DHAKA: The Frenchman netted just after the hour mark to give Jose Mourinho's men a vital victory over the Potters at Stamford Bridge, despite the Scot's remarkable long-range strike.

A second-half Loic Remy goal gave Chelsea a 2-1 win over a battling Stoke City side on Saturday, despite a phenomenal strike from Potters midfielder Charlie Adam.

Adam embarrassed Thibaut Courtois with an astonishing strike from almost 65 yards to equalise just before half-time, Eden Hazard's strike from the penalty spot having deservedly put Chelsea in front.

Jose Mourinho left Diego Costa on the bench, stating ahead of the game that it would be a "gamble" to play the striker due to his hamstring problems, and that risk back-fired when he was injured again just 11 minutes after coming on at half-time.

Remy had replaced Costa in the starting line-up and, just as he did at Hull City last time out, the France striker scored the winner following a mistake from the otherwise outstanding Asmir Begovic as Chelsea continued their march towards regaining the title.

Remy wasted no time in making his presence felt, as he almost put Chelsea in front with a deflected strike that was destined for the top corner until Begovic somehow scrambled across to make an impressive reflex save just two minutes in.

Oscar failed to hit the target with a poor finish following a slick passing move, but Stoke's resistance was ended when Hazard put Chelsea in front six minutes before half-time.

The recalled Philipp Wollscheid rashly dived in on Cesc Fabregas after being beaten by the Spain midfielder and Hazard sent Begovic the wrong way after referee Jonathan Moss had pointed to the spot.

It was difficult to see how Stoke would get back into the game, but Adam took matters into his own hands with a sensational equaliser a minute before the break.

The midfielder looked up before trying his luck with an astonishing left-footed strike from inside his own half and, although Courtois got a hand on the ball after desperately scrambling back from the edge of his penalty area, he was unable to keep the goal of the season contender out.

Costa replaced Oscar at half-time and normal service was resumed, as Hazard's drive forced Begovic to make another fine save and the Stoke keeper again reacted brilliantly to keep out a free-kick from Willian that appeared to flick off Glenn Whelan's head.

Spain striker Costa lasted only 11 minutes before pulling up and limping away, with Didier Drogba coming on to replace him. Chelsea's frustration subsequently mounted, but Begovic undid his good work by gifting the home side a second goal.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international rolled the ball out carelessly after 62 minutes and Willian pounced to play in Hazard, who surged into the penalty area before unselfishly laying the ball off to Remy, who had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.

Chelsea's joy was almost short-lived, as Steven N'Zonzi clipped the outside of the post soon after Remy had struck, while Begovic made a fine double save to deny Juan Cuadrado at the other end as the leaders secured another three points.

BDST: 0852 HRS, APR 05, 2015
AKA