Third time lucky for Diouf as Stoke keep Chelsea in check

STOKE squeezed a point out of Stamford Bridge for the first time in 32 years to keep ahead of Chelsea in the chase for a place in Europe.

Mame Biram Diouf headed in late on to cancel out Bertrand Traore’s first-half beauty as Stoke stay three points ahead of the champions, who would have overtaken the visitors on goal difference had they won.

‘I was going to take off Diouf just prior to his goal,’ manager Mark Hughes admitted, perhaps due to the two glorious chances he had missed before then.

There was no Diego Costa for Chelsea but it appeared no problem for boss Guus Hiddink as Traore put them in front.

Since he took over in December, Hiddink has been reeling in the top five, but this was one that got away and he conceded that it is ‘almost impossible’ to reach fourth now, adding: ‘Especially when other teams are knocking on the door.

‘It will be nice if we can go into a very beautiful March and April, and I’m referring to the upcoming Champions League and FA Cup.’

Hiddink set a new record by going 12 Premier League games unbeaten since replacing Jose Mourinho — a feat unmatched by any new boss.

During that spell, Traore (20), has emerged as a real challenger to Costa, rested as a precaution after suffering a minor tendon injury but expected to be fit to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The goal was his fourth in five matches. Eden Hazard had a low shot saved by Jack Butland and Willian struck narrowly over the top corner, but just before the break Traore went for that same corner and found it perfectly.

Nemanja Matic found his team- mate, who had his back to goal on the edge of the penalty area but he turned to his left, making space to shoot, before unleashing his effort past Butland with his left foot.

Diouf was regretting not having converted two clear chances to put Stoke ahead. On 21 minutes, Ibrahim Afellay sent in a wonderful, early cross and the striker just had to coax the ball under the bar, but sent it over it instead.

With 10 minutes left before the break, Xherdan Shaqiri found Diouf who was unmarked and volleyed towards goal, but his effort went wide.

Chances were traded at either end in quick succession in the second half and Stoke deserved their equaliser.

Shaqiri made another burst down the right, his cross was pushed out by Thibaut Courtois but Diouf headed in the rebound.

‘It was an excellent away performance — we took the game to Chelsea,’ said Hughes.