Zola lifts the West Ham blues

Salomon Kalou's 55th minute goal proved to be the difference between the sides, although West Ham could, and should, have scored at least twice.

Kieron Dyer, making his first start of the season wasted a golden opportunity to give the Hammers the lead on 20 minutes.

A clever Diego Tristan through-ball put him clear with just Petr Cech to beat but the midfielder could only hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Tristan had a chance himself when the ball fell to him two yards out from a corner just before the break but he scuffed his shot.

Cech was to prove West Ham's nemesis again in the second half when he brilliantly saved a Mark Noble penalty after 70 minutes.

Noble hit the ball hard and low but Cech dived full length to his left to palm it behind.

In truth, Chelsea never looked particularly uncomfortable and appeared to be playing well within themselves ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Barcelona.

John Terry marshalled their back four effectively, despite receiving plenty of stick from the home crowd, while Frank Lampard had a quietly influential game in midfield.

A draw would not have flattered West Ham but on the day they simply failed to find enough to knock Chelsea out of their stride and their finishing let them down.

Zola said: "We had good opportunities and that was the difference really. I won't say that I am disappointed, because that might mean that I am disappointed with my players.

"We didn't pass the ball as well as we have in other games, but it was a difficult task and to be honest also some players who have been playing throughout the season, started to look tired maybe.

"I do understand and I am sorry for our supporters because they probably expected more, but I can't really say anything to the players, they have all my appreciation and my respect, because considering everything they did exceptionally well."

Despite yet another defeat to Chelsea Hammers fans will be delighted to see Zola commit himself to the club, as is the manager himself.

He said: "I've signed a new contract and am delighted to sign it. I'm very, very pleased and thankful for the club. The club have looked after me and we have a project here that we are taking forward."

Zola's assistant Steve Clarke has also agreed a four-year deal and is expected to sign it this week.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Upson, Tomkins, Dyer (Sears, 61), Boa Morte (Savio, 72), Noble, Stanislas, Di Michele (Kovac, 61), Tristan. Unused subs: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Payne.

Booked: Stanislas

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Bosingwa (Cole, 58), Terry, Mancienne (Ballack, 83), Lampard, Obi Mikel, Belletti, Kalou (Essien, 73), Anelka, Malouda. Unused subs: Hilario, Di Santo, Drogba, Stoch.

Goal: Kalou, 55

Referee: Mike Dean

Attendance: 34,749