Chelsea lose again despite improved display

Stoke 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea suffered a seventh Premier League defeat of the season despite dominating a breathless game against Stoke.

The Blues missed numerous opportunities before Marko Arnautovic smashed in the winner shortly after the interval.

Chelsea, without manager Jose Mourinho, who was serving a stadium ban, continued to create chances with Pedro going closest with a shot that hit the post.

But the Potters managed to withstand strong late pressure to earn the three points.

Chelsea dominated a goalless first half but were unable to find a finish to match their fine build-up play.

Eden Hazard, restored to the starting line-up after impressing as a substitute in the midweek win over Dynamo Kiev, was the standout player in the first 45 minutes and was involved in most of Chelsea’s best moments.

The Belgian combined with Willian to tee up Ramires for a shooting chance on the break and then showed neat skills on the left to put in a cross that just eluded Diego Costa.

He also had a dangerous shot blocked from a corner, but the best Blues chance fell to Ramires, whose brilliant 25-yard half-volley was tipped over by keeper Jack Butland.

Stoke’s threat was limited, with a decent strike by Jon Walters that forced a smart save from keeper Asmir Begovic their only noteworthy chance.

But they went ahead seven minutes after the restart.

Glen Johnson ran on to a Xherdan Shaqiri pass and his cross found its way to Arnautovic via a Walters chance and the Austrian fired the ball past Begovic at the near post.

Chelsea continued to dominate possession and territory but the goal would not come.

Pedro was desperately unlucky not to equalise with a curling effort that smashed off the post and Hazard had a goalbound shot deflected wide.

Substitute Loic Remy could have had a goal or a penalty late on, but opted to tried to stay on his feet as he rounded an on-rushing Butland and slipped as he shot.