Blues storm to win in China

Chelsea cruise to 4-0 victory against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 23rd July 2008

Kalou Salomon

Kalou: Opening goal

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Chelsea kicked off the Luiz Felipe Scolari era with a 4-0 victory over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical.

Scolari named a strong side for his first match in charge with Jose Bosingwa making his debut at right-back and Portuguese compatriot Deco lining up in a four-man midfield alongside Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard.

Salomon Kalou provided the support for Nicolas Anelka up front and it was the Ivory Coast international who broke the deadlock on 20 minutes with a cool finish from Lampard's pass.

Bosingwa was substituted with a slight thigh injury after a brief but impressive performance, but Chelsea continued to dominate.

Essien was denied a second as Guangzhou goalkeeper Li Shuai pulled off a smart stop, while Anelka hit the post.

Petr Cech had to be alert to tip a Xu Liang free-kick onto the woodwork, before Lampard made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half with a delightful chip from 30 yards.

Argentine teenager Franco Di Santo effectively secured the win with a third goal on 78 minutes as he turned home Florent Malouda's cross.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, one of eight substitutes used by Scolari, then completed the rout in the closing minutes with a shot on the turn.

Chelsea continue their Asian tour with a match against Chengdu Blades on Saturday.