The Italian international replaced Billy Gilmour in the 80th minute, and with the Blues holding on to a 3-2 lead. From that moment until the final whistle we enjoyed a 66 per cent share of possession, up from 55 per cent prior to that. We were helped by Jorginho’s calmness in the middle of the park during an often frantic contest; he also won both of the tackles he went in for during his time on the pitch.

For the 28-year-old, it proved a successful first appearance since March as we left south London with three vital points.

‘Overall it was a good performance,’ said Jorginho as he assessed the game.

‘We created opportunities, and we just need to be more effective when we have chances up front. We like to suffer.

‘We need to learn to finish the game before the last minute, to be more clinical to avoid that tension at the end, but we are creating opportunities which is a positive.’

Frank Lampard explained prior to kick-off yesterday that his decision to start Gilmour ahead of Jorginho was just his choice for what he believed would suit the team best, based on training and previous matches, and nothing to do with speculation linking our no.5 with a move away from the Bridge.

‘I just have to stay focused on when the teams need me,’ stressed Jorginho. ‘There have been rumours but I haven’t heard anything, I am just focusing on finishing the season well with Chelsea and qualifying for the Champions League.’