The Ivory Coast international opened the scoring after just eight minutes at the Riverside Stadium, and Brazilian defender Alex's 35yard piledriver 12 minutes after the break wrapped up the points.

Boro twice went close through Mido and Gary O'Neil wasted a good chance with three minutes remaining, but by then, the result was beyond doubt. Drogba had returned from suspension at Middlesbrough after his outspoken comments about his "broken" club.

The Ivory Coast international was one of five changes to the side which won 1-0 at Bolton last time out as manager Avram Grant regrouped following the loss of John Terry and Ashley Cole to injury.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate welcomed striker Mido back from injury while the visitors lined up with Portugal international Paulo Ferreira at left-back and Juliano Belletti on the right.

Chelsea took the the lead in the eighth minute in superb style as Frank Lampard and Drogba combined to tear Boro open. The striker received Florent Malouda's pass with his back to goal and laid it off to the England midfielder before setting off for his return and slotting a left-foot shot past the helpless Mark Schwarzer.

Boro pressed for an equaliser but chances were few and far between for the home side.

Their hopes of drawing level were dashed on 57 minutes when Rochemback was penalised for a foul on Essien. The home fans were still angrily disputing the decision when Lampard touched the ball to Alex, who smashed it home from 35 yards.

O'Neil was the home side's main threat after that, before Lampard curled an 83rdminute free-kick just wide.

Drogba received warm applause from the visiting supporters . . . and a different response from their Middlesbrough counterparts - as he was replaced by Andriy Shevchenko five minutes from time.

O'Neil had a glorious chance to claim a consolation strike in the dying moments, but he skied his effort high over.