Rate it!

0 votes

Michael Ballack headed the only goal of the game in the 32nd minute to take the Blues four points behind leaders Arsenal again, and the same number behind Manchester United after their win at home to Portsmouth.

Paulo Ferreira crossed the ball high from the right by-line for the Germany captain to rise and head into the corner from eight yards out.

Reading worked hard and, as manager Steve Coppell promised, had a go at their hosts.

Kevin Doyle found space to shoot wide on a couple of occasions in the second half and James Harper missed a great chance to volley home from a few yards out.

However Chelsea were good value for their win. Joe Cole was the first to test Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann with a cracking effort that the American tipped around the post.

Soon after came Ballack's goal, but that was not the end of the Blues' attacking ambitions.

The tricky Cole - namesake Ashley was left off the bench, as well as out of the team - cut his way into the away team's penalty area moments into the second half and his shot-cum-cross was almost touched home by the sliding Nicolas Anelka, who was supported by Florent Malouda in his lone attacking role.

Anelka saw a header saved by Hahnemann and afterwards shot wide; but it was Shaun Wright-Phillips that had the best chance to put the game to bed. Hahnemann came out quickly to block the shot with his legs.

Ivar Ingimarsson made a crucial late tackle to deny Ballack on the edge of the box after Harper threw away his big chance - and any hope Reading had of snatching a draw.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport