The delay didn't seem to effect the Blues as Zenden steamed through after just four minutes only for Schwarzer to save well at his feet. Chelsea were then given a scare after 17 minutes when Ugo Ehiogu thought he had given the home side the lead only for the ref to rule it out for pushing. As the half went on it was Chelsea who were the more dominant side with Jesper Gronkjaer looking dangerous. It was in fact a foul on Gronkjaer that led to the opening goal. From the resulting free kick from Manu Petit, Carlton Cole headed the ball in for his first senior Chelsea goal on his first full start for the club. That was in the 38th minute and just 5 minutes later Zenden doubled the lead. The flying Dutch winger ran on to a long pass from Petit and his shot deflected of Colin Cooper and in to the net. It was a wonderfully slick counter attack move that was over within seconds. Chelsea at our very best.
In a bid to save the match, Boro made three substitutions at the break but it made no difference to the end result and it was Chelsea who looked the dominate side after the break. Cartlon Cole forced Schwarzer to make a good save before being replaced by Stanic and the second half was dictated by Chelsea to be played at their pace.
The game proved to be little more than an exhibition in the second half but in general it seemed to be a good work out for the lads. Carlton Cole may have booked his place in the squad for the FA Cup final and Zenden will feel that he has done enough to start the match against Arsenal but only Claudio Ranieri knows what his starting XI will be...