Cole strike sees Chelsea in charge

West Brom 1 Chelsea 2:  Chelsea survived the dismissal of Arjen Robben to move a step closer to retaining their Barclays Premiership title today with a 2-1 win at West Brom.

In Jose Mourinho’s 100th match as manager, goals from Didier Drogba and Joe Cole gave the visitors a 72nd win under the Portuguese’s leadership before Kanu pulled a goal back two minutes from time.

With Frank Lampard sidelined because of a hamstring injury Eidur Gudjohnsen came into the team. After his England exploits midweek, Joe Cole had to settle for a place on the bench.

West Brom were looking to bounce back after their defeat by Middlesbrough and ease their relegation blues. Jan Kozak came into midfield with Nigel Quashie suspended.

Chelsea made a confident start and Drogba found the net after only five minutes but his effort was ruled out for offside.

West Brom, though, suddenly came into the game and in the ninth minute skipper Kevin Campbell got on the end of a cross from Diomansy Kamara but his powerful header was saved by Petr Cech.

Then a cross from Paul Robinson from the left was headed away by John Terry. This was a good spell by the home side and Kozak, on his debut, lobbed over the bar from 12 yards.

West Brom were not lacking in confidence despite their recent poor run and Campbell was upended by Claude Makelele in a dangerous position but the free-kick came to nothing.

But Chelsea made the breakthrough in the 51st minute thanks to Drogba’s ninth goal of the season.

The Ivory Coast international showed good skill to weave his way into the West Brom area before delivering a low shot beyond goalkeeper Kuszczak.

It was just the lift Chelsea needed but the home side threatened two minutes later when Greening swung in a corner which was cleared by Essien.

But Chelsea continued to look dangerous every time they broke forward and Drogba almost added a second in the 57th minute - only for his effort to be pushed round the post by the goalkeeper.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 62nd minute when Robben was given a straight red card by referee Mark Halsey after launching himself into Greening.

Mourinho then made a switch in the 64th minute bringing on Cole for Duff.  England’s matchwinner almost scored with his first touch, his shot finishing just over the top of the bar.

Chelsea extended their lead in the 74th minute when the ball broke to Cole from Drogba and the substitute beat the ‘keeper with his shot seemingly taking a deflection along the way.

Substitute Kanu pulled a goal back with a fine half-volley from Robinson’s deflected cross from the left but it was too little too late for the struggling home side.

PA