Zola lifts Chelsea blues with moment of magic

West Brom 0

Zola's sublime 58th-minute finish sent Claudio Ranieri's men back up to fourth place in the Premiership and effectively ended any hope West Brom had of avoiding the drop.

Chelsea badly needed all the points after two successive league defeats and although they never hit top gear, they found Gary Megson's weary Albion in a generous mood.

The fight drained away from the home side after Mario Stanic headed home Graeme Le Saux's corner in the 38th minute and there were none of the fire-and-brimstone assaults which had become a highlight of their survival battle.

While this win enabled Chelsea to reset their sights on European riches Albion face a Nationwide League itinerary.

Albion boss Gary Megson conceded he had no complaints about the scoreline.

"Certainly not about the result or manner in which it came about," he said.

"You have to realise they are playing with a little bit of fear, knowing they are playing against international footballers and players like Zola who are on a different planet. At times they were way, way above us.

"The players have got two choices; either put up the white flag or have a go. We are not giving ourselves a chance to win games. We are a little bit nervous, a bit tentative."

The Baggies' cause was not helped by injuries to defender Darren Moore and midfielder Derek McInnes, who both went off injured.

Megson, who admitted the second-from-bottom club are "up the creek" with relegation now looming large, said Moore's injury could prove to be a "big problem".

"Injuries are a problem to all clubs but when you have a squad of 18 it's a major problem. But that's why we announce a profit every year and other clubs are £80million in debt."

Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri believed seeing his side move into fourth place in the Barclaycard Premiership table vindicated his decision to field three strikers.

"We wanted to win, it was very important," he said.

"That's why I put three of my strikers together. It was a good decision, they played well.

"Gianfranco I do not have any more words for him. He is fantastic. His movement on the pitch he always chooses the right decision."

Ranieri believes his side now face competition from Everton and Liverpool for the fourth Champions League spot.

"It's important for us like it is for Everton and for Liverpool. We have the three best teams fighting for this position. Charlton and Southampton, I think it's a little too far (for them)."

WEST BROM: Hoult, Clement, Moore (James Chambers 15), Sigurdsson, Balis, Udeze (Dichio 45), McInnes (Wallwork 15), Gregan, Koumas, Roberts, Hughes.

CHELSEA: Cudicini, Gallas, Melchiot, Terry, Stanic (De Lucas 73), Le Saux (Desailly 82), Lampard, Morris, Zola, Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen (Gronkjaer 54).

Referee: A D'Urso (Essex).