The result was probably as expected but I thought the scoreline a trifle harsh on a Hammers side who gave a good account of themselves for an hour of the match until Drogba scored Chelsea's second, prompting the stuffing to fall out of West Ham's attempts to make a game of it.

When Alex put the home side ahead after 16 minutes and with Chelsea playing some smart football, the game looked over as a contest but a superb strike from Scott Parker ensured the Hammers went in level at the break.

Once Drogba put the Blues into the lead just before the hour mark though it was time for the title-chasing team to really show their class and West Ham were blown away principally by Malouda - a player I've always though a weak link in Chelsea's attack - who tormented the Hammers flank so badly that Jonathan Spector is likely to wake up screaming for months as a result.

Malouda scored the goal he deserved after 77 minutes and Drogba added another late in stoppage time to end a torrid afternoon. West Ham fans will not be overly concerned by this result though - the point they took off Chelsea at Upton Park in December ould be vital - and instead they will be looking at the fixtures next week when two vital home games are coming up.