CHELSEA DEMOLISHES STOKE CITY TO REGAIN PREMIERSHIP LEAD

Chelsea’s seemingly insurmountable advantage atop the English Premier League table shrunk to a single point following last week’s loss to Tottenham Hotspur.  After Saturday’s Manchester United victory over the same Tottenham team, the Blues were briefly in second place pending Sunday’s home contest against Stoke City.  Chelsea responded in impressive fashion, clearly intending to make a statement as they ripped their opponents 7-0 to regain their spot atop the standings.

A Chelsea win was certainly expected by soccer betting enthusiasts, and clearly reflected in the hefty -700 price on the home team.  Takeback on Stoke City was an almost unbelievable +2000, while the draw was priced at +600.  Obviously, the 7 goals scored soared over the posted total of 3 OV.  The Chelsea offensive onslaught was even more remarkable given the stingy play of Stoke City in recent weeks.  The 7 goals scored by Chelsea were more than Stoke City had allowed to their previous 7 opponents combined.

Chelsea was without defender John Terry for this game, but quickly got to work in a manner suggesting that their ‘best defense was a good offense’.  Salomon Kalou scored at 24 minutes and again 7 minutes later, and the home team was never seriously threatened after that.  Frank Lampard made it 3-0 with a penalty kick just before the halftime break.  In the second half, Kalou would score at 68 minutes to complete his ‘hat trick’ followed by a second goal from Lampard.  A defiant Blues attack continued to pour it on with the game long settled, pushing the final score to 7-0 with goals by Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda in the closing minutes of the game.

The disparity on the stat sheet was just as great as on the ‘big scoreboard’ as Chelsea outshot Stoke 33-3 and held a 14-0 shots on goal advantage.  The home team also maintained a whopping 72% to 28% time of possession edge.  Chelsea does control their own destiny in the Premier League race, and victories over Liverpool at Anfield and lowly Wigan at home will clinch the crown.

Obviously, the game at Liverpool will be the toughest remaining test for Chelsea.  Despite a disappointing season overall, Liverpool is still a formidable foe on their home pitch with 13 wins, 3 draws and only 2 losses at Anfield.  Manchester United has a slightly easier schedule, playing at Sunderland and then hosting Stoke City.