Mateja Kezman's strike for the Blues sunk brave West Ham United to Carling Cup oblivion for another season.
The Serbian popped up in the 58th minute to score his first goal for the Londoners following his £6million move from PSV Eindoven.
Thirteen games is a long time for a striker to go without striking, and, with only Eidur Gudjohnsen available as a fit forward partner, the pressure was on him to score.
Chance after chance came his way. A shocking piece of mistimed heading a minute before half-time was the most obvious fluff. It followed a 14th minute attempt on goal that was as comical as it was embarrassing.
Kezman, set free by Joe Cole attempted to tuck the ball wide of Jimmy Walker in goal, run round him and slot home - Kezman managed only the first part.
But someone has said that fortune favours the brave and his goal did show a touch of class.
Latching on to another Cole pass, Kezman ran free of his marker and arrowed home a low drive, across the path of Walker and the ball drifted into the net off the far upright.
With the weight lifted Kezman then suffered in the most horrendous manner.
With Chelsea awarded a 78th minute penalty for a Tomas Repka challenge that upended Arjen Robben, a missile appeared to strike the Kezman full in the head before Frank Lampard had a chance to take the spot-kick.
Kezman went off the pitch with blood pouring from his forehead.
The disruption must have affected Lampard, who shot directly at Walker.
The West Ham stopper, in only his third start for the East Londoners, was their man-of-the match with a string of top-class saves.
Anton Ferdinand's 88th minute header that crashed against the Chelsea bar was the Hammers' only effort on goal of merit.