The winner came midway through the opening half as Geremi curled home from 25 yards following a foul on Didier Drogba by Danny Gabbidon, and Mourinho's men closed out another comfortable and efficient win.

Carlos Tevez had been handed a rare start . . . West Ham have still not scored with him on the pitch . . . but he struggled against an in-form Ashley Cole. The tone was set in the opening minute when he fouled the England full-back, and Cole was on top from then on. Tevez was on the right flank with Yossi Benayoun not even in the matchday squad. The visitors did have their share of the possession in the opening stages, Benayoun's replacement Lee Bowyer wasting a cross from a good position.

But Chelsea remained a threat despite failing to find their top gear. Mourinho had outlined in his programme notes that the home fans needed to get behind former Hammer Frank Lampard.

The England midfielder, jeered throughout by away supporters, was in the thick of the action as Chelsea seized control of the game.

And the hosts were finally ahead in the 22nd minute after in-form striker Drogba was hauled down by Gabbidon, earning the Hammers centre-back a booking.

Geremi's 25-yard free-kick curled around the wall and into Green's top corner, with the full-back dashing over to the dug-out where he shook Mourinho's hand.

Encouraged by the opener, Andriy Shevchenko wasted a good opportunity when he made ground down the right, as did Robben soon after.

Robben also fired wide towards the end of the first half but, despite Chelsea being on top, the Hammers were still a threat.

However, getting close to Chelsea's goal was proving difficult for the visitors, Bobby Zamora firing over from long distance with a wild volley, their best offering after the break.

Essien hit the post with a powerful drive as the hosts looked likely to add a second, and Drogba had an effort chalked off for offside.

Mikel John Obi, back in the matchday squad, was given a run-out but struggled to make an impact.