Chelsea 2 Derby 1

Last updated : 30 March 2002 By Rich Godden
Chelsea dominated the opening half of the game and should have had the game wrapped up by the break but for a mixture of great goalkeeping and harsh luck.  Only four minutes had passed when Eidur Gudjohnsen steered a Hasselbaink lay-off against the right post. Derby keeper Andy Oakes then did well to tip over a dipping effort from Lampard before using his feet to beat away an effort by Hasselbaink. But Oakes had no chance from Hasselbaink's powerful free-kick. Unfortunately for Chelsea the post had a say in things again, leaving the game without a goal in the opening period.

The Blues were forced into a change during the break with John Terry replacing the injured William Gallas. And within five minutes of the restart Terry had given Chelsea the lead with a powerful header from Le Saux's corner. It was Terry's first Premiership goal in over a year and also brought him some light relief, having missed the past six weeks of action due to a broken foot. But the joy would be short lived for Chelsea as they were pegged back by Derby on the hour. Ravanelli played in Warren Barton on the right hand side and the Rams' skipper saw his cross turned home by Branko Strupar. And there would be more frustration for Chelsea when Jesper Gronkjaer limped off with 10 minutes to go- judging by the pain he was in it could be another serious injury for the speedy Dane. Nevertheless Chelsea battled on and got there reward with 5 minutes left thanks to Manu Petit's first goal for the club. Gianfranco Zola, a second half sub, sent in a deep cross from a free kick and, despite Oakes tipping Terry's header onto the post and Forsell's follow up being blocked, Petit would see his deflected volley float into the back of the net. The ball appeared to hit Zavagno in the chest before going in. Chelsea would hold on for the victory, taking them back into fifth place following Leeds' 4-3 defeat against Man Utd.