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May 4, 2014 at 4pm UK
 
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Match Analysis: Chelsea 0-0 Norwich City

:Headline: Match Analysis: Chelsea 0-0 Norwich City: ID:153417: from db_amp
Sports Mole takes a closer look at Chelsea's goalless draw at home to Norwich in the Premier League.

Chelsea saw their hopes of being crowned Premier League champions suffer a serious blow on Sunday with a goalless draw at home to Norwich City.

The result means that Jose Mourinho's side will be out of the running altogether if Liverpool beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night.

Meanwhile, a point for Norwich has seen the Canaries give themselves an outside chance of staying in the top flight.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at Stamford Bridge.

Match statistics

Chelsea
Shots: 23
On target: 4
Possession: 71%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

Norwich
Shots: 6
On target: 3
Possession: 29%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 17

Was the result fair?

It is hard to say that Chelsea did not deserve the win just for the sheer amount of possession and shots on goal that they had. That said, Norwich defended resolutely and can feel pleased with coming away from Stamford Bridge with what could prove to be an important point in their bid for survival.

Chelsea's performance

The Blues dominated pretty much the whole match, but a lack of finishing once again cost them. Having had 23 attempts on goal shows you that the Blues were camped inside the Norwich half for most of the afternoon. However, just four of those were on target.

Their first-half display was dull and guileless, though the introduction of Eden Hazard at the start of the second period gave the hosts a much-needed injection of attacking intent. They huffed and puffed continuously after the clever Belgian came on in search of what would have been a very important goal for their title challenge, but the visitors stood firm to frustrate the home side.

Norwich's performance

The Canaries had to ride their luck at times, but they eventually came away with a credible point thanks to a heroic display that was full of energy, enthusiasm and courage. While they only occasionally ventured into the Chelsea half, it was in defence where Neil Adams's side earned their corn.

Michael Turner and his colleagues threw themselves at everything, giving 100% commitment at all times. A point still leaves them with a lot of work to do in terms of staying up, though the league has shown us this season that almost anything is possible. Either way, they should be proud of this performance.

Sports Mole's man of the match

John Ruddy: It tells you something about the imbalance of a match when the goalkeeper is the star performer, but Norwich shot-stopper Ruddy made a handful of vital saves to keep Chelsea at bay.

Biggest gaffe

Chelsea could have taken the lead in the first half when Demba Ba broke free down the left before trying to cross the ball to the unmarked Andre Schurrle inside the box. However, the striker fluffed his lines by sending a tame pass straight into the grateful arms of John Ruddy.

Referee performance

Neil Swarbrick had a mixed bag of an afternoon, with two decisions in particular coming under intense scrutiny. The first was his failure to penalise Norwich defender Michael Turner for barging Demba Ba to the ground inside the box with just a few minutes on the clock. The second saw the official fail to award the visitors a penalty following Ashley Cole's foul on Martin Olsson.

What next?

Chelsea: The Blues will be hoping that they still have a shot at the title next Sunday when they travel to Cardiff City.

Norwich: The Canaries bring an end to their Premier League campaign next Sunday at home to Arsenal.

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