Chelsea 3-0 Stoke City: Blues Back To The Top But Torres Woe Continues

Chelsea returned to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable 3-0 victory against Stoke City on Saturday.  Jose Mourinho's side went into their evening kick-off at Stamford Bridge knowing that Manchester City were victorious against Southampton and needed a win in order to keep the pressure on at the top.

Fernando Torres, the subject of heavy criticism from his manager after Chelsea's midweek Champions League defeat in Paris, was restored to the starting line-up but once again failed to find the net and remains without a Premier League goal since January 11.

Instead, Mohamed Salah found the breakthrough on his first Premier League start for the club. Following good work from Nemanja Matic, Salah blasted home with little over 30 minutes on the clock.

Branislav Ivanovic had a goal ruled out for offside but Frank Lampard sealed the points on the hour mark. Failing to find the net with his penalty, awarded after Andy Wilkinson's poor challenge on Salah, the midfielder reacted quickest after Asmir Begovic parried the ball back out.

Willian confirmed the victory with 18 minutes to go, finding the top corner with a tremendous curling effort to put Mourinho's side top of the pile once again.