Carlo's crew cruise home at Cottage

Fulham 0 Chelsea 2:Carlo Ancelotti's men climbed to second place in the Premier League as they preserved their perfect start to the season with an easy win over Fulham in the south-west London derby at Craven Cottage.

Goals in each half from Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka settled the contest in Chelsea’s favour. The scoreline could have much higher had visitors taken their many chances.

Chelsea wasted a chance to punish Fulham as early as the 12th minute when Drogba was brought down on the edge of the penalty area by Fulham captain Danny Murphy.

Michael Ballack elected to try his luck with the free-kick from 25 yards out in a central position but put his effort a yard over the bar.

John Obi Mikel had Mark Schwarzer flinging himself to his right in the 21st minute when the Nigerian midfielder despatched a 20-yard volley towards the top corner. However, fortunately for the Fulham goalkeeper, Mikel’s effort flashed wide of the upright.

Fulham responded quickly but a cross from Murphy was easily held by Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal.

Chelsea finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when a fine three-man move left Fulham floored. Frank Lampard slipped the ball through to Anelka, who in turn put Drogba in the clear with a clever pass.

The Ivory Coast international made no mistake as he slipped the ball beyond the advancing Schwarzer for his third goal of the season.

Fulham almost fluked an equaliser in the 50th minute when Murphy’s deep cross into the penalty area was headed over his own goal by Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho.

But Chelsea’s domination was soon restored and Drogba almost grabbed a second in the 54th minute when he latched on to a clever lob by Anelka.

This time, however, the Ivory Coast striker was denied at the second attempt by Australian goalkeeper Schwarzer.

The Cottagers were dealt another blow in the 69th minute when captain Murphy went off injured to be replaced by Chris Baird.

Chelsea went two goals in front in the 76th minute when Drogba turned supplier for Anelka as the France international rounded Schwarzer and coolly slotted the ball home.