Juan Mata scored on his debut for a still-stuttering Chelsea in a 3-1 home win over promoted Norwich City as the Londoners joined Wolverhampton Wanderers at the top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Juan Mata scored on his debut for a still-stuttering Chelsea in a 3-1 home win over promoted Norwich City as the Londoners joined Wolverhampton Wanderers at the top of the Premier League on Saturday.
Andre-Villas Boas's new side have failed to sparkle in the early weeks of the Premier League season but Portuguese full back Jose Bosingwa gave Chelsea a superb early start with a rare goal from 22 metres.
Norwich equalised in comical fashion when stand-in goalkeeper Hilario bungled a cross and Grant Holt hooked into an empty net midway through the second half but the hosts went ahead again through Frank Lampard's 82nd-minute spotkick.
The penalty was awarded when Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy was dismissed for bringing down Ramires and Spanish substitute Mata exposed Norwich's 10 men when he bent in a third goal in injury time.
Chelsea's Didier Drogba, brought in to partner Fernando Torres up front, suffered a sickening fall and had to have extensive treatment as he was carried off.
Wolves had won their opening two fixtures, like Manchester City and Manchester United, but were content to leave Aston Villa with a 0-0 draw after the Birmingham-based side put their local rivals under the cosh for long spells.
Gabriel Agbonlahor had arguably the best chance for the hosts but goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey pulled off a good save.
Liverpool can join Chelsea and Wolves on seven points if they win at home to Bolton Wanderers later on Saturday (1630 GMT).
Manchester City travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (1230) when champions Manchester United welcome Arsenal (1500).
Argentine Franco Di Santo scored twice to give Wigan Athletic a 2-0 home win over promoted Queen's Park Rangers with the visitors deciding not to give Joey Barton a debut after his move from Newcastle United.
Villa and Wigan are joint fifth.
Hapless Blackburn Rovers lost 1-0 at home to Everton after Junior Hoilett and Mauro Formica both missed penalties for the home side before Mikel Arteta made no mistake with his injury-time spotkick.
Promoted Swansea City, still looking for their first Premier League goal, drew 0-0 at home to Sunderland in a game where both sides hit the bar.
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