Blues continue unbeaten run under Hiddink
Frank Lampard's free-kick was turned in by Michael Essien, via his shin, for the winning goal
Also In The News
|
Finance ministers from the G20 countries have announced they are committed to a "sustained effort" to help revive growth in the global economy. |  |
Sunday, 15, Mar 2009 08:43
Chelsea have gone second in the Premier League table after beating Manchester City 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Michael Essien's goal moves the Blues four points behind leaders Manchester United, although the Red Devils have a game in hand.
And Guus Hiddink's men will feel they should have had more goals to show for their dominant display, although Frank Lampard did have a goal ruled out for off-side after 80 seconds.
City seemed content to sit back and pounce on a counter-attack, allowing the home side most of the possession with Ricardo Carvalho heading wide from six yards out while Didier Drogba was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Nedum Onuoha.
And it was Hiddink's tactics which paid off on 18 minutes when Essien looped the ball over Shay Given following Lampard's free-kick for his second goal in two games.
City came close to an immediate equaliser when ex-Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge set-up Caicedo, who dragged his shot wide.
But Chelsea's onslaught continued for the rest of the half with Michael Ballack and Essien failing to find the target from close range, while Nicolas Anelka was unlucky not be awarded a penalty when he was pulled back by Onuoha.
Mark Hughes' men provided another reminder of the danger they pose on the break with only a stunning recovery challenge from John Terry denying Stephen Ireland as the midfielder was about to pull the trigger on the stroke of half-time.
But the Blues resumed their dominance after the break with Drogba's effort palmed away by Given, while Juliano Bellett's 20-yard pile-driver rattled the post.
That was to prove Drogba's last contribution though as he limped off with a knee injury to be replaced by Florent Malouda.
Malouda came agonisingly close to making an instant impact when he fired into the side-netting before having a goalbound shot cleared off the line by Richard Dunne.
Another substitute nearly snatched a point for City late on Valeri Bojinov, who replaced the disappointing Robinho, when his low effort was saved by Cech.
But the Blues held on to continue their perfect start under Hiddink and keep their title hopes alive.