Chelsea 4-1 Norwich – Report & Reaction: Virtuoso Performance

Roman Abramovich has always wanted Chelsea to play beautiful football aka the Barcelona way. Even though he was not at Stamford Bridge to witness it against Norwich City, the Chelsea fans certainly were entertained. If the 4-0 win over was flattering for Chelsea, the 4-1 score certainly flattered Norwich because the Blues battered the Canaries throughout the match.

This was by no means the tough defensive test because Norwich allowed a lot of time and space for Chelsea players throughout the pitch. However, capitalizing on such a poor performance was the key, as the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, and Oscar orchestrated the proceedings. There was also the usual exemplary performance, which was capped by a brilliant goal, from Lampard.

Norwich took the lead in the first half despite Chelsea dominating proceedings early on. However, normal service was restored very quickly as Torres and Lampard scored in quick succession.

Eden Hazard gave Chelsea breathing space going into the second half with a goal that was as good as the pass by Juan Mata.  Chelsea fans had to wait quite some time before the fourth goal, but it was worth the wait. Mata laid the ball for Ivanovic who volleyed in a goal that would make a striker be proud.

Norwich certainly did not provide a great threat, but it was vital to secure the club’s best start to a Premier League season since the days of Jose Mourinho. Chelsea fans do remember what happened when Chelsea made such a good start to the season.

Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo’s reaction:

“I thought it was excellent. We played some fantastic football, created a lot of chances and maybe could have scored a couple more.

“We have a philosophy we are aiming to play and at the moment the team is in healthy form, we are creating lots of chances and scoring lots of goals, with different goalscorers. It’s a team that’s in good shape.”

Line-ups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech, Ivanovic (Azpilicueta 78), David Luiz, Terry, Cole, Mikel (Romeu 82), Lampard (Ramires 66), Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Torres

Goals: Torres 13, Lampard 20, Hazard 30, Ivanovic 75

Norwich City (4-5-1): Ruddy, R Martin, Barnett, Bassong (R Bennett 77), Garrido, E Bennett, Howson, Tettey, Hoolahan, Johnson (Pilkington 67), Holt (Morison 76)

Goals: Holt 10