Blues cruise past Gunners

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The Blues shook off their Champions League disappointment with first-half goals from Brazilian defender Alex and former Gunner Nicolas Anelka. An own goal from Kolo Toure put them three ahead straight after the re-start.

Arsenal squandered a host of chances throughout the game but finally reduced the arrears with a header from substitute Niklas Bendtner in the 70th minute before Florent Malouda scored Chelsea's fourth three minutes from time.

Chelsea snatched the lead after 28 minutes when Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas was cautioned for showing dissent after he was ruled to have tripped Didier Drogba. The Ivorian lofted the resulting free-kick into the penalty area and Alex headed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar, with Lukasz Fabianski rooted to the spot.

Fabregas was then fortunate to stay on the field when he upended Florent Malouda and received only a stern talking to from referee Phil Dowd.

Chelsea made it two when Nicolas Anelka, once idolised by Gunners fans, picked up the ball just inside the opposition half and charged forward before rifling a shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Fabianski made a smart stop with his legs from Anelka during first-half stoppage time but it was 3-0 just four minutes after the restart as Arsenal hit the self-destruct button in defence again, when Ashley Cole's cross from the left was put past Fabianski by the outstretched boot of Kolo Toure.

Petr Cech saved from Robin van Persie before substitute Nicklas Bendtner headed a consolation goal with 20 minutes left.

Although the Gunners, who travel to Old Trafford for what could be a title party next week, went on to have a good spell, it was too little too late - and Malouda tapped in Chelsea's fourth from close range after Anelka had struck the post following a counter-attack.