JUSSI JAASKELAINEN 6 No saves to make, but could have been in trouble when he handled outside his area. A yellow card was the right decision.

NICKY HUNT 7 Never troubled defensively in a performance that suggests he's got his confidence as well as his form back.

ABDOULAYE FAYE 6 No signs of the hip injury that made him doubtful; solid and effective, but picked up a booking for deliberate handball.

ABDOULAYE MEITE 8 Towering at the heart of the defence; better attacks than Watford's would have struggled to get the better of him.

TAL BEN HAIM 7 Further proof of the impressive quality and versatility that have put him on Chelsea's wanted list.

KEVIN NOLAN 6 These aren't the sort of games any aspiring England international wants to be judged on.

IVAN CAMPO 6 Much improved on his performance against Charlton; first half in particular, he looked more like his old self.

GARY SPEED 6 Close with a first half header; his non-stop effort was rewarded with an assist for Anelka's goal.

EL-HADJI DIOUF 6 Lively on his return from suspension; a couple of nice link-ups with Anelka, otherwise frustrated.

NICOLAS ANELKA 8 Head and shoulders above anyone in the class ratings; fitting that he should get the goal that decided it.

STELIOS 5 How unlucky! A gashed ankle forced a premature departure at Villa in December, this time a cut head.

Subs: Andranik (6) for Stelios 50 mins, Henrik Pedersen for Diouf 80 mins. Not used: Idan Tal, Ricardo Gardner, Ian Walker.