Listen - Stoke City 0-2 Chelsea - Pulis laments double injury blow

STOKE 0-2 CHELSEA

Stoke City have developed a reputation as difficult to play against, despite one bookmaker paying out on their relegation before the first match of the season was completed.

A victory over Aston Villa and a spirited come back against Everton has strengthened that reputation, with Rory Delap's monstrous long throw becoming the scurge of teams who have faced it, and the dread of teams coming up against it.

Luiz Felipe Scolari admitted his side had prepared all week for the prospect of facing Stoke's secret weapon, alas a double injury blow saw Delap and striker Ricardo Fuller sidelined. The Blues' won the game 2-0 with goals from Jose Bosingwa and sub Nicolas Anelka either side of half time and Tony Pulis admitted afterwards the duo's absence cost his team any chance they had.

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