Stoke shock Chelsea, Liverpool thrash West Ham

Chelsea’s bid for a fourth consecutive Premier League win fell dramatically short as they lost 3-2 in a thrilling game against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

Substitute Oussama Assaidi claimed the winning goal in the last minute after Stoke had recovered from a goal down to lead 2-1, only for Andre Schurrle to draw Jose Mourinho’s men level with his second goal of the game.

Assaidi, who had been on the pitch for only five minutes, turned Branislav Ivanovic on the edge of the area before despatching an unstoppable shot beyond visiting goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The shock defeat for Chelsea offers league leaders Arsenal the chance to extend their lead at the top to seven points by beating Everton on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium.

Stoke had never beaten Chelsea at the Britannia Stadium in 10 previous Premier League meetings, and their hopes of changing that statistic were dented as early as the ninth minute.

John Mikel Obi, starting the game in place of Frank Lampard following the 4-3 mid-week victory at Sunderland, threaded a pass through for Schurrle and the German international did the rest.

Stoke captain Ryan Shawcross and fellow defender Marc Wilson were left in his wake, before Schurrle shot powerfully across Asmir Begovic and inside the goalkeeper’s left-hand post.

Stoke did their best to respond, but Chelsea’s powerful midfield, with Eden Hazard once more catching the eye, held sway as the visitors sought to extend their lead.

However, Stoke’s persistence paid off in the 42nd minute, albeit with the aid of an unexpected lapse from Cech.

The Czech goalkeeper hesitated and stopped when Arnautovic flighted in a corner from the left and Crouch was able to collect and turn before squeezing a shot between two defenders.

Crouch’s celebration showed his delight at only his second league goal of the season on his ninth start.

There was even more to shout about in the home ranks five minutes into the second half as Stoke took the lead through Ireland.

Walters found room on the right flank following a long kick by Begovic and his pass inside to Ireland saw the former Aston Villa man beat Cech with a fine effort that went in off the post.

However, the celebrations had barely subsided when Chelsea levelled three minutes later.

In contrast to Chelsea’s frustrating day, Liverpool hammered West Ham 4-1 to go second on the league table.

Luis Suarez inspired the victory victory at Anfield on Saturday.

The Uruguayan striker got his 14th Premier League goal of the season to kill off the game after Martin Skrtel’s own goal had given the Hammers hope despite a Guy Demel own goal and a Mamadou Sakho effort putting Liverpool 2-0 ahead.

Suarez was also the instigator for the fourth goal, as his effort was turned in by Joey O’Brien late on for the third own goal of the encounter.

Other Results:

Sunderland 1-2Tottenham
Crystal Palace 2-0Cardiff City
Southampton 1-1 Manchester City
West Brom 0-2 Norwich City
Man United 0-1Newcastle United