Brilliant 10-man Chelsea move closer to title

LONDON, Apr 9 (Reuters) Ten-man Chelsea roared back from a goal down to trounce West Ham United 4-1 at Stamford Bridge today and move closer to their second consecutive Premier League title.

The hosts made a dismal start as James Collins headed West Ham into a 10th minute lead and Chelsea's Portugal midfielder Maniche was red-carded six minutes later for a rash tackle on Lionel Scaloni.

But Jose Mourinho's 10 men rose superbly to the challenge, with Ivorian Didier Drogba levelling in the 29th minute and Argentine strike partner Hernan Crespo putting them ahead two minutes later.

Goals from defenders John Terry and William Gallas put the London derby beyond doubt in the second half.

With five games left, victory gave the champions 82 points - 10 more than second-placed Manchester United, now under real pressure to beat Arsenal in the late kickoff at Old Trafford.

The Midlands derby finished 0-0 between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion, who stay in the relegation zone.

Along with United's game against Arsenal, today's action was continuing with Liverpool against Bolton Wanderers and a northeast derby between Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

REUTERS DH RAI1906