistake from the usually reliable centre-half.

Referee's performance

Kevin Friend had little to do, but did correctly turn down Eden Hazard's penalty appeal after he fell to the ground under pressure from Jonas Olsson.

What next?

Chelsea: Away cup ties at Steaua Bucharest and Manchester United respectively, after which their chances of winning a trophy this season will be clearer.

West Brom: A home Premier League match against Swansea City, who currently sit just one place above them in the table.

ID:72096: cacheID:72096:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5571:
Written by
Joe Fish
Restore Data
Share this article now:
New Chelsea striker Demba Ba celebrates his second debut goal at Southampton on January 5, 2013
Read Next:
Chelsea move to third
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Steelers
14-28
Ravens
FT
Broncos
7-31
Bills
9.30pm
Packers
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!