Chelsea 4-0 Portsmouth: Deco's Dream Debut

Luiz Felipe Scolari enjoyed the perfect start to his Stamford Bridge adventure as Chelsea swept to an impressive 4-0 victory over Portsmouth.

Chelsea showed signs of an impending demolition in the early stages and in a game where all eyes would be on new arrival Deco, he didn't disappoint.

Deco started the game brightly and played the ball around with relative ease. Little one-two's and triangle passes were apparently part of the effective game-plan which left Portsmouth chasing the ball from the opening whistle.

In the 11th minute it was 1-0 courtesy of Joe Cole. Ballack curled a delightful through-ball into Cole's path with the outside of his right foot and the number 10 made no mistake, beating James low down with a firm strike. Chelsea's first Premier League goal under Scolari and a fine example of what happens when you give a team like this so much time on the ball.

Portsmouth certainly didn't learn from their mistakes as Chelsea added a second 15 minutes later. This time it was Anelka. Joe Cole attacked the right byline and crossed into the six yard area where Deco and Ballack's joint contact sent the ball looping over James for Anelka to nod home from a yard out.

Michael Ballack was subbed on 38 minutes, unable to continue after picking up a knock. Florent Malouda took his place.

On the stroke of half-time it was 3-0 after Portsmouth defender Distin used his arm to block a Chelsea cross. The linesman didn't hesitate in awarding the penalty and Lampard converted, sending James the wrong way.

The second half started the way the first ended. Chelsea's attacking and Portsmouh defending. Chelsea enjoyed a multitude of chances although none were successfully finished.

They had dominated the game with a heavy advantage in possession, and in the 89th minute came the proverbial "icing on the cake" with Deco scoring a stunning debut goal.

He picked up the ball on the right and laid it off. When it came back, he struck it like a bullet towards James who should really have kept it out, but take nothing away from Deco's crowning moment. A fantastic personal performance for him, along with a great team display.

The final whistle blew, finally putting a lacklustre Pompey out of their misery.

Today was a far cry from the FA Cup winning exploits of Redknapp's men, and their defensive frailties were highlighted by Chelsea's dominance.

This first win for Big Phil sends a warning message to the rest of the league as Chelsea hit the ground running. The only question that remains is will anybody be able to stop this silverware seeking runaway train?

Chelsea 4-0 Portsmouth

J.Cole 11', Anelka 25', Lampard 45' (pen), Deco 89'