The 27-year-old midfielder, named by manager Carlo Ancelotti as skipper for the evening, was playing in his first match since January and set up Salomon Kalou’s winner at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors had their moments, with Jay Simpson volleying over wildly and Akos Buzsaky curling wide after an exciting run by Wayne Routledge.

But the hosts were ahead in the 52nd minute after Cole spun on the ball and slipped it through to Kalou. The Ivory Coast forward cut inside Mikele Leigertwood from the left and his crisp finish went in off the post.

John Terry and Ashley Cole were brought on to see out the victory, while Joe Cole had a late effort from close range blocked by Tom Heaton.