Wolves 0-2 Chelsea

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Didier Drogba scored twice to earn Chelsea a crucial victory in the Premier League title race.

With defending champions Manchester United beaten 3-1 at Goodison Park by an in-form Everton side, Chelsea were presented with an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

And a superb performance from key duo Didier Drogba and goalkeeper Petr Cech ensured that the Blues head to Italy to face Internazionale in the Champions League full of confidence.

The result means that no matter what result United achieve against West Ham in midweek, the Blues will head into their weekend clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge safe in the knowledge the destiny of the title is still very much in their own hands.

In a week where tabloid headlines have again focused around the private life of another Chelsea footballer - this time the injured Ashley Cole - the result acts as a welcome distraction from a tirade of media attention for Chelsea's Italian manager.

Speaking after the game, the Chelsea coach was full of admiration for his two star performers. "Didier is doing very well, not just because of his goals but because of his leadership with his team-mates. But Petr was man of the match because he saved the result for us."

And perhaps even more notable was Chelsea's triumph despite something of an injury crisis, with the aforementioned Cole joined on the treatment table by Ricardo Carvalho, Alex, Deco, Michael Essien and Juliano Belletti amongst those missing.

Another key member of the Chelsea set-up who was absent was star midfielder Frank Lampard, who missed out due to illness - but an efficient performance by his team-mates will be just the tonic to remedy the England star back to good health.

The match, in truth, was something of a dead-rubber clash for much of the first half. Wolves started the brighter of the two teams, matching Chelsea's midfield with a dogged performance, but it was the visitors who forged the first opening.

Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov is congratulated for setting up Drogba's first goal.

It was Michael Ballack who shot wide, but as soon as Chelsea were into their stride, they found themselves on the back foot as the hosts replied.

Kevin Doyle forced Cech into a smart save at his near post with an instinctive effort only moments after the Irishman had tested the Czech shotstopper for the first time after a promising run from deep.

But by the time Chelsea had soaked up pressure from Wolves, they were hitting the hosts on the counter-attack, and a move of stunning simplicity led to their opening goal. It was the industrious Zhirkov who created it; playing a clever one-two with Ballack before teeing up Drogba to poke home from close range for his 24th of the season.

The goal - coming late in the half - held much promise for Chelsea in the second period, but it only seemed to galvanise Wolves, who were matching their hosts man for man. Their first effort of a period of great pressure on the Blues' goal came through new signing Guedioura, who forced a top save from Cech with a fiercely-hit volley.

Cech was keeping his team's lead intact, and his defence will be thankful for his fleet-footedness as he leapt to smother the ball at the feet of Kevin Foley before Guedioura's follow-up was hacked away by John Terry.

As at Goodison Park some ten days beforehand, Terry was out-of-sorts - without regular partner-in-crime Carvalho he seemed lost and times, and but for an impressive display by Branislav Ivanovic, the Blues skipper would have found himself on the losing side of the defence's match-long duel with the tireless Doyle.

But whilst Terry was under-performing, his goalkeeper was enjoying one of his best outings between the posts for Chelsea for some time, and his contribution was highlighted when he provided an assist for Drogba's second goal.

A long punt forward caught the Wolves defence unaware, and Drogba coolly rounded Marcus Hahnemann before stroking home to take his tally for the season to an incredible 25 in 29 matches.

Wolves continued to press, aiming for the goal their fight and grit warranted, but Chelsea were not to be denied only their second win away from home in seven matches and first in three. Ancelotti's winning machine marches on - thanks to their goalkeeper and talismanic forward.

___________________________________________________________________

Wolves: Hahnemann; Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward; Henry ©; Foley (Halford), Guedioura, Jones (Ebanks-Blake), Jarvis (Mujangi Bia); Doyle

Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry ©, Zhirkov (Bruma); Ballack, Mikel, Malouda; Anelka, J Cole; Drogba

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 1, PETR CECH

[Steve 10,227]

Nice report mate. Cech well deserved man of the match. In great form atm.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Cheers.

Yeah, you're right. I don't know if it's pure coincidence, but since British newspaper reports suggesting he'd be sold if he didn't improve he's been quite brilliant.

[oxfordblues 299]

watched it a few times now & JT looks like his reading of the flight of the ball is shot to pieces at the mo.also is it time for a move for ashley.he`s gonna get bundles when he`s fit.

[NattyBlue 44]

I think it was still an encouraging performance for us for the fact that we had the fight which has been lacking in recent away games imo, we really dug in deep and stayed strong

[5354 204]

Anyway, how was Zhrikov's injury?

[zolayes 14,489]

Anyway, how was Zhrikov's injury?

carlo said tightness in his calf

[Fulham Broadway 16,962]

Good report BL. Anyone see it kicking off at H/T between 'northern' Chels and 'regular ' Chelsea fans ?