Chelsea send Brom for a six

Aug 16, 2010 |

London, Aug. 15: Didier Drogba scored a hat-trick as Chelsea began the defence of the English Premier League title with a crushing 6-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

Victory left Chelsea on top of the table after an opening day that saw Blackpool mark their first top-flight match in 39 years with a shock 4-0 win away to Wigan.

Florent Malouda, who ended the goal spree in the 90th minute, started Chelsea’s rout with a sixth-minute goal after Baggies keeper Scott Carson spilled Drogba’s tame free-kick.

Chelsea doubled their lead in the 45th minute when Drogba scored a free-kick from 25 yards against a West Brom side managed by former Blues midfielder Roberto di Matteo.

Ten minutes after the break, Drogba made it 3-0 when he forced home from close range after John Terry’s goalbound header from a corner was cleared.

England midfielder Frank Lampard added a fourth goal in the 63rd minute after good work by Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba, who ended the last Premier League season with a hat-trick against Wigan, completed his treble five minutes later with the aid of a shot deflected off Gabriel Tamas.

“I am very happy because we played a good game, we showed good football,” said Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Blackpool, promoted via the playoffs, have been widely tipped to go straight back down, but the Tangerines were 3-0 up before half-time, with former Villa striker Marlon Harewood scoring twice.

Aston Villa showed there was life after Martin O’Neill with a 3-0 win at home to West Ham just days after their former manager's resignation.

England goalkeeper Robert Green, playing his first senior match since his World Cup blunder, helped give Villa a 15th minute lead when his poor punch ultimately led to a goal from Stewart Downing.

Villa made it 2-0 when Stiliyan Petrov headed in five minutes before half-time.

And in what could be a parting gift to Villa fans, before his possible transfer to Manchester City, England midfielder James Milner made it 3-0 after shooting powerfully from Albrighton's cut back in the 66th minute.

Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday while Manchester United, last season's runners-up, face Championship winners Newcastle at Old Trafford on Monday.

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