Mike Hewitt/Getty ImagesDespite heavy defeats, there are positives to be found for Chris Hughton.

Norwich paid for their impudence at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea's three musketeers sparkled.

Grant Holt's fizzing half volley gave Chris Hughton's men a shock lead inside 11 minutes after a brave bid to take the game to the European champions. But it wouldn't last; City's porous backline was exposed three times in the space of 16 minutes shortly after to effectively settle this Premier League affair before the break.

Fernando Torres underlined that Didier Drogba's departure may have been the catalyst needed to re-discovering the form that terrorised top flight defences while at Liverpool. Frank Lampard slapped home from the edge of the area before Eden Hazard punished Wes Hoolahan's aberration to slot past the exposed John Ruddy. Branislav Ivanovic's late hammer strike was the bare minimum the Blues deserved for a second half played largely in second gear.

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Hughton was right to point out that there is never a good time to visit one of the league's powerhouses, but given his approach, the starting XI and the manner with which Norwich only sporadically took the fight to Chelsea, there was a whole lot more to feel optimistic about -- a stake contrast to the sense of impotence after Liverpool ran riot at Carrow Road last weekend.

City's goal difference may have taken another hammering but thankfully the Canaries do not face the Blues' sheer forward power every week. Hughton's men again contributed to their own downfall at times -- Chelsea's third owed everything to Hoolahan's weak attempt to gather John Terry's clearing header as Mata ran the length of the field before slipping in Hazard -- but in the midst of another thumping were the seeds of possible redemption.

Sebastien Bassong returned after his hamstring injury to offer a more solid barrier alongside Leon Barnett. Alex Tettey's first Premier League start freed Jonny Howson to roam into forward areas he has been unable to so far this season. Those 3,100 Norwich supporters who witnessed another forgettable road trip will hope Hughton persists with that particular experiment. Meanwhile, Holt proved he is the man to operate in the lone front running role. The Cumbrian does not possess the pace or the guile to run in behind Premier League defences but he ensured that Terry and David Luiz did not have things all their own way -- an approach typified by his predatory early finish.

Hughton now has an international fortnight to dwell on two heavy consecutive defeats to Liverpool and Chelsea. For all City's attacking potential, it is the underlying brittleness at the back which should be his primary cause for concern. Ruddy's shot-stopping prowess averted a more emphatic loss though the England man's confidence must be suffering from playing behind a defence offering precious little protection.

Norwich caught Chelsea on a very good day again, just as they were punished by a Luis Suarez-inspired Red machine last time out. That is the Premier League. Top quality players and top quality teams every week. City's fate may not ultimately be decided by what they do against their blue-chip rivals, but the damaging long term nature of such bruising reverses should not be underestimated.

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