Chelsea start with victory

Updated 15.44 Sun Aug 17 2008

Chelsea have opened their Premier League season in style with a 4-0 victory over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge.

First half goals by Joe Cole, Nicolas Anelka and a Frank Lampard penalty made for an easy half-time team-talk by new Blues coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

First half goals by Joe Cole, Nicolas Anelka and a Frank Lampard made for an easy half-time team-talk for new Blues coach Luis Felipe Scolari

Deco put the icing on the cake for last season's Barclays Premier League runners up by adding a fourth from long range just before the end.

Brazilian Scolari had promised a samba style to his time in west London, and he did not disappoint after being introduced to the crowd and giving them a thumbs-up.

Like his Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup, he relied on his full-backs to create width - instead of Cafu and Roberto Carlos he has Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole marauding forward.

Chelsea's shape allowed Scolari's five-man midfield to dominate through the middle and cause havoc to Pompey.

Deco's goal was the pick - a powerful and swerving effort from 30 yards that Portsmouth 'keeper David James could only parry into the top corner in the 89th minute.

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