Wright-Phillips brace fires Chelsea to win
Wright-Phillips helped Chelsea close the gap to Manchester United
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Manchester United went six points clear of Chelsea at the head of the Premiership with a 2-0 win over relegation candidates Sheffield United at Old Trafford. |  |
Wednesday, 18, Apr 2007 10:52
Chelsea reduced the gap between themselves and Manchester United to three points after a 4-1 win over West Ham at Upton Park.
Shaun Wright-Phillips was the hero, scoring twice in the first half, with Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba grabbing a goal each as West Ham struggled to compete in the second 45 minutes.
In a bright first half three goals were scored in a frenetic six minute spell just before the break.
Wright-Phillips broke the deadlock after 30 minutes. He picked the ball up midway into the West Ham half, drove at the defence and shot past Rob Green from 20 yards out.
The Hammers were not behind for long though and struck back through Carlos Tevez.
The Argentine was able to hold off the attentions of the Blues defence before beating Petr Cech with a stunning strike from 25 yards.
However, Wright-Phillips restored the Blues' lead a minute later. Wayne Bridge crossed from the left-hand side and the diminutive forward volleyed home at the near post.
Chelsea then added to their lead in the second half after Drogba was brilliantly denied by Green and Kalou was on hand to tuck away the rebound to make it 3-1.
Goal celebrations caused unrest in the stands as the Hammers supporters took exception to gestures from their counterparts, who were no doubt relived to have closed the gap to Manchester United again.
The Blues scored their fourth after a slick passing move between Lampard and Drogba - the midfielder releasing the Ivorian who evaded James Collins' tackle to tap home.
Half an hour of the contest still remained but the visitors were able to control the game and see out the match with their unassailable lead.