A jittery Chelsea was lucky to secure three points from this match. This was thanks to a strike from Anelka in the first-half. However, the performance by Chelsea showed that nerves were clearly showing as they try to pursue their third league title. The Blues had to wait 43 minutes before taking the lead. Furthermore, Bolton almost stole a point late in the game. Judging by the anxiousness the players are showing, the title race would be a thrilling one to watch, with Manchester United right on their heels.
It did not seem Chelsea would have a hard time overcoming Bolton as Yuri Zhirkov created an opportunity for his team in the fifth minute. He whipped in a cross only for Didier Drogba to send the ball soaring above the crossbar.
Following that chance, the Blues had lost their momentum. Bolton created many chances. on one occasion, Chelsea's goalkeeper failed to collect a cross from Lee Chung-yong. Matthew Taylor almost scored for Bolton, only for Cech to recover the ball in time.
Chelsea also almost took the lead in the 25th minute. Jussi Jaaskelainen punched a free-kick from Drogba straight at Kalou, only to hit his head and the ball went out of play.
Chelsea finally went in front in the 43rd minute. Anelka headed a cross whipped in by Drogba. Bolton defence was motionless as Anelka was able to get a free header inside the 6-yard box. Chelsea 1-0.
However, that goal did not step up the tempo of the game and Chelsea continued to look subdued. Even though Bolton enjoyed much of the possession of the ball, they could not find a equaliser. Kalou almost put the game beyond Bolton's reach in the 54th minute when he latched onto a through ball by Drogbe. However, he was unable to convert the chance, shooting the ball straight at Jaaskelainen. There were quite a few more chances that could have made out the game out of Bolton's reach, including a 20-yard shot from Frank Lampard which struck the inside of the pole.
Bolton almost found the net six minutes from time. Matthew Taylor provided a cross but substitue Johan Elmander headed the cross just inches wide of the goal.
Chelsea were able to hang on and manage to secure the three pointss, moving closer to their third league title.
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