Chelsea's Didier Drogba is celebrating the victory during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion, Tuesday March 15, 2005 at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. Chelsea won the match 1-0. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)

Chelsea stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over struggling West Brom.

Didier Drogba's first-half goal takes Chelsea on to 74 points from 29 matches with nearest rivals Manchester United in second place on 63.

 
Chelsea's Didier Drogba is moving the ball and tries to past West Bromwich's goal keeper during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion, Tuesday March 15, 2005 at Stamford Bridge stadium in London. Chelsea won the match 1-0. (Xinhua/Reuters photo)

Chelsea dominated from the start as they put the visitors' defence under constant pressure in a match rearranged because of the west London side's appearance in the League Cup final.

They were rewarded after 26 minutes when striker Drogba tucked the ball home from eight metres after Damien Duff lost his marker down the left and cut back a precise low cross.

It was the 50th goal West Brom have conceded in the Premier League this season and only bottom club Norwich City (58) have let in more as the pair struggle to avoid relegation.

Drogba should have scored a second goal just after the hour mark when he turned defender Thomas Gaardsoe outside the penalty area but flashed his low shot wide of Russell Hoult's far post.

Ten minutes later the Ivory Coast forward had another clear chance to increase Chelsea's lead but somehow managed to head the ball wide of the post from an unmarked position.

West Brom battled gamely and a Kanu volley moments later was headed over by the excellent Robert Huth, but the Midlands side rarely looked capable of getting back on level terms.

The loss leaves Albion second from bottom just a point above Norwich. Their haul of 21 points means they are five away from the position of safety occupied by Crystal Palace.

Editor: Wing