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Chelsea logo
Premier League
Oct 19, 2013 at 3pm UK
 
Cardiff City logo

4-1

Hazard (33', 82'), Eto'o (66'), Oscar (74')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Mutch (10')

Match Analysis: Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff City

Sports Mole takes a look at the key talking points from Chelsea's 4-1 win over Cardiff City.

Chelsea ensured that their 100% home record in the Premier League continued on Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 triumph over Cardiff City.

The visitors took an early lead thanks to Jordon Mutch before Eden Hazard equalised just before half time.

The Blues took charge of the contest after the break, with goals from Samuel Eto'o, Oscar and a second from Hazard securing a 4-1 victory.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at the key talking points from this afternoon's contest.

Match statistics:

Chelsea:
Shots 20
On target 7
Possession 65%
Corners 6
Fouls 8

Cardiff:
Shots 13
On target 3
Possession 35%
Corners 9
Fouls 5

Was the result fair?

'Yes' is the simple answer to that question. Manager Jose Mourinho will be very disappointed with the way his side started the match but they improved as the minutes passed. Chelsea did not produce their best form but it was clear they were the better side when it mattered in the second half.

Chelsea's performance

As already pointed out, the hosts were not at their best early on. Their passing was disappointing for much of the first half but they increased the tempo to apply more pressure in the second half. Mourinho will expect more from his side in the future but their quality was enough to see them earn a win today.

Cardiff's performance

What could have happened? Many Cardiff supporters may head back home asking themselves the question following a frustrating afternoon. The visitors were beaten convincingly in the end but they did enjoy spells of superiority. However, David Marshall's mistake will be what sticks in the memory.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Eden Hazard: The Belgian started the game just as slowly as some of his teammates but he produced some excellent moments which helped Chelsea past the finishing line. Hazard scored two goals but it was his decision-making in the final third of the pitch that earns him this award.

Biggest gaffe

If Chelsea hadn't won this game, David Luiz might have picked up this honour for his part in Cardiff's goal. However, Marshall's lack of awareness for the first goal allowed Eto'o to take advantage and assist Hazard, who scored the equaliser. Some may argue that the goal should not have stood but it was a big risk to take with the striker lurking.

Referee performance

Anthony Taylor did not have any big calls to make at Stamford Bridge and he ended up having a pretty good game. Luiz pushed the referee to the limit with a couple of fouls after being booked, but Taylor was sensible enough to keep 22 players on the pitch.

What next?

Chelsea: Mourinho's side turn their attention to the Champions League on Tuesday as they travel to Germany to face Schalke.

Cardiff: The Bluebirds will look to bounce back from this defeat when they visit Norwich City next Saturday.

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Chelsea's Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge in west London on October 19, 2013
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