You expect a lot of things from Chelsea these days but 0-0 is not among them. For 60 minutes of an entertaining contest spoiled by abysmal finishing, that is what we had, before Roberto Di Matteo produced another explosive goal and Dan Petrescu scored for the second time in four days.

There were surprises galore on the team sheet. It rather goes without saying as far as Chelsea are concerned these days, but Wimbledon were not slow in that department either. Having extolled the virtues of Jason Euell at the weekend, Joe Kinnear relegated the youngster to substitute while Chelsea were not doubt grateful to be spared the sight of Vinnie Jones as well.

Ruud Gullit retained Gianluca Vialli and left Gianfranco Zola on the bench beside Mark Hughes. Tore Andre Flo started for the first time.

But the biggest unexpected was Michael Duberry's return since snapping his Achilles in January. It was all very timely given Wimbledon's love of a corner kick and the accuracy with which they dispatched their crosses.

There were plenty of those in an open, eventful first half, but it was Chelsea who looked the part, bemusing a Wimbledon with the variety of bodies they were able to coax into scoring positions.

On the hour came the cutting edge to augment Chelsea's confident possession. Di Matteo's strike was sensational, recalling his FA Cup final wonder goal. Four minutes later Flo got away down the left and Petrescu turned to beat Sullivan's dive.