It’s a measure of how compulsive Chelsea are to watch that 41,000 filled Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night to watch Bolton being knocked out of the Capital One Cup.

There’s a hypnotic quality to the Blues’ passing, and a glorious uncertainty about who might score, but score they do, even if there are fewer clean sheets than in a Soho massage parlour.

Chelsea bossed the game in midweek, but could only manage a 2-1 win as Jose Mourinho gave Petr Cech a start in goal, and showed faith in Kurt Zouma, who repaid it by scoring a scrappy opener.

Nathan Ake was granted a rare appearance on the teamsheet, although the left back was pushed forward into the Nemanja Matic role ahead of defence to accommodate Filipe Luis in the back four.

Regular first-teamers John Terry, Diego Costa and Willian watched from behind the dugout; the Brazilian wearing trousers with such a low-slung crotch it practically dragged on the ground.

Andre Schurrle had eight clear chances, but was either beaten by the post, Wanderers keeper Andrew Lonergan or the flight of the ball.

Eventually a long-range shot from Oscar gave Chelsea the edge after the Trotters had levelled via captain Matt Mills against the run of play.

The Blues face Villa at the Bridge this weekend in the league, although no longer defending a perfect points start after Sunday’s surreal events at the Etihad.

Chelsea were allocated 2,714 tickets for Manchester City, and made the loudest noise when Frank Lampard, in sky blue, came on as sub.

“He’s won more than you,” they sneered at the Mancs… only to be silenced when Lamps scored against his old team-mates to wipe out Schurrle’s goal on the break.

“I was sure he would be useful,” said City boss Manuel Pellegrini afterwards. Jose responded by likening him to a bottle of mineral water, mischievously misnaming him Mr Pellegrino. This season is already immense fun.