Carvalho keeps Chelsea hopes alive

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A rare goal by defender Ricardo Carvalho ended up settling the contest but Boro left Stamford Bridge wondering how they had not come away with at least a point, a feat they had achieved at Arsenal a few weeks earlier.

Substitute Afonso Alves was the main culprit, hitting the woodwork twice with the goal at his mercy, while defender David Wheater also headed against the crossbar.

Chelsea had to ride their luck to win a game they could have sewn up much earlier had they taken chances of their own.

But Avram Grant's side can now breathe a sigh of relief before turning their attentions to Wednesday night's Champions League showdown against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Carvalho goals do not arrive very often but usually they have their worth. The defender had not found the net for almost a year following his only goal of the game against Tottenham in April 2007.

The alarm bells had already been ringing for Boro when goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer reacted like a waxwork dummy to allow Didier Drogba's 25-yard shot to bounce back in to the danger zone.

Fortunately Wheater was there to mop up but there was no such reprieve when Gary O'Neil fouled Michael Ballack on the left touchline and Wayne Bridge floated a sixth-minute free-kick into a crowded box.

Carvalho was beyond the penalty spot but nonetheless was able to place his header out of Schwarzer's reach to give his side the lead and ultimately all three points.