The only goal of the game by Salomon Kalou earned Chelsea a narrow 1-0 win at Upton Park against local rivals West Ham. Salomon Kalou put Chelsea ahead just after the break and when Ashley Cole hit the bar it seemed all plain sailing for the Blues as they dominated the Hammers.

But West Ham were given a way back into the game late-on when Chelsea's goalscorer went from hero to villain in conceded a penalty for tugging back Hireta Ilunga.

However Blues keeper Petr Cech made amends for some recent dodgy performances by saving superbly from Mark Noble.

The good news was that West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola signed a contract after the game to keep him at Upton Park until 2013.

"I have just signed the contract and I am delighted with that,' he said. 'I'm very pleased.

"We have a project here that we are taking forward, with the coaching staff, (technical director) Gianluca Nani and (chief executive) Scott Duxbury.

"We are working together, we believe in the project and we will do everything we can to make it happen."

Zola signed his fresh deal immediately after the Barclays Premier League defeat to Chelsea at Upton Park.

"It was a good penalty but unfortunately Petr Cech has made a great save," Zola said. "Penalties look easy but from experience, I can say they are not."