Malouda goal puts Blues back in the hunt
Chelsea’s performance was far from fluent and the visitors were convinced the decisive goal should have been ruled out for offside.
But for Ancelotti, the only thing that mattered was the final outcome and having finally clinched three points for the first time since November 10, the Italian was able to talk confidently about reviving his side’s challenge for the title.
Chelsea’s standing at the head of the Premier League table has been the most obvious casualty of their recent dramatic loss of form. And with that has come the loss of the sense of invincibility Ancelotti’s side used to carry into games like this.
Bolton have never been shrinking violets but they traditionally have cowered ahead of a trip to Stamford Bridge, viewing a visit to west London as an occasion to get out of the way as quickly as painlessly as possible.
No longer. Not only have Owen Coyle’s side improved enormously this season, the fear factor Chelsea used to instil in their opponents has all but disappeared and last night it was the home side that started the game apparently gripped by nerves.
The power and physical presence of strikers Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies have been central to Bolton’s success this season and the duo were probably the last forward pair the Chelsea backline wanted to see as they attempt to restore battered confidence.
After a few minutes it became clear the Blues’ defenders confidence wasn’t the only thing that was taking a battering. Both Bolton forwards demonstrated their ability to ruffle feathers and twice John Terry was called on to intervene.
Chelsea appeared uncertain and inhibited in all areas of the pitch and their performance in the opening 20 minutes was summed up by a shocking free kick from Didier Drogba that sailed across the face of goal and went out for a corner.
Bolton were attacking with much greater purpose and should have taken a 22nd minute lead when Chelsea full back Jose Bosingwa failed to clear Sam Ricketts’ cross and the ball fell to Matthew Taylor who drilled his shot narrowly wide.
It was impossible that Chelsea’s play would remain so disjointed for much longer and they gradually began to piece together more meaningful passing moves without creating a clear chance on goal.
Frank Lampard once again looked laboured as he made only his second start following his three-month lay-off with a groin problem while midfield colleagues Ramires and Michael Essien were no more effective.
Fluency eventually appeared in Chelsea’s play towards the end of the first half when Ancelotti’s side enjoyed an extended period of possession, at last forcing Bolton to chase and harry.
Ancelotti’s side clearly needed an early lift at the start of the second period and they were almost handed the perfect fillip when Lampard finally produced a moment of quality to pick out Drogba with a superb pass.
The Ivorian ran onto the loose ball, placing it side-footed past Jaaskelainen only to see his effort rebound away off the inside of the post.
If that was a let off for Bolton, Chelsea had only themselves to blame for their failure to take their second opportunity of the game when Essien miscued from the edge of the area.
But they showed a more clinical cutting edge in the 62nd minute – even if Bolton believed the home side had been aided by a poor offside call.
Essien released Drogba who Wanderers were convinced had strayed beyond the defensive line, and the Ivorian kept his nerve to square for Malouda who slotted home from close range.
Bolton responded well with Sam Ricketts missing a good chance to level. But with the game more open, Chelsea kept their nerve and held on for a priceless win.
CHELSEA (4-3-3): Cech 7; Bosingwa 5 (Ferreira 6,90), Ivanovic 5, Terry 9, Cole 6; Ramires 6, Lampard 7, Essien 6; Anelka 6 (Kalou 6,89), Drogba 7, Malouda 7.
BOLTON WANDERERS (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen 8; Ricketts 7, Cahill 8, Knight 7, Robinson 6; Moreno 6 (Klasnic 5,72), Muamba 7, Holden 8 (M Davies 6,82), Taylor 6 (Petrov 6,78); K Davies 8, Elmander 6.
Referee: Mike Jones.
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