Post by Janjoon-Lebanese on Nov 11, 2006 13:14:10 GMT -5
Chelsea go top after easy win
Chelsea 4 Watford 0
Didier Drogba gunned down Watford with a stunning treble as Chelsea briefly moved level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Premiership.
Drogba, a constant threat throughout, slammed home his second treble of the season with goals in the 27th, 36th and 69th minutes.
The Ivory Coast hitman, who has now scored 14 this season, also turned provider to help Andriy Shevchenko bag Chelsea's third in the 53rd minute.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho kept faith with Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini for their clash with Watford at Stamford Bridge.
Cudicini, who returned in place of Hilario for the midweek win over Aston Villa in the Carling Cup, makes his first league appearance since being concussed at Reading last month.
England left-back Ashley Cole replaced Wayne Bridge at left-back and captain John Terry was back after suspension in place of Khalid Boulahrouz.
Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd recalled Ben Foster in goal along with captain Gavin Mahon and striker Tommy Smith to the side which lost out on penalties in the Carling Cup to Newcastle in midweek.
Chelsea took just five minutes to win their first corner of the game but Didier Drogba's header was charged down by the Watford defence.
The Blues, looking to reach 50 league games without defeat against the Barclays Premiership newcomers, took longer than usual to find their slick passing style.
But in the 10th minute Drogba almost put them in front when he hooked Geremi's free-kick just wide of Ben Foster's left-hand upright.
Coach Jose Mourinho, clearly unhappy with Chelsea's rather lacklustre start to the game, urged his side forward in his usual animated style from the touchline.
It had the desired effect with Michael Ballack finding Geremi on the right flank with a beautifully flighted long pass.
The Chelsea defender clipped the ball back into the path of the waiting Frank Lampard only for his curling cross to be headed over the bar by Drogba.
Cudicini, making his first league start since being concussed at Reading last month, had little to do as Chelsea enjoyed the lion's share of the possession.
The visitors were matching Chelsea for effort and that was stifling the game in midfield.
Chelsea, without the pace of Arjen Robben in attack, were finding it increasingly difficult to find a way through Watford's well-marshalled rearguard.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute when Drogba scored his 12th goal of the season.
Ricardo Carvalho fed the ball to Geremi on the right flank and his low cross was missed by Andriy Shevchenko before falling at the feet of the Ivory Coast striker to prod home from six yards.
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Chelsea 4 Watford 0
Didier Drogba gunned down Watford with a stunning treble as Chelsea briefly moved level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Premiership.
Drogba, a constant threat throughout, slammed home his second treble of the season with goals in the 27th, 36th and 69th minutes.
The Ivory Coast hitman, who has now scored 14 this season, also turned provider to help Andriy Shevchenko bag Chelsea's third in the 53rd minute.
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho kept faith with Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini for their clash with Watford at Stamford Bridge.
Cudicini, who returned in place of Hilario for the midweek win over Aston Villa in the Carling Cup, makes his first league appearance since being concussed at Reading last month.
England left-back Ashley Cole replaced Wayne Bridge at left-back and captain John Terry was back after suspension in place of Khalid Boulahrouz.
Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd recalled Ben Foster in goal along with captain Gavin Mahon and striker Tommy Smith to the side which lost out on penalties in the Carling Cup to Newcastle in midweek.
Chelsea took just five minutes to win their first corner of the game but Didier Drogba's header was charged down by the Watford defence.
The Blues, looking to reach 50 league games without defeat against the Barclays Premiership newcomers, took longer than usual to find their slick passing style.
But in the 10th minute Drogba almost put them in front when he hooked Geremi's free-kick just wide of Ben Foster's left-hand upright.
Coach Jose Mourinho, clearly unhappy with Chelsea's rather lacklustre start to the game, urged his side forward in his usual animated style from the touchline.
It had the desired effect with Michael Ballack finding Geremi on the right flank with a beautifully flighted long pass.
The Chelsea defender clipped the ball back into the path of the waiting Frank Lampard only for his curling cross to be headed over the bar by Drogba.
Cudicini, making his first league start since being concussed at Reading last month, had little to do as Chelsea enjoyed the lion's share of the possession.
The visitors were matching Chelsea for effort and that was stifling the game in midfield.
Chelsea, without the pace of Arjen Robben in attack, were finding it increasingly difficult to find a way through Watford's well-marshalled rearguard.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute when Drogba scored his 12th goal of the season.
Ricardo Carvalho fed the ball to Geremi on the right flank and his low cross was missed by Andriy Shevchenko before falling at the feet of the Ivory Coast striker to prod home from six yards.
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GO GO GO BLUES
