Even though a Tim Howard own goal and Frank Lampard’s rasping drive had levelled efforts from Mikel Arteta and Joseph Yobo, Chelsea seemed certain to suffer another setback to their hopes of completing a title hat-trick.

However, that was until Drogba controlled Andriy Shevchenko’s knock-down fully 40 yards out, then turned and let fly with an outrageous volley which flew over Howard and dipped into the net.