First-half goals from Kenedy and Diego Costa earned Chelsea all three points from their trip to Norwich City this evening.
Youngster Kenedy broke the deadlock in just 39 seconds, before Costa added a second goal in stoppage time.
Norwich winger Nathan Redmond reduced the arrears after the restart, but Chelsea held out to extend their unbeaten run of Premier League form to 12 matches.
Find out how the match unfolded with Sports Mole's text updates below.
Evening all. There's nothing quite like a full programme of midweek Premier League fixtures, is there?! Here, our focus will be largely on Norwich City's home clash with Chelsea at Carrow Road. It's a big game for the hosts in particular as they look nervously over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
First things first, team news. Let's take a look at how these two sides will start the game...
TEAM NEWS:
Norwich: Ruddy; Bennett, Martin, Klose; Pinto, Tettey, Howson, Brady; Redmond, Hoolahan; Jerome
Subs: Mbokani, Jarvis, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Olsson, O'Neil
Chelsea: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Kenedy; Fabregas, Matic; Hazard, Oscar, Traore; Costa
Subs: Begovic, Rahman, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Willian, Pato, Remy
The big news to come from that Chelsea side is that youngster Bertrand Traore makes his first Premier League start. The 20-year-old has come into the team at the expense of Willian, while Kenedy has been handed a start at left-back. Also, it is the first time that January signing Alexandre Pato has been included in a matchday squad. Perhaps we will get a first glimpse of the Brazilian striker in action on these shores.
LANDMARK! And another line to come out of the Chelsea starting lineup:
As for the home side, it's a 3-5-2 formation from manager Alex Neil. Republic of Ireland international Wes Hoolahan will take up the role as playmaker, with Ivo Pinto and Robbie Brady operating as the wing-backs. However, on a more negative note, neither Steven Naismith nor Andre Wisdom have made the squad because of injury.
The omission of Naismith in particular is a bad one for Norwich. Not only is the Scot a big-money January arrival, he also has a knack of scoring against Chelsea. Earlier in the season while still an Everton player, he scored all three of their goals in a victory over the West Londoners at Goodison Park.
Right, let's take a look at what the two gaffers have had to say in the days leading up to this contest, starting with Neil:
"In recent weeks we've had games where we've been in control of them, but for one reason or another we've let a lead slip or found ourselves on the wrong end of the result," he told reporters.
"Obviously I'm hoping that it's going to change on Tuesday. If we can get something out of the game then it would be a huge bit of encouragement going into Saturday's match [away at Swansea City]."
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Hiddink commented: "Of course we have a tight schedule but the team is focused to continue on this path.
"When I started in December we were close to the relegation zone, one point away. Of course this club must have big objectives but it was a side objective to get away from the relegation zone as soon as possible. The team did well with draws and victories so in a relatively short time we've accomplished that in-between target. That encourages us to go on."
So, what can we expect tonight? Goals, hopefully! In 13 Premier League matches at Carrow Road this season, the net has been bulged on 38 occasions. Not only that, in Norwich's nine matches this calendar year, 30 goals have been scored. Sadly for Neil's men, just one of those games in that time has seen them end up on the right side of the scoreline.
STAT! Another reason to anticipate goals...
PODCAST! We still have a bit of time before this match gets underway. Why not use that opportunity to listen to episode eight of Sports Mole's podcast 'The Dugout':
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What does a victory mean to these two sides then? Well, Norwich are only being kept out of the bottom three on goal difference, so a win for them is obviously massively important. For Chelsea, they will move into the top half (still seems strange typing that at this stage of the season) if they come out on top. Remember, the champions are unbeaten in the Premier League since Guus Hiddink took interim charge in December.
We heard from Hiddink earlier, but he's just been talking to Sky Sports News about his team selection. Here's a snippet:
"Two players who are not used to playing many games are starting tonight, Bertrand Traore and Kenedy. They are knocking on the door and are doing well in training. They come in late in games and do well so they deserve to start. This is very tricky, this is a big game for Norwich. In Champions League games, concentration is high and I hope we do not need a wake up call for this game."
PREDICTION: With around 10 minutes to go until kickoff, let's have a stab at predicting the outcome of this game. Goals (at both ends) have not exactly been in short supply for Norwich this season and that could well continue tonight. Chelsea are in decent form and looking at their teamsheet, they should be too strong for the hosts. I'll say 3-1 to the visitors with Costa helping himself to a brace.
The warm-ups have now been completed and the two teams are back in the dressing rooms.
Right, the players have now made the way out on to the pitch and the handshakes are underway. Only a couple of minutes until the referee blows his whistle for the first time tonight.
KICKOFF! Norwich's Hoolahan and Redmond get this game off and running.
GOAL! NORWICH 0-1 CHELSEA (KENEDY)
The last thing Neil would have said to his Norwich players before they went out would have been 'keep it tight for the first 10 minutes or so'. Well, that's gone out of the window! They are behind in 40 seconds and it's Brazilian full-back Kenedy that has done the damage. He checks back on to his left foot and then sends a low shot through Bennett's legs and into the bottom corner of Ruddy's net. What a start for Chelsea!
STAT! I stand corrected, it was indeed 39 seconds:
Another opening for Chelsea and it involves Hazard, who breaks away and reaches the byline. His cutback is intended for an onrushing Traore, but the ball is just behind the youngster and Norwich are able to clear. The hosts need to get a foothold in this game or it will soon be out of reach.
Better from Norwich as they start to put some pressure on Chelsea. First, Jerome finds some space and then overhits a pass for Hoolahan, before Howson sees his shot deflected behind for a corner. Frantic stuff in Norfolk.
MATCH ACTION! Here's Chelsea youngster Kenedy celebrating his rapid goal.
BOOKING! There was a bit of confusion initially, but now there has been confirmation that Norwich midfielder Howson is the first player to be cautioned tonight for bringing down Oscar.
CHANCE! A big opportunity for Norwich frontman Jerome, who should do much better. He's all alone inside the Chelsea box and is expertly picked out by Hoolahan. The header has to be planted into the ground, but instead he loops the ball into the air and it flies harmlessly over. He won't get many better chances than that this evening.
A tactical problem has become apparent during the opening exchanges and Norwich must address it. When the ball goes out wide, they are struggling to get players into the box. At times, even lone striker Jerome is not making up the distance. It means that crosses are a waste of time and easily defended.
The possession is being dominated by Chelsea at present, but they are not exactly looking threatening with it. Everything is being played in front of the Norwich defence, with Costa cutting a frustrated figure.
That's better from the Londoners as Traore springs them into life. He exchanges passes with Fabregas and then pulls the trigger, only to see his effort blocked by Klose.
Oh dear Tettey! The Norwich midfielder seems to be caught in two minds as to either shoot or pass 25 yards from goal. He eventually opts for the latter but only succeeds in sending the ball out of touch. The less said about that the better!
And it gets worse for Tettey. He's now off the pitch receiving treatment for an ankle problem.
NORWICH SUB: Tettey's race has been run I'm afraid. The Norwegian is unable to play on because of that injury and he has been replaced by Gary O'Neil.
CHANCE! This is the sort of moment that Traore, on his full debut, will have dreamed of. He's just been put clean through by Hazard's defence-splitting flick. However, the young attacker's touch lets him down and the ball runs through to Ruddy.
BOOKING! A second yellow card of the game goes to Norwich and their defender Bennett for a late challenge on Hazard.
SAVE! How often have we seen free kicks from out wide whipped into the box, evade everyone and then creep inside the far post? Ruddy is having none of that, though, as he turns behind Fabregas's effort.
GOAL! NORWICH 0-2 CHELSEA (COSTA)
It could well be game over at Carrow Road, although that shouldn't be the case. Costa is picked out by Traore and makes light work of beating Ruddy to put his side 2-0 up. But, replays show that the Chelsea striker was about a yard offside when the pass was played to him. How the linesman has not seen that is beyond me. Nevertheless, the goal stands and it's an uphill battle for Norwich now.
HALF TIME: NORWICH 0-2 CHELSEA
Chants of "you're not fit to referee" are aimed at official Martin Atkinson as he and the players head down the tunnel. The home supporters are not happy and you can understand why.
Nobody is disputing that Norwich cannot feel hard done by, but it should not paper over the cracks. The fact is that they have contributed very little to this game. They are struggling to get any real possession and when they do, the quality is badly lacking. Barring a dramatic turnaround it's going to be eight Premier League games without a win. They are looking a sure bet for relegation right now.
As for Chelsea, it's been a professional display so far. They haven't been scintillating by any means, but certainly deserve to be in front. The liveliness shown by Hazard is bound to delight his manager ahead of a big game against PSG in the Champions League, while youngster Traore has also been bright. If Norwich commit more players forward in the second half, you'd expect Chelsea to pick them off with ease.
STAT! Sums up the half nicely:
RESTART! Chelsea, who seem to hold a comfortable 2-0 lead, get proceedings back underway.
An early attack from Chelsea sees Costa have a brief sight of goal, but it's eventually snuffed out and Norwich clear the danger.
CHANCE! That's two decent openings for Jerome and he has wasted both, sparking groans from the home fans. This time it's O'Neil that picks him out at the back post with a deep cross. It falls perfectly for a volley, but the Norwich frontman can only fire into the side netting.
CROSSBAR! It's not Jerome's night, that's for sure. This is the easiest chance of the lot as Chelsea only half clear a corner. Martin heads the ball across the face of the Chelsea goal, where Jerome is waiting with the goal at his mercy. However, he somehow sends his rising volley against the crossbar and out for a goal kick. You cannot afford to miss those type of chances in the Premier League.
CHELSEA SUBS: A double change from Hiddink sees Mikel and Willian enter the action at the expense of Oscar and Traore.
NORWICH SUB: And there is also an attacking switch from Norwich boss Neil, who takes off defender Bennett and throws on striker Mbokani.
CHANCE! I suppose you have to give Jerome some credit because he keeps trying! This time he rises highest to meet Brady's cross, but from eight yards out the ball flies well over the crossbar.
Another break in play as Norwich's German centre-back Klose is down receiving treatment.
It appears that unlike Tettey earlier in the game, Klose has recovered sufficiently to return to the action. Some good news for Norwich.
GOAL! NORWICH 1-2 CHELSEA (REDMOND)
That's how you do it, Mr Jerome! Norwich are back in this game and it's all thanks to their lively winger Redmond. He receives the ball down the right channel and rather than check back, he unleashes a rising shot that leaves Chelsea keeper Courtois no chance. A great finish from Redmond. Carrow Road has come to life!
CHELSEA SUB: There will be no Chelsea debut for Pato tonight as Hiddink makes his final change, which sees Rahman replace goalscorer Kenedy.
BOOKING! There's some major belief about Norwich now. They're pressing all over the pitch, which results in Chelsea midfielder Fabregas being cautioned for a foul on Redmond.
BOOKING! The yellow card is starting to become a regular feature now. This time it's Klose that gets his name taken down as Costa tries to race away from him.
OUCH! A nasty clash between Norwich teammates O'Neil and Brady leaves both requiring treatment for blood injuries. O'Neil seems to have come off particularly badly and may require stitches.
O'Neil has rejoined the action doing his best Terry Butcher impression. Norwich have nine minutes (plus stoppage time) to salvage what looked like being an unlikely draw at half time.
CHANCE! Chelsea have an opportunity to wrap up the three points as Willian whips in a corner for Matic. His header looks to be a good one, but it ends up floating off target.
There will be five minutes of stoppage time at the end of this game. Can Chelsea hold out?
FULL TIME: NORWICH 1-2 CHELSEA
There goes the final whistle and Chelsea do indeed claim the three points at Carrow Road. Things got a little bit nervy towards the end, but they probably did enough over the 90 minutes to deserve the spoils. The Blues are up to eighth, while worryingly for Norwich, they drop into the relegation zone.
That is all we have time for from East Anglia this evening. Thanks for joining Sports Mole and until next time, goodbye.
