Joe Cole's late winner against former club West Ham allowed Chelsea to put the pressure on their Barclays Premier League title rivals in the early kick-off at Stamford Bridge.
The first half was notable only for its free-kick count and referee Howard Webb booking four players - Matthew Etherington and Luis Boa Morte for the visitors and Chelsea duo Mikel John Obi and Salomon Kalou.
Fourth official Steve Tanner was also involved when Didier Drogba complained about an incident that occurred near the West Ham fans in one corner of the pitch. A bright light was shone in his eyes from the stands, with a laser pen the most likely `weapon'.
Drogba went close with a curling effort which just cleared Robert Green's left-hand post.
There was a flare-up when home goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini fumbled a through-ball and was caught by Boa Morte.
Nolberto Solano then produced a lob which ended on the roof of the net, before John Terry's header forced Green into the half's only real save.
On the restart Belletti was booked, before Boa Morte had a shot blocked by Terry and Green palmed away Joe Cole's cross.
West Ham were looking dangerous as well, though, and Scott Parker sent a curled effort at Cudicini.
Lampard was booked and Terry fired narrowly wide, but Cole's winner was just seconds away.
Drogba and then Kalou won headers before the England man rounded Green in style and fired high into the empty net.
