Chelsea were imperious, helped by a woeful Bolton performance, in a 5-1 hammering of the Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. Chelsea had coasted into a four goal lead by the 27th minute and whilst Bolton scored a consolation early in the second half, Frank Lampard went on to complete his hat-trick and Daniel Sturridge, a loanee at the Reebok last season, managed a brace.
For bottom club Bolton the omens were not good. The visitor's had scored 18 goals without reply in their last eight appearances at the Reebok.
Couple this with keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen not being fit to start and replacement Adam Bogdan having a game to forget, then Chelsea simply took full advantage.
Sturridge started the goal rout after 2 minutes as the host's defence allowed him a free header from a Juan Mata corner Sturridge then turned provider after a flowing Blues move ended with Lampard hitting his first.
Bogdan failed to deal with a Sturridge shot for number three, then the stand-in keeper spilt a Luiz shot into the path of Lampard for number four.
A modicum of respectability was restored just after the break when Dedryck Boyata reduced the deficit with a header from Martin Petrov's cross.
But just before the hour mark Lampard made his case for the match ball with his third. The England international played a one-two with Didier Drogba before side-footing home.
The emphatic victory moved Chelsea back up the third whilst Bolton suffer a sixth successive loss at home in the league.
Referee: Peter Walton
Venue: Reebok Stadium
Attendance: 24,657
Bolton scorers: Boyata 46 Chelsea scorers: Sturridge 2, 25, Lampard 15, 27, 59
TRIBAL ASKS: Owen Coyle was welcomed with open arms by the Bolton faithful when he arrived. The question is, how long will they stay open!
Yellow cards: Ngog (BOL), Luiz (CHE), Terry (CHE)
