There were some impressive individual performances but the result was a reward for team work and long-term vision.
Here is how the home side performed as individuals.
Bart Verbruggen 7/10
Untroubled with saves but dealt with crosses and played the ball out in composed fashion.
Mats Wieffer 7/10
Played a decent part in the first-half control before making way at half-time with what was reported to be a minor issue.
Jan Paul van Hecke 8/10
No need for a repeat of his big battle with Delap at Portman Road last season. Rock solid at the back, covered ground, saw danger quickly and also strode forward.
Olivier Boscagli 8/10
Olivier Boscagli shone again (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Underlined the decision to retain him in the side with another impressive shift. Seems to see situations developing early and is good on the ball.
Ferdi Kadioglu 9/10
Set things rolling with his goal and might have added one or two more. An outstanding evening also saw him defend well against Neto, who at least showed some attacking devil for Chelsea.
Carlos Baleba 8/10
More like the Baleba we saw emerging as he maintained concentration and discipline - and really should have had an assist to his name as he supplied Hinshelwood.
Pascal Gross 8/10
Has come more to the fore in Milner’s absence and he was instrumental here – as well as setting a feisty tone at times. Brilliant delivery for Mitoma and van Hecke chances.
Yankuba Minteh 7/10
Caused Chelsea and Cucurella some problems down the Albion right without producing any really decisive moments.
Jack Hinshelwood 8/10
Should have scored in the first half but took his chance very calmly in the second as part of another good all-round display.
Kaoru Mitoma 8/10
Denied by Sanchez very early, then went a bit quiet and but worked through his repertoire in the second half, including a juggle and volley which faded just wide.
Georginio Rutter 8/10
Georginio Rutter and Jack Hinshelwood get away from Moises Caicedo for the second goal (Image: Liz Finlayson)
Did some good work as target man and in build-up play and, as thousands yelled at him to pass the ball, bided his time expertly in setting up Hinshelwood for the second.
SUBS - Joel Veltman 7/10
The half-time substitute was given a test Wieffer had not faced as he went on at the same time as Garnacho. Produced a very timely intervention when the left-side of the defence broke down on one occasion.
Max De Cuyper 7/10
Sent on down the right (briefly), then the left, from where he carefully teed up Welbeck.
Yasin Ayari 7/10
Helped see the job through in an attacking midfield role.
Danny Welbeck 7.5/10
A nice finish, as he got into a great position, and Ronaldo celebration, to which the fans responded.
Matt O’Riley N/A
Got on very late.