Blues continue fine away form

On his old Bolton stamping ground 11 months after a £15million move south, a ninth-minute diving header from Anelka set the Blues on their way to an 11th consecutive away win in the league, with eight this season.

Deco's sumptuous scissor-kick 12 minutes later sealed the victory as Chelsea eclipsed the mark for consecutive away victories set 48 years ago by Bill Nicholson's Spurs side.

With leaders Liverpool winning at Blackburn, the win keeps Chelsea hot on the heels of the Merseyside club at the top.

Salomon Kalou cleared the crossbar by inches with a deft flick with the outside of his right foot from the edge of the area in the fifth minute. But three minutes later came an opportunity for Kevin Davies to at least put Chelsea on the back foot.

However, despite being given a free header from six yards in latching onto an inswinging corner from Gavin McCann, he shaved the crossbar instead of putting Petr Cech under pressure.

Chelsea's relief was evident, and Davies' dismay intensified just a minute later when Anelka found the back of the net.

Switching the play from left wing to right, Deco fed an unmarked Jose Bosingwa who then produced a measured cross into the six-yard box. Anelka drifted off the back of Andy O'Brien and planted a diving header off Jussi Jaaskelainen's right-hand post.

Just 12 minutes later boss Gary Megson's side were left chasing shadows as Chelsea doubled their advantage, even if the visitors enjoyed a touch of fortune into the bargain.

Bosingwa's well-hit drive hit Jaaskelainen's legs and bounced up before Michael Ballack nodded it on to Deco and the Brazil-born midfielder executed a right-foot scissor-kick from 15 yards.