The Chelsea boss admitted on Thursday that Abramovich, who attended today's 3-0 victory, had sought an explanation for his team selection in Naples, where his side were beaten 3-1.

But he categorically denied that had influenced his starting line-up when asked about it this afternoon.

"What are you trying to say?" he said. "Of course, it's a co-incidence."

He added sarcastically: "I got the call just this morning to play them, all three of them."

That brought laughter at a post-match press conference which was by far the most relaxed of the past month.

But Villas-Boas also warned he would be far less jovial in future should anyone question his integrity, saying: "The day that I feel disrespected in some way about my professionalism, you will find a different person speaking to you."

The decision not to play Lampard, Cole and Essien in midweek sparked further reports of dressing-room unrest.

Explaining their recalls today, Villas-Boas said: "Today, we got back to our normal 4-3-3, three fresh legs on the pitch.

"So I think pretty straightforward.

"Lamps has always been competing for the place since he returned from injury and played against Everton.

"He had his chance today and played fantastically well.

"Normal squad rotation and nothing new."

Villas-Boas, who insisted he did not need to win today to keep his job, also warned that Lampard's performance, which included the 150th league goal of his career, did not guarantee him a start in future.

"It's not the way it works," Villas-Boas said. "There are six players competing for those three positions.

"When we play with a number 10, it's even less. It's six players for two.

"You asked me directly at Napoli if Lamps was disappointed at missing the game and I assure you that he was, just like Raul (Meireles) was disappointed today, just like (Oriol) Romeu and (John) Obi Mikel."

He added: "When he plays like this, he is nearer to team selection, as always."

It was not all good news for Chelsea, with Didier Drogba, who scored the second goal, limping off injured.

"He had a big, big knock," said Villas-Boas, who branded the striker doubtful for international duty with the Ivory Coast this week.

His replacement, Fernando Torres, will definitely not be linking up with his country after being dropped by Spain yesterday.

"A big, big miss for Fernando, for sure," Villas-Boas said.

"The only thing I can hope for is for Fernando to get back to an excellent level, like he has been playing for us, and go back to the national team."

Villas-Boas was relaxed about reclaiming fourth spot having dropped out during the last round of league games.

"It was not a big scandal for me, but it was a big scandal for everybody else because we dropped to fifth with the same points and a goal less.

"The most important thing about this weekend is going to be Arsenal-Tottenham tomorrow and to see in which way you benefit from it.

"You can either benefit from it with Tottenham coming closer to us or we finish in fifth again and 'drama' all week!"

Bolton boss Owen Coyle was left to rue a missed opportunity to take advantage of Chelsea's slump as his side remained marooned in the relegation zone.

"My disappointment is in the goals that were given up," he said.

"We know that it was there today, maybe not to win the game, but certainly achieve a point from the match.

"Given where we are, every point will be vital, as we know."

Coyle also backed Villas-Boas to get it right at Stamford Bridge.

"You'll think I'm biased, because Andre's a friend of mine, but there's no doubt what he's trying to put in place for years to come," he said.

"I believe it'll bear fruit but, because it's such a (big) club, everybody's wanting to run with the negative side of that.

"There's no doubt he's talented in what he does and he'll come through the other side."