Drogba double sets up Chelsea victory

Feb 20, 2010 - 6:38 PM By MARK HENDRY STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wolverhampton at Molineux.

Carlo Ancelotti's team made the most of champions and nearest rivals Manchester United losing at Everton earlier in the day.

Even without the ill Frank Lampard they gave an efficient and clinical performance in dispensing with the brave challenge of relegation-worried Wolves.

Wolves did their best, frustrating Chelsea as much as they could in midfield where manager Mick McCarthy employed five men.

But in the end the raw power of Ivory Coast striker Drogba was too much for them and the prospect of an instant return to the Championship remains a strong possibility.

Kevin Doyle, Wolves' lone striker, went close early on and Chelsea were held at bay until the 40th minute when Drogba got his first.

Yuri Zhirkov exchanged passes with Michael Ballack and set up an easy chance for Drogba from close range.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech made some important saves, notably from Adlene Gudioura after 55 minutes and it was by no means a vintage display from the would-be champions.

But the difference was in the finishing and Drogba showed this in a ruthlessly-taken second after 67 minutes.

Cech's long kick out was controlled by Drogba who held off Christophe Berra before lashing in his 25th of the season.

Wolves fought desperately to pull back a goal and in the 87th minute Blues captain John Terry headed off the line when Jody Craddock beat Cech to a throw.

Ancelotti singled out not Drogba but Cech for special praise, responding to the pressure Wolves often put his team under.

"Cech was the best player on the pitch in my opinion. His magnificent save when the match was 1-0 was one of the main reasons we won.

"I am very pleased because it was important that we won today after Manchester United had lost and given us the opportunity to go further in front at the top of the table.

"The pitch was not good and Wolves kept hitting the long ball at us, but we coped.

"Drogba took his goals well as he has been doing all season but now I think he is doing more for the team, showing some leadership and working hard.

"We are four points clear but this is a long race and there are many more matches still to be played."

Beaten boss McCarthy said: "The difference was the finishing of Drogba and the great saves made by the Chelsea goalkeeper.

"Otherwise we matched them in every department and there was nothing in it. But that's the Premier League for you. You get punished heavily if you don't take your chances.

"I can't blame anyone. My players gave everything and played some top class stuff."