Fixture - Chelsea vs Norwich

Match report

Chelsea moved four points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Norwich City.

Chris Hughton’s side did threaten a shock when Grant Holt justified his recall by firing the visitors in front but goals from Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic ensured Roberto di Matteo’s side continued their good start to the season.

Ten minutes had elapsed when Wes Hoolahan was allowed to cross to Leon Barnett, whose knockdown was fired in by Holt.

But three minutes later Torres, making amends for an earlier miss, equalised, heading in Ivanovic’s cross to calm Chelsea nerves. Torres then set up Chelsea's second after Norwich had failed to clear their lines in the 22nd minute. The Spain striker’s overhead kick rebounded straight to the feet of Lampard who dispatched his side’s second from 18 yards.

Ashley Cole could have added a third but headed wide, before Hazard finally did the honours. In the 31st minute as Terry cleared a corner, Mata evaded a tackle and ran for 60 yards before threading the ball to the Belgian to slot home. It could have been even worse for the visitors before half-time although Oscar failed to finish after a fine dribble.

Chelsea continued to threaten John Ruddy’s goal after the break. Oscar's 20-yard shot tested the Norwich goalkeeper, while Mata and Torres also came close.

With 14 minutes left, Ivanovic scored his side’s fourth with a near-post volley from Mata’s lay-off.