Chelsea against West Bromwich Albion

Fantastic cross by the substitute Barnes is put low into the corridor of uncertainty from the right and only just evades Miller, who was making a great run into the box.

... a corner which Chelsea clear.

West Brom's best chance falls to Brunt. A pacy breakaway sees Brunt given the ball on the edge of the box, a neat shuffle on the edge of the box gets him away from Terry, but his left foot shot is blocked by Alex and goes out for a corner.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Barnes for Thomas (West Brom)</b>

<i>ESPN Stats & Info: Didier Drogba has become the 7th player to score a hat-trick on the opening weekend of a Premier League season.</i>

<i>ESPN STts & Info: Frank Lampard has now scored 6 goals in opening weekend Premier League matches, only Shearer (8) & Sheringham (7) have more.</i>

... Malouda gets the ball up and over the wall but it doesn't have enough power to trouble Carson.

Chelsea won another free kick 25 yards from goal. Malouda has put the ball down like he means business...

Malouda fights and tussles his way down the left wing before putting in a low cross for Anelka, who can't quite get enough power on his toe poke to trouble Carson for a sixth time.

His side won't face Chelsea every week but West Brom have been really, really poor today. Chelsea only started playing 10 minutes into the second half.

Roberto Di Matteo, bless him, is sitting with his head bowed. He may even be crying. Not an ideal introduction to the uncompromising business of Premier League management.

West Brom look bedraggled, it could be said.

Drogba is replaced by Kalou soon after finding the net for the third time of the afternoon.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Kalou for Drogba (Chelsea)</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Cox for Bednar (West Brom)</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Miller for Dorrans (West Brom)</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL! 5-0 Chelsea!</b> And it's hat-trick for Drogba. Or is it an own goal? Drogba picks up Ashley Cole's pass on the left hand side, steps beyond the challenge of Jara and drives it beyond Carson. But it took a BIG deflection on it's way through.

<i>ESPN Stats & Info: Didier Drogba has scored more than one goal in six of his last 13 Premier League starts.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"><b>Benayoun for Lampard (Chelsea)</b> That's Lampard's final contribution this afternoon as Yossi Benayoun comes on to make his competitive debut for Chelsea.

<b>GOAL! 4-0 Chelsea!</b> Lampard makes it 4-0 and Chelsea could be on their way to a first day mauling of West Brom. Ashley Cole finds himself in space on the left, squares it to Lampard who calmy strokes it past Carson. Lovely finish.

Chelsea drive forward with Lampard, who feeds Malouda, who should have picked out Drogba who was in a great position on the edge of the box, but his pass was behind the Ivorian.

Yossi Benayoun has just been told that he's on in five minutes.

Moments after picking up a deserved yellow card, Ferreira is replaced.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"><b> Ivanovic for Ferreira (Chelsea)</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Ferreira (Chelsea)</b> picks up a yellow card for a late tackle.

Not a classic goal from Chelsea, not a classic performance either, but it's goals that count in this game and Chelsea have three, to West Brom's none. This could be 5 or 6...

<b>GOAL! 3-0 Chelsea!</b> Drogba scores a scrappy goal for Chelsea, but they all count! Malouda whips in a corner, left footed from the right, which meets the head of John Terry. Terry's goalbound header was cleared off the line before the ball eventually feel to Drogba who fired in from close range.

Dorrans has, without a doubt, been the livliest player for West Brom today.

Dorrans comes very close with a beautiful curling effort with his right foot. Again, Cech was beaten but the ball flew just a few inches - or maybe a foot - over the bar.

Dorrans to take it...

Essien is penalised for shoving Cech in the back and West Brom have what could be a great chance, a free kick from 25 yards or so.

Dorrans tries his luck from 25 yards but the ball deflected off his own man, Bednar, going just wide of Peter Cech's goal. Cech was stranded there.

Cole and Lampard combine beautifully for a 1-2 in a way never seen by England fans during the World Cup, but Ashley Cole just overran it.

Carlo Ancelotti had a quick word with Yossi Benayoun before the start of the second half, so expect an appearance from him in the next few minutes...

I don't think Ivanovic would have conceded possession so easily there...

Essien puts a fantastic through ball through to Ferreira who was charging forward from right back, but the Portuguese didn't collect the ball with any intent and West Brom bring it away from defence.

Essien uncharacteristically gives the ball away in his own half and West Brom switch the ball across to Jara, but he loses the ball to Ashley Cole.

<b>The second half is underway...</b>

I'm off for a half time cup of tea. Remember, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mjdasilva

Malouda has been excellent for the hosts. West Brom have a tough task if they are to give themselves a chance here.

Chelsea have done well to make the most of their chances, which have come directly and indirectly from set-pieces.

On the stroke of half time Drogba makes it 2-0 and Chelsea are cruising at the Bridge. West Brom haven't played well, but neither have Chelsea.

<b>And that's half time.</b>

<b>GOAL! 2-0 Chelsea! It's Didier Drogba direct from the free kick! He dipped the ball through the West Brom wall and beyond the diving Scott Carson, to his left. Wall should have done it's job there.</b>

Essien is impeded by Mulumbu and Chelsea have a free kick 30 yards out...

Dorrens puts a teasing cross into the box which Terry heads clear, but only to the feet of Brunt. Brunt strikes the ball with venom but Terry is in the way again! Brunt gets a second chance but blazes over.

Lampard pounds the ball straight at Carson and the ball finds the head of Malouda, who heads over from 10 yards. Should have scored.

Lampard to take...

But Chelsea have won another free kick in a similar area to the one that led to the goal...

Good to see West Brom making a contest of this.

Morrison's cross from the right is inches too high for Brunt to meet with his head and, after a scary moment for Chelsea fans, Ferreira eventually clears.

Maluda hits the post but AGAIN Chelsea are flagged offside.

But credit to West Brom who could have been overawed after Chelsea's strong start.

West Brom clear and break purposefully with Dorrens eating up the ground on Ferreira, before swirching a glorious pass to Bednar, who loses the ball to Cole.

Malouda's searching cross from the left finds Anelka, who forces a corner...

Ashley Cole gets what I will call a 'mixed reaction' when he comes over to take a throw by the West Brom fans. His misplaced throw is met with vociferous cheers.

They've responded with a decent share of possession in the last couple of minutes. Chelsea, Mikel in particular, look concerned when Dorrens gets on the ball.

I'll be honest, this isn't a classic. Di Matteo has stepped into his technical area and told his players to step up.

Chelsea are getting Drogba more involved now, who has looked somewhat isolated in the early stages. Chelsea's defence is edging further and further up the pitch.

The rain has subsided. Just in case you're interested...

Lampard sets up a chance for Malouda, whose left footed shot was inches wide of the right-hand post. But the ass. referee had his flag up anyway. But Chelsea getting into their stride here and looking likely to score again.

Chelsea certainly not looking like the same side that lost four consecutive pre-season games. They're looking sharp and capable of scoring a few today.

Bednar puts the ball in the Chelsea net! But, he is adjudged to be offside from Dorrens pass. That was very, very close.

West Brom spurn the chance and Chelsea are back in possession...

There will be a lot of fouls today given the conditions.

Good technique by Dorrens, who has looked strong for West Brom. Forces Michael Essien into fouling him. Chance for West Brom to get the ball forward here...

Ibanez, West Brom's new Spanish defender, gets himself forward but is penalised for a push in the back of John Terry.

Ashley Cole is playing like a left sided attacker at the moment, forcing West Brom right back Jara much further back than he is comfortable with. West Brom still under the cosh but gaining some confidence now.

Dorrens tries a decent effort from distance and the wet ball slips out of Cech's grasp. Corner to the visitors...

The rain is lashing down in west London. I don't think West Brom feel like singing though.

Ashley Cole forces a corner for Chelsea...

Lampard sends a long ranger far, far over the bar.

<b>GOAL! 1-0 Chelsea!</b> Chelsea off to a flyer! Drogba's free kick was fumbled by Carson with Mikel waiting to pass it to <b>Malouda</b>, who finished from very close range. Great start by the champions.

Malouda has won a free kick just on the edge of the 'D'. Malouda and Lampard standing over the ball. Chance for Chelsea...

Anelka tests Scott Carson with a solid shot from distance, but the keeper was behind that all the way.

James Morrison comes close for West Brom, firing just over.

West Brom fans are mercilessly booing John Terry and Ashley Cole. Chelsea fans are responding by cheering joyously. Good atmosphere.

As you'd expect, Chelsea dominating the early exchanges.

<b>We're underway at Chelsea...</b>

No surprise that West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is getting a fantastic reception from the Chelsea fans. Di Matteo played for Chelsea from 1996 until 2002. This is his first game as a Premier League manager...

The sides are on the pitch and we are moments from kick off...

Chelsea have won their previous 8 opening games of the season. Ominous sign for West Brom.

Ibanez is one of five new signings for West Brom, with Jara having signed a new deal in mid week. West Brom playing a 4-5-1 today.

Drogba is in from the start for Chelsea with Cech also shaking off an injury in time to start. Chelsea virtually at full strength.

<B>West Brom: Carson, Jara, Pablo, Tamas, Cech, Thomas, Mulumbu, Brunt, Morrison, Dorrans, Bednar. Subs: Myhill, Olsson, Barnes, Miller, Steven Reid, Shorey, Cox</B>

<b>Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba. <b>Subs:<b> Hilario, Ivanovic, Benayoun, Zhirkov, Kalou, Sturridge, Van Aanholt</B>

The teams are in, so I'll waste no more time in bringing you the latest news...

I'm Michael Da Silva and I'll be your host for the next 90 minutes or so...

<b>Hello ladies and gents. It's time for the champions! Chelsea face West Brom at Stamford Bridge as they begin the defence of their title.<b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Miller for Dorrans (West Brom)</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL! 5-0 Chelsea!</b> And it's hat-trick for Drogba. Or is it an own goal? Drogba picks up Ashley Cole's pass on the left hand side, steps beyond the challenge of Jara and drives it beyond Carson. But it took a BIG deflection on it's way through.

<i>ESPN Stats & Info: Didier Drogba has scored more than one goal in six of his last 13 Premier League starts.</i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"><b>Benayoun for Lampard (Chelsea)</b> That's Lampard's final contribution this afternoon as Yossi Benayoun comes on to make his competitive debut for Chelsea.

<b>GOAL! 4-0 Chelsea!</b> Lampard makes it 4-0 and Chelsea could be on their way to a first day mauling of West Brom. Ashley Cole finds himself in space on the left, squares it to Lampard who calmy strokes it past Carson. Lovely finish.

Chelsea drive forward with Lampard, who feeds Malouda, who should have picked out Drogba who was in a great position on the edge of the box, but his pass was behind the Ivorian.

Yossi Benayoun has just been told that he's on in five minutes.

Moments after picking up a deserved yellow card, Ferreira is replaced.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"><b> Ivanovic for Ferreira (Chelsea)</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Ferreira (Chelsea)</b> picks up a yellow card for a late tackle.

Not a classic goal from Chelsea, not a classic performance either, but it's goals that count in this game and Chelsea have three, to West Brom's none. This could be 5 or 6...

<b>GOAL! 3-0 Chelsea!</b> Drogba scores a scrappy goal for Chelsea, but they all count! Malouda whips in a corner, left footed from the right, which meets the head of John Terry. Terry's goalbound header was cleared off the line before the ball eventually feel to Drogba who fired in from close range.

Dorrans has, without a doubt, been the livliest player for West Brom today.

Dorrans comes very close with a beautiful curling effort with his right foot. Again, Cech was beaten but the ball flew just a few inches - or maybe a foot - over the bar.

Dorrans to take it...

Essien is penalised for shoving Cech in the back and West Brom have what could be a great chance, a free kick from 25 yards or so.

Dorrans tries his luck from 25 yards but the ball deflected off his own man, Bednar, going just wide of Peter Cech's goal. Cech was stranded there.

Cole and Lampard combine beautifully for a 1-2 in a way never seen by England fans during the World Cup, but Ashley Cole just overran it.

Carlo Ancelotti had a quick word with Yossi Benayoun before the start of the second half, so expect an appearance from him in the next few minutes...

I don't think Ivanovic would have conceded possession so easily there...

Essien puts a fantastic through ball through to Ferreira who was charging forward from right back, but the Portuguese didn't collect the ball with any intent and West Brom bring it away from defence.

Essien uncharacteristically gives the ball away in his own half and West Brom switch the ball across to Jara, but he loses the ball to Ashley Cole.

<b>The second half is underway...</b>

I'm off for a half time cup of tea. Remember, you can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mjdasilva

Malouda has been excellent for the hosts. West Brom have a tough task if they are to give themselves a chance here.

Chelsea have done well to make the most of their chances, which have come directly and indirectly from set-pieces.

On the stroke of half time Drogba makes it 2-0 and Chelsea are cruising at the Bridge. West Brom haven't played well, but neither have Chelsea.

<b>And that's half time.</b>

<b>GOAL! 2-0 Chelsea! It's Didier Drogba direct from the free kick! He dipped the ball through the West Brom wall and beyond the diving Scott Carson, to his left. Wall should have done it's job there.</b>

Essien is impeded by Mulumbu and Chelsea have a free kick 30 yards out...

Dorrens puts a teasing cross into the box which Terry heads clear, but only to the feet of Brunt. Brunt strikes the ball with venom but Terry is in the way again! Brunt gets a second chance but blazes over.

Lampard pounds the ball straight at Carson and the ball finds the head of Malouda, who heads over from 10 yards. Should have scored.

Lampard to take...

But Chelsea have won another free kick in a similar area to the one that led to the goal...

Good to see West Brom making a contest of this.

Morrison's cross from the right is inches too high for Brunt to meet with his head and, after a scary moment for Chelsea fans, Ferreira eventually clears.

Maluda hits the post but AGAIN Chelsea are flagged offside.

But credit to West Brom who could have been overawed after Chelsea's strong start.

West Brom clear and break purposefully with Dorrens eating up the ground on Ferreira, before swirching a glorious pass to Bednar, who loses the ball to Cole.

Malouda's searching cross from the left finds Anelka, who forces a corner...

Ashley Cole gets what I will call a 'mixed reaction' when he comes over to take a throw by the West Brom fans. His misplaced throw is met with vociferous cheers.

They've responded with a decent share of possession in the last couple of minutes. Chelsea, Mikel in particular, look concerned when Dorrens gets on the ball.

I'll be honest, this isn't a classic. Di Matteo has stepped into his technical area and told his players to step up.

Chelsea are getting Drogba more involved now, who has looked somewhat isolated in the early stages. Chelsea's defence is edging further and further up the pitch.

The rain has subsided. Just in case you're interested...

Lampard sets up a chance for Malouda, whose left footed shot was inches wide of the right-hand post. But the ass. referee had his flag up anyway. But Chelsea getting into their stride here and looking likely to score again.

Chelsea certainly not looking like the same side that lost four consecutive pre-season games. They're looking sharp and capable of scoring a few today.

Bednar puts the ball in the Chelsea net! But, he is adjudged to be offside from Dorrens pass. That was very, very close.

West Brom spurn the chance and Chelsea are back in possession...

There will be a lot of fouls today given the conditions.

Good technique by Dorrens, who has looked strong for West Brom. Forces Michael Essien into fouling him. Chance for West Brom to get the ball forward here...

Ibanez, West Brom's new Spanish defender, gets himself forward but is penalised for a push in the back of John Terry.

Ashley Cole is playing like a left sided attacker at the moment, forcing West Brom right back Jara much further back than he is comfortable with. West Brom still under the cosh but gaining some confidence now.

Dorrens tries a decent effort from distance and the wet ball slips out of Cech's grasp. Corner to the visitors...

The rain is lashing down in west London. I don't think West Brom feel like singing though.

Ashley Cole forces a corner for Chelsea...

Lampard sends a long ranger far, far over the bar.

<b>GOAL! 1-0 Chelsea!</b> Chelsea off to a flyer! Drogba's free kick was fumbled by Carson with Mikel waiting to pass it to <b>Malouda</b>, who finished from very close range. Great start by the champions.

Malouda has won a free kick just on the edge of the 'D'. Malouda and Lampard standing over the ball. Chance for Chelsea...

Anelka tests Scott Carson with a solid shot from distance, but the keeper was behind that all the way.

James Morrison comes close for West Brom, firing just over.

West Brom fans are mercilessly booing John Terry and Ashley Cole. Chelsea fans are responding by cheering joyously. Good atmosphere.

As you'd expect, Chelsea dominating the early exchanges.

<b>We're underway at Chelsea...</b>

No surprise that West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is getting a fantastic reception from the Chelsea fans. Di Matteo played for Chelsea from 1996 until 2002. This is his first game as a Premier League manager...

The sides are on the pitch and we are moments from kick off...

Chelsea have won their previous 8 opening games of the season. Ominous sign for West Brom.

Ibanez is one of five new signings for West Brom, with Jara having signed a new deal in mid week. West Brom playing a 4-5-1 today.

Drogba is in from the start for Chelsea with Cech also shaking off an injury in time to start. Chelsea virtually at full strength.

<B>West Brom: Carson, Jara, Pablo, Tamas, Cech, Thomas, Mulumbu, Brunt, Morrison, Dorrans, Bednar. Subs: Myhill, Olsson, Barnes, Miller, Steven Reid, Shorey, Cox</B>

<b>Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba. <b>Subs:<b> Hilario, Ivanovic, Benayoun, Zhirkov, Kalou, Sturridge, Van Aanholt</B>

The teams are in, so I'll waste no more time in bringing you the latest news...

I'm Michael Da Silva and I'll be your host for the next 90 minutes or so...

<b>Hello ladies and gents. It's time for the champions! Chelsea face West Brom at Stamford Bridge as they begin the defence of their title.<b>