Chelsea defeat the Royals

Chelsea picked up another important three points against Reading this evening thanks to a Michael Ballack header in the first half as they defeated the Royals by 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Nicolas Anelka made his full league debut for Chelsea in this game, whilst Stephen Hunt got a bit of a bad reception as he returned to the Bridge for the first time since injuring Petr Cech.

Early on, Chelsea should've been in front as Anelka had a great chance to score but a deflection put the ball over. From the corner Carvalho was unable to get on it properly, the ball came back in and Joe Cole had a great dig but the Reading keeper made a great save to stop the ball going into the top right corner.

Chelsea continued to threaten and good work and play from Makalele could've gifted Wright-Phillips a goal but the American keeper came up trumps again.

Malouda then had a great chance to put Chelsea one up, but another great save from the keeper prevented Chelsea. Wayne Bridge had made great play to give the Frenchman the opportunity.

Then, all the good work nearly went to pot as a corner came in and the keeper nearly hit the ball into his own net.

Chelsea looked very threatening, and were eager to get their first goal.

The first half they were completely dominant, and they finally got their reward with 31 minutes gone as Michael Ballack headed into the net for the Blues.

Reading had held out, but were never going to stop Chelsea from scoring as the German superbly headed home.

Into the second half and Reading looked a little more adventurous. Perhaps Anelka should've extended their lead with the goal at his mercy but missed, also Wright-Phillips had a glorious opportunity to blew it after the American keeper was again at his best.

Leroy Lita could've shocked the Blues as he headed just wide past the Chelsea goal.

Reading were really beginning to try their best and work their way into the game.

A two footed lunge on Hunt from Alex could've earned the Brazilian a red card, but the ref kept his cards in his pocket.

Amazingly, Nicolas Anelka missed a great opportunity as he headed straight at Marcus Hahnemann.

Ex Arsenal midfielder James Harper should've equalised but the ball hit his feet and the chance went begging.

Eventually, Chelsea managed to hang on and get nine wins on the spin. Their Premiership challenge is still very much on.