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Kalou gives Grant league win
07/10/2007 18:40 - (SA)
Bolton, England - Salomon Kalou delivered a first league win for Chelsea under new manager Avram Grant as his goal clinched a 1-0 victory at Bolton on Sunday.
After claiming just two points and no goals in their last four league games, Grant's side desperately needed to get back on track as they try to keep pace with leaders Arsenal.
And while Kalou's 41st minute strike ensured Chelsea were not cut adrift in the early stages of the title race, the display at the Reebok Stadium suggests the new Stamford Bridge chief has plenty of work to do if he is to restore his side's challenge.
For Bolton manager Sammy Lee this was the latest frustration in a disastrous season that has brought just one league win and leaves them rooted second bottom.
Grant's decision to rush back Frank Lampard following the midfielder's six-week absence with a thigh injury underlined the manager's urgent desire to end his side's alarming recent run.
Lampard's winner against Portsmouth on August 25th was Chelsea's last league goal prior to Kalou's timely strike.
And without the England international and suspended striker Didier Drogba, the London club's goal threat has been virtually non-existent.
With Drogba still missing and Lampard clearly not 100% fit, Chelsea against looked a shadow of the side that won back to back league titles under Jose Mourinho.
While Joe Cole worked tirelessly in an attempt to unlock Bolton's improving defence, the visitors' attacking efforts were more often laboured than inspired.
Poor Clearance
Lampard showed why had been recalled when he latched onto a poor clearance and forced Jussi Jaaskelainen into a full-length dive in the 17th minute.
And the Bolton keeper was called into action once again eleven minutes later to tip away Florent Malouda's angled snapshot that was arrowing towards the bottom corner.
Chelsea's laxness in attack was matched by the shaky performance of their back-four that included skipper John Terry who was once again below his best.
Bolton would have been ahead if Ivan Campo had taken more care with a 30th minute shot that was denied by Petr Cech.
Cech again showed his worth when he came to the rescue after Terry had been wrong-footed by Nicolas Anelka, saving with his legs to prevent the Frenchman claiming his sixth league goal of the season.
Grant's side were lucky to escape when Steve Sidwell escaped without punishment after appearing to handle the ball in his own penalty area.
And they enjoyed a second dose of good fortune when a sloppy piece of defending by Abdoulaye Meite gifted Kalou the opportunity to snatch the match-winner.
Meite appeared to switch off when a loose ball bounced outside the Bolton box, allowing Kalou to nip in between the centre-back and the onrushing Jaaskelainen before slotting the ball home.
It was hardly deserved, but Bolton proved incapable of responding to the challenge and their efforts to claw back an equaliser faded quickly during an immediately forgettable second half.
Wanderers almost brought an abrupt end to Chelsea's celebrations when Stelios headed against the bar in added time, but Grant's side held on.
After their victory at Valencia on Wednesday, the Blues are finally back to winning ways, even if they are yet to completely convince.
- AFP
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