• Premier League

Ancelotti sure Chelsea are back in title hunt

Didier Drogba sent Chelsea on the way to victory against Bolton with a blistering long range strike © PA Photos

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has warned the club's rivals that the defending Premier League champions are now firmly back in the title race after Monday's 4-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers.

Goals from Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka and Ramires were enough for the Blues to romp to an ominous victory, as they seemed to prove that the problems of the past few months are now firmly behind them.

Back within seven points of leaders Manchester United - who they are still to face twice, although they have also played a game more - Ancelotti believes his side are once again in the hunt to retain the crown they won last season.

"I think we are back in the title race," Ancelotti said. "We've turned the corner and come back to play good football, with the right attitude and mentality. That was important. We're coming back to fight for everything."

Chelsea took the lead thanks to a blistering strike from Drogba after just 11 minutes, and the Italian believes the subsequent performance should give the club the confidence to go on and return to the top of the table.

"It won't be easy but we have to try," Ancelotti said. "We're in good condition and will do everything to close the gap. Our bad moment is over. We played well with attitude, good play and concentration."

However, Bolton manager Owen Coyle was less enthusiastic about the Blues' chances, suggesting it was his own side's poor performance at the Reebok Stadium that contributed to their downfall.

"Chelsea didn't look different before the goal [from Drogba], but then their tails were out and confidence oozed through them," Coyle said. "Everything went against us and went for Chelsea. We are disappointed at the way we played, but goals change games."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.