Norwich give Chelsea the Blues

Norwich 0-0 Chelsea

Chelsea were left frustrated as they failed to close the gap on the top three in the Premier League as they drew 0-0 with Norwich at Carrow Road.

The Blues now find themselves 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, despite having played a game more.

Norwich on the other hand maintained their top half position, and moved to within a point of eighth-placed Stoke.

Canaries’ goalkeeper, John Ruddy, capped off his inspirational performance with his side’s first clean sheet of the season.

Ruddy made a string of fine saves, particularly in the second half, to keep out a desperate Chelsea, looking to try and revive their slim title hopes.

Starting in attack for Andre Villas Boas’ team was Fernando Torres; however he couldn’t end his bad luck in front of the goal, and the Spaniard has now gone 17 games without finding the net.

The day proved to be frustrating for Torres, who was thwarted by Ruddy with a fine fingertip save in the first period.

And despite the London outfit dominating proceedings after half time, the striker could only manage to poke the ball wide when given his golden chance later on.

Juan Mata and Ramires were also denied by Ruddy; however City defenders Zak Whitbread and Daniel Ayala also deserve recognition for disturbing Chelsea’s flow.

In the visitors’ defence, new signing Gary Cahill was not included in the squad, so David Luiz and captain John Terry resumed duties in the centre.

Frank Lampard again started for Chelsea, but was forced off injured in the first half with a muscle tear.  The injury is not believed to be serious, however.

However with the Blues’ top goalscorer forced off after 37 minutes, and with Ivorian Didier Drogba away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the cutting edge needed in front of goal was lacking.

Instead, despite Juan Mata pulling the strings in midfield, it proved to be a bad day at the office for Torres and his Chelsea team.

Derek Baker

Full results:

Bolton 3-1 Liverpool

Wolves 2-3 Aston Villa

Fulham 5-2 Newcastle

Everton 1-1 Blackburn

QPR 3-1 Wigan

Stoke 1-2 West Brom