It's A Hoot For Owls Despite Blues Record

Chelsea created a new record for the number of games unbeaten against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday after a draw at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea played some lovely football throughout the match, much of it orchestrated by Gianfranco Zola.

It was indeed Zola's left-foot strike in the first half which brought an excellent save from Pavel Srnicek.

Chelsea continued to create several chances although in the main they were forced to shoot from distance. Their pressure, however, was rewarded after the visitors were exposed down the left flank.

Graham La Soux moved the ball on to Celestine Babayaro who whipped in a cross which Srnicek could only deflect into Zola's path. From close range the Italian had the simplest of tasks to head into the empty net.

At this point it appeared that Chelsea would wrap up proceedings and move on to a comfortable victory. But Chelsea's inability to kill off the opposition once again was to prove costly.

Srnicek, in an inspired performance, pulled off a number of second half saves which denied the home side the second goal which would have made the game safe.

Andy Booth had missed two presentable opportunities earlier in the match but made no mistake after 67 minutes when he had a third. When the ball came in from the right he got in between the goalkeeper and defender to score from close range.

It had been something of a surprise that Wednesday showed the kind of fighting spirit they did bearing in mind the pressure they were under but they are at present experiencing something of a resurgence.

On Saturday Chelsea travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton who will be in confident mood after a win.

If Chelsea are to continue their position near the top of the table this is a match they need to win.

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