Blues three clear after Schalke win

Chelsea boss Avram Grant had promised "entertainment" when he addressed fans in his programme notes and his side did not disappoint, creating a host of chances but also allowing the Germans plenty of sighters on Petr Cech's goal.

It would have been level at the break if goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had not let Malouda's tame effort through his legs, and Drogba headed the second just after the interval.

Grant insists that it will take time to realise his vision of a Chelsea side full of attacking flair and style, although there were embryonic glimpses in a comfortable win over the Germans.

Chelsea were gifted the best possible start when Malouda got the better of his marker Marcio Rafinha before despatching a left-foot shot which Schalke goalkeeper Neuer inexplicably allowed to roll through his arms and into the back of the net.

In the 12th minute captain Frank Lampard should have done better with a glancing header from Drogba's cross but he wasted the opportunity by putting his effort over the crossbar, and Michael Essien was equally wasteful in the 25th minute when he rose unchallenged to head a corner from Malouda over the bar from eight yards.

Chelsea continued to dominate though and in the 32nd minute Essien's glancing header was saved well by Neuer when he managed to get on the end of another curling cross from Malouda.

Seconds before the interval, Joe Cole brought another fine save from Neuer but it was clear from Schalke's neat approach play that Chelsea would benefit greatly from a second goal.

They got it within two minutes of the restart when a flowing move saw Paulo Ferreira provide the perfect cross for Drogba to send a deft header into the net from six yards.

The Ivorian has now scored twice in successive games since announcing in a magazine interview last week that he wanted to quit the club. Drogba later said he regretted making his comments public and reaffirmed his commitment to the Premier League side.