Wanderers 0 Chelsea 2

NICOLAS Anelka came back to haunt Wanderers after his goal paved the way for victory at the Reebok.

The French striker, playing against his former club for the first time since moving to Stamford Bridge for £15million in January, headed a ninth-minute opener.

Deco added a spectacular second 12 minutes later with a stunning scissor-kick as the Blues set a new record for away victories in the top flight - eclipsing Tottenham’s 48-year record - with an 11th consecutive win.

Wanderers, who had won four of their last five game prior to kick-off, battled valiantly after the break and twice felt they should have been awarded penalties when John Terry appeared to handle in the area.

But Chelsea never really looked in trouble and Deco, Frank Lampard and Jose Bosingwa all wasted excellent opportunities to stretch the lead as the visitors sealed their sixth win in a row at the Reebok.

Wanderers: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Cahill, A O'Brien, Samuel (Smolarek 80), Davies, McCann, Nolan, Muamba (Gardner 45), Taylor, Elmander. Subs not used: Al Habsi, Riga, Shittu, Basham, Obadeyi.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa (Ivanovic 89), Terry, Alex, A Cole, Mikel, Kalou (Ferreira 84), Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Anelka. Subs not used: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Sinclair, Mineiro, Stoch, Woods.

Referee: Howard Webb. Att: 22,032