Joe Cole was at the heart of everything good about Chelsea, adding flair and movement to a fairly rigid diamond formation, constantly picking up the ball in dangerous pockets and committing defenders in the final third. Cole is a player like no other in Capello’s England shortlist and, if he can stay fit, must be a shoe-in for South Africa. He’s akin to an English South American; a dainty playmaker that can turn a game with one through ball, one mazy dribble, one devastating turn of pace.

Chelsea could have scored eight; in the end though, five was enough as Frank Lampard (2), Michael Essien, Didier Drogband and a Gael Givet own goal sent the Blues back to Premier League summit.