Ramires scored twice as Chelsea advanced through to round four of the FA Cup at the expense of visiting Portsmouth this afternoon.
Championship side Pompey made it difficult for their Premier League opponents, only allowing them one meaningful shot on target during the opening 45 minutes from Fernando Torres, which was held by goalkeeper Stephen Henderson.
Their resistance was broken just three minutes after the restart. Florent Malouda evaded his marker on the left before cutting the ball back to Juan Mata to score from close range.
Chelsea continued to dominate the possession thereafter, but they created very little in the way of goalscoring opportunities.
However, with time running out Brazilian midfielder Ramires ensured Chelsea's passage into the next round with two late strikes.
There was still time for Chelsea to rub more salt in the Portsmouth wound when Frank Lampard added their fourth of the afternoon in stoppage time.
Liam Apicella
