Chelsea have made the most impressive start

**That’ll do. Champions Chelsea have made the most impressive start to a Premier League season ever, albeit against two mediocre sides, and without really tearing the pitch up.

In two game in the English Premier League this season, Chelsea back to winning with a half-dozen goals. After last week's West Bromwich Albion, now the Blues won 6-0 over Wigan Athletic on Saturday (08/22/2010) .

Line-Ups:

Wigan: Kirkland, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Stam, Figueroa, McCarthy (Watson 79 '), Thomas, Diame (McArthur 80'), N'Zogbia, Boselli, Rodallega

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic (Fereira 63 '), Alex, Terry, Cole, Essien (Benayoun 79'), Mikel, Lampard, Malouda (Kalou 70 '), Anelka, Drogba

Young Chelsea too easy for Ajax

**Chelsea's young players gain valuable lessons from Ajax Amsterdam. Premier League defending champions 1-3 this submission from the Dutch club in a trial match.

Against Ajax is part of Chelsea's pre-season games to prepare themselves retain his title. In the match in Amsterdam Arena, manager Carlo Ancelotti tried to play some younger players.

Meanwhile goalkeeper played Ross Turnbull to replace Petr Cech. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Bruma replace Alex in defense and Michael Essien as Chelsea kapetn in this friendly match.

However, Ajax appear to dominate in this fight. When a new game was six minutes besutan squad after Martin Jol was superior to Bruma's header into the goalkeeper but his own.

However, Chelsea had risen and leveled to 1-1 on 24 minutes through a kick Daniel Sturridge. Ajax, however it only takes two minutes to get the lead back.

Siem De Jong past the goalkeeper Turnbull and netted the ball into the empty goal. Ajax scored three goals while players of South Korea Hyun Jun Suk finish Daley Blind crossing before the end of matches.

Line-Ups:

Chelsea : Turnbull (Hilario ht), B Clifford (Chalobah ht), Bruma, Bertrand, Van Aanholt (Ince 64), Mikel (C Clifford 83), Essien (c) (Cork 73), Matic ; McEachran (Sinclair ht); Sturridge, The Saint (Lalkovic 64)

Ajax : Stekelenburg, Oleguer (Blind 64), Alderweireld, Vertonghen (Capt), Anita (Emanuelson 64), Enoh (Bonevacia 73), Lindgren, Sarpong, Eriksen (De Zeeuw 70), Zeegelaar , De Jong

Crystal Palace 0-1 Chelsea: Essien come-back goal

**Michael Essien absurdly happy. Grazing for the first time after recovering from injury, Chelsea is a direct single scored his team victory over Crystal Palace in the game tests.

Facing the Crystal Palace, Saturday (07/17/2010) , Chelsea star not reinforced majority who still break after competing in the World Cup in 2010. As a result, the Blues a lot of young players down there though still Essien, Alex, Mikel John Obi and goalkeeper Petr Cech.

This is the first action on the gridiron Essien bandaged after a hamstring injury in December 2009. Consequently, this Ghanaian players can only play until the third season with Chelsea plus the lost opportunity to defend his country in the World Cup in 2010.

Chelsea are on the paper would win easily, it was not so in reality. Palace Carlo Ancelotti is able to force the troops to wait until almost an hour to be able to open the scoring.

Essien is Chelsea who managed to break the deadlock. From cooperation Josch McEachran and Daniel Sturridge, the ball is fed to Essien who successfully broke into a flat wicket spurn Palace in 58 minutes. Essien single goal is to be the only goal in this fight as well as a victory for 'The Blue'.

"It feels amazing. It's a long time but I am back in full training now, everything feels good and there was no reaction from the exercise so it was all very well for me," Essien said the club's official website that was launched from Sky Sports.

"I did not experience a vacation because they have to rehab but this would be a good thing to start the season and I look forward to all my colleagues to return as soon as possible," he concluded.

Line-Ups:

Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni, David Wright, Alexsander Radosavlijevic, Adam Barrett, Paddy McCarthy, Anthony Ouasafane, Neil Danns, Davide Baiocco, Alan Lee, Darren Ambrose, Andy Dorman.

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Jeffrey Buma, Ryan Bertrand, Patrick Van Aanholt, Michael Essien, Alex, John Obi Mikel, Nemanja matic. Daniel Sturridge, Joshua McEachran, Franco Di Santo.

A brilliant goal from Didier Drogba bring Chelsea make sweet History

CHELSEA 1
- Drogba 59

PORTSMOUTH 0

**A brilliant goal from Didier Drogba allowing Chelsea to retain the FA Cup with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth, Chelsea have won the double beating Portsmouth in the FA Cup final at Wembley. For Chelsea it's a chance to make club history and secure the league and cup double for the first time, they can be more prepared to make history.

Salomon Kalou missed an easy chance in the first half, hitting the ball against the crossbar six yards in front of an open goal.

Portsmouth could have gone in front just before Drogba's goal when Kevin-Prince Boateng's weak penalty kick was saved by Petr Cech's legs. Frank Lampard also missed a late penalty kick for Chelsea, with the England midfielder dragging the ball wide.

Within minutes in second half, Drogba struck the post with a curling free kick that this time went into the net beyond the outstretched James.

Squads:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, John Terry, Alex, Branislav Ivanovic, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda, Michael Ballack (Juliano Belletti 43), Salomon Kalou (Joe Cole 71), Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka (Dan Sturridge 90).

Portsmouth: David James, Steve Finnan, Ricardo Rocha, Papa Bouba Diop (Nwankwo Kanu 81), Michael Brown, Hayden Mullins (81 Nadir Belhadj), Mokoena Aaron, Jamie O'Hara, Kevin-Prince Boateng (John Utaka 73), Frederic Piquionne, Aruna Dindane.

Chelsea desperately hard work of their title quest and deserve

CHELSEA 8
- Anelka 6
- Lampard (pen) 32
- Kalou 54
- Anelka 56
- Drogba 63
- Drogba (pen) 68
- Drogba 80
- A Cole 90

WIGAN ATHLETIC 0

Carlo Ancelotti, in his first season in English football, saw his players clinch their fourth top-flight crown in emphatic style yesterday with a rampant win over 10-man Wigan Athletic.

At times, Chelsea made desperately hard work of their title quest, but ultimately it was their ability to win the big games which they did with confidence, that enabled them to hold off the challenge of their rivals and win the league championship.

Nicolas Anelka put the home side on their way early on, scoring from close range after a free-kick from Didier Drogba was poorly cleared by Wigan's defenders.

The Frenchman was left unmarked in the penalty area when Drogba's rebounded effort was sent back in by Michael Ballack. Anelka's shot on six minutes, firmly struck, flew up off the turf and past Wigan goalkeeper Michael Pollitt. It was just the start that Chelsea needed.



To their credit, Wigan continued to play with energy and though Chelsea's Petr Cech was rarely troubled Ancelotti would have wanted his players to ease the pressure with a second goal.

It came, on 31 minutes, when Wigan defender Gary Caldwell was dismissed for bundling over Frank Lampard in the penalty area. The Chelsea midfielder put his spot-kick past Pollitt. Cue raucous celebrations from the home supporters. As is his way, Ancelotti watched on, holding back his emotions.



The third goal, on 54 minutes, from Salomon Kalou was a fine team effort. After a period of possession, the Ivorian played the ball into the feet of Lampard before racing into the penalty area. Kalou collected the pass, slithered through Wigan's defence before firing the ball past Pollitt.

Anelka added a fourth, with Drogba capping a fine season by scoring a second half hat-trick to complete the mauling before Ashley Cole added a late eighth.

Squads:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Alex, Ashley Cole, Branislav Ivanovic (Juliano Belletti 59), Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack (Nemanja Matic 70), Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou (Joe Cole 58), Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka.

Wigan Athletic: Michael Pollitt, Gary Caldwell, Steve Gohouri, Emmerson Boyce, Mario Melchiot, James McCarthy, Mohamed Diame (Paul Scharner 72), Ben Watson (Hendry Thomas 62), Maynor Figueroa, Charles N'Zogbia, Hugo Rodallega (Victor Moses 81).

Chelsea wild, Kalou make hatrick, Lampard double

CHELSEA 7
- Kalou 24
- Kalou 31
- Lampard (pen) 44
- Kalou 68
- Lampard 81
- Sturridge 87
- Malouda 89

STOKE CITY 0

**Chelsea regained the lead at the top of the Premier League with an impressive victory at home to Stoke City. A Salomon Kalou hat-trick and a Frank Lampard double along with goals from Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda sealed what was a one-sided result for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

It only took an extra couple of minutes for the Blues' fans to see their side go in front. A sublime piece of skill from Drogba led to the Ivory Coast international crossing for Kalou to net his second of the season and put his side in the driving seat.

Two minutes later, the lead could have been extended for Chelsea, when Ferreira found Lampard with a cross, but the England international could not divert the ball home to give his side an extra cushion.

However, he needn’t have worried, as on the half hour mark the Stamford Bridge side doubled their advantage, when a touch from Drogba landed at the feet of Lampard, he then struck the ball powerfully towards the Stoke net, but Sorensen could not keep hold of the ball and Kalou dived in, feet first, putting the ball in the net, but also hitting the Danish keeper.

That allowed Lampard to step up and put the home side into a comfortable lead going into the break as he sent Begovic the wrong way as the ball nestled nicely in the back of the Stoke City goal.

Kalou finally sealed his hat-trick, when he broke the visitors' offside trap, darting down the right hand side and firing the ball towards the Stoke net, Begovic managed to get in front of the ball, but could not help out as the Ivorian wrapped up a fine performance. He was then taken off to a rapturous round of applause from the home fans, as all three points were sealed.That was to be rectified with 10 minutes remaining, when substitute Sam Hutchinson fired a ball across the Stoke box for Lampard to put home from close in and grab his 20th goal of the season.

Ancelotti’s side then completed the half dozen, when substitute Daniel Sturridge rounded Begovic in the visitors' goal to send a clear marker to rivals Manchester United with their rampant play.

Malouda then made up for his previous mistake as he scored from close range, to complete the rout with Chelsea's seventh of the afternoon.

Squads:

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, Alex, Ashley Cole, Paulo Ferreira (Sam Hutchinson 73), Michael Ballack, Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard, Nicolas Anelka (Daniel Sturridge 79), Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou (Joe Cole 71).

Stoke City: Thomas Sorensen (Asmir Begovic 36), Danny Higginbotham, Abdoulaye Faye (Ryan Shawcross 9), Danny Collins, Robert Huth, Glenn Whelan, Rory Delap, Matthew Etherington, Dean Whitehead, Dave Kitson (Tuncay Sanli 59), Ricardo Fuller .

Nicolas Anelka scored against Bolton to regaining the title.

CHELSEA 1
- Anelka 43

BOLTON WANDERERS 0

**Chelsea cemented their position at the top of the Premier League table and opened a four-point lead over Manchester United following a 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Bolton Wanderers.

The performance was ragged at times and the Blues' customary possession game crumbled in the face of the Trotters' more physical display.

However, Carlo Ancelotti's boys battled to earn three points and create a clear gap at the top.

Bolton pressed and harried Chelsea in the early exchanges and had the better of the first 20 minutes, although the Blues came closest to getting the ball in the net when a Didier Drogba free-kick was punched clear by Jussi Jaaskelainen straight onto the head of Salomon Kalou but he guided it wide.

The breakthrough came two minutes before half-time when Drogba zinged in a superbly weighted out-swinger from the left, allowing Nicolas Anelka to head home from close range with Jaaskelainen stranded.

Chelsea's physios were kept busy at half-time. There had been an anxious moment in the eighth minute when John Terry hurt his right foot tackling Matthew Taylor, but he carried on playing to the relief of watching England manager Fabio Capello.

Left-back Yury Zhirkov was also in the wars. A clash of heads with Bolton striker Kevin Davies left the Russian wearing a large bandage until he could be stitched up.

For Bolton, Chung-Yong Lee proved slippery and elusive on the right flank, but Chelsea, with three changes to Saturday's Wembley starting line-up, did enough, even if it was all hands to the pump at the end.

Midfielder Deco was rested as Ancelotti continued rotating his squad, while in-form Florent Malouda, who had scored five times in the previous four games, and Joe Cole came on as second-half substitutes.

Bolton had a handball shout against Chelsea captain Terry waved away by referee Lee Probert and the Blues came a whisker away from doubling their lead when Frank Lampard beat the keeper in the 79th minute only to see his shot ricochet off the post.

Substitute Johan Elmander came closest to levelling for Bolton with a far-post header and Cole had a chance to wrap it all up in stoppage time but the ball got caught under his feet.

Team Line-Ups :

Chelsea: Petr Cech, John Terry, Alex, Paulo Ferreira, Yuri Zhirkov, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Nicolas Anelka (Florent Malouda 67), Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou (Joe Cole 77).

Bolton Wanderers: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Substance Knight, Gary Cahill, Paul Robinson, Gretar Rafn Steinsson, Samuel Ricketts, Fabrice Muamba, Jack Wilshere (Johan Elmander 82), Matt Taylor, Chung-Yong Lee (Ivan Klasnić 83), Kevin Davies.

The Blues party goals by Lampard's four goals, Malouda twice goal and Kalou

CHELSEA 7
- Lampard 15
- Lampard (pen) 44
- Malouda 57
- Lampard (pen) 62
- Malouda 68
- Kalou 83
- Lampard 90

ASTON VILLA 1
- Carew 29

**Frank Lampard passed the 150 goal mark for Chelsea as they threw the gauntlet down to Premier League pace-setters Manchester United by destroying Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard's four goals made him the third-highest scorer in the club's history eclipsing legends Roy Bentley and Peter Osgood with 151 goals.

His efforts, two from the penalty spot, were the centrepiece of an emphatic Chelsea victory as they followed up their 5-0 midweek win at Portsmouth with another goal-laden attacking display.

And as coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted the disappointment of their Champions League exit at the hands of Inter Milan may yet aid their attempts to regain the title, Chelsea's embarrassing superiority over a Villa side with sights set on the top four provides the perfect tonic for next Saturday's visit to Old Trafford.

It was a win made all the more impressive because it was achieved without main marksman Didier Drogba, who was rested on the substitutes' bench after picking up a knock in the victory at Fratton Park. To say he was not missed is an understatement.

Lampard gave Chelsea an early lead when he converted Florent Malouda's cross at the far post, but John Carew quickly put Villa level after good work by Ashley Young.

The game took a crucial twist right on half-time when Lampard put Chelsea back in front from the spot after Yuri Zhirkov was brought down by James Collins - and there was no way back for Villa as Ancelotti's side cut loose after the interval.

Malouda took advantage of more fine work from Zhirkov to beat Friedel, and Lampard completed his hat-trick with another penalty. He made his mark in Chelsea history by slipping his spot-kick comfortably past Villa keeper Brad Friedel after another run from the rampant Zhirkov drew a foul from Dunne.

Villa crumbled and Malouda piled on the agony after he was set up by Lampard and substitute Salomon Kalou made it six when he shot low past Friedel after Nicolas Anelka had been given what seemed like an age to turn in the area.

It was fitting that Lampard rounded off the rout with his fourth goal in the dying seconds, turning home his effort inside the area as Villa gave every impression of a side who simply could not wait for the whistle to sound.

And as if this was not enough to ignite ecstasy around Stamford Bridge, the roars were deafening as news of Birmingham City's late equaliser against Arsenal filtered through.

Villa actually made the brighter start and won a succession of corners, so it was against the run of play that Lampard made the breakthrough for Chelsea after 14 minutes. Villa's defence allowed Malouda's driven cross to fly right across the face of goal, leaving Lampard to steal in for a sliding finish at the far post.

The goal should have banished Chelsea's early uncertainty, but they were also guilty of defensive carelessness as Villa drew level just before the half-hour.

Again it was a cross that caused the problem as Young delivered into the area, Zhirkov appearing blissfully unaware of the giant Carew's presence behind him as he let the cross go, presenting the striker with the simplest of finishes.

Chelsea ended an undistinguished first half, which gave little hint of the riches to come, in the ascendancy as Lampard restored their lead from the spot a minute before the interval.

Referee Peter Walton pointed to the spot as Zhirkov went down under the challenge from James Collins as he raced into the area, leaving Lampard to thrash the penalty beyond Friedel.

If Villa had any plans to mount a second half revival, they were swept away as Chelsea ran riot after the break in brilliant fashion.

Malouda made it three for Chelsea after 57 minutes when he swept in Zhirkov's inviting cross - and the Russian was instrumental as they extended their lead, allowing Lampard to complet his treble from the spot five minutes later.

Zhirkov surged into the area and was upended by Dunne. Lampard stepped forward to beat Friedel again and reach his landmark goals tally.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill was pondering the introduction of Stewart Downing when the outstanding Malouda made it five after 68 minutes. Lampard filled the role of creator in another move that sliced Villa apart, simply rolling the ball into Malouda's path inside the area and he rifled a finish high past Friedel.

O'Neill's side had degenerated into a shambles, and Kalou and Lampard inflicted further late punishment before Villa were put out of their abject misery.

Team Line-ups:

Chelsea: Peter Cech, John Terry, Alex, Yuri Zhirkov (Patrick Van Aanholt 77), Paulo Ferreira, John Obi Mikel, Frank Lampard, Deco (Michael Ballack 72), Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka, Joe Cole (Salomon Kalou 76).

Aston Villa: Brad Friedel, Richard Dunne, James Collins, Stephen Warnock, Luke Young, Steve Sidwell, Stiliyan Petrov (Stewart Downing 63), Ashley Young, James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor (Habib Beye 72), John Carew (Nathan Delfouneso 63) .


Source : BBC

Late goal from Samuel Eto'o 1-0 send victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for a 3-1 aggregate victory.

CHELSEA 0

INTER MILAN 1
- Samuel Eto'o 78

**Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho got his revenge on Chelsea as a late goal from Samuel Eto'o sealed a 1-0 last 16 second leg victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday for a 3-1 aggregate victory.

The former Chelsea coach had, prior to the match, promised to forego any personal celebrations as a mark of respect to his old club, but was nevertheless left filled with pride as Inter did a very professional job in west London.

Samuel Eto'o got the only goal of the night with just over 10 minutes remaining to give Inter a 1-0 win and make it an enjoyable return to Stamford Bridge for Mourinho.

Totally off the ball, by the way, that incident, which happened in the middle of the penalty area while Malouda had the ball wide on the left. And Motta certainly fouled Drogba before the possible stamp.

Didier Drogba was sent off late on to end a miserable night for Chelsea for hitting out at Thiago Motta in the box.

Team Line-ups:

Chelsea: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Zhirkov, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda. Subs: Taylor, Carvalho, Joe Cole, Kalou, Sturridge, Belletti, Bruma

Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Sneijder, Motta, Pandev, Eto'o, Milito. Subs: Toldo, Cordoba, Stankovic, Quaresma, Mariga, Materazzi, Santon

With goals from Alex, Malouda, and twice goal from Drogba, Chelsea went back to the top of the Premier League.

CHELSEA 4
- Alex 16,
- Drogba 56,
- Malouda 77,
- Drogba 90

WEST HAM UNITED 1
- Parker 30

**Chelsea went back to the top of the Premier League with a comfortable win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Alex, Florent Malouda, and twice goal from Didier Drogba.


The hosts took the lead after 15 minutes of the game had been played. Malouda, who had been very lively until that point, Florent Malouda crossed for Alex to open the scoring for Chelsea with a powerful header from six yards,1-0 to Chelsea

The Hammers hit back through Scott Parker who scored with a vicious half-volley from outside the area, 1-1 position.

The second period began with the away side seeing more of the ball than they did prior to the break, but Malouda was still causing a fair amount of trouble down the left side.

But Didier Drogba headed home a Malouda cross to regain the lead 2-1, before Malouda coolly slotted a third and Drogba tapped in a late fourth.

After 77 minutes of play, Malouda was well rewarded for his efforts when he found the back of the net with a low shot from the edge of the area 3-1,far away from the visitors.

Things got worse for the Hammers towards the end of the game, as Lampard took a strike from range that Green parried, only for Drogba to made twice goal.

Team Lineups:

Chelsea: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Ferreira; Mikel, Lampard, Ballack; Maloudam (Kalou 87), Drogba, Anelka (J. Cole 66)

West Ham: Green; Spector, Gabbidon, Upson, Daprela; Kovac, Parker, Behrami, Dyer (Stanislas 68); Mido (C. Cole 68), Ilan (Diamanti 84)

Lampard scores, Terry proved himself for the team

CHELSEA 2
- Lampard 35,
- Terry 67

STOKE CITY 0

**John Terry will grab the headlines for all the right reasons after scoring Chelsea's second goal to help them sink Stoke and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.The home skipper has been the subject of a host of allegations about his private life of late, but headed in a Frank Lampard corner to seal the win.


Early fire from Stoke was extinguished by Frank Lampard whose fierce drive took the slightest of deflections as it flew past Thomas Sorenson.From a Chelsea corner on the left, the ball is put into the penalty area, eventually dinked towards Frank Lampard on the edge of it and he takes advantage of being teed up by John Terry by drilling a shot through a thicket of legs, off a Stoke defender and into the back of the net. Frank Lampard in scoring with yet another a deflected shot sensation.

Stoke had to thank Andy Wilkinson in the 66th minute when he cleared off the line from Anelka. Drogba's cross found the France striker unmarked at the far post and his header was stopped by Wilkinson with Sorensen struggling.

But two minutes later Chelsea went 2-0 in front through captain Terry. He planted a firm header into the net from a corner by Florent Malouda and then ran to the corner flag pointing at his captain's armband in celebration.

Teams :

Chelsea: Hilario; Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic; Lampard, Malouda, Obi Mikel; Anelka, Drogba, Kalou

Stoke City: Sorensen; Wilkinson, Huth, Collins, Faye; Whelan (Pugh 46), Whitehead, Delap, Sanli (Lawrence 60); Fuller, Sidibe (Kitson 61)

Two goals each from Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy helped Man City to a stunning 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA 2
- Lampard 42,
- Lampard (pen) 90

MANCHESTER CITY 4
- Tevez 45,
- Bellamy 51,
- Tevez (pen) 76,
- Bellamy 87

**Two goals each from Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy helped Man City to a stunning 4-2 win over nine-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dominated the early exchanges but failed to create a real chance until the opening goal on 42 minutes.

It was perhaps the most predictable part of a truly astonishing afternoon that exploded into life once Chelsea's patience pays off with a fine goal from the marvellous Frank Lampard.

Came as little surprise when the hosts finally went ahead following a slick through ball from Joe Cole that slid between Kompany and Richards, leaving Frank Lampard to strike the ball passed Given, 1-0 the host lead.

Carlos Tevez to snatch the ball ahead of Terry in the Chelsea half. The Argentine dribbled beyond the Englishman to the edge of the area, bamboozling Ricardo Carvalho as he did so, before scuffing a shot that somehow that allows Tevez to get his head down and charge towards goal, 1-1 leveled position.

Things got even worse for Chelsea five minutes into the second half. City again broke rapidly and Craig Bellamy went on a mazy run before firing low left-footed into the corner.

A wonderful goal from Craig Bellamy, that still a really good goal and classy, 2-1 the visitor lead.

Belletti misjudged a header and that allowed Barry to get goalside of him in the area. Belletti had no way of getting the ball and brought him down; the touch was minimal but enough to knock Barry over. A clear penalty, and a red card for Belletti as well.

A fine penalty from Tevez, smacked low to Hilario's right and into the corner. Hilario went the right way but he wasn't getting near that, 3-1 position for City. Tevez has been really brilliant today.

And the drama did not finish there as Michael Ballack was also sent off for two yellow cards and the German had no complaints when Mike Dean produced a second yellow.

The Blues players continued to take the fight to their Mancunian rivals. A powerful Drogba effort forced a strong save from Given, who stoically guarded his goal once more when Kalou ran through from an angle.

But the effort displayed by Chelsea was matched by City, who took the home side to the sword with a swift counter attack that saw four attackers up against a depleted defence. Wright-Phillips drew Hilario off his line before squaring the ball for Craig Bellamy for flew away leaving the host.

But the drama didn't end there, with Mike Dean giving the home side a penalty following a push on Anelka by Barry, but Frank Lampard's injury-time spot-kick successful.

Team Lineups:

Chelsea: Hilario, Ivanovic, Carvalho (Kalou '70), Terry, Malouda, Ballack, Mikel (Belletti 60), Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Joe Cole (Sturridge 60).

Manchester City: Given, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Bridge, Zabaleta, De Jong, Barry, Bellamy, Tevez (Sylvinho 90), Adam Johnson (Wright-Phillips 60)

Salomon Kalou score, The Blues lost Petr Cech to injury.

Internazionale 2
- Milito 3,
- Cambiasso 55

Chelsea 1
- Kalou 51

**Its advantage Inter after Jose Mourinho defeated his old side Chelsea 2-1 in a gripping Champions League last 16 first leg at San Siro.

Milito opened the scoring early minute on cutting inside Terry and firing low inside Cech's near post from 10 yards. Eto'o, Sneijder and Motta involved in the build-up.

While Chelsea dominated possession and territory for spells, it was Inter who created the better chances and seemed more stable.

When Chelsea equalised following Salomon Kalou in the San Siro! Great finish from the Ivorian, bending home right-footed from 20 yards after Ivanovic pressed forward inside the right channel and laid off. On second sight it looks like Cesar should have saved. Chelsea can feel aggrieved over another Champions League penalty decision and lost Petr Cech to injury.

The players had notions of their own and Lampard was on the verge of a goal after build-up play by Drogba and Anelka, but his drive was saved by César. This taxing match had stimulated Chelsea and paved the way for an engrossing return.

Whatever is said about the sophistication of Mourinho and Ancelotti, this was not always a night in which a masterplan was being unfurled.

Team Lineup:

Inter Milan: Julio Cesar, Walter Samuel, Lucio, Javier Zanetti, Maicon, Esteban Cambiasso, Welsey Sneijder, Thiago Motta (Mario Balotelli 58), Dejan Stankovic (Sulley Muntari 84), Diego Milito, Samuel Eto'o (Goran Pandev 68) .

Chelsea: Petr Cech (Henrique Hilario 62), John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Branislav Ivanovic, John Obi Mikel, Florent Malouda, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou (Daniel Sturridge 78), Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka.

Drogba at the double to sink Wolves

Wolverhampton 0

Chelsea 2
- Didier Drogba (40)
- Didier Drogba (67)

**Didier Drogba's double enabled Chelsea to move four points clear of Manchester United at the top of the Premier League as they overcame Wolves 2-0 at Molineux.

Drogba ensured the Blues took advantage of United's 3-1 lunchtime reversal against Everton at Goodison Park with a goal in each half.

It took his tally for the campaign to 25 in all competitions and earned Carlo Ancelotti's side only their second away win in their last seven league games.

Chelsea barely moved out of second gear for long periods ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

But the quality finishing of Drogba was the difference between the sides and means the Blues are now favourites to take the Premier League crown with only 11 games remaining.

Petr Cech was the busier of the two keepers and made two crucial saves early in the second half when Chelsea held only a single-goal advantage.

But Wolves' problem all season has been failure to take their chances, as demonstrated by their meagre goal tally of 21 - although Kevin Doyle again impressed as a lone striker.

Chelsea were quickly in the ascendancy and the first half-chance fell to Michael Ballack.

Yuri Zhirkov sent over a threatening cross from the left flank and Ballack got up well in the danger area but directed his header wide.

Doyle produced the first save of the game out of Cech after 15 minutes, making space for himself after a diagonal run and forcing Cech to go down to his right to save his 20-yard drive.

Doyle then flicked the ball into the path of the overlapping Kevin Foley but his shot from a narrow angle flew into the side netting.

Doyle was causing problems for Chelsea and he was alert to a quick throw from Foley and forced Cech to parry his shot around the post.

Ballack was only just too high with a rasping volley after a corner from Florent Malouda was only half-cleared.

Jones, who had scored the winner against Tottenham ten days ago, curled a free-kick just wide as Wolves started to grow in confidence.

But five minutes before the interval, Chelsea took the lead through Drogba. Zhirkov played a one-two with Ballack before squaring a low ball across the six-yard box and Drogba had the easiest of tap-ins.

Cech produced a superb reflex save to protect Chelsea's lead after 55 minutes. Adlene Guedioura timed his run perfectly to connect with a far-post cross from Jarvis but his fierce volley was somehow kept out by the Chelsea keeper.

Ancelotti made his first change a minute later with Zhirkov replaced by Jeffrey Bruma.

The home side tried to get a foothold in the game and Cech produced another splendid stop to deny Foley an equaliser.

Terry miskicked when attempting to clear and Foley found himself with only Cech to beat but he managed to block his fierce shot.

Ballack became the first player to be yellow-carded for dissent as the Blues looked rattled, but then Drogba doubled Chelsea's lead as Wolves were caught napping by a long clearance from Cech.

Drogba was the first to react and took the ball away from Christophe Berra before clipping the ball wide of Marcus Hahnemann.

McCarthy made a triple substitution with Jarvis, Foley and Jones making way for Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, Greg Halford and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Doyle was only just off target for Wolves with a shot on the turn after some typical aggression, but it then needed a good tackle from Ronald Zubar to deny Anelka a third goal as he bore down on the Wolves goal.

Terry cleared the ball off the line in a late Wolves rally after Cech had failed to gather a long throw from Halford.

Teams:

Wolves: Hahnemann, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Foley (Halford 77), Guedioura, Henry, David Jones (blake 77), Jarvis (Bia 77), Doyle;

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry, Zhirkov (Bruma '56), Joe Cole, Mikel, Ballack, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda


Source : http://soccernet.espn.go.com

Michael Ballack goal inspiration to win : Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff City

**Holders Chelsea reached the FA Cup quarter-finals after with a 4-1 victory after Cardiff had briefly threatened to cause a massive shock.Didier Drogba put Chelsea in front in the second minute but Michael Chopra stunned the home side with an equaliser before half-time.

But second-half goals from Michael Ballack, Daniel Sturridge and substitute Salomon Kalou put Carlo Ancelotti's side into the last eight.

Michael Ballack goal that is the inspiration for the blue forces continue to attack the opponent without fatigue, until finally created 2 goals again

Chelsea got off to a great start when John Obi Mikel's long ball put Drogba in the clear and the Ivory Coast striker ran on to fire past the static David Marshall.

It was Drogba's fourth goal in three games since his return from the African Nations Cup and his 23rd of the season.

Cardiff almost equalised when Peter Whittingham's free-kick was sent towards the top corner by Anthony Gerrard.But with City ready to celebrate an equaliser, Hilario somehow managed to get across and tip the ball over the bar.

In the 25th minute, Drogba was unlucky with an overhead kick from six yards when a cross from Michael Ballack had found him ahead of his marker.

Fortunately for Marshall in the City goal, Drogba's effort went straight to him.Chelsea remained in control of the game with Cardiff restricted to rare counter-attacks.But one of them paid off in stunning fashion in the 34th minute when they equalised through Chopra.

The Cardiff striker shocked the home side with his 17th goal of the season.Chopra got clear of Alex to head Chris Burke's cross into the net beyond the helpless Hilario, to the delight of the 6,000 travelling City fans.The Cardiff equaliser had certainly livened the game up but Chelsea gradually managed to get on top once more.

Sturridge, who has scored in the last two rounds, was a yard wide with a 25-yard shot in the 43rd minute.Chelsea's passing began to go astray as the half wore on and Cardiff were able to end the first half on level terms.

Chelsea replaced the ineffective Joe Cole with Kalou at half-time.

Drogba, the only Chelsea player really on his game, found Marshall alert when he tried to send a 25-yard free-kick inside the near post just seconds after the restart.

But Chelsea were back in front in the 51st minute when Drogba's pass evaded Mark Kennedy to put Michael Ballack through on goal. The Germany captain kept his cool to volley the ball over Marshall and make it 2-1.

Chelsea defender Alex was unlucky to see a header cleared by the Cardiff rearguard on the hour as the home side pressed for a third goal.

The home side were again in control with Drogba at the heart of all their best moves.The Ivory Coast striker was unlucky not to get on the end of a through-ball from Paulo Ferreira while Sturridge shot well wide from 20 yards in the 67th minute.

Chelsea finally got a third in the 69th minute when a scrappy build-up allowed the ball to run loose to Sturridge, who slipped it beyond Marshall.

It was his fourth goal in the competition - and his last contribution before being replaced by Florent Malouda.

Cardiff continued to make sporadic forays into the Chelsea half and on one such attack, Kevin McNaughton was a yard wide with a 20-yard angled drive.

Whittingham then brought a fine save out of Hilario with a low drive from 25 yards as Chelsea rested on their two-goal lead.

However, Kalou made it 4-1 in the 86th minute when he superbly headed home a cross from Ferreira.The Ivory Coast striker twisted his body in mid-air to send the header over Marshall's reach and into the top corner of the net.

Malouda was way off target in the 90th minute when he tried his luck from the edge of the penalty area - but Chelsea had done enough to go through to the last eight.

Temas :

Cardiff : Marshall, McNaughton, Gyepes, Gerrard, Kennedy, Rae (Blake 74), Whittingham, Burke (McCormack 78), Wildig (Taiwo 90), Chopra, Bothroyd

Chelsea :Hilario, Carvalho, Ferreira, Alex, Lampard, J Cole (Kalou 46), Mikel, Ballack, Zhirkov, Drogba (Borini 88), Sturridge (Malouda 78)

Two goals from Louis Saha, Landon Donovan plays an important

Everton 2
- Saha 33,
- Saha 75

Chelsea 1
- Malouda 17

**Two goals from Louis Saha helped Everton to come from behind and seal a famous win that puts a dent in Chelsea's title aspirations.

Chelsea took the lead through Florent Malouda but Saha's 100th goal in English league football levelled proceedings midway through the first half.

Everton were stunned by that early strike but slowly battled their way into the game and fashioned an equaliser just after the half hour. Landon Donovan's out-swinging corner was met by the Louis Saha, who evaded John Terry at the near post and swept the ball past Petr Cech for his 14th goal of the season
The Frenchman then missed a late first-half penalty but he made amends 15 minutes from time, capitalising on a John Terry mistake to volley home.

Everton dominated the remainder of the half and should have been in front at the interval but Saha saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Cech low to his left after Carvalho had tripped Donovan. Donovan cut inside Ricardo Carvalho and the defender swiped the American's ankles, handing Saha the chance to send his side in at half time ahead, but Cech pulled off another decent save to keep the scores level

The second half was all action but there were few chances until Saha's 75th-minute strike. Former England captain Terry misjudged a long ball and, as the ball dropped, Saha brought the ball down on his chest before crashing a left-footed volley beyond Cech.

The game swung this way and that but Chelsea were ironically on top when they fell behind with 15 minutes left. A long cross-field ball was missed by John Terry and Louis Saha was able to chest down and crash a 20-yard volley past Cech for his second of the game.

Chelsea penned Everton in their own half as they pushed for an equaliser - the closest they came was when a Didier Drogba header thumped off the crossbar.

Chelsea continued to pile on the pressure in the search for an equaliser but the home defence stood tall and withstood a number of crosses and corners.

And it wasn't enough for Chelsea as the home side held firm to record a famous victory, handing Manchester United and Arsenal a huge reprieve in the race for the Premier League title.

Teams :

Everton: Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Donovan, Arteta (Rodwell 74), Osman, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Saha

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole (Ballack '57), Lampard, Mikel (Sturridge '77), Zhirkov, Anelka (Kalou '67), Drogba, Malouda

Drogba's put Chelsea back on top

Chelsea 2
* Drogba 8,
* Drogba 23

Arsenal 0

**Didier Drogba's brace put Chelsea back on top of the Premier League as Arsenal's title hopes were all but ended following a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Ivory Coast international striker Drogba continued his fine record against the Gunners when he smashed home at the far post following a flick by captain John Terry before drilling in a second goal midway through the first half.

Arsenal - beaten by Manchester United last weekend - played well in patches, yet once again came up short when it really mattered.

John Terry led the Chelsea side against title rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.Terry, stripped of the England captaincy following revelations about his private life, was looking to send his team back to the top of the table after Manchester United's 5-0 demolition of struggling Portsmouth.

John Obi Mikel returned to the Chelsea side for the first time since the African Nations Cup, with Ashley Cole returning at left-back.

Arsenal lost 3-1 at home to United last weekend, but were aiming to move within three points of the Blues with victory this afternoon.

Manager Arsene Wenger made a couple of changes, as fit-again Abou Diaby came into midfield, while England forward Theo Walcott also started.

Veteran former captain Sol Campbell was on the bench.

Terry was, as expected, given a rousing reception from the Stamford Bridge faithful when the teams were announced before kick off.

It did not take the travelling Arsenal fans to taunt Terry, chanting "you're not captain any more" in the direction of the Chelsea centre-back.

Chelsea took the lead on eight minutes with Terry and Didier Drogba - who has tormented Arsenal with 10 goals in his previous nine games - involved.

Terry, given a free header, flicked on a corner towards the far post, where an unmarked Drogba guided the ball into the roof of the net.

Andrey Arshavin fired across goal before the visitors won a corner after a positive run by Gael Clichy - but the delivery from captain Cesc Fabregas was claimed easily by Petr Cech.

On 15 minutes, the Chelsea goalkeeper recovered well to block after Nasri slipped onto a quick pass ahead of the defence, then Fabregas chipped a pass over Ricardo Carvalho and through to Arshavin, but the Russian volleyed straight at Cech from six yards.

Chelsea doubled their lead on the break on 23 minutes, after Frank Lampard charged into the Arsenal half before slipping in Drogba, out on the right.

The Ivory Coast forward cut back inside and held off two challenges before smashing the ball past Manuel Almunia.

To their credit, Arsenal continued to try to take the game to Chelsea, perhaps more in hope than genuine expectation.

Fabregas drilled his shot wide after Alex Song had held the ball up on the edge of the penalty area.

Cole, the former Arsenal trainee, dashed into the penalty box but Walcott forced him wide before Almunia pushed the ball behind.

There appeared to be a coin thrown onto the pitch from the away supporters, the object taken away by fourth official Peter Walton.

Clichy fired wide with an ambitious effort from 30 yards as Chelsea were content to sit back, victory seemingly already secured.

Florent Malouda ghosted into the left side of the Arsenal box, before his low cross was cut out by William Gallas, the former Chelsea defender.

In stoppage time, the Frenchman needed treatment following a clash of heads with Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

There were no changes by either side at the start of the second half, when heavy rain started to fall on Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal came from behind to win here last season with a brace from Robin van Persie, whom the Gunners have sorely missed since he suffered an ankle injury while on international duty.

Chelsea looked in no real hurry to take the game to the visitors, who needed inspiration from somewhere as a frustrated Wenger paced the technical area.

On 51 minutes, Drogba hobbled off for treatment after falling awkwardly when shooting, but he was soon back on.

Lampard almost turned in Malouda's cross from the left, then Michael Ballack fired wide as Chelsea once more cut through Arsenal with too much ease.

A red flare was then set alight in the away end, with police eventually intervening.

Wenger had seen enough, and made a change on 64 minutes, with Walcott replaced by Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner.

The presence of the big Dane at least gave Chelsea something to think about, with Carvalho's lunge giving away a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area. Fabregas struck his effort well, curling the ball around the wall, but Cech got down to save.

Wenger's last throw of the dice came on 74 minutes when Czech winger Tomas Rosicky replaced Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue came on for Bacary Sagna.

Chelsea made a change when Ballack was replaced by Yury Zhirkov as Carlo Ancelotti looked to make sure of the result following a period of sustained Arsenal pressure.

It was almost 3-0 when, after Song had tripped Lampard, Drogba smashed a 20-yard free-kick against the crossbar.

In stoppage-time, Fabregas headed wide after the ball was crossed into the Chelsea area from the right - which just about summed up Arsenal's disappointing afternoon.

Teams:

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Terry, Carvalho, Mikel, Ballack (Zhirkov 82), Malouda, Lampard, Drogba (Kalou 90), Anelka (Joe Cole 87)

Arsenal: Almunia, Clichy, Sagna (Eboue 75), Gallas, Vermaelen, Song, Fabregas, Diaby (Rosicky 74), Nasri, Arshavin, Walcott (Bendtner 65)

Source : http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk

John Terry put the controversy over his private life to one side by scoring the winner

Burnley 1
- Fletcher, S 50

Chelsea 2
- Anelka 27,
- Terry 82

Chelsea can open up a four-point lead with nearest rivals Manchester United and Arsenal facing off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring, Chelsea strolled through the first half and were good value for the goal from the French forward in the 27th minute.

Despite his off the field problems, Chelsea captain John Terry scored a beauty which proved the match winner for the Blues against Burnley in the Premier League. With the game level at 1-1, Terry scored a header after 85 minutes which secured a 2-1 victory and moves them four-points clear at the top of the table.

Sometimes it is impossible to believe these things are not scripted. Chelsea had been pegged back after taking a first-half lead and their forward players were starting to looked a bit ragged as they searched in vain for a way to break down the home defence, until the captain went up for a corner and scored with a downward header from near the penalty spot.

England captain John Terry shrugged off lurid allegations about his private life to score the winning goal as Chelsea claimed a vital 2-1 victory at Burnley to go four points clear in the Premier League. Chelsea captain John Terry put the controversy over his private life to one side by scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory at Burnley as his side went four points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech was the initial creator with a quick throw out to the right wing where Joe Cole took full advantage of the space in front of him to pick out Florent Malouda at the far post and his knock back was converted with ease by Anelka.

The home side suffered a further blow to their chances when left-back Christian Kalvenes limped off to be replaced by David Edgar.

Striker Steven Fletcher brought Turf Moor to its feet with an equaliser early in the second half after good link-up play with Blake.

Fletcher showed great skill and determination in keeping control of the ball, holding off a defensive challenge and then striking his shot beyond Cech.

Teams :

Burnley (4-4-1-1): Jensen; Mears, Cort, Carlisle (c), Kalvenes (Edgar 34); Elliott, Bikey, McDonald (Paterson 59), Eagles; Blake (Thompson 70); Fletcher.

Chelsea (4-3-2-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry (c), A Cole (Deco 75); Ballack, Lampard, Zhirkov; Malouda, J Cole (Sturridge 70); Anelka.

Chelsea storm back to the top of the Premier League

Chelsea 3
- Malouda 5,
- Lampard 32,
- Lampard 90

Birmingham City 0
With the top of the Premier League in their reach Chelsea took full advantage with a win over in-form Birmingham City on Wednesday evening.

Chelsea were a blur of subtle passing as they advanced into the attacking third and, when pressed, they used the long ball expertly to switch play. Frank Lampard Double Takes Blues Back To Premier League Summit by the interval the visitors' unbeaten run was already condemned with the home side untouchable and enjoying a comfortable two-goal advantage

Chelsea's 35th successive unbeaten game at Stamford Bridge ended, The home supporters' only complaint was that, even at 3-0. And they got the perfect start after just five minutes when Joe Cole found Florent Malouda with a precise cross and the Frenchman nodded home comfortably.

The home side's pressure was made to count on 32 minutes, however, when Frank Lampard doubled his side's lead. The midfielder received a pass from Michael Ballack, and arrowed a drilled shot into Joe Hart's bottom corner from fully 25-yards.

Lampard has clearly enjoyed having the shackles taken off as Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has abandoned his diamond formation and given his free-scoring midfielder a new lease of life.

Chelsea were simply far too strong for Birmingham as Lampard grabbed his 11th and 12th goals of the season.

But Chelsea completed their impressive victory with a wonderful flowing move which provided a fitting end to a terrific night. Malouda led the charge and then set up Lampard who swept home his second of the night in the final minute.

With Lampard on top form, anything is possible. And with Drogba back too, it is looking as if Chelsea’s title charge is gathering an unstoppable momentum

The results means the Londoners, thanks in part to rivals Arsenal's failure to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park, return to the top of the table after falling off the number one spot last weekend for the first time in three months

Anelka scored boost productivity

Preston North End 0

Chelsea 2
- Anelka 37,
- Sturridge 47
On a busy Saturday of FA Cup fixtures Preston versus Chelsea was an early game as the champions looked to find a way through to the fifth round before the rest of the fourth round games were played.

Chelsea had rested a few key players for this game and Preston looked to take advantage of that by taking the game to their opponents early on. This early attacking quickly settled down as the game became a battle that Chelsea seemed to be winning. The Blues dominated possession during the first half hour but created very few chances.

Nicolas Anelka's low drive put Chelsea ahead after 37 minutes and Daniel Sturridge slammed in a second just after the restart to ensure their comfortable passage into the next round.

Preston's big opportunity came and went shortly after Anelka gave Chelsea the lead, and Darren Carter will have nightmares about how he somehow failed to hit the target from point-blank range with keeper Hilario out of position.

And the Preston fans did themselves great credit on a day of disappointment by warmly applauding the England midfield man as he made his way to the tunnel.

Chelsea could, and should, have added to their lead as Sturridge twice came close and the ever-dangerous Anelka saw his effort well saved by Lonergan. Joe Cole, on for the injured Lampard, almost got in the act, but his shot was off target.

Teams Lineup:

Preston: Lonergan, Hart, Mawene, St, Ledger, Davidson, Sedgwick (Major 72 '), Chaplow, Jones, Carter (Parkin 59'), Wallace, Brown (Mellor 72 ').

Chelsea: Hilario, Paulo Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Zhirkov, Belletti (Malouda 19 '), Ballack, Lampard (Joe Cole 66'), Deco, Anelka, Sturridge.