BPL: Chelsea Vs West Brom Match Report - Up and Down go the blues

Chelsea survived a huge scare against West Bromwich Albion as Eden Hazard converted a controversial late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho has spoken honestly about the lack of atmosphere at Chelsea’s home games, resigning himself to an admission of a noise level he believes to be characteristic of Stamford Bridge.
Up and down go the Blues.

One thing is for certain—the Blues are far better at home, currently with five wins in five matches at Stamford Bridge in league play.

West Brom have been steady, taking 12 points from their last seven matches, including a draw against Arsenal and a win versus Manchester United. They’ve lost just one road match in league play, though it was a blowout against Liverpool, 4-1.

The Blues appeared to be cruising when Samuel Eto’o stole in to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time, but two somewhat scrappy goals from Shane Long and Stephane Sessegnon seemed to be enough for Baggies manager Steve Clarke to inflict a landmark defeat on his former mentor.

But, in the final seconds of four minutes of injury time, Ramires went down under minimal pressure from Steven Reid in the penalty area, with Eden Hazard duly converting from 12 yards to rescue a dramatic point.

Twenty-four hours after Jose Mourinho declared of diving, “I hate it, but I don’t have a problem as none of my players do it,” his unbeaten league record at Stamford Bridge was rescued by an example of the genre from Ramires. The Brazilian tumbled to the floor in the 94th and final minute of this pulsating match. It may have been a dive, it may have been Ramires lost control of his legs, either way it should not have been a penalty.

Best of the match -

•Man of the match: Eden Hazard. West Brom’s centre-backs were excellent but Hazard gets the nod after helping set up Chelsea’s opener and calmly converting the late penalty.

•Moment of the match: There was fury from West Brom’s players after the referee pointed to the spot after a challenge by Steven Reid on Ramires, but Hazard kept his cool to grab a point for Chelsea.

•Goal of the match: Samuel Eto’s opener owed much Liam Ridgewell’s mistake but it showed his finishing instincts and came after good work by Hazard.

•Save of the match: Boaz Myhill made a great save down low to his right from a Branislav Ivanovic shot which came through a crowded area.

•Talking point: Was the referee right to give Chelsea a penalty?

Man of the Match: Stephane Sessegnon and Eden Hazard

Flop of the Match: Petr Cech