CHELSEA 2 - MIDDLESBROUGH 0
Chelsea earned three welcome points against Premiership newcomers Middlesbrough on Saturday courtesy of two second half goals, writes Derek Osafo.
Chelsea away has not been one of Middlesborough's favourite fixtures, the last time they won at Stamford Bridge was 1975. They never looked like improving upon their poor record as Chelsea began brightly and got stronger as the match progressed.
The visitors were unable to sustain any meaningful pressure as the pressure from the home side increased as the first half progressed.
However, they did produce sporadic moments which indicated that they could pose a threat to the Chelsea goal. Notably from set-pieces where Chelsea still look somewhat suspect, particularly when defending high balls.
There was no place in the starting line-up for Tore Andre Flo, whose two goals as substitute in the match against Blackburn secured Chelsea's win. Flo's inclusion at the beginning of the second half provided an additional dimension for Chelsea.
Within 43 seconds of the restart Chelsea gained the advantage their football had merited.
Although the manner in which the goal came was certainly fortuitous, the lead was not.
Brian Laudrup's contribution was considerable as he whipped in a cross that was directed into his own net by the outstanding Gary Pallister.
Chelsea then gained additional breathing space through a simple but nonetheless well crafted goal. From a throw-in Gustavo Poyet felt the space into which Zola was running and delivered an intelligent through ball which bisected the Middlesborough defence.
Zola latched on to the ball and with his second touch delightfully lobbed the advancing keeper Mark Schwarzer.
Chelsea continue in Europe on Thursday seeking to protect a slender one goal lead from the first leg as they travel to Helsingborg in the Cup Winners Cup.
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