Ballack header helps Chelsea keep pace with league leaders
Ballack struck for his third goal of the season
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Wednesday, 30, Jan 2008 10:52
Midfielder Michael Ballack scored Chelsea's only goal as they beat Reading 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Avram Grant's side continued to track Manchester United and Arsenal at the top of the table after easing their way to another three points against the Royals.
The Blues broke the deadlock when Paulo Ferreira provided a good cross and Michael Ballack thundered home a header for his third goal of the season.
Chelsea enjoyed the best of the first half but came away with little reward for their endeavour.
Ballack got the first sight of goal but his free-kick did not have enough curl on it to test Marcus Hahnemann in the Reading goal.
However Hahnemann was soon in the action. Joe Cole and Shaun Wright Phillips, who have been in fine form in the absence of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, both came close for the Blues.
Cole's stinging shot from the edge of the area was parried by Hahnemann and the goalkeeper then saved Wright Phillips' shot from close range.
The Blues led 1-0 at the break and Cole almost added to their advantage within moments of the restart but his shot went inches wide.
Having dominated the opening 45 minutes Chelsea's lead looked increasingly uncomfortable as the second half wore on.
Nicolas Anelka, making his first start at Stamford Bridge, looked quiet in comparison to his other performances since his switch form Bolton.
The French international had two chances in the second half but hooked one attempt wide and headed the other tamely into the rams of Hahnemann.
Reading's best opportunities came from a series of set pieces in the second half but they failed to capitalise on those chances.
The one-nil scoreline suggested the match was closer than it was and Chelsea deserved to extend their winning run to five consecutive league games.