When the Spain striker was signed by the Blues for £50million on transfer deadline day it was felt that he was the man to turn their fortunes around as they stumbled in their attempt to defend their Barclays Premier League title.

The former Liverpool man failed to score in his first 13 matches for Carlo Ancelotti's side, though, and looked a shadow of his former self as his confidence dropped and his sure touch in front of goal deserted him.

However, the 27-year-old coolly slotted past Robert Green on Saturday to end his 15-hour wait for a goal and he told ESPN: "It was not the beginning I was expecting when I signed, but it's not easy to go in January or February.

"I kept working and it's thanks to all my team-mates that I scored. There's less pressure for me now. Now I can enjoy it.

"The fans have been very patient with me.

"I had more and more anxiety for them than for me.

"Hopefully this is the first of many."

The win was not enough to move the Blues closer to leaders Manchester United, who secured a 1-0 win over a dogged Everton thanks to Javier Hernandez's late goal.

The Red Devils remain six points clear and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hit out at those who have been keen to point out that his side have to face Chelsea and Arsenal before they can secure a record 19th title.

He said: "The thing that puzzles me is they (the media) keep saying Arsenal and Chelsea have got to play us still, like we're going to lose to them. Why shouldn't we win those games?

"As I said to the players, forget all that nonsense. Just try to win your games and you'll be all right. Keep your heads and don't get carried away.

"Fixtures are running out for our rivals and the squad are up for it."

At the other end of the table Blackpool moved out of the relegation zone with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle, but manager Ian Holloway bemoaned their ill fortune as they saw three penalty appeals turned down by FA Cup final referee Martin Atkinson.

He said: "We should have had two penalties, probably three.

"I haven't seen them again yet but I know what I saw and I know how I feel.

"I was screaming and shouting at the ref because I thought it was going to be one of those games again where we don't get something that is blatantly obvious that we deserved.

"Is there any chance of whoever is governing things up there giving us a bit of a break?"

Wigan dropped back into the drop zone after a 4-2 defeat at Sunderland while Birmingham's fears increased after they were cut apart 5-0 by a rampant Liverpool at Anfield.

Aston Villa were held to a 1-1 draw by Stoke as Gary McAllister took charge in Gerard Houllier's absence while Tottenham drew 2-2 with West Brom to dent their hopes of a Champions League place.

Wolves missed the chance to climb out of the bottom three as Andrew Johnson's goal earned Fulham a 1-1 draw at Molineux.