Florent Malouda grabbed a goal in each half as Chelsea kept its faint Premier League title hopes alive with a comfortable 3-1 win over Birmingham on Wednesday.
The France winger broke the deadlock after just three minutes with a far-post finish and rounded off Chelsea's scoring in the 62nd with a firm header from eight yards.
A superb individual effort by Salomon Kalou in the 26th added to Malouda's goals, leaving the reigning champions six points behind leaders Manchester United with five games left. The two teams must still play each other at Old Trafford on May 8.
Birmingham's consolation goal came through Sweden winger Sebastian Larsson from the penalty spot, after David Luiz tripped substitute Matt Derbyshire.
