Apr 26, 2010
Chelsea thrash Stoke 7-0
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Chelsea's win was all the more impressive as they were without suspended captain and England defender John Terry. -- PHOTO: AFP
LONDON - SALOMON Kalou scored a hat-trick as Chelsea returned to the top of the English Premier League with a 7-0 thrashing of Stoke at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Victory saw Carlo Ancelotti's men leapfrog champions Manchester United and left the Londoners a point in front with two games to play after they'd scored seven goals in a match for the third time this season.
Ivory Coast international Kalou stooped to head the Blues in front from a Didier Drogba cross in the 24th minute. And seven minutes later, he doubled the Londoners' lead with a driven strike. Before half-time, he was involved in the build up to Chelsea's third which came after visitors Stoke had seen goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen go off with a shoulder injury.
Kalou went down under a challenge from former Chelsea defender Robert Huth which began outside the box but a penalty was awarded and England midfielder Frank Lampard scored from the spot. Kalou's grand day got even better in the 68th minute when he completed his treble on the follow-up after Stoke substitute keeper Asmir Begovic had blocked his initial shot.
Lampard added a fifth and further goals from Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda gave Chelsea a plus eight goal difference advantage over United, which could yet prove crucial in deciding the title race. Chelsea's win was all the more impressive as they were without suspended captain and England defender John Terry. -- AFP
