Blues extend lead at top

A first-half goal from Nicolas Anelka gave Chelsea a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bolton and sent them four points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Anelka scored his first goal in 14 games when he headed home a cross from Didier Drogba in the 43rd minute.

But anxious Chelsea were made to hang on for a vital win with Bolton substitute Johan Elmander sending a late header inches wide of the target.

Chelsea almost went in front in the 25th minute when Jussi Jaaskelainen punched Drogba's free-kick straight at Salomon Kalou. But, luckily for Bolton, it bounced off his head and wide.

The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Drogba's cross was headed home from inside the six-yard box by Anelka. It was the France international's first goal in 14 games for the Blues in a barren spell lasting just over two months.

Kalou wasted a great chance to put the game beyond Bolton in the 54th minute when Drogba put his Ivory Coast team-mate through on goal. Kalou only had Jaaskelainen to beat but his shot was saved by the Bolton goalkeeper.

But it was a rare chance for the home side, who then survived a penalty appeal when John Terry appeared to use his arm to divert a cross from Chung-yong Lee into Petr Cech's hands.

A superb 40-yard pass from Alex in the 75th minute allowed Kalou to get free of the Bolton defence yet again but his angled drive was well saved by Jaaskelainen.

Three minutes later Frank Lampard almost sealed victory when his 20-yard drive cannoned back of the inside of the post.

Six minutes from time Bolton substitute Elmander was inches away from equalising when he headed a cross from Matt Taylor just wide. It was, though, the last nervy moment for the hosts, who hung on to move a step closer to achieving the league and FA Cup double.