Bolton 0-4 Chelsea | 17 Goals Scored, None Conceded!

Don’t let the score deceive you. This was a match that could have gone either way. It was only after the second Chelsea goal, the match turned our way.

Until that second goal, Bolton had their fair share of chances and if they had scored a couple of goals, I would have had very little to complain.

This was a match where Drogba must have got a hat trick and shot me up to the summit of fantasy league. Anyway, I’m happy that we ended with a 4-0 score.

I feel sorry for Jussi, 8 goals past him in less than a week, all from the Blues.Since losing to Aston Villa, we have scored 17 goals and conceded none, in four matches. That’s the form of champions.

The first half was very nervy for a Chelsea fan and very promising for a Bolton fan. Though it was clear that we were going to score at some point of time, it was just difficult to say that we’d keep a clean sheet.

Bolton had some superb chances but failed to capitalise. Any other team with top finishers would have put us in trouble. Finally, the goal did arrive close to the half time whistle, thanks to Drogba.

It was a clear penalty and a red card. The compact Bolton defence for a moment, let some space create between their centre backs which was exploited well by Drogba to win the penalty.

Lampard’s spot kick was sweet. His penalties have improved tremendously over the last few months. May be it is just a thing of confidence. It was really a very confident penalty!

Ancelotti has been persisting with Deco at the tip of the diamond. I must say, Deco has made the best of Carlo’s trust in him. I would still be tempted to have Lampard there but credit where it’s due, Deco has been very good there.

For a player like Deco to be playing there, I may not expect him provide service all day long ala Lampard, but he must be able to create some magic with his fluidity and skill.

Yesterday, the goal that he took was exquisite. Agreed that Anelka made superbly weighted and accurately threaded ball to Deco. But the Porzilian rounded off the defender with a nice feint and finished it in style.

Ivanovic had to get a goal yesterday. May be he was determined to get one for himself. He had a few shots on goal. He even had fantastic goal disallowed for offside. What a strike that was!

Finally, he got his goal off a cross from Carvalho. Ivanovic was on for Bosingwa. Though he did not have the pace and adventure of Bosingwa, he did bring in something.

He had his Russian way of moving with the ball, if you know what I mean. He has his way of twisting, swinging and turning, with close control of the ball and drawing opponent players.

Teams would die to have someone like Ivanovic as their second choice full back. Paulo Ferreira made it to the first eleven as well. He did hold up well.

Not easy to come in and impress at the left back position where Ashley Cole has been churning in ‘player of the season’ performances.

Fourth goal was a thing of beauty. We seem to produce one such goal every match. That wicked flick to Drogba may not be highly spoken of because it was made by the hardworking, efficient Lampard who is not expected to produce these moments.

‘Did he really mean it’ is the cruel response of the footballing public to these Lampard moments but he has been bloody consistent with these too. Now let’s welcome him back as he’s fully shrugged off his ‘poor form’ and he is back among the goals and assists.

Special mention about Anelka’s performance. He was just brilliant. His movement was very good. He was pretty determined to win the ball and not to lose it. It’s a shame that he couldn’t score but his contribution to the team was superb.

To have a played Bolton at the Reebok stadium and not to have a conceded a goal from a set piece or a cross or a longball itself seems like an achievement for the kind of goal-conceding form we were in.

We were a bit suspect but didn’t let the ball in, no matter how troubled we were. Cheers for that.

Elsewhere, Man Utd and Arsenal won. And Liverpool lost. While that’s not a surprise, I’m still surprised to see Tubby holding onto his job this morning. For the good of football and Chelsea FC, let him be there.

If Tubby winning the FA Cup would keep him there for another few years, I’d give it to Liverpool. Chelsea continues to stay on top for another week but the real test is on Nov 8.

Sunbears visit the Bridge and let me tell you loud and clear, if we beat them then, we are going to be champions. Yes, the title will be won in November!

Oh, before that, we have this little matter of qualifying for the second round of Champions League. Bad news to Atletico! Drogba is back in Champions League!