Didier Drogba’s superb free-kick was enough for Chelsea to see off Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final.

The Ivorian brilliantly curled the ball home after a frustrating first half in which the much-fancied Premier League champions were denied five times by the woodwork.

However in a moment that typifies Chelsea’s spirit, grit and determination, it was Petr Cech’s excellent penalty save which earns the Blues an historic league and cup double – the first time it has been achieved by the West London outfit.

The win means that not only are they double winners but also the first team since Arsenal to successfully defend the FA Cup – and the Blues have now won three of the four finals at the new Wembley stadium.

Carlo Ancelotti will have surprised few with his decision to name an unchanged starting eleven after the Blues had mauled Wigan 8-0 last Sunday, and the Italian’s quiet and focused demeanour will have certainly won many friends to the Chelsea cause – a huge comparison with the outspoken and controversial José Mourinho.

This particular double is something the Special One could not achieve – and though the ex-Porto boss won a double of his own in his début season, winning the Carling Cup and Premier League, Ancelotti has bettered his rival by completing an achievement only achieved by six other clubs.

And with the Community Shield secured way back in August – again thanks to Cech – it has been a remarkable season of unprecedented success for Chelsea and their Italian coach.

Chelsea will be delighted with the retention of their trophy but key man Drogba cut a frustrated figure as the Blues trudged off at half-time, denied a lead only through a combination the frame of the goal and the brilliance of David James.

As expected it was the menace of Chelsea’s three-pronged attack – the in-form trio of Drogba, Kalou and Anelka – that posed the greatest threat of all, but it was 27-goal midfielder Frank Lampard that had the first effort of the final; narrowly volleying wide from the edge of the area.

The England midfielder then clipped the post with a dipping drive from 30 yards that might just have evaded James’ hand had it been on target.

Lampard was enjoying a good opening to the game and it was he who set Anelka free just moments later, the Frenchman’s shot saved at the near post by David James who made the first of many excellent stops.

Aaron Mokoena then came to Portsmouth’s rescue with two brilliant blocks as Chelsea finally carved the heart of the South Coast side’s defence. The ball fell to Drogba whose first shot was denied by the trailing leg of the South Africa captain before the defender made a crucial second block to deny his fellow African.

Frederic Piquionne then forced a stunning save out of Cech at the other end as Portsmouth threatened for the first time in the match. Loan player Aruna Dindane’s cross was only half-hit by Kevin Prince Boateng; the ball falling to Piquionne who could only watch in disbelief as Cech readjusted himself to paw the ball away.

Kalou then rattled the woodwork from six yards as he inexplicably failed to convert Ashley Cole’s superb cross after the England star had combined with Florent Malouda.

Chesting the ball down, Cole rifled it across the face of goal but Kalou could only shin the ball onto the woodwork. James’ goal was living a charmed life, though this time it was the fault of poor finishing rather than fortune alone.

Three minutes later Chelsea’s shortcomings were compounded when Terry clipped the bar with a bullet header from Malouda’s cross. As the Frenchman became more involved his deliveries were also improving, and he was unlucky not to see Terry convert with James again beaten.

Michael Ballack was then substituted due to injury despite his best efforts to shake off a knock sustained after a terrible challenge by Boateng, and Drogba produced a fine save from James who tipped the Ivorian’s 40-yard effort onto the underside of the bar.

The ball looked to have crossed the line and even though replays showed the decision not to give the goal was a good one, it may have been a defining moment had the game ended 0-0. Fortunately for Chelsea, it would not.

However the much-fancied champions were again denied by the woodwork before the half was over; Drogba poking under James only to see the foot of the near post deny his side the perfect tonic to a period of immense frustration. As it happened, it only aided the despair of Ancelotti and the Chelsea faithful.

Chelsea had dominated the first half but they were second best for the first ten minutes of the second period; Boateng volleying just over from a tight angle just moments after the interval.

Belletti – playing probably his last game for the side – then saw Chris Foy point to the spot after he stupidly hacked down Dindane inside the box. Boateng stepped up trying to make amends for his earlier miss, but the inspired Czech goalkeeper denied the ex-Tottenham man with a superb save.

It might not have been the best penalty Wembley has seen in recent years but it was still a magnificent save by Cech who had to focus to save with his feet. Alex subsequently cleared and Chelsea were able to regroup.

A lethargic start to the second half had almost been punished by Boateng and Chelsea responded in kind by taking the lead; this time neither James nor the post able to deny them.

Drogba was hacked down outside the box and the Ivorian majestically bent the ball past the dive of James and in off the post. It was about time fortune had smiled on the Blues, and a cacophony of noise erupted from the Chelsea faithful – they led in the final.

Substitute Joe Cole then had a chance shortly after to make it a dream end to his season but his effort was charged down only moments after James had again blocked Drogba’s shot.

But Portsmouth were not willing to merely give up, and but for a vital touch by John Terry; turning the ball behind for a corner, Nadir Belhadj’s cross would surely have been converted by the lurking Dindane.

Cech’s penalty save had proved to be a key turning point and Chelsea were now in the ascendancy. Lampard was fouled inside the box by Michael Brown who had been flirting with the referee’s notebook all match, and the usually-reliable England midfielder stood up knowing he could win the cup for his club.

He missed. It wasn’t even saved; Lampard fired wide of the target. Portsmouth knew they still had a chance – fortunate was favouring them but unfortunately for the well-supported underdogs, it wasn’t to be; Alex was on hand to make a number of excellent clearing headers and Cech then gratefully plucked Kanu’s cross from the air.

It was to be the last action of a brilliant and compelling cup final. You will have to go a long, long way to find a better 1-0 for many years to come.

The scoreline was irrelevant; Chelsea had done the necessary. Ironic, perhaps, that the trophy was brought home by just thanks to just a single goal but in a season where Chelsea have smashed all sorts of records for their new-found attacking prowess – but the Blues are worthy winners and deserved their famous victory.

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Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry ©, A Cole; Lampard, Ballack (Belletti 43), Malouda; Anelka (Sturridge 90), J Drogba, Kalou (J Cole 70)

Portsmouth (4-4-1-1): James ©; Finnan, Mokoena, Rocha, Mullins (Belhadj 81); Dindane, Diop (Kanu 80), Brown, Boateng (Utaka 73); O’Hara; Piquionne

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 1 – Petr CECH

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Chelsea are the Premier League champions after destroying Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Coming into the game with a one-point lead over defending title holders Manchester United, the Blues knew that only victory would guarantee them their first championship since 2006, and their first without José Mourinho at the helm.

And the final obstacle for Chelsea to overcome was the enigma of Wigan Athletic. Roberto Martinez’ side have had an incredible season – whilst they have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal previously this campaign, they were hammered 5-0 by Manchester United and infamously thrashed 9-1 by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The goal for the hosts was simple enough – and the West London outfit did not disappoint.

A 2-0 half-time lead courtesy of Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard eased the nerves before a stupendous second half showing which saw Didier Drogba hit a stunning sixteen-minute hat-trick to seal the Premier League Golden Boot.

Anelka volleyed home a second in fine style after Salomon Kalou had found the back of the net after a brilliantly-worked team move and Ashley Cole completed the rout with his fourth goal of the season late on.

With the same team that had disposed of Liverpool at Anfield lining up on the hallowed Stamford Bridge turf, confidence and togetherness was evident as Chelsea raced into an early lead through Anelka’s well-taken volley.

Drogba’s free-kick was headed on by Michael Ballack after the wall had blocked the initial attempt, before Florent Malouda set up Anelka who fired beyond the experienced Mike Pollitt – a former United trainee.

If the early goal – coming after just six minutes – hadn’t soothed any early nerves then Lampard’s penalty half an hour later soon had the crowd bouncing.

Ashley Cole had been inches away from converting a cross from Anelka only moments earlier, before Lampard was hauled down inside the area by Gary Caldwell. A straight red card was shown to the ex-Celtic man, and Chelsea’s vice-captain duly converted with admirable composure.

A show of petulance by Drogba soured the mood somewhat; the Ivorian complaining Lampard did not give the spot-kick opportunity to him. There would be no complaining from the newly-elected Player of the Year in the second half, and it was he who led the celebrations as Kalou further increased the margin of victory.

After Lampard had just hit the bar, Kalou played a super one-two with the England midfielder. One touch and strike later, Kalou had netted his 12th – and best – goal of the season.

With the title won and wrapped up in several layers of cotton wool, Ancelotti decided to bring on Joe Cole and Juliano Belletti, who would be making his final appearance in a Chelsea shirt. Kalou was one of the players taken off to a standing ovation.

Anelka then scored arguably the best of a good bunch of goals when he volleyed home Ivanovic’s pinpoint cross. The Serb picked out his team-mate with unerring accuracy and the France star’s effort was equally as brilliant.

Drogba’s mood had notably changed by now and he was delighted just minutes later when he added Chelsea’s fifth – incidentally their 100th league goal of the campaign. His initial overhead kick saved brilliantly by Pollitt, he headed home from Lampard’s cross to overtake Wayne Rooney in the quest for the Golden Boot.

On 67 minutes Drogba had the chance of doubling the lead from the spot, and he rifled the ball in off the post. It was Ashley Cole who had won the penalty when tripped by Melchiot – Wigan were in danger of being the next team to face a seven-goal drubbing by the Blues.

Nemanja Matic came on for the hosts as Ancelotti looked to utilise the team’s youth players, and the young Serb played a role in the seventh for the Blues which eventually saw Drogba stab home from Joe Cole’s parried effort to complete a perfect hat-trick.

On 85 minutes Petr Cech underlined why he would be sharing the Golden Gloves with Pepe Reina when he made one of the saves of the season to deny Moses a goal from 40 yards; the Czech diving to his right to make a terrific save.

After a season of consistently hitting seven goals, what better than to score eight on the title-winning day? Ashley Cole was the scorer; a brilliant volley after magnificent persistence from his namesake Joe, who was enjoying an excellent cameo appearance.

All that was left was for John Terry to lift the Premier League trophy – and didn’t he enjoy it!

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In what was expected to be a tough test of Chelsea’s title credentials, the Blues – buoyed by their destruction of Stoke last weekend – overcame their northern opponents to maintain their lead at the Premier League summit.

Didier Drogba capitalised on a horrendous back-pass by Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard to give the visitors a lead at the interval before Frank Lampard sealed a historic victory with a simple finish from a Nicolas Anelka cross.

And but for the inspired Pepe Reina, Liverpool would have found themselves on the wrong end of another Chelsea mauling as the Blues cruised in relative comfort to three massive points as they continue their hunt for their first Premier League title since 2006.

The only disappointment on a day of triumph for Carlo Ancelotti’s men was Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Sunderland which ensures the title race will go to the wire – and Chelsea must now beat Wigan to be guaranteed of title success in the Italian’s first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Confidence was high in the Chelsea camp ahead of this key fixture in the race for the title following their incredible 7-0 win over Stoke just seven days before, but Anfield had proved an unhappy hunting ground for the Blues many times in the past.

Besides a 3-1 triumph in the Champions League last season, Chelsea had failed to leave Merseyside with a victory over Liverpool since a 4-1 demolition of Rafael Benitez’ side under José Mourinho back in 2005.

And that was the last time Chelsea had won the Premier League; with the Portuguese tactician overseeing a crucial double over their rivals in both of their title-winning campaigns. Anything other than a similar story and Chelsea would have let their lead slip – but there was to be no mistake from a professional, efficient Blues side.

With influential captain John Terry returning from suspension, Paulo Ferreira returned to the bench, whilst Salomon Kalou’s hat-trick last week kept Joe Cole out of the starting eleven. Liverpool were without talisman Fernando Torres and defender Martin Skrtel, but Maxi Rodriguez returned to make his third appearance this term against the Blues.

Chelsea started brightly and went close after just 35 seconds when Lampard blasted wide, but Liverpool responded in kind by winning a succession of corners that were subsequently cleared.

Reina was brought into action with tame efforts from both Anelka and Malouda before Alberto Aquilani clipped the top of the bar with a long-range effort that had Petr Cech beaten. It was an early warning to Chelsea that their hosts would not simply roll over.

But as the game reached a lull in proceedings, conspiracy theorists will have had a field-day when Steven Gerrard inexplicably played the ball back towards goal without looking. The lurking Drogba duly pounced; rounded Reina and slotted home his 33rd goal of an incredible campaign for the Ivorian.

Lampard then came to the fore with confidence flowing through both his veins and his teammates, and only the faintest of deflections from Sotiris Kyrgiakos took the ball wide of Reina’s post.

Moments later the England star played the ball to Nicolas Anelka, who was denied at the last by another sturdy block by Kyrgiakos, who was proving to be a tough obstacle to break down at the heart of the Liverpool back four.

Chelsea might have had a 2-0 lead at half-time but for the inadequacies of the officials, who failed to spot a blatant foul by Lucas as Kalou stole in on goal. One-on-one with Reina, Kalou’s thigh was caught by Lucas’ trailing leg and the player went down – but no penalty was awarded.

Ancelotti was incensed and rightly so – replays showed it was a clear spot-kick, and John Terry was quick to point out to the referee that Kalou had no reason to dive being through one-on-one.

Kalou continued to cause Liverpool no end of problems in the second half, and his touchline jig saw him lose the attentions of Mascherano before he squared across the face of goal. Any touch from Anelka would have sealed the win, but Kalou’s cross was just slightly over hit and the Frenchman could not poke home.

However Chelsea’s next venture into the box would not be so wasteful, as Drogba’s magnificent flick allowed Anelka to pick out Lampard who tucked the ball home to secure a massive, monumental three points. All ten of Chelsea’s outfield players celebrated with one another near the visiting fans whilst Petr Cech calmly beat the badge with his fist.

Alex then came to Chelsea’s rescue as Liverpool sub Ryan Babel broke through but the former-PSV man made a crucial interception. At the other end, Malouda’s superb volley was stopped equally as brilliantly by Reina, who was keeping a speck of credibility to the scoreline.

All of that came after Reina had made a smart stop to deny Anelka a goal against his former employers, and the keeper then made a good double-save to deny Anelka and then Kalou.

It was a subdued atmosphere inside Anfield; only the travelling contingent could be heard as Chelsea played out the final twenty minutes in relative comfort; Liverpool having to wait until the 92nd minute to register their first shot on target.

Dirk Kuyt lost the attentions of Alex but his skipping shot was well held by Cech, who had done well to stay awake and alert at his near post. Ballack had moments earlier come close to increasing the divide between the two teams but his freekick was palmed away by Reina.

Nevertheless the necessary had already been done as Chelsea took a massive stride towards the title. It’s still theirs to lose, but who would bet against them now?
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Liverpool: Reina [7]; Mascherano [4], Carragher [6] (Ayala 56 [5]), Kyrgiakos [6], Agger [6]; Lucas [4], Gerrard © [5]; Maxi Rodriguez [5] (Babel 42 [4]), Aquilani [5] (N’Gog 76 [4]), Benayoun [5]; Kuyt [6]

Chelsea: Cech [6]; Ivanovic [7], Alex [7], Terry © [7], A Cole [7]; Lampard [8], Ballack [6], Malouda [6]; Anelka [8] (J Cole 90+1 [5]), Drogba [6], Kalou [8] (Zhirkov 87 [5])

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 39 – Nicolas ANELKA

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Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea are now just three points away from the Premier League title after a comfortable win at Anfield against Liverpool.

In what was expected to be a tough test of Chelsea’s title credentials, the Blues – buoyed by their destruction of Stoke last weekend – overcame their northern opponents to maintain their lead at the Premier League summit.

Didier Drogba capitalised on a horrendous back-pass by Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard to give the visitors a lead at the interval before Frank Lampard sealed a historic victory with a simple finish from a Nicolas Anelka cross.

And but for the inspired Pepe Reina, Liverpool would have found themselves on the wrong end of another Chelsea mauling as the Blues cruised in relative comfort to three massive points as they continue their hunt for their first Premier League title since 2006.

The only disappointment on a day of triumph for Carlo Ancelotti’s men was Manchester United’s 1-0 win at Sunderland which ensures the title race will go to the wire – and Chelsea must now beat Wigan to be guaranteed of title success in the Italian’s first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Confidence was high in the Chelsea camp ahead of this key fixture in the race for the title following their incredible 7-0 win over Stoke just seven days before, but Anfield had proved an unhappy hunting ground for the Blues many times in the past.

Besides a 3-1 triumph in the Champions League last season, Chelsea had failed to leave Merseyside with a victory over Liverpool since a 4-1 demolition of Rafael Benitez’ side under José Mourinho back in 2005.

And that was the last time Chelsea had won the Premier League; with the Portuguese tactician overseeing a crucial double over their rivals in both of their title-winning campaigns. Anything other than a similar story and Chelsea would have let their lead slip – but there was to be no mistake from a professional, efficient Blues side.

With influential captain John Terry returning from suspension, Paulo Ferreira returned to the bench, whilst Salomon Kalou’s hat-trick last week kept Joe Cole out of the starting eleven. Liverpool were without talisman Fernando Torres and defender Martin Skrtel, but Maxi Rodriguez returned to make his third appearance this term against the Blues.

Chelsea started brightly and went close after just 35 seconds when Lampard blasted wide, but Liverpool responded in kind by winning a succession of corners that were subsequently cleared.

Reina was brought into action with tame efforts from both Anelka and Malouda before Alberto Aquilani clipped the top of the bar with a long-range effort that had Petr Cech beaten. It was an early warning to Chelsea that their hosts would not simply roll over.

But as the game reached a lull in proceedings, conspiracy theorists will have had a field-day when Steven Gerrard inexplicably played the ball back towards goal without looking. The lurking Drogba duly pounced; rounded Reina and slotted home his 33rd goal of an incredible campaign for the Ivorian.

Lampard then came to the fore with confidence flowing through both his veins and his teammates, and only the faintest of deflections from Sotiris Kyrgiakos took the ball wide of Reina’s post.

Moments later the England star played the ball to Nicolas Anelka, who was denied at the last by another sturdy block by Kyrgiakos, who was proving to be a tough obstacle to break down at the heart of the Liverpool back four.

Chelsea might have had a 2-0 lead at half-time but for the inadequacies of the officials, who failed to spot a blatant foul by Lucas as Kalou stole in on goal. One-on-one with Reina, Kalou’s thigh was caught by Lucas’ trailing leg and the player went down – but no penalty was awarded.

Ancelotti was incensed and rightly so – replays showed it was a clear spot-kick, and John Terry was quick to point out to the referee that Kalou had no reason to dive being through one-on-one.

Kalou continued to cause Liverpool no end of problems in the second half, and his touchline jig saw him lose the attentions of Mascherano before he squared across the face of goal. Any touch from Anelka would have sealed the win, but Kalou’s cross was just slightly over hit and the Frenchman could not poke home.

However Chelsea’s next venture into the box would not be so wasteful, as Drogba’s magnificent flick allowed Anelka to pick out Lampard who tucked the ball home to secure a massive, monumental three points. All ten of Chelsea’s outfield players celebrated with one another near the visiting fans whilst Petr Cech calmly beat the badge with his fist.

Alex then came to Chelsea’s rescue as Liverpool sub Ryan Babel broke through but the former-PSV man made a crucial interception. At the other end, Malouda’s superb volley was stopped equally as brilliantly by Reina, who was keeping a speck of credibility to the scoreline.

All of that came after Reina had made a smart stop to deny Anelka a goal against his former employers, and the keeper then made a good double-save to deny Anelka and then Kalou.

It was a subdued atmosphere inside Anfield; only the travelling contingent could be heard as Chelsea played out the final twenty minutes in relative comfort; Liverpool having to wait until the 92nd minute to register their first shot on target.

Dirk Kuyt lost the attentions of Alex but his skipping shot was well held by Cech, who had done well to stay awake and alert at his near post. Ballack had moments earlier come close to increasing the divide between the two teams but his freekick was palmed away by Reina.

Nevertheless the necessary had already been done as Chelsea took a massive stride towards the title. It’s still theirs to lose, but who would bet against them now?

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Liverpool: Reina [7]; Mascherano [4], Carragher [6] (Ayala 56 [5]), Kyrgiakos [6], Agger [6]; Lucas [4], Gerrard © [5]; Maxi Rodriguez [5] (Babel 42 [4]), Aquilani [5] (N’Gog 76 [4]), Benayoun [5]; Kuyt [6]

Chelsea: Cech [6]; Ivanovic [7], Alex [7], Terry © [7], A Cole [7]; Lampard [8], Ballack [6], Malouda [6]; Anelka [8] (J Cole 90+1 [5]), Drogba [6], Kalou [8] (Zhirkov 87 [5])

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 39 – Nicolas ANELKA

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Salomon Kalou scored his first Blues hat-trick, and Frank Lampard’s brace brought his season’s tally to a career best 25 goals. Further goals from substitute Daniel Sturridge and the in-form Florent Malouda ensured a record top-flight home victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s title-chasers.

The result means Chelsea have re-established a one-point lead at the Premier League summit after Manchester United had supplanted them briefly after their 3-1 victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford.

It is also the third time the Blues have hit seven goals this season – another first in English football.

With John Terry red-carded last week at White Hart Lane, Chelsea were expected to be given a stern tested by Tony Pulis’ side, but the Blues were fastest out of the starting blocks and only a decent double-save from Thomas Sorensen denied them the lead.

First Lampard’s dipping shot was parried away before the keeper got up quickly to block Ashley Cole’s effort. It was Cole’s first appearance since breaking his ankle in February, and he was already proving an effective attacking outlet.

Drogba then tested the veteran Dane once more with a bullet header; Sorensen tipping the effort away superbly.

But the hosts did eventually break the deadlock through Kalou, who headed home a brilliant Drogba cross after some magnificent skill by the Ivorian to pluck Malouda’s cross-field pass from the sky.

Drogba then hooked over himself from an cute angle before his deft touch once again unlocked the Stoke defence. Cushioning the ball to Lampard, the Chelsea captain’s shot was only half dealt with by Sorensen, who was helpless as Kalou slid the ball in.

The Stoke shot-stopper dislocated his elbow in the collision with the Chelsea forward and received a standing ovation from the Stamford Bridge faithful as he left the pitch wearing an oxygen mask.

Stoke had also earlier lost skipper Abdoulaye Faye to injury, but their respective replacements – Ryan Shawcross and keeper Asmir Begovic – did little better against a rampant Blues performance.

Kalou was hauled down by ex-Chelsea defender Robert Huth, and although replays suggest the initial foul was outside the area, Lampard duly stepped up to roll the ball beyond Begovic with embarrassing ease. Though generously-awarded, it meant Chelsea had an unassailable three-goal lead at the interval.

And any hope held by the travelling supporters from the Midlands that Chelsea would go through the motions and take their foot off the gas was dashed when Kalou raced clear on 68 minutes to complete his first treble for the club.

Lampard’s pass was magnificent, and the Ivorian finished at the second time of asking despite the attentions of Ryan Shawcross on the line.

And whilst Lampard made it 5-0 with the goal of the game; a deft flick over the advancing Begovic from a delightful cross by substitute Sam Hutchinson, the lead could have been even greater had Malouda have scored from just a half-yard out.

It was then Begovic who came to Stoke’s rescue with a superb save after a brilliant counter-attack that was once again instigated by the faultless Lampard – Malouda once more denied.

But Chelsea were rampant and the introduction of Joe Cole and Daniel Sturridge did little to offer Stoke any respite. The latter raced through after a terrific defence-splitting pass by Drogba, and after rounding the keeper the Englishman stroked the ball into the net for his first league goal for the Blues.

And before the 90 minutes was up, Malouda finally recorded his 15th of the season with a tap-in after some good skill in the area by Joe Cole to add another layer of gloss to the result.

It’s Chelsea’s to lose.
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Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira (Hutchinson 72), Alex, Ivanovic, A Cole; Lampard, Ballack, Malouda; Kalou (J Cole 70), Drogba, Anelka (Sturridge 79)

Stoke City (4-4-2): Sorensen (Begovic 35) ; Huth, Ab Faye © (Shawcross 8), Higginbotham, Collins; Whitehead, Delap, Whelan, Etherington; Fuller, Kitson (Tuncay 58)

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 8, Frank Lampard

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Tottenham took a deserved lead when Defoe blasted home after John Terry had hand-balled in the area, and Gareth Bale then scored a second to effectively seal the victory before half-time.

Chelsea’s chances of taking something from the game seemed to totally disintegrate when Terry was sent off for a second bookable offence with just under half an hour to play, and but for goalkeeper Petr Cech, the score could have been much worse.

Frank Lampard netted a late consolation but it was all in vain as Chelsea’s lead at the title is now just one point, after Manchester United beat Manchester City 1-0 at Eastlands thanks to a last minute Paul Scholes header in the lunch-time kick off.

The result leaves Chelsea’s championship hopes in tatters, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side knowing they must win all three of their remaining fixtures, including a daunting away match at Anfield against Liverpool.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have spot up into fourth place and are now favourites to earn themselves qualification for the Champions League next term, and were good value for their victory.

Hammered 3-0 at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture, Tottenham were clearly buoyed by their historic win over Arsenal in mid-week, putting in a superb defensive performance to beat the Gunners at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham were the fastest out of the traps and had earlier efforts through Bale and Pavlyuchenko that were blocked by Chelsea defenders; the Blues evidently second-best in the opening exchanges.

And despite their lethargic start it was Chelsea who fashioned the first serious chance when Malouda stung Heurelho Gomes’ hands with a strike from distance, but the Blues were soon on the back foot.

Unconvincing against Bolton on Tuesday and suspect in defence on more than one occasion, it was no surprise that Spurs began to exploit much of the space behind the Chelsea midfield right from the offing.

The moment that changed the game came with barely sixteen minutes played; John Terry handling inside the area. Up stepped Defoe, who clinically unleashed an unstoppable penalty that would have defied Petr Cech’s dive even if he had guessed the right way.

Cech then made a smart save to deny Pavlyuchenko from close range whilst Gomes easily held on to a weak shot from Drogba, who was looking increasingly isolated.

Chelsea thought they had restored parity soon after but Malouda was correctly ruled offside when he stroked home Zhirkov’s cross, but no such decision denied Tottenham a second goal just moments later.

It was Paulo Ferreira who was at fault. Consistently good in recent weeks, Ferreira was easily beaten by Bale who cut inside and slammed the ball beyond Cech to seal the win.

Chelsea might have been given a glimmer of hope had Lampard’s well-hit volley gone in, but Gomes pulled off a spectacular save to preserve his clean sheet.

Only wastefulness by the hosts managed to keep Chelsea in the match in an intriguing second half that began with Drogba appearing to moan about an injury just seconds after Ancelotti had played all of his cards by making all three of his substitutions.

It might have been better for Chelsea, however, had the moody and wasteful Ivorian hobbled off.

Cech kept Chelsea in the game with one of the best saves of the season when he came out to deny Defoe when one-on-one with the in-form forward, but Chelsea’s feint chances were wiped out completely by the stupidity of their captain.

Cautioned already for one foul just two minutes before hand, Terry received a second booking in the 66th minute to extinguish any hopes of a revival.

Cech then made an excellent save to deny Bentley who tried an outrageous chip from 25 yards, and also made a good block to deny Bale a second with a fine save. The Blues keeper was ensuring a speck of credibility about the result.

Lampard did finally break down the Spurs back-line late on when he poked home Ballack’s pin-point cross, but it was a case of too little, too late for Chelsea, who lead United now by only a single point.

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Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira (Ivanovic 46), Alex, Terry©, Zhirkov; Deco, Mikel (Ballack 32), Lampard; J Cole (Anelka 46), Drogba, Malouda

Tottenham (4-4-2): Gomes; Kaboul, Dawson, Bassong, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Huddlestone, Modric (Gudjohnsen 77), Bale; Pavlyuchenko (Crouch 90+3), Defoe

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Tottenham’s number 20 – Michael DAWSON

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The Frenchman scored his 13th goal of the season to settle a tense encounter with Owen Coyle’s side, who had two penalty shouts turned down during a frantic match that has consequences at both ends of the table.

Chelsea’s lead is now a relatively healthy-looking four points, and with just four games remaining the Blues appear certain favourites for the Premier League title.

And Anelka’s goal against his former employees ensures that Chelsea now have room for error at the top, and a 2-1 victory for Tottenham over Arsenal in the North London derby also has positive connotations for the Blues as Arsene Wenger’s side are effectively out of the title race.

In a week where there has been criticism over Anelka’s relationship with strike partner Didier Drogba, it was somewhat appropriate that the Ivorian and Frenchman should combine to score the game-winning goal, and Anelka’s strike – his first since January – will do wonders for his confidence.

Carlo Ancelotti surprised many with his team selection as he chose to field Salmon Kalou and Anelka in favour of in-form duo Deco and Florent Malouda, whilst Joe Cole was also dropped from the bench.

The first half proved to be a dour stalemate – the best chance falling inadvertently to Kalou after Drogba’s free kick was parried by Jussi Jaaskelainen. The ball hit Kalou on the head, but with mere milliseconds to react he could only direct the ball wide.

There was also a horrible clash of heads between Yuri Zhirkov and Trotters skipper Kevin Davies that saw the Russian require several stitches at half-time.

Drogba continued to be frustrated by a resolute Bolton side when he fired another free kick wide, whilst he then appeared to handle the ball in his own area when helping his defenders – Chelsea were lucky to survive a very strong penalty call.

But the Ivorian then made amends for his earlier wastefulness from dead ball situations when he fired in an inch perfect cross for Anelka, who headed beyond Jaaskelainen with aplomb.

Kalou then wasted a wonderful opportunity for the Blues to put the game to bed even before half-time when he shot straight at Jaaskelainen after good industry demonstrated by Drogba – but the narrow lead would ultimately prove a crucial one.

The second half was tense but offered more entertainment. The best Chelsea chances fell to Frank Lampard, who rifled against the post after a lovely dummy by substitute Joe Cole, and earlier Kalou who again fired too close to the goalkeeper.

Bolton had another penalty shout turned down when the ball hit John Terry perilously close to the arm, but replays showed it was the Chelsea captain’s shoulder that made contact.

Florent Malouda was introduced part-way through the half to add some much-needed energy into Chelsea’s lethargic attack, and he made an instant impression as he set up Yuri Zhirkov, who stung the Bolton goalkeeper’s hands with a fierce effort.

Cole was then guilty of a wonderful opportunity to ease nerves around Stamford Bridge when he stood on the ball rather than firing home, whilst Bolton forward Johann Elmander wasted a glorious chance to equalise when he headed wide with Petr Cech looking beaten.

Cech, though rarely tested, earned his 100th Premier League clean-sheet in 180 matches – and it was a crucial landmark in the Chelsea stopper’s career. Their march to the title continues.

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Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry ©, Zhirkov; Ballack, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka (Malouda 66), Drogba, Kalou (J Cole 76)

Bolton (4-4-1-1): Jaaskelainen; Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Robinson; Lee (Klasnic 82), Muamba, Ricketts, Taylor; Wilshere (Elmander 82); K Davies ©

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 18, Yuri ZHIRKOV

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Just a fortnight after the impressive 7-1 mauling of Martin O’Neill’s side at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea overcame Aston Villa once more to earn themselves the opportunity to make a successful defence of the FA Cup in the final on May 15.

After a tight first half which saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men thwarted by a resolute Villa side, the Blues began to dominate following the interval and took a deserved lead when Didier Drogba flicked home from John Terry’s pass.

Florent Malouda then celebrated his Player of the Month award with a superb volley after a breathless counter-attack, before Frank Lampard buried his twenty-second goal of the season – a personal best for the England man – to wrap up a conclusive triumph.

The score is harsh on Villa, who were the better team in the opening exchanges and had Chelsea under pressure for long periods of the first forty-five minutes, but Chelsea were ruthless after the break and ultimately warranted their win.

Had Howard Webb awarded the Midlands side a penalty kick after a blatant foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor by John Mikel Obi in the box, the match may turned out very differently indeed – however Chelsea were good value for the result based on their much-improved second half showing, and their double dream is still very much a possibility.

Ancelotti made only one change to the side that started the win at Old Trafford last weekend, naming Didier Drogba in place of Nicolas Anelka, with regular cup goalkeeper Henrique Hilario restricted to an appearance on the bench due to a niggling injury.

Once again it was the infamous Wembley pitch that was one of the key factors in what was a poor first half, with Chelsea looking lethargic and sloppy when in possession. James Milner and Paulo Ferreira were just two of the players who fell foul to the slippery surface in the opening exchanges – but the next player to go to ground did so under physical contact.

With the ball at his feet and preparing to turn and fire goalwards, Gabriel Agbonlahor was pulled down by Mikel inside the Chelsea area, but no penalty was given. The Villa man did have a chunk of the Nigerian star’s shirt, but it was another controversial decision awarded in favour of the Blues – maybe luck smiles on them once more?

Chelsea responded with a header from Alex which failed to test Friedel, whilst Milner had earlier sent Cech scrambling with a long-range hit. The only real speck of quality demonstrated by the in-form cup holders was a smart turn of pace and strike by Joe Cole, who lashed into the side netting with the Villa keeper scrambling.

However the best chance of the half fell to the lacklustre Blues, who were denied at the death by a piece of exceptional covering by Stephen Warnock as Drogba looked to poke home from close range.

The second half saw Chelsea’s midfield express more interest in the game and Lampard was soon at his dominating best. After a long spell of possession, the Blues fashioned the first chance of the half when Drogba turned Collins in the area, before seeing his shot charged down heroically by Dunne.

But a much improved Blues eleven was not to be denied, and Malouda’s corner was directed home by Drogba after a ricochet which involved a mistimed shot-cum-pass from Terry which allowed the Ivorian to flick beyond Friedel’s despairing dive.

And as they had done around the 70 minute mark at Stamford Bridge, Villa seemed to collapse physically; looking tired and bereft of ideas.

However, O’Neill’s side were not yet out of it, and as they looked to find an equalising goal they found themselves creating good opportunities, only for their final deliveries to be crafted more through hope than expectation.

And they were made to pay when Malouda and Lampard added goals to add a layer of gloss to an efficient Chelsea display; Malouda first volleying home his 14th goal of the season from a magnificent Michael Ballack cross.

Lampard’s finish was one of composure and quality, and as he had done four times in the 7-1 drubbing of the Villains in March, he coolly slotted the ball beyond Friedel to send the Chelsea supporters into raptures.

The Blue half of Wembley erupted into a semi-cauldron of noise and jubilation at the full-time whistle as Chelsea set up a May clash with either relegated Portsmouth or arch-rivals Tottenham; and you can bet your bottom dollar the Blues will be favourites to lift the famous trophy once more.

Villa will claim themselves hard-done by considering the strength of their early penalty claim, but the statistics proved otherwise; Chelsea mustered an impressive 11 shots on goal to Villa’s mere 3; something Petr Cech will certainly appreciate.

However, no matter what is said in the aftermath, Chelsea won on the most important statistic of all – goals scored; 3-0.
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Aston Villa (4-4-2) Friedel; Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; Downing, Petrov ©, Milner, A Young; Agbonlahor, Carew (Heskey)

Chelsea(4-3-3):Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry ©, Zhirkov; Deco (Ballack), Mikel, Lampard; J Cole (Kalou), Drogba (Anelka), Malouda.

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 26 – John TERRY

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Joe Cole put Chelsea ahead with a sumptuous backheel after magnificent approach play by the in-form Florent Malouda. Both teams then had good penalty shouts turned down by referee Mike Dean before Drogba eventually fired home the winning goal in controversial circumstances.

United substitute Federico Macheda then bundled the ball home despite a blatant handball, but Chelsea’s defence stayed firm as the visitors claimed a crucial victory in the title race.

And though their day will be somewhat soured by a last-minute Arsenal victory over ten-man Wolverhampton Wanderers, the result is one that confirms Chelsea’s position as title contenders, as they now lead their closest rivals by two points.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti raised a few eyebrows with his team selection as Nicolas Anelka maintained his place in the starting eleven despite the return to fitness of 30-goal Didier Drogba, but it was not just Chelsea without their talismanic forward – United were missing star striker Wayne Rooney due to an ankle injury.

The hosts had faced a stern challenge in midweek when they faced Germany’s Bayern Munich in a Champions League quarter-final and Ivica Olic’s last-minute winner meant that the Bundesliga side take a narrow 2-1 aggregate lead into next week’s second leg.

And their European exploits were evident; they were hugely lethargic throughout and were taken aback by a whirlwind start by the visitors; Deco volleying wide when well-placed with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

Chelsea had scored twelve goals in two matches after their elimination from the Champions League at the hand of Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, including seven against Aston Villa, and their confidence was obvious as they took the game to their hosts.

Besides Deco’s early attempt and a header from Alex that went well wide of goal, Chelsea had created few opportunities, however Florent Malouda’s brilliant play saw the Blues take a crucial lead.

Picking the ball up some ten yards inside the United half, the Frenchman drove forward, took on three defenders before launching a teasing delivery across the face of goal which Cole instinctively flicked home for his just second goal of the season.

Paul Scholes then went in the book for a terrible challenge on Malouda who was proving Chelsea’s best outlet. Anelka later had a shot blocked by Vidic before referee Mike Dean became the centre of two controversial decisions.

United may well feel aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty when Ji-Sung Park was hacked down on the edge of the box by Zhirkov, but Gary Neville’s blatant foul on Anelka moments later looked an even better shout for a spot-kick. Both were declined as Chelsea held out till the interval.

The hairdryer treatment may well have been what was awaiting Sir Alex Ferguson’s team during the break and they were much improved for the second forty-five minutes, but it was Chelsea who threatened first in the second period.

It was Paulo Ferreira who burst forward, and only pressure from a United defender denied him a shot on goal as he could only poke his effort wide with Anelka sliding home at the far post.

United responded with a header by Berbatov that went wide with Petr Cech scrambling, and the same player headed over from a Gary Neville cross moments later as the home side grew in confidence.

With the hour mark looming, Didier Drogba was unleashed, replacing the tireless Anelka, and within ten minutes the Ivorian had scored what would prove to be the game-clinching goal. Played in by fellow substitute and compatriot Kalou, he slammed past Edwin van der Sar to give Chelsea a two-goal cushion.

Replays indicated Drogba was offside when he received Kalou’s pass but Chelsea were not complaining. Ferguson fumed on the touchline and berated the forth official, but he was more than friendly with the officials when they allowed Macheda to blatantly handle the ball as he directed it into the net.

Chelsea were put under constant pressure in a grandstand finale, but Cech made routine saves from Berbatov’s volley and late header when he should arguably have done better with both. The Blues held out for a famous victory – and they are now just five games from glory.
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Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry ©, Zhirkov; Deco (Ballack 78), Mikel, Lampard; J Cole (Kalou 71), Anelka (Drogba 69), Malouda

Man United (4-2-3-1): Van der Sar; Neville ©, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher (Gibson 85), Scholes (Nani 71); Giggs, Park (Macheda 71), Valencia; Berbatov

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 15, FLORENT MALOUDA

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The Blues took an early lead when Frank Lampard slid in at the far post to convert Florent Malouda’s cross, but John Carew soon equalised for Martin O’Neill’s side. However as the interval loomed, Yuri Zhirkov was hacked down by James Collins and Lampard emphatically lashed the resultant penalty beyond Brad Friedel.

The gap was increased moments after the break when Florent Malouda volleyed home Zhirkov’s teasing cross and a second Lampard penalty – again won by the Russian defender – saw the Chelsea number 8 complete a stunning hat-trick and score his 150th goal for the club.

Lampard then set up Malouda for his 13th goal of the season as the Blues continued to toy with their Midlands opponents.

Substitute Salomon Kalou then clinically netted his 8th strike of the season after superb skill by Nicolas Anelka, and Lampard completed the historic rout for his fourth of the day and his 21st of the season; equalling his best-ever tally from midfield.

And there were nowhere near enough superlatives to describe Chelsea’s magnificent performance in what is surely one of the greatest team displays in Premier League history.

It is the second time this season that Chelsea have scored seven goals at Stamford Bridge, having thumped Sunderland 7-2 in January, and after Wednesday’s 5-0 demolition of Portsmouth at Fratton Park, there is evidence that Carlo Ancelotti’s side are again nearing their unplayable best.

Ancelotti’s team selection may have raised a number of eyebrows with the omissions of Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack, but every single player the Italian coach called upon was brilliant. Lampard’s contribution was clear. Deco and Anelka were instrumental; effortlessly knitting the midfield and attack together with incredibly fluidity. Zhirkov was tireless, and Florent Malouda may well have been arrested for the way he terrorised the visitor’s defence.

Lampard’s quatrick saw him eclipse Roy Bentley and the late, great Peter Osgood to emerge as the club’s third top goalscorer of all-time with 151 on a historic day at Stamford Bridge, whilst John Terry captained the side for the 325th time on his 450th appearance in the famous Blue of Chelsea. It is also Aston Villa’s biggest defeat in the top flight for some fifty years.

Interestingly, Villa had dented Chelsea’s title challenge with a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture back in the autumn thanks to two set-piece goals from Richard Dunne and James Collins, and the Villains had an opportunity to add to Chelsea’s defensive woes early on, but Petr Cech made a confident early take.

Anelka and Lampard fired early, dangerous shots from range that tested Friedel, but the visitors failed to heed the warning as the latter stole in to convert a low cross from the superb Florent Malouda.

It was Lampard who had both started and finished the move for Chelsea’s equaliser, but Villa soon restored parity with a goal very similar in its creation; Ashley Young’s low ball evading all but John Carew who tapped home.

But Chelsea were not to be denied a half-time lead, and their commitment to attack was rewarded when Zhirkov drew a foul from ex-West Ham defender Collins. Lampard, reliable from the spot, hammered home despite Friedel’s best efforts to ensure that the hunt for the title remained on course.

The lively Anelka was off-target with Chelsea’s first effort following the interval, but they soon extended their lead with Russian defender Zhirkov the instigator.

The Russian first bombed down the left flank and was picked out by a glorious cross-field pass by the creative Deco. Without hesitation he lashed the ball into the box, where Malouda fired home on the volley from eight yards out.

And mere moments later he was again involved when he won a second penalty. Steaming into the box after combining with Malouda, Zhirkov was clearly hacked down by Richard Dunne, earning the Villa man a caution. Lampard was again ruthless, finding the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.

Paulo Ferreira then turned provider as he crossed for Lampard in the box, who rolled the ball into Malouda’s path to rifle into the net courtesy of the crossbar. It was a sumptuous finish by the Frenchman for a career-best 13th strike of the campaign.

And five soon became six as Kalou was the beneficiary of some stunning footwork by Anelka. The French striker had gone 10 matches without scoring, and after working a yard of space he set up his strike partner to smash beyond Friedel.

The Heavens then began to open as Chelsea continued to stroke the ball about with delightful ease. Patrick van Aanholt came on to make his home league bow and Michael Ballack made a return from a foot injury as the superb trio of Deco, Joe Cole and Zhirkov were withdrawn. O’Neill also made a number of changes to counter Chelsea’s dominance.

However, Villa were beyond well-beaten at this point. This was a humiliation.

The closest they came to responding was when substitute Delfouneso’s shot deflected less than a foot wide with Cech stranded, but the Villa fans were superb in their support; singing despite the scoreline. They were, however, drowned out by choruses from the Matthew Harding End.

Delfouneso looked to inject some enthusiasm into the visitor’s attack, but it was John Terry’s time to shine with two magnificent challenges to first deny the young winger a clear run at goal, and then to steal it off his toe as he again broke forward into the box.

But Chelsea were keen to have the last word and Lampard swept home from another Malouda centre for his fourth of the game, 21st of the season and 151st of his Chelsea career.

And confirmation of the victory was made all the sweeter when news filtered through of Arsenal’s draw with Birmingham – leaving Chelsea and Manchester United as favourites for the title.

And, as fate should have it, the two teams meet at Old Trafford next weekend. No pressure.
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Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry ©, Zhirkov (Van Aanholt 75); Deco (Ballack 71), Mikel, Lampard; J Cole (Kalou 75), Anelka, Malouda

Aston Villa: Friedel; L Young, Collins, Dunne, Warnock; Sidwell, Petrov © (Downing 62); Agbonlahor (Beye 71), Milner, A Young; Carew (Delfouneso 62)

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea’s number 8 – SUPER FRANKIE LAMPARD

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