Norwich, for their part, were without their main striker, Earnshaw and had 37 year old Dion Dublin marking Drogba.

Chelsea seemed content to probe languidly and hold off any urgent Norwich attacks generally conserving energy.  The confidence was there and the style of play was that of a team certain of the outcome in their favour even whilst doing the minimum to achieve it although it wasn´t long before Lampard tested Marshall with a 25 yard free-kick, forcing the keeper to make a save low and to his left.

The match didn’t start well for the Norfolk team when keeper, Marshall was carried off with a suspicious ankle injury in the 11^th min – I say suspicious because I wouldn’t be at all surprised if our notorious pitch was in part responsible (as it may have been for Ashley Cole’s injury).  The pitch was commented on and slated by both managers - THE PITCH NEEDS TO BE SORTED ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Despite the unexpected loss of their first choice keeper, Norwich seemed even more determined to get something out of the tie and came close on 17 mins when Etuhus fired from distance onto the post.  Croft followed up the rebound and looked likely to score until Boulahrouz made a classic defenders last ditch clearance. 

Unfortunately, Boulahrouz then got another mention in dispatches for all the wrong reasons when his shoddy clearance almost let in the dangerous Huckerby but for Terry’s presence which prevented an embarrassing memory for the Dutch defender.  To be fair, Kannibal hasn’t had a lot of match practice as he’s just come back from injury but to make matters worse, he then dislocated his shoulder and had to go off.  His injury looks likely to last a few weeks.  The Dutchman’s withdrawal forced Mourinho to introduce Essien.

Robben and Lampard made 2 further assaults on the canary’s goal which had Gallacher, the substitute keeper, at full stretch.  Then, on the 39^th min, Hughes blocked another Lampard drive but the ball ran to Wright-Philips, who scored from 18 yards when his looping shot clipped the knee of a defender and arrived to the far right-hand corner of Gallacher´s goal.  I was pleased to see SWP score – he’s got such a great attitude and seems determined to ensure his career is firmly established in SW London.

Chelsea began the second half putting pressure on Norwich and it wasn’t long before Brown made a pig’s ear of a clearance from a Lampard corner which left Drogba to score easily from 3 yards out. 

Just after scoring, Drogba was removed to be put in cotton wool for Wednesday, with his Ivorian coast counterpart, Kalou then entering the fray.  Lampard was also quickly removed and Shevchenko installed.

Norwich, to their credit, weren’t prepared to roll over and efforts from Hughes and Shackell forced Cech to make excellent saves.

Shevchenko´s brief presence bought new life into the team – he’s really beginning to look the part now and this is great news if we are to make meaningful challenges on the four fronts we are fighting on.  The Ukrainian pulled the ball back after a nice run, for Essien to slot in easily and then, he himself scored from a 1^st class header from a Kalou cross.  Sheva now has scored 10 goals this season.

I shouldn’t forget the performance of 20 year old Diarra, who is fastly maturing into a great player – even though he’s been playing in defence when his real position is in midfield.

Of course, Roman Abramovich was back at the Bridge after visits to Israel and then Russia to discuss his governorship with Putin.  Our owner’s absence has been a rare one – he’s been at most games – home and away for over 3 years, but this hasn’t stopped the press and rival fans desperate conclusions that he’s “fed up” or has “fallen out” with José!  (I wonder why they don’t say the same about Glazier and Ferguson?  After all, Glazier is hardly ever attends a match!  I also wonder how many games Gillette and Hicks will make for Liverpool?).  No doubt Ferguson and Benitez are soon to be tossed out on all fours?  Or perhaps it´s all just a load of bol-o-ks?

Chelsea: Cech, Geremi, Terry, Boulahrouz (Essien 44min), Ferreira, Diarra, Mikel, Lampard (Shevchenko 69min), Wright-Phillips, Drogba (Kalou 56min), Robben.

Norwich: Marshall (Gallacher 11min), Hughes, Dublin, Shackell, Drury, Croft, Safri, Etuhu (Fotheringham 59min), Lappin (Martin 79min), Huckerby, Brown.

Referee: R Styles

Attendance: 41,537