Kalou brace helps Chelsea close gap on United
Kalou scored twice to send the Blues into second place
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Wednesday, 28, Jan 2009 11:04
Salomon Kalou scored twice to help Chelsea beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and move into second place in the Premier League.
Despite the win it was a nervy display from Luiz Felipe Scolari's side that was not helped by a series of misses.
When Kalou eventually broke the deadlock after an hour the home side played with more freedom and a second inevitably came.
Boro offered little as an attacking force but defended manfully for two thirds of the match before going behind. Despite that they could not muster a comeback and the Blues ran out comfortable victors in the end.
The home side controlled the first-half but were unable to break down a stoic Boro defence. Michael Ballack went closest to scoring but was denied by Ross Turnbull in the Boro goal.
Didier Drogba came on at the break but he also failed to convert a good chance after a loose ball fell into his path inside the box.
Kalou then missed a golden opportunity – Ballack and Alex both got flicks on Frank Lampard's cross and the ball eventually reached the striker six yards out but he sent his header over the bar.
However, he made amends for his miss almost immediately. Lampard's corner was only half dealt with by David Wheater and the ball fell neatly to the Ivorian who smashed it home from close range.
Ten minutes from time Lampard and Kalou connected once more from another corner. This time the striker was left unmarked inside the box and nodded it past Turnbull.
The defeat means Boro have not won in their last 11 league matches and they remain in the bottom three.
Chelsea are now on 48 points, two adrift of leaders Manchester United, and move ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.