The match though was somewhat overshadowed by two prospective managers and a surprise debut.

Roland Nilsson is expected to be installed as Coventry boss later this week, and the watching Dave Bassett could be appointed even faster if strong rumours linking him with Leicester prove correct.

Nineteen-year-old Gary Montgomery made his first start in the home goal after Magnus Hedman pulled out with an injury in the pre-match warm up; but despite a couple of brave saves, the teenager could not prevent his night ending in disappointment.

With star striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the Chelsea bench ahead of Saturday's visit by Leicester to Stamford Bridge, the first half was rather a drab affair.

Gianfranco Zola looked the most potent attacking threat for the visitors, and came closest to putting them in front when his deep free-kick caught Montgomery unawares and struck the base of a post.

Coventry briefly rallied after the break, when Lee Hughes, not even among the substitutes before Hedman's late withdrawal, was obstructed by William Gallas as he entered the penalty area but the ensuing free-kick only found the wall.

Chelsea immediately swept to the other end, and with Forssell - on as a half-time replacement for Albert Ferrer - causing more problems that Coventry could cope with, the game was dead before the home side broke forward again.

Icelandic front-man Gudjohnsen opened Chelsea's account after 55 minutes when he took Zenden's pass, weaved his way into the area and calmly lifted the ball over Montgomery from 10 yards to bag his fourth goal of the campaign.