Ashley Cole's goal powers Chelsea past Stoke
Purchase this article for republication
Buy SPH photos
LONDON (AFP) - Ashley Cole's late goal saw Chelsea to a 1-0 win over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the European champions went four points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Stoke had looked like posting a record fifth successive draw since the start of the new season as the match entered the 85th minute but Cole's goal condemned them to their first league defeat this term.
Chelsea manager Roberto di Matteo left John Terry and Frank Lampard on the bench after their exertions in the midweek Champions League draw against Juventus, with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar lining up behind Fernando Torres.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis also opted to leave out Michael Owen in favour of another England striker in Peter Crouch as the Potters looked for a first win at Stamford Bridge since 1974.
