Bolton:
Didier Drogba scored a wonder goal Monday as Chelsea won 4-0 at Bolton, ensuring the defending champions win consecutive Premier League matches for the first time since October.
Drogba unleashed a swerving 33-yard shot that dipped past goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 11th minute at Reebok Stadium.
Teammate Florent Malouda side-footed home from a tight angle in the 41st, Nicolas Anelka's left-footed drive found the net in the 56th and Ramires added his first Chelsea goal in the 74th minute.
Chelsea, which beat Blackburn last week, has won back to back matches for the first time since defeating Wolves on Oct. 23 and then Blackburn seven days later, its last previous away win in the league.
Chelsea is still seven points behind leader Manchester United in fourth place, having played one match more.
"Didier got us off to good start with probably the best goal of this season so far, and we worked really hard all over the park," Chelsea captain John Terry said. "We stopped Bolton playing and it worked for us."
Bolton dominated the early stages of a match that had been preceded by a minute's silence for Bolton and England great Nat Lofthouse, who died earlier this month.
Chelsea made the hosts pay for their early profligacy, however, after Malouda had won the ball from Gretar Steinsson. Malouda released Drogba into space, and the Ivory Coast forward caught the defense and 'keeper out with a powerful drive for his ninth league goal and 10th in all competitions this season.
"I was in a good position, so I took my chance," Drogba said. "I had the confidence to try. You have to try if you want to score."
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech made a great save in the 12th minute to preserve the lead, turning Matt Taylor's header around the post following a cross from Martin Petrov.
Chelsea then extended their lead with Bolton defender Gary Cahill cursing his luck. He blocked Malouda's cross but it rebounded to the Frenchman, who beat Jaaskelainen at the near post to match Drogba's scoring record this season.
Bolton had threatened to cut the deficit, but Anelka made the game safe after Michael Essien's cross was deflected to him, sweeping the ball home with defender Zat Knight appearing to be distracted by Drogba.
Bolton could not handle the speed of Chelsea's counterattacks, and it became a rout when Ramires hit his first goal since arriving from Benfica in the offseason.
Essien was again instrumental in the build-up, finding Anelka in the area. When his shot was blocked, the Brazil midfielder knocked in the rebound.
Bolton has now taken only eight points from 10 games, dropping a spot to 10th place on goal difference.
"We gifted them each and every goal," Bolton manager Owen Coyle said. "We've had as many chances as them tonight, but they're clinical and that's why they're champions. It's hard to take but you can either feel sorry for yourself or get up tomorrow morning ready to do something about it. That's what we'll do.
"Take nothing away from Chelsea, their finishing was top class, but there was no way there was four goals between the teams."
Drogba unleashed a swerving 33-yard shot that dipped past goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen in the 11th minute at Reebok Stadium.
Teammate Florent Malouda side-footed home from a tight angle in the 41st, Nicolas Anelka's left-footed drive found the net in the 56th and Ramires added his first Chelsea goal in the 74th minute.
Chelsea, which beat Blackburn last week, has won back to back matches for the first time since defeating Wolves on Oct. 23 and then Blackburn seven days later, its last previous away win in the league.
Chelsea is still seven points behind leader Manchester United in fourth place, having played one match more.
"Didier got us off to good start with probably the best goal of this season so far, and we worked really hard all over the park," Chelsea captain John Terry said. "We stopped Bolton playing and it worked for us."
Bolton dominated the early stages of a match that had been preceded by a minute's silence for Bolton and England great Nat Lofthouse, who died earlier this month.
Chelsea made the hosts pay for their early profligacy, however, after Malouda had won the ball from Gretar Steinsson. Malouda released Drogba into space, and the Ivory Coast forward caught the defense and 'keeper out with a powerful drive for his ninth league goal and 10th in all competitions this season.
"I was in a good position, so I took my chance," Drogba said. "I had the confidence to try. You have to try if you want to score."
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech made a great save in the 12th minute to preserve the lead, turning Matt Taylor's header around the post following a cross from Martin Petrov.
Chelsea then extended their lead with Bolton defender Gary Cahill cursing his luck. He blocked Malouda's cross but it rebounded to the Frenchman, who beat Jaaskelainen at the near post to match Drogba's scoring record this season.
Bolton had threatened to cut the deficit, but Anelka made the game safe after Michael Essien's cross was deflected to him, sweeping the ball home with defender Zat Knight appearing to be distracted by Drogba.
Bolton could not handle the speed of Chelsea's counterattacks, and it became a rout when Ramires hit his first goal since arriving from Benfica in the offseason.
Essien was again instrumental in the build-up, finding Anelka in the area. When his shot was blocked, the Brazil midfielder knocked in the rebound.
Bolton has now taken only eight points from 10 games, dropping a spot to 10th place on goal difference.
"We gifted them each and every goal," Bolton manager Owen Coyle said. "We've had as many chances as them tonight, but they're clinical and that's why they're champions. It's hard to take but you can either feel sorry for yourself or get up tomorrow morning ready to do something about it. That's what we'll do.
"Take nothing away from Chelsea, their finishing was top class, but there was no way there was four goals between the teams."
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