Chelsea looked to be well on their way to a fourth straight league victory until Mame Diouf bagged a late goal, as the Blues drew 1-1 to Stoke at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea remained undefeated in the Premier League this season under Guus Hiddink.
It was a difficult two points dropped, as it would’ve seen the Blues jump up to 8th in the Premier League table for the time being. Instead, Chelsea sit in 10th place with 40 points (10 wins, 10 draws, nine losses) with Everton and Watford within striking distance (and a match in hand).
Bertrand Traore, who started in place of Diego Costa, opened the scoring on a wonder-strike in the 39th minute after the Burkina Faso native collected a pass from Nemanja Matic, made space in a sea of Stoke defenders, and fired a brilliant left-footed strike to the far post.
Diouf spoiled the party in the 85th minute after a turnover in the midfield from Willian was played out wide to Xherdan Shaqiri, who whipped in a cross that was punched from Thibaut Courtois, but only as far as Diouf at the penalty spot, who comfortably headed the ball to the back of the net.
Here are our player ratings from today’s match.
