Tuesday, 1 March 2016

Norwich City 1-2 Chelsea: Kenedy and Costa strikes send Blues EIGHTH - 5 things we learned

Nathan Redmond scored in the second half to give the Canaries hope, but victory leaves the Blues just five points off Manchester United

Kenedy and Diego Costa struck to put Chelsea eighth in the league - despite an unconvincing win at Norwich.
Guus Hiddink's side were up after just 39 seconds - the quickest goal of the season - and added a second just before half time.
Nathan Redmond's second-half strike gave the Canaries hope, but the Blues held on for the win.
They're now only five points off Manchester United and keep their hopes of European football alive.
Here are five things we learned.

Adam Davy/PA Wire Kenedy scores the first goal
Kenedy scores the first goal

AFP/Getty Kenedy celebrates scoring the opening goal
Kenedy celebrates scoring the opening goal

1) Norwich are in trouble

The trap door is opening for Alex Neil’s side after another defeat. City have now taken just one point from their last eight league matches and, although they can moan about poor refereeing decisions, they looked second best at Carrow Road tonight.

AFP/Getty Jonathan Howson slides in against Oscar
Jonathan Howson slides in against Oscar

Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Diego Costa scores the second goal for Chelsea
Diego Costa scores the second goal for Chelsea

Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Diego Costa celebrates scoring the second goal for Chelsea
Diego Costa celebrates scoring the second goal for Chelsea

2) The crowd had a point about the ref

The home crowd cried: You're not fit to referee” at Lee Mason and they weren’t wrong after a performance which left even Neil – who likes to keep schtum on refs – banging his bald bonce in frustration.
The worst decision was not ruling Diego Costa off side for Chelsea’s second goal.

Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Nathan Redmond scores the first goal for Norwich City
Nathan Redmond scores the first goal for Norwich City

3) Cameron Jerome’s misses could prove costly

The former Palace striker could have had a hat-trick tonight.
Although at least he was having a go on goal. Before tonight City had touched the ball 426 times in the opposition area this season – which is an all-time low for the Premier League. Nathan Redmond showed him how to do it.

Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Cameron Jerome shoots at goal
Cameron Jerome shoots at goal

Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley Cameron Jerome looks dejected
Cameron Jerome looks dejected

4. Chelsea scored the fastest goal of the season

It took just 39 seconds for left-back Kennedy to open the scoring for Chelsea.
This is symptomatic of the way Hiddink has turned the Blues around since replacing Jose. His team look like they've been reborn.

Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Alex Neil looks dejected
Alex Neil looks dejected

5. Alex Neil needs to change his team's style

Neil has to sacrifice his principles and get to his team to play a more direct style.
They're on a very poor run has and there has to be a change in tactics if the Canaries are to avoid going straight back down into the Championship.

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