The Premiership's top-scorers collided at Stamford Bridge today but only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's freakish goal separated them as Chelsea's domestic campaign spluttered back into gear.
The win was unconvincing for the side so impressive in Wednesday's Champions League triumph against Lazio - but a vital victory which leaves them above Arsenal on goal scored at the Premiership summit.
Ranieri's men took the lead in the 33rd minute through Hasselbaink's bizarre goal. David Seaman palmed away Adrian Mutu's cross but it hit the Dutchman and rebounded into an empty net for his ninth strike of the season.
Carlo Cudicini's superb diving save - pushing Robbie Fowler's thumping header against the post - kept the Londoners in front at half-time. The second half was a similar story to the first, with Chelsea having the better of this simmering contest without ever igniting it.
The Italian keeper had to be alert late on to beat away Trevor Sinclair's stinging drive as Chelsea held on to win.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
