Norwich City 1-2 Chelsea

Chelsea survived a second-half Norwich City fightback to move into the top half of the table for the first time since August.

Kenedy and Diego Costa goals put the Blues ahead at Carrow Road before Nathan Redmond set up a grandstand finish.

However, Guus Hiddink’s side showed their defensive steel to dig in for three more points under the interim manager.

Willian and John Obi Mikel were among those given a rest by the Blues chief while Alexandre Pato was named on the bench for the first time.

Kenedy, retaining his place at the expense of the dropped Baba Rahman, wasted no time in staking a claim for a regular starting spot.

His fabulous opening goal came after just 39 seconds and ranks as the fastest Premier League strike seen anywhere this season.

Having struck right at the start of the first period, Chelsea added a second in stoppage time as Costa snuck in behind the defence and dinked the ball home.

Opener: Chelsea's Brazilian winger Kenedy celebrates scoring
It's two! Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring
Late scare: Nathan Redmond pulls one back for Norwich

Replays showed the Spaniard was offside but the decision was missed by the officials, much to the displeasure of the Canaries fans.

Norwich made a real game of it in the second period with Cameron hitting the bar before Redmond eventually pulled one back for the hosts.

Chelsea struggled to keep possession in Norfolk in the closing stages but there was to be no late equaliser and Hiddink’s boys crept over the line.

Stoke City are next up at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Kenedy (Rahman), Fabregas, Matic, Hazard, Oscar (Willian), Traore (Mikel), Diego Costa.

Subs (not used): Begovic, Loftus-Cheek, Pato, Remy.

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