Bertrand Traore springs from midfield and is picked out as he bursts through the home defence, can he compose himself? A big, big no. His touch is so heavy he practically kicks the ball into Scotland and John Ruddy cannot believe his luck as he picks it up.

A blow for Norwich as Alex Tettey cannot continue despite treatment. Gary O'Neil is on.

Oscar is holding his position well as an attacking option through the middle. Little to no work being done out wide and he's had 20 touches in central areas. The Brazilian has completed 95% of his passes and looks a threat.

Image source, .

Alex Tettey needs a bit of attention from the medic after a challenge. There's some reprieve for both sides. The next goal so, so key here. Chelsea will cruise home if they get it and deflate Norwich who may feel they deserve to be level.

In truth, the champions look to have a spare gear. Will they need it and can they kick into it?

Eden Hazard springs a bit of space deep in the Norwich half and he will poke a ball into the path of Oscar who is in... not quite, a tad too much on the pass. John Ruddy is out quickly.

Image source, Getty Images

I'm not sure about you but my coach during the glorious days of junior football used to say "if you see the whites of the posts, hit it." The simple instructions are always the best.

Norwich's problem is they barely see the posts. Before tonight the Premier League strugglers had touched the ball 426 times in the opposition area this season, and that my friends is a league low.

Perhaps it's time to pump that ball into the box?

Bertrand Traore cuts in from the Chelsea right and will smack one, great block in the area as two Norwich bodies went to ground to smother it.

Image source, Reuters

Branislav Ivanovic is quick to cover a diagonal ball as Norwich look to get in, he has to be on his toes. A throw leads to a cross into the box, headed away. 

There is applause of encouragement at Carrow Road as the home side dig in. Where is the key piece of magic though?

Cameron Jerome showing me pace I never knew he had as the afterburners come on to reach the dead-ball line. He's running so hard he can only chip a weak cross which Thibaut Courtois looks at, flutters his eye lashes and catches. Easy.

As you can see, it has settled to be quite even. Both sides have had two shots apiece.

Image source, .

Diego Costa is having influence, dodging some tackles on halfway to set the ball wide for his full-back, expert hold-up play. Oscar drops deep, passes to Cesc Fabregas, keep ball. Gary Cahill, wide to Kenedy, Oscar again, no rush to go anywhere, Chelsea's fast start has given them a perfect platform.

Cameron Jerome is urged to chase Thibaut Courtois down and responds. Norwich are starting to see some joy but a long ball forward dribbles out fort a goal kick, Ryan Bennett the offender.

Picture caption anyone?

Image source, Reuters

That is a little more like it as a cross from the left picks out Cameron Jerome and his header finds the top of the net. He had a lot to do from a full 12 yards and was a foot or so away from beating the bar.

Nathan Redmond finds a crossing area, straight into the stand behind the goal. Wrap your foot around it, son.

Image source, Reuters

Jonny Howson is in the book for a slide tackle on Cesc Fabregas. At least it shows a bit of bite. In truth, Chelsea are in control, reasonably threatening with the ball, organised without.

A quick peep at the goal again. You can see Kenedy had plenty of time to make up his mind, wandering infield, looking for a pass before thumping in. Looks like an assist for Eden Hazard for all you fantasy football lovers.

Image source, Opta

Postpublished at 11 mins

11 mins

Norwich 0-1 Chelsea

Wes Hoolahan is well placed to make a solid tackle on Oscar as shooting space seemed to open for the Brazilian. Hoolahan stood his ground, didn't go to the deck to block. 

A quick reminder for you as to how Norwich went into this game. In a nutshell, it is not a pretty picture.

Can we now discount Aston Villa? Maybe. Sunderland host Crystal Palace tonight - a game you'd think they have a chance in. Newcastle go to Stoke tomorrow.

It's time now ladies and gents. Time to get out of your comfortable armchairs, kick, scrap and do pretty much whatever it takes to bag points. Relegation will hurt.

Nemanja Matic brings the goalscorer into play and Kenedy keeps possession, Chelsea switch the play. This is the first settled spell we have seen.