Didier Drogba scored his third goal in a week to ensure that the Blues defeated a stubborn Shrewsbury Town tonight in the Capital One Cup.
The striker netted early in the second half, and while Andy Mangan notched a equaliser from a set-piece, the Blues booked their place in the 5th round when substitute Willian's brilliant curling shot was headed into his own net by luckless centre-back Jermain Grandison
But it was legend Drogba, 36, who after his goals against Manchester United at the weekend and Maribor last Wednesday, kept the Londoners unbeaten this season. He was in the right place to slot home a low left footer after good set-up play by Mohamed Salah
Drogba said: "It was difficult, the pitch and weather and Shrewsbury gave everything. They created a difficult game for us.
"It was difficult for the players who don't play a lot and for those who played on Sunday. But we showed our experience - we wanted to win tonight.
"It is not hard to play two games in three days when you have these fantastic Chelsea fans behind you."
The first half was a non-event as a match. The Blues dominated possession without piecing the League Two side's defence with the home side happy to just be in the game.
But Jose Mourinho instructed his side to increase the tempo and while also dominating possession they also showed greater urgency in the final third.
Jose Mourinho said: "We knew it would be tough. But I think I have my four players who played on Sunday to give a fantastic example to the others. When you have them And Petr Cech and Mikel, they gave a professional example. Ake and Christensen learned from them.
It was difficult from first minute to the last.
But I was very pleased for the players.
"The club has respect for the club and the their fans and the Capital Cup, we have to try and play with a good team. And I sensed the players had the desire to do well.
"Hopefully in the next round a it will be not us who has to play on an Sunday and then two days later."