CHELSEA 1, SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 0.

Chelsea were grateful for a Frank Leboeuf penalty to give them victory against Sheffield Wednesday, writes Derek Osafo.

The Frenchman convincingly struck the spot kick past the helpless Kevin Pressman. The penalty had been awarded after Earl Barnet failed to clear and subsequently brought down Tore Andre Flo after 23 minutes. The goal was notable not for its brilliance but it was a milestone for Chelsea - their 100th goal of the season.

Petter Rudi and Pauli Di Canio hit the woodwork for Wednesday and Dejan Stefanovic also went close. The visitors will consider themselves unfortunate that they did not leave with a share of the points but could have lost by more. Pressman saved well from Flo to keep them in the match when Chelsea had already taken the lead.

Gianluca Vialli's priority is now definitely the Cup Winners Cup. He is likely to make more changes in the remaining league fixtures as he aims to get as many players fit and rested in time for the final in May.

Chelsea's fourth place in the league is not likely to be improved upon and the end of the domestic season provides Vialli with the opportunity to give younger players experience.

Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday; they are still chasing second place in the Premiership but it looks likely they will have to settle for third.

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