Chelsea’s John Terry looks dejected.
The Guardian/London
The good news for Chelsea is that the defence of their title is up and running with a first victory of the season and that Pedro, on this evidence, will light up the Premier League with his presence. The bad news for José Mourinho to digest is that the champions continue to look vulnerable in at the back, with John Terry following his humiliating half-time substitution at Manchester City last Sunday with a straight red card here.
Terry’s dismissal, early in the second half, changed the complexion of a breathless game that Chelsea seemed to have tied up when Cesar Azpilicueta, with his first Premier League goal, put the visitors 3-1 up just before half-time. Mark Clattenburg’s decision appeared a little harsh at first glance, and Mourinho will no doubt rage against the referee’s actions, but there was no escaping the fact that Terry was exposed or that he made contact with Salomón Rondón as Albion’s record signing was bearing down on goal.
When James Morrison – who had missed a penalty when the match was goalless – scored his second of the afternoon shortly after Terry was sent off, it was tempting to wonder whether a stadium that has been a graveyard for Chelsea managers in recent years – Roberto di Matteo and Andre Villas-Boas both lost their jobs after defeats here – might provide another rude awakening.
Chelsea, however, held on for a crucial victory and one that highlighted what a shrewd piece of business it was to sign Pedro from under Manchester United’s noses. Pedro marked his debut with a goal to put Chelsea ahead, set up Diego Costa’s first of the season and created a host of other opportunities. He was, in short, a joy to watch.
It was a strange and absorbing match. By the time the interval came Chelsea were enjoying themselves and there was no hint of what was to come.
“Chelsea are back” chanted the travelling supporters after Costa, with his first goal of the season, doubled their lead on the half-hour mark.
Pedro had given Chelsea the lead 10 minutes earlier after a wonderful exchange with Eden Hazard on the edge of the area.
When Costa doubled Chelsea’s advantage it was difficult to see a way back for the Albion side but Morrison gave them a flicker of hope when he scored in the 35th minute.
How Morrison must have wished he could have been so clinical earlier in the game, when Thibaut Courtois saved the poor midfielder’s penalty.
Chelsea were, however, soon back in control when Azpilicueta added their third. They wanted to score but Terry’s sending off proved to be a game-changer. But still the Blues managed to hold on with ten men.