Record-breaking Blues go top

Luis Felipe Scolari's side equalled the 47-year-old record of Tottenham in achieving a 10th successive top-flight away win and surpassed their own previous best Premier League run away from Stamford Bridge from four years ago.

Anelka's double took his own tally to 12 League goals for the campaign - and eight in the last four games - after Jose Bosingwa had broken the deadlock for the Blues.

Chelsea's comfortable success, courtesy of three goals in 12 minutes before half-time, saw them overtake Liverpool on goal difference at the top of the table. They have now scored 19 goals in seven away league matches this season and conceded just one.

Albion showed plenty of promise in the opening half hour and knocked the ball around in the style demanded by manager Tony Mowbray.

But they lack a cutting edge and are not strong enough defensively and remain anchored at the bottom of the table after collecting just one point from their last six games.

Out of nothing a superb strike from Bosingwa gave the Blues the lead after 34 minutes. There appeared to be little danger but Bosingwa suddenly unleashed a powerful left-footed drive from 30 yards out which Scott Carson got a hand to but could not prevent from crossing the line.

Anelka doubled Chelsea's lead after 38 minutes, seizing Florent Malouda's headed pass and racing into the area to beat an exposed Carson.

Chelsea now threatened every time they ventured forward and in first-half injury-time Anelka struck again, beating Carson from a narrow angle with Salomon Kalou this time the provider.

Anelka had the chance to go for his hat-trick when in space 15 yards out but he unselfishly attempted to tee up Deco, who was denied by a last-gasp tackle from Paul Robinson.