UNSUNG HEROES

Birmingham 0 - Chelsea 1

The Peru international's only other goal for Blues since his summer move from Bayern Munich had been on the opening day of the season against the same opposition.

He struck 11 minutes from time to earn Avram Grant's side a fourth successive win despite again being decimated by injuries and African Nations Cup call-ups.

Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips needed early treatment after landing awkwardly on an ankle following an aerial challenge with Johnson and he eventually was replaced by Pizarro.

Chelsea enjoyed the bulk of the possession for the majority of the opening 45 minutes with Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda impressive.

Finally with 11 minutes left all the home side's hard work was undone as Pizarro headed in Belletti's corner despite the efforts on the line of Larsson to keep the ball out.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant praised the patience shown by his team before a late goal from substitute Claudio Pizarro earned them victory at Birmingham.