Crespo, Robben put Blues in control

Chelsea 2 Birmingham 0

Hernan Crespo and Arjen Robben put Chelsea in control against struggling Birmingham at Stamford Bridge as the champions showed their class.

The Argentinian striker had a hat-trick of clear chances – only one of which he took – after Chelsea had survived an early scare when William Gallas hacked Stephen Clemence’s shot off the line.

That clearance came seconds before Crespo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, and after the former Lazio and Parma striker passed up two good opportunities, Robben showed his team-mate how to finish three minutes before the break.