Chelsea 

Petr Cech - 6 – Was a spectator for the majority of the game, making only one real stop of worth to keep a clean sheet. Is starting to get used to such easy shifts at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues having not conceded at home in the last nine hours.
 
Ashley Cole - 6 - Surprisingly subdued in such a one-sided performance. Was sometimes pegged back as Wolves tried to exploit the wide areas, but got forward where possible to support his team-mates.
 
John Terry - 6.5 – Was his ever-reliable self as he dealt with Wolves’ rare forays forward quite comfortably, and will be pleased to have kept yet another home clean sheet. Made a good goal-line clearance.
 
Alex - 7 - A perfect return to the starting line-up in the Premier League for the Brazilian, who coped easily with Ebanks-Blake all game, and did well against the trickery of Jarvis. Encouraging for Ancelotti as Alex appears to be the long-term replacement to an ageing Carvalho. 
 
Juliano Belletti – 5.5 - Was given the run-around by Jarvis on that side of the field. Often guilty of slack defending and poor reading of the play, the Brazilian veteran does provide good cover for the starting XI however he does not look a permanent starting option at right-back. 
 
John Obi Mikel - 6.5 - A solid display by the Nigerian as he formed the base of the diamond formation, but perhaps wasn’t tested enough to really excel. Didn’t offer too much to convince Ancelotti he should start in place of the other injured midfielders.
 
Michael Essien - 9 - Nodded home with a free header from a corner to secure the game for the Blues inside 15 minutes. In the absence of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack the Ghanaian was released further forward, to great affect all game. Very unlucky to be denied a memorable hat-trick. Undoubtedly the man of the match. 
 
Florent Malouda - 7.5 - Sublime early strike quickly silenced the visitors after they had enjoyed a lively start. Provided the corner for Essien’s goal in very good all-round performance. If the Frenchman only contributed more defensively he would be very hard to ever leave out the first XI.
 
Joe Cole - 6.5 – Very lively outing and looked quite sharp in possession, the Englishmen will hope this is a sign of things to come as he looks to cement a spot in South Africa. Not a game where his trickery was really needed, but he came up with a few moments of individual brilliance and tucked home his side’s fourth goal and his first of the season. 
 
Nicolas Anelka - 7 - Led the line well without the presence of his partner-in-crime Drogba. His movement was impeccable, and his vision allowed those around him to prosper. Sacrificed his own goal-scoring threat to provide the space and time for others.
 
Salomon Kalou - 6.5 - A lively performance from the Ivorian, something he has not always given in other starting opportunities this season. Had a number of good chances, but still has a tendency to choose the wrong option.
 
Substitutes
 
Gael Kakuta - 7 - Replaced Anelka to a rapturous applause from the Stamford Bridge faithful, who quickly realised what a special talent the young Frenchman is. An extremely promising 30-minute cameo, in which he showed class in all areas of the game.
 
Nemanja Matic - 6 - Given first-team chance in place of Malouda. Took time to find feet but looked very comfortable in possession and certainly was not out of his depth.
 
Fabio Borini - 6 - Ancelotti has great faith in his young compatriot, and while his physical strength is questioned, his intelligent runs set him apart as a potential star.
 
 
Wolverhampton Wanderers 
 
Wayne Hennessey - 5 – The Wolves custodian will not be happy with the score or his performance, particularly considering the fashion both Joe Cole’s goal and Essien’s second strike slipped under his body. Was undone by a sublime Chelsea team and an incompetent array of defending. 
 
Greg Halford  - 5.5 - Questionable at times defensively, but that was almost inevitable considering the constant demands put on him by the Chelsea onslaught. Will not be too disheartened with his individual efforts.
 
Jody Craddock - 5.5 – His mistimed clearance landed at the feat of Malouda for the opening goal and then he compounded this error by failing to close down the Frenchman. After that it was always a damage-limitation exercise.
 
Christophe Berra - 5.5 - Powerful defender struggled valiantly throughout the game, but his lack of real top quality was exposed time and again by the Blues. Will be happy to forget this afternoon and probably thankful he did not have to line-up against an in-form Drogba. 
 
Richard Stearman - 6.5 - Wolves’ early collapse forced Mick McCarthy to change things tactically, giving the former Leicester City man license to roam forward. This he did admirably, causing some consternation among the home side. Still, was poor in his main duty as a defender.
 
Andrew Surman - 6 - Given a difficult task as a wing-back by his manager, the former Southampton star had his moments in the game but often his lack of familiarity at this level was exposed. Will emerge stronger for this experience.
 
Dave Edwards - 7 - In a rich vein of form, Edwards looks a quality presence in the heart of Wolves’ midfield. Broke up Chelsea attacks and drove his side forward whenever possible. Impressive all-action display deserved better, although he did fade as game wore on.
 
Matt Jarvis - 7 – A constant menace for Belletti, his near-perfect cross almost gave his side an early advantage, which could have changed the whole course of the match. Nevertheless, was the away side’s one bright attacking influence with his dangerous deliveries. 
 
Segundo Castillo - 4.5 – Was severely out of his depth in the centre of midfield against the likes of Essien and Mikel. Couldn’t stem the tide for his side, and was unsurprisingly withdrawn early into the second half as Mick McCarthy shuffled his pack.
 
Karl Henry - 5.5 - Torrid afternoon for the midfielder, as he saw his side completely overrun and found himself unable to do anything about it. Was guilty of letting Essien claim a free header for his first goal. 
 
Sylvain Ebanks-Blake - 5 - Ploughed a lone furrow up front for his side, and any threat he carried was thoroughly nullified by the attentions of Terry and Alex. Hard to tell whether that is a credit to the defenders, or a criticism of the attacker.
 
Substitutes
 
Michael Kightly - 6 - Offered another option to Jarvis after an early second-half introduction.
 
Andrew Keogh - 5 - Replaced the hapless Ebanks-Blake, but found it equally difficult to get involved in the game.

By Joshua Kepreotis

A commanding performance by midfielder Michael Essien helped the Blues to a comfortable victory over the relegation-threatened Wolves. 

The win sees the Blues maintain a five-point gap over title contenders Manchester United and pull further away from Arsenal who fell to a Darren Bent goal away to Sunderland. 

Without the influential likes of Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho the West Londoners were forced to utilise their strength in depth at the club. 

In an encouraging display by all squad members, Chelsea fans were even treated to a taste of the future prospects at their disposal, with Fabio Borini, Nemanja Matic and Gael Kakuta all featuring off the bench.

The victory over Wolves was the 12th in a row in all competitions at home, surpassing the previous record of 11 set between February 25 and September 17, 2006.

The clean sheet also saw the Blues equal the existing record of 10 consecutive games without conceding at home.

Florent Malouda opened the scoring in the fifth minute with an unstoppable effort that cannoned into the roof of the net from 25 yards, after Jody Craddock had miss-kicked the ball into his path.  Malouda then supplied a perfectly weighted corner for Essien to double the advantage in the 12th minute when stealing in at the near post to nod home.

The Ghanaian then got his second on 22 minutes when Salomon Kalou fed him with a short pass on the edge of the penalty area and Essien’s low drive went under Hennessey, which effectively put the result beyond doubt.

The league leaders made it four in the 56th minute and it was a welcome strike for the fit-again Cole.  The England midfielder, out for 10 months since January, side-footed the ball in after Anelka’s cross had been turned into his path by Kalou, although again Hennessey could have done better.  It was Cole’s first goal for the Blues since the win over Aston Villa back in October 2008.

Moments later Anelka made way for substitute Gael Kakuta to make his first-team debut.

In September, Chelsea were found guilty by FIFA of inducing Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens two years ago and punished them with a transfer ban until 2011, while suspending the player for four months.  But the Court of Arbitration for Sport suspended the bans until Chelsea’s case is heard in full and that allowed Kakuta to make his debut.

Essien then almost claimed a hat-trick in the 63rd minute but his shot was palmed onto the top of the bar by Hennessey.

Kakuta almost celebrated his debut with a goal but his 25-yard effort curled the wrong side of the upright.

Essien then sent a 20-yard drive just wide of the post as a hat-trick continued to elude him but Chelsea held on for a comfortable win and condemned Wolves to a second straight league drubbing to leave them languishing in the relegation zone.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with the result and in particular the style in which it was achieved without a good portion of his regular starting XI.

“This means that we have a very good squad. I can use all the players, also young players, which for a coach is the most important thing.”

The master tactician also anointed Essien as one of the best midfielders in the world after his man of the match performance.

“He can play everywhere in midfield with the same result. He has shown a lot of consistency this season and maintained a good physical condition. He is very strong but he also has a lot of quality.”

The comfortable outing was almost overshadowed by the 30 minute cameo appearance from the much-publicized Kakuta.

The youngster has had to burden some harsh criticism in recent times, something most burgeoning talents do not need to overcome before they are even given a chance to showcase their talents on the pitch.

Kakuta’s substitute appearance was much more than just a first team debut for an emerging academy prospect, it was his chance to win over the Chelsea faithful and prove he is every bit worth the furore over his transfer. 

And with the full support of his manager and all involved with the club, the 18-year-old is sure to excel and become a crowd favourite at Stamford Bridge in the near future.

By Joshua Kepreotis

Chelsea have made seven changes to the side that beat Manchester United last time out for the visit of Wolves this afternoon.

Chelsea: Cech, Belletti, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Mikel, Joe Cole, Malouda, Anelka, Kalou.

Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Paulo Ferreira, Matic, Kakuta, Borini.

Wolves: Hennessey, Berra, Craddock, Stearman, Halford, Edwards, Henry, Castillo, Surman, Ebanks-Blake, Jarvis.

Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Kightly, Keogh, Milijas, Foley, Maierhofer.

It was mainly positive news for the Chelsea stars bidding to make the World Cup next year, with only Russian import Yuri Zhirkov missing out.

Both Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda booked their tickets to South Africa in controversial style, as the much publicized Thierry Henry handball helped Les Bleus claw their way back against a resilient Irish outfit.

Anelka once again took a prominent role as France defended the 1-0 first leg advantage he had given them over Republic of Ireland. Malouda was a traditional late sub by Raymond Domenech, this time three minutes before the end of normal time and three minutes before he received an undeserved booking. The appearance was his 50th for his country.

Ireland had scored through Robbie Keane on 32 minutes to level the tie which went into extra time. And it was arguably the Irish who dominated proceedings at the Stade de France.

Anelka came close to breaking the deadlock in the late on with a shot from outside the area and had a strong shout for penalty turned down when clipped by Shay Given as he passed the Ireland keeper.

France levelled on the night and thus won the tie with an aggregate of 2-1, despite the unfortunate handball by Henry, before he turned the ball across for former Blue William Gallas to head in from close range.

It was more straight-forward for the Portuguese quartet of Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Deco and Hilario, with a 2-0 aggregate win over Bosnia.

Carvalho and Ferreira played throughout, the right-back making an importance clearance late on. Deco, who came off in the first leg with a groin niggle, started on the bench but was introduced in place of Atlético Madrid’s Simao. Hilario was on the bench for the first time in an international.

Russia was the night’s shock, going out on away goals to Slovenia with Zhirkov dismissed in the dying moments.

They can have few complaints about the summer they will spend at home. Guus Hiddink’s side failed to perform to anything like the standard of their group stage campaign. They lost the 2-1 advantage they took to Slovenia when the home side scored through Zlatko Dedica a minute before the break.

Zhirkov’s night to forget began badly with an eighth minute booking for a late tackle.

Towards the end of the match, the Russians failed to capitalize on a free-kick won skilfully by the Chelsea man and soon after he became involved with an unused substitute who was attempting to waste time while warming up. Having pushed the player to the ground, the left-back was shown a second yellow card.

The incident meant they went down to nine men and there was to be no way back from the Easter Europeans.

The result, in a stadium holding under 14,000 people, was the first time since the play-offs were introduced in 1998 that a side that won the first leg did not go through.

In the fourth play off, former Blue Andriy Shevchenko suffered disappointment when Ukraine lost 1-0 at home to Greece after a goalless first leg.

In Wednesday night’s international friendlies, Salomon Kalou returned to the Ivory Coast side after missing the weekend’s game for disciplinary reasons and played 83 minutes of a 2-2 draw against Germany in Munich.

Michael Ballack, unable to play due to injury, placed Robert Enke’s number one shirt on the bench among the substitutes as a mark of respect for the goalkeeper who died last week.

In front of 8,000 spectators at Craven Cottage, Branislav Ivanovic played the full game as Serbia ended a 27-match unbeaten run for South Korea with a 1-0 win.

Michael Essien was not part of Ghana’s 0-0 draw with Angola in a friendly. The Ghana Football Association announced earlier in the day that the Chelsea midfielder and two other players were unexpectedly absent.

The dynamic midfielder played 82 minutes on Sunday in a WC Qualifier against Mali, although the Black Cats had already sealed their place in South Africa.

In other African Qualifying news, John Obi Mikel’s Nigeria qualified for next years World Cup with a 3-2 victory away to Kenya. The 22-year-old played a full game for the Super Eagles and will be an integral part of the squad that takes on the world next year.

Miroslav Stoch played a second match in 24 hours following a sub appearance for the full Slovakia side on Tuesday. This time he played the whole of an important Under 21 Euro qualifier against Croatia. The result was a 2-1 home defeat that leaves Slovakia trailing the Croats in their group.

Nemanja Matic started a 3-1 away friendly win in Denmark for Serbia under 21s.

By Joshua Kepreotis

After recording a famous victory over Manchester United, a mini injury crisis has developed at the Bridge.

Reports have just come in that the initial diagnosis of Didier Drogba’s rib complaint as bruising was severely understated, as it is now feared he has broken a rib and could be missing for up to three weeks.  It is assumed the injury occurred during a clash with defender Jonny Evans.

The powerful Ivory Coast international, therefore, is likely to miss the all-important clash against London rivals Arsenal on November 29.

Keeping in mind that full-backs Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa have already been struck down by injury, both Chelsea stalwarts Frank Lampard and John Terry are also in doubt for the game at the Emirates.  Lampard reported back to the club last week, having left the England set-up in Doha.  The club’s medical staff have confirmed that the midfielder has suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh which will take up to three weeks to heal.

“Frank suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh while away with the England national team,” a club spokesman said. “The midfielder reported back at Cobham this morning (Friday), having flown back from the Middle East.

“The Chelsea medical department’s initial impression is that he may take approximately three weeks to recover.”

It has also been suggested that the club will claim his £151,000-a-week wages in compensation from the Football Association while he is sidelined.

Lampard was injured while jogging during an England training session on Thursday, an injury that is likely to sideline the midfielder for the home game against Wolverhampton and the away games against Porto and Arsenal.

Meanwhile enigmatic captain John Terry missed out on England’s 1-0 loss to Brazil through injury, but the defender wants to return to action for his club at the weekend.

Terry was hurt in training after blocking a Jermaine Jenas shot and was rested by Fabio Capello as a precaution.

Originally thought to be out for a number of weeks, Terry has proclaimed he could make it back to action this weekend when Chelsea entertain the Wanderers at the Bridge.

Terry told BBC Sport, “Will I be OK for next weekend? Fingers crossed.”

“It was touch and go. I gave it a go and it just wasn’t right,” he added.

“I left my leg out and blocked a shot the other day. It clipped my Achilles which is still bit tender.

“We will have to wait and see when I get back in the pool and start doing some work.”

If the worse case scenario happens and the table-topping Blues face the next couple of fixtures without the like of Terry, Drogba, Lampard, A. Cole and Bosingwa, then the burden will fall to the other squad members to step up and impress.

If Terry cannot recover in time then it is likely a makeshift backline of Branislav Ivanovic, Ricardo Carvalho, Alex and Yuri Zhirkov will be formed and at the other end it could be a welcomed opportunity for Daniel Sturridge to stake a claim for a more prominent role.

With the Russian winger Zhirkov returning to action for his national team in the all important World Cup Qualifier against Slovenia, playing 90 minutes in the process, then all bodes well for a return to action for the £18m man.

Perhaps these injuries will give fringe players the much needed action that will further reinforce the strength in depth for the West Londoners.

By Joshua Kepreotis

Explosive right back Jose Bosingwa will be out for three months after undergoing surgery on his left knee this week. 

The Portugal international, who has managed just 68 minutes since initially being injured against Wigan Athletic on September 26, has undergone successful surgery on his left knee and will now begin rehabilitation.

A statement released on Chelsea’s official website read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Jose Bosingwa underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this week. His recovery time will be approximately three months.”

The 27-year-old’s absence will mean the impressive Branislav Ivanovic is likely to maintain his position in the starting line up for the Blues.

Consolation for the Stamford Bridge outfit is that they do have plenty of cover across the back line, and in particular at right back, with Paulo Ferreira and Juliano Belletti providing ample cover.

The Blues, who lead the Barclays Premier League by five points from Arsenal and Manchester United, were, however, buoyed by the news that England left-back Ashley Cole does not need to go under the knife following a shin injury.

“Meanwhile, Ashley Cole is suffering from an aggravation of a depressed fracture of the tibia, originally picked up against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge,” the statement added.

“The injury will not require surgery.”

However with the England left-back also set to spend weeks on the sideline, the Blues will be hoping that summer signing Yuri Zhirkov finds his fitness and impresses from the outset to cover for Cole. 

The £18 million Russian has not featured for the West Londoners with any kind of regularity.

The 26-year-old has played 18 minutes in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid three weeks ago and has not been seen since. He also appeared in a Carling Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers but is yet to make his Premier League debut.

By Joshua Kepreotis

England international Ashley Cole faces an extended stint on the sidelines as he nurses a broken leg, which he aggravated during the victory over United at the Bridge on Sunday.

In technical terms, the injury is a depressed fracture of the tibia and was a pre-existing concern that required an injection for the left back to line up against the Red Devils.

The injury threatens to keep him out of the side for several weeks, news that will come as a major blow to manager Carlo Ancelotti, as he looks to continue his side’s great form that has seen them rocket to the top of the league.

Cole initially injured his leg in the Blues’ UEFA Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid last month and missed three matches, before coming back for the return leg in Madrid last week.

The 28-year-old has also been omitted from the up-and-coming international friendly with Brazil in Qatar on Saturday.

A spokesman for Chelsea confirmed: “Ashley Cole has not been selected in the England squad for their friendly against Brazil.

“He has a depressed fracture of the tibia, an injury first picked up in the Atletico Madrid home match last month.

“He aggravated the injury before the match against Manchester United and required an injection to play.

“However, he further injured it during the game and has therefore been ruled out of this week’s England squad.”

In Cole’s absence, Ancelotti could turn to Paulo Ferreira following the Portuguese full back’s return from injury, while summer signing Yuri Zhirkov is also an option.

By Joshua Kepreotis

Chelsea

Petr Cech - 6.5: A virtual spectator for the majority of the match, as the Blues defensive solidity was relentless. Did make one spectacular save from Rooney’s curling effort, and looked comfortable from set pieces. One goal conceded in six home games this season is a tribute to the big Czech’s return to form.

Ashley Cole - 6.5: Was not at his damaging best going forward as he was not afforded the time or the space on the ball. Was solid defensively despite the constant attentions of an improving Valencia.

John Terry – 8.5: The enigmatic captain put his body on the line and was comfortable in dealing with United’s attempts to break through. Perhaps lucky not to give a penalty away in the first half, his crucial header from Lampard’s free-kick proved the difference.

Ricardo Carvalho – 8.5: Made a string of exceptional last ditch blokes and perfectly-timed tackles to keep Rooney from penetrating the Chelsea defence. In light of Ferdinand’s form slump and Vidic’s injuries, his partnership with Terry is now undoubtedly the Premier League’s best, if not the world’s best.

Branislav Ivanovic – 7.5: Was at his marauding best down the right flank as the much improved Serbian defender begins to forge a permanent role in this Chelsea back four. Was beaten on several occasions but often made up for it with a vigorous work ethic.

Michael Essien – 7.5: Worked tirelessly in midfield against the energetic duo of Anderson and Fletcher. Was hesitant in the initial stages but began to dictate the pace of the game as it wore on. Another impressive shift in the engine room.

Michael Ballack - 6.5: Was not allowed the freedom to venture forward and dominant play as the United midfield earmarked him as a danger man, who needed strict attention. His usual solid defensive work ensured the Chelsea machinery rolled on.

Frank Lampard – 7: Like his fellow midfielders he was not able to impose his usual obvious presence on proceedings, however delivered a dangerous ball from the set piece that led to the goal. His tenacity in defence, particularly after the Blues took the lead, was admirable.

Deco – 5.5: Was not at his creative best as the Portuguese maestro failed to penetrate a resolute United backline. Has not cemented a place in the starting 11 and with Joe Cole progressively being reintroduced, it could spell danger on the horizon for Deco in a World Cup year.

Nicolas Anelka – 7: Often dropped deep in order to see some of the ball, the Frenchman forced a brilliant one-handed save from Van der Sar in the first half but was not as clinical as he would have liked. With rumours of Aguero filtering throughout the Bridge, it is up to Anelka to prove he warrants a permanent role.

Didier Drogba – 6.5: Harassed by the inexperienced pairing of Evans and Brown, the Ivorian struggled to really make the desired impact on the match. He toiled passionately with the United rearguard and unfortunately reputation preceded him with the Evans incident going unpunished.

Substitutes:

Joe Cole – 6: Replaced Deco on the hour to great applause as he continues his comeback from injury. Failed to make much of an impact on what was already a conservative affair.

Salomon Kalou – 6: Replaced Drogba late on but was deployed as an extra defensive option and a fresh outlet.

Alex - n/a: Late defensive reinforcement.

Manchester United

Edwin Van der Sar - 6.5: Was also largely a bystander for long periods of the match, however produced a fine one-handed save in the first half from a smart Anelka shot. With a patched-up backline in front of him and a formidable Chelsea outfit against him, he was perhaps surprised to have seen so little action.

Patrice Evra – 7: Opposite number Cole will have been jealous with Evra’s freedom to roam forward. Solid defensively and looked dangerous on frequent expeditions into opposition territory. Maintains his position in the upper echelons of the best left backs in the world.

Jonny Evans - 6.5: After claiming Torres was better than Drogba in a pre-match interview, the 21-year-old Northern Irishman backed up his words with an effective marking job on the striker, as the talismanic Ivorian endured a frustrating afternoon. Aerial presence was often used to good effect, but will be disappointed to finally concede. Was also lucky to stay on the pitch with two separate second half incidents going unpunished.

Wes Brown - 6.5: Lined up admirably alongside a make-shift backline as the Red Devils accounted for the injured pairing of Ferdinand and Vidic. Has done himself no disservice in reminding the on-looking Fabio Capello of his versatility and squad-member contribution.

John O’Shea - 6.5: Occasionally looked like he might be caught out by both Cole and Drogba. But generally was solid at the back for his side.

Ryan Giggs – 5.5: Didn’t really get into the game, with his touch eluding him on many occasions. Will be particularly disappointed with the opportunity that presented itself just after the restart, when he was afforded a sea of space on the left, only to opt for an ineffective dink to the back post. A chance that Giggs has made his name on.

Darren Fletcher – 6.5: His return to the team was welcomed by the manager, and he was vigilant in providing a screen in front of his defence. Pressured high and intense throughout, often standing on the precipice of dangerous play. Gave away the free-kick that led to the goal.

Michael Carrick – 6: Struggled to make any real impact going forward, but put in a decent shift defensively, no doubt following his manager’s instructions.

Anderson – 7: Made some dangerous runs around the opposition box, but looked frustrated as his team-mates regularly failed to pick him out. Did a decent job sticking to Essien in an impressive overall performance before his substitution.

Luis Antonio Valencia – 6.5: Was involved in a controversial moment of the match as he became entangled with Terry, a decision that the United faithful believed to be a penalty. An otherwise limited offensive performance; his tactical presence on the right did peg Cole back.

Wayne Rooney -7.5: Industrious in possession and unwavering in his commitment, the England international dealt well with the responsibility of leading the line for his side. Was guilty of a few misplaced passes earl on, however toiled endlessly as he cut a lone figure up front. Was the centre of anything good for the red half of Manchester.

Substitutes:

Michael Owen – 6: Employed very late on to provide that bit of class that could have snatched a draw, but didn’t get the one opportunity that might have made the difference.

Gabriel Obertan – 6: Late addition as United searched for an equaliser. Showed some promising touches to provide a dangerous outlet down the left. Will only grow in confidence and stature.

By Joshua Kepreotis

A cagey affair at Stamford Bridge was decided by a second half John Terry header, as Chelsea pulled five points clear at the league’s summit.

Billed as the match of the season, the Sunday afternoon fixture pitted current league leaders Chelsea, against incumbent league champions Manchester United.

And although the game did not live up to its flamboyant and goal-scoring expectations, its pulsating nature was relentless.

Both managers adhered to a conservative approach from the outset with a draw not a disastrous result for either team.

Going into the match, the Blues had only conceded one goal in their five home games for the season, a real testament to the defensive solidarity that has transformed the Bridge into a fortress.

In the mean time, the West Londoners have tallied an impressive 13 goals in the previous three games against English opposition, not to mention a 4-0 battering of Spanish side Atletico Madrid on home soil.

This imperious form was in contrast to that of their bitter top-four rivals, as the Red Devils have made a somewhat stuttering start to their title defence.

After conceding three goals in Champions League action, Ferguson knew a change in mentality, not to mention personnel, was necessary if they were to avoid a heavy defeat that many believed to be on the cards.

However as the old adage goes, when teams of this prestige and magnitude lock horns, form is no indication of how the event will pan out.

With a high pressurized system set in place, United’s central-midfield quartet of Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher worked effectively in closing down their Chelsea counterparts and restricted the amount of freedom in which Lampard and co, naturally thrive in.

It was the home side who created the first real clear cut goal attempt when Ivanovic burst down the right flank and let fly with a left-foot shot that Van der Sar did well to hold at the near post.

Wayne Rooney almost broke the Chelsea offside trap high up the field in the eighth minute, but the 24-year-old went a fraction too early and was flagged offside. The ever-alert Cole managed to step up just in time to prevent a one-on-one with Cech.

Rooney was involved again minutes later as he received the ball with his back to goal in the left-hand side of the Chelsea penalty area. Marked by Carvalho, the Englishman turned quickly onto his left foot and smashed a shot towards goal that went narrowly wide of the near post.

This was perhaps the final time Carvalho was to be outwitted by anyone in red, as the Portuguese defender was alert to every attack and blocked courageously on numerous occasions.

Van der Sar was first called into action to make a excellent one-handed save to keep out a curling shot from Anelka in the 32nd minute. He picked the ball up on the right flank, cut inside his marker, and quickly unleashed a finessed drive that was headed for the far corner. The Dutch ‘keeper appeared to see the shot late but managed to meet the ball with an outstretched palm.

The United custodian was not called into action much throughout the match, but, like his Chelsea equivalent, was wise to the danger.

A quick counter-attack from Chelsea saw Anelka put Deco free on the right but his cross eluded Ballack before arriving at the feet of Drogba. The Ivorian was unable to control the ball and it ran harmlessly into the arms of Van der Sar.

Drogba then broke into the penalty area from the right flank but his angled drive found its way to the upper tier of the stand, as referee Martin Atkinson brought the first half proceedings to a close.

With the expectations levels rising in the ground and the frustration of the crowd being felt by the players, the second half witnessed more goal-mouth action as play began to open up.

In the 50th minute Drogba got the better of United’s John O’Shea but his 25-yard shot went wide of the target.

Carvalho managed to get his body in the way of a fierce shot from Fletcher moments later in a fine piece of defending by the Chelsea man.

A cross from Anelka then fell kindly to Lampard on the edge of the penalty area but the England midfielder’s shot was easily saved by Van der Sar.

As the game wore on it meant Chelsea had gone over 14 hours since they last conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge.

And with that defensive solidity appearing to be at its resilient best, it was time for the home side to make a change and go for the three points, as Carlo Ancelotti opted to remove Deco in favour of Joe Cole, who was celebrating his 28th birthday.

Rooney perhaps could have punished some hesitant defending in the 66th minute when he took a return pass from Antonio Valencia on the edge of the penalty area. But the England striker sent his shot a foot wide of the far post.

Seconds later Rooney brought a fine save from Cech with a 20-yard curler which was destined for the top corner until the Czech international intervened.

There was a worrying moment for Chelsea in the 71st minute when Drogba was kicked in the chest by Evans. Astonishingly, Drogba was then booked by Atkinson.

Chelsea clawed their way in front in the 76th minute when Cole was fouled by Fletcher on the left flank. Captain Terry rose to glance a dangerously delivered Lampard free-kick into the corner of the net; with United furious that Drogba appeared to be in an offside position as the ball bounced beyond Van der Sar and into the net.

The goal was met with United protests as the players thought the referee was wrong to award the initial infringement and Rooney was subsequently booked.

When prompted into giving his impression on the free kick that led to the goal, Sir Alex, unsurprisingly, had something to say of the situation, a feat that has landed him in a fair bit of trouble in recent times.

“Clearly Darren Fletcher has won the ball and Ashley Cole has never touched him, he has jumped up in the air. And then Drogba has pulled Brown down to the ground in the goal.

“And the referee’s position to make a decision there is absolutely ridiculous…he can’t see anything. He has a Chelsea player standing right in front of him and he doesn’t even move.

“You lose faith in refereeing sometimes.”

Atkinson continued with his late booking spree by adding O’Shea’s and Carvalho’s names to the list in the 82nd minute, as tempers flared. Valencia was lucky to remain on the pitch with a two-footed challenge on Lampard as the referee only opting for a yellow card.

The United dugout responded, perhaps far too late, by throwing on Owen and Obertan, for the ineffective pairing of Anderson and Giggs with a meagre five minutes to go. They couldn’t inspire United to victory, though, as the Blues held out for the win.

Chelsea are now five points clear of Manchester United, who were usurped in the table by Arsenal following their victory against Wolves yesterday and have now lost three away league games in a stat that will worry Ferguson.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has maintained caution in light of the commanding position that his team find themselves in.

“We know very well that the season is very long and we have to maintain this atmosphere and we hope to maintain this gap.”

By Joshua Kepreotis

Joe Cole starts for Chelsea in their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid this evening.

Atletico Madrid: Sergio Asenjo, Perea, Pablo, Juanito, Antonio Lopez, Reyes, Paulo Assuncao, Cleber Santana, Simao, Sinama Pongolle, Forlan.

Subs: De Gea, Raul Garcia, Jurado, Aguero, Maxi, Ujfalusi, Dominguez.

Chelsea: Cech, Belletti, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Malouda, Essien, Joe Cole, Lampard, Drogba, Kalou.

Subs: Hilario, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Ballack, Deco, Sturridge, Anelka.