Claudio Ranieri's side gained revenge for their 5-1 Worthington Cup thrashing at the hands of Spurs with a comprehensive demolition of Glenn Hoddle's side, who turned in a poor and in disciplined display.

Spurs' performance was riddled with individual errors. Neil Sullivan's poor punch led to the opening goal - prodded in by Gallas from close range. Dean Richards gambled on offside to give the outstanding Gudjohnsen a free run on goal for Chelsea's second and Tim Sherwood's poor control gifted the ball to Le Saux for the third.

But, in a match where Les Ferdinand, Dean Richards, Sherwood and Frank Lampard could all count themselves fortunate to stay on the pitch, Le Saux was sent-off for two bookable offences to mar an otherwise excellent performance. His passing and industry were commendable, his wild hack on Mauricio Taricco less so.

Individually and collectively, Chelsea were superior. Marcel Desailly and William Gallas were in commanding form in defence, Manu Petit was combative and incisive in one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt and Gudjohnsen was a constant threat to Spurs' defence with his fine dribbling, calm finishing and instinctive understanding with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Spurs were the prime culprits in an ill-tempered opening, before Gallas broke the deadlock from close range after Sullivan flapped at Hasselbaink's corner. They could have doubled their lead when Hasselbaink exchanged a flicked one-two with Gudjohnsen to jab a shot on to Neil Sullivan's bar.

Spurs' best chance - for the second time in their cup exits this year - fell to Ferdinand. But the veteran striker missed an excellent chance to equalise when he headed Darren Anderton's cross against the post. They should, earlier, have been given a penalty in the first half, but referee D'Urso missed an equally clear-cut spot kick for Chelsea when Gudjohnsen was brought down by Anthony Gardner.

Chelsea netted twice within the opening ten minutes of the second half to seal their win, Gudjohnsen cleverly nutmegging Sullivan and Le Saux drilling his strike into the corner of the net after winning the ball from the sluggish Sherwood.