The champions trailed to an 11th-minute goal from James Collins and had Maniche sent off five minutes later for a lunge on West Ham defender Lionel Scaloni.

But Jose Mourinho’s men produced a scintillating comeback and two goals in three minutes from Didier Drogba (28) and Hernan Crespo (30) put them in control.

Captain John Terry added a third in the 53rd minute and William Gallas poked home the fourth in the 69th minute.

The fourth goal gave Chelsea the cushion required and they subsequently chose to contain West Ham instead of chasing a fifth.

The victory sent out a defiant message to second-placed Manchester United ahead of their game with Arsenal.