EIGHTY minutes of drudgery, followed by ten of complete control saw Chelsea cruise into the fourth round of the FA Cup against an uninspiring Pompey.
Late goals from Ramires (2) and Lampard finally cemented a jittery lead supplied early in the first half by Juan Mata.
Chelsea, fielding their strongest available XI, looked well off the pace in the first half against a team struggling a league below them.
Three minutes after the break, Florent Malouda picked up a rebounding defensive pass on the edge of the visitors' box, ran it down to the line, and crossed back to the waiting Juan Mata's left foot: 1-0.
Chelsea failed to capitalise on the confidence boost. The intensity was upped: but in reality only to a four or five out of ten. Combined with jitters in defence, a Tuesday night in Fratton was starting to look a likely scenario.
Two late goals ensured the scoreline satisfied the home fans, even if it didn't fairly reflect the game.
With five minutes to play, Mata crossed from the left, Fernando Torres nodded on, and Ramires flicked it in.
And, with the seconds ticking down, Ramires doubled his tally: going on a signature ceaseless run, and chipping the keeper.
Lampard made it four right at the end with a trademark rocket from the edge of the box.
Portsmouth, followed to Stamford Bridge by 3,000 supporters, will be aggrieved at a scoreline that in no way reflected the game. Chelsea will be counting their blessings.
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