Deco started alongside Ballack and Lampard in midfield and Joe Cole played just behind Anelka up front.

Ballack only lasted 37 minutes, suffering from an ankle injury and was replaced by Malouda.

By this time Chelsea were two goals to the good - the first scored by Joe Cole after a neat ball through the centre from Ballack, which Joey raced onto and beat David James with a low shot.

Chelsea's second came when Bosingwa looped in a high cross from the right and Deco managed to scoop it back up in the air from the far post, for Anelka to beat Glenn Johnson with a header on the line - David James was nowhere to be seen.

Chelsea's third came right on half-time from the penalty spot after Distin had handled and Super Frank calmly stroked the ball in, beating James to his left.

Chelsea were in complete control and had few moments to worry about, although Cech made an amazing double save first from Kranjcar and then from Johnson. Other than that Cech had a relatively quiet afternoon.

Chelsea had to wait until the last minute for number four and the goal was worth the wait.

Deco picked up the ball and from about 30 yards out let fly, the pace and speed of the shot left beat James who could only punch the ball into the net.

Scolari's reaction after the demolition job, "It was more than I expect. We played very well and won 4-0, it's important and more important I think is that the fans of Chelsea saw a beautiful game and three points. It's okay."

Chelsea: Cech, Boswinga, (Ferreira 83), Carvalho, Terry (c), A Cole, Ballack (Malouda 37), Mikel, Lampard, Deco, Anelka, Joe Cole, (Wright-Phillips 77)

Goals: J Cole 12, Anelka 26, Lampard 45 (pen), Deco 90

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Distin, Campbell (c), Hreidarsson, Diop, Diarra (Mvuemba 67), Kaboul (Thomas 72), Crouch, Defoe.

Booked: James 45.

 

For Match Highlights:

http://www.ifutbal.com/videos/11828/chelsea-vs-portsmouth-full-highlights-.html