Gianfranco Zola was the catalyst, scoring two and making another for Carlton Cole as Claudio Ranieri's side restored some semblance of footballing order at an expectant Gay Meadow.

For all their exploits in dumping out Everton, Kevin Ratcliffe's men were second best all evening and although they refused to crumble in the face of constant pressure, never looked like joining Rochdale in the pages of the Fourth Round fairytale.

Instead, it was the Blues - decked out in white - who go into Monday's Fifth Round draw, with one eye surely on a return to Cardiff. There has never been any doubt as to their quality, but on this evidence the once-questionable attitude at Stamford Bridge may, like Shrewsbury's cup capers, be consigned to history.

No-one epitomises new Chelsea better than 36-year-old Zola. He was the link between some crisp passing in midfield and the carving out of a dozen-odd first-half chances that put the hosts in their place and could have put the issue beyond all doubt.

As it was, they had to settle for the one, the little Italian stabbing home unmarked after Graeme Le Saux had hooked Emmanuel Petit's diagonal ball across goal on the full to find the Italian six yards from a gaping goal.

The scorer was then istrumental in slick moves that saw Frank Lampard fire over and then straight at Ian Dunbavin, while Eidur Gudjohnsen missed the best chance to double the lead as he poked Boudewijn Zenden's near-post cross inches wide with Shrewsbury stood watching to a man.

Indeed, Chelsea were so comfortable that William Gallas strode forward in open play to fashion two chances either side of the break - one saved and one averted by David Artell's tackle - before a feeble Rodgers penalty appeal and a deflected drive from Woan at least reminded the locals of what might have been.

Carlton Cole was sent on at half-time as Le Saux was ushered back to take care of Rodgers and after Zola had bamboozled Jamie Tolley with his version of Sunday Night Fever, the young striker arrived at the back post to bullet home a header for 2-0.

Having briefly loaned it out, Zola then took the spotlight back with a sublime second. Another swift move fell at his feet some 25 yards out and with Shrewsbury understandably reluctant to rush at him, he lifted his head and lofted in a measured chip that Dunbavin could only help on its way.

With the game over and only pride to play for, Shrewsbury and Jemson finally threatened, but from the same spot that he had scored against Everton, he bent in an identical free-kick only to see the flying Carlo Cudicini tip over the top.

The following corner then fell at the veteran's feet four yards from goal, but he failed to make contact and Chelsea escaped and simply strode down the other end to add number four through another substitute, Jody Morris, who bent home a second brilliant effort from outside the box.