Swansea 0 Chelsea 1: Blues keep up the heat on Liverpool as Ba pounces again

CHELSEA kept pace with table topping Liverpool after Demba Ba's second half winner saw them edge past stubborn Swansea.

BA-CK OF THE NET: Ba celebrates his winner [ACTION IMAGES] The Senegalese striker scored the vital goal to put Chelsea through to the Champions League semi finals during the week, and he was up to his old tricks again at the Liberty Stadium. Following Liverpool's thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester City earlier in the day, Chelsea needed a response and they got it - eventually. Jose Mourinho's men were well off the pace for most of their trip to South Wales and will just be relieved to have picked up the points. Related articles Swansea ace Wilfried Bony looking to complete his top seven set with goal against Chelsea Cheers Ash! Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta thanks Cole for helping him cement left-back spot Chelsea were heavy favourites before the game, and their odds shortened further after Chico Flores was dismissed for two yellows inside the opening quarter of an hour. But it took them until half way through the second half to break down a stubborn Swansea side who had thrown up the barricades. And it almost worked. Ba got the vital goal, but Samuel Eto'o and Mohamed Salah will be wondering how they failed to convert and make it a far more comfortable afternoon for Mourinho's men. Chelsea are now two points behind Liverpool at the top of the table but they will need to play infinitely better when they travel to Anfield in what could be a title decider.