Chelsea produced a ruthless display to outclass 10-man Bolton Wanderers 4-0 and tighten their grip on top spot in the Premier League on Saturday. Frank Lampard converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime to put the visitors in front after Jlloyd Samuel felled Didier Drogba in the area. The Trinidad and Tobago defender was sent off for the last-man foul on Ivorian marksman Drogba as Chelsea ran riot in the second half. Portuguese playmaker Deco doubled the Blues' lead on 61 minutes when he controlled Nicolas Anelka's pass inside the area, superbly tricked a challenger and clipped the ball into the net. Defender Zat Knight headed into his own net under pressure from Branislav Ivanovic to make it 3-0 before Drogba rounded off a swift passing move to complete the rout in stoppage time. Chelsea, who aim to win the league title for the first time since 2006, have 27 points from 11 games, five ahead of Arsenal and Manchester United, who both played a game less. Arsenal earlier claimed a comfortable 3-0 home win over Tottenham Hotspur as they seek to become genuine title contenders. Liverpool, who finished with nine men, slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Fulham to continue their inconsistent form.
Fulham down Liverpool Bobby Zamora gave Fulham the lead on 24 minutes but Spain striker Fernando Torres, who was substituted in the second half, leveled the score three minutes before the break. Erik Nevland restored Fulham's advantage in the 79th minute and Liverpool's hopes of grabbing another equalizer were dealt a major blow after defensive duo Jamie Carragher and Philipp Degen received red cars. Clint Dempsey made sure of the hosts' victory when he struck home with three minutes remaining. Liverpool, who defeated title holders Manchester United 2-0 last week, lie fifth on 18 points. Watch Chelsea's goals
