Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea at Reebok stadium

by Basil Naimet.

It was a return to Reebok stadium for Daniel Sturridge most of the 24,657 fans wished they didn’t experience, scoring two goals and having a hand in another on Sunday when Bolton took on Chelsea.

His first goal came in the opening two minutes of play heading a gem from a corner.

Sturridge’s loan team last season, Bolton appeared to be in for a long afternoon.  It was going to be an ominous afternoon for the trotters.

Chelsea never looked beaten, or outplayed.

They asserted themselves at will, driving Bolton back on their heels for most of the match, ruthless in attack and relentless  in defence.

Frank Lampard missed last week’s match, sitting it out. But it was his turn to shine, and how.

He bagged three gems, enough to warrant a starting spot against Everton next weekend.

Bolton showed glimpses of brilliance but not enough to worry the West Londoners who gained confidence as the game wore on.

Nothing could take away from Daniel Sturridge and his performance. He attacked everything in sight and defended the same.

His goals came through faultless technique. It was obvious he made the most of the opportunity Villas Boas gave him.  

The Bolton keeper, Hungarian Adam Bogdan had a tough time filling in for the regular Jaaskelainen.

Two of the goals scored should have been caught by Bogdan.

In the second half things looked promising for Bolton.

They scored in the opening two minutes through the head of Dedryck Boyata.

Feint hope was borne.

 

 

But that hope was snuffed out by the blues who only served to assert their class.

Chelsea’s mesmerising passes gave way to a delightful passage of play that saw them weave their magic inside the 18 yard box.

A slick one – two between Lampard and Drogba saw Lampard latch onto the ball and fleetingly plant the ball into the net.

That was Lampard’s third for the game. He grew stronger.

As the two sides continued to slog it out, Chelsea was sticking to their game plan. They looked in control of the match.

Controversy in the 81^st minute though saw Bolton denied a goal after a ball from Petrov to Davies who swiftly planted the ball into the goal.

He was denied from the quick reflexes of Branislav Ivanovic’s foot clearing the ball on the line.

The replay showed the ball had crossed the line. Referee Peter Walton missed it and so too did the sideline assistants.

One thing is for sure. Goal mouth technology can’t come quick enough for Bolton fans.

 

Final score Bolton 1 Chelsea 5

 

Bolton 1                    Chelsea

Boyata (46)               Sturridge( 2, 25)

                                  Lampard (15, 27, 59)