Terry heads Blues to victory

Terry outwitted his marker to head home a corner from Frank Lampard.

The goal ended Roma's stubborn resistance which, until Terry struck, had threatened to earn them a surprise point.

The opening few minutes saw Chelsea enjoy the lion's share of possession with the impish Deco pulling the strings in midfield. But eight minutes elapsed before Chelsea mustered their first real attempt on goal via a 20-yard volley from Lampard which Roma goalkeeper Doni dealt with effectively.

In the 21st minute a rare attacking drive from John Mikel Obi brought a booking for Philippe Mexes when he brought the Nigerian crashing down on the edge of the penalty area. But Lampard saw his effort cannon into the crowd after flicking the angle of the post and bar.

Roma were more than happy to stop Chelsea trying to play their way through the middle with Alberto Aquilani particularly impressive.

It required a superb tackle from Terry to prevent Matteo Brighi from opening the scoring in the 35th minute. Terry dived in to deflect the ball for a corner after a superb piece of skill from Francesco Totti had set up Brighi.

Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was incensed four minutes before the interval when Deco was brought down on the edge of the penalty area but the referee opted to let the home side play on, much to the chagrin of the Chelsea coach and his staff.

Roma were forced to make a change on the hour when Aquilani suffered a hamstring injury and was replaced by Simone Perrotta. Moments later Kalou brought an outstanding save from Doni with a firm header.

The visitors were happy to settle for a point and with Totti offering a solo option in attack, the onus was on Chelsea to make the breakthrough. But the deadlock was finally broken by England captain Terry in the 77th minute when he slipped his marker and headed Lampard's corner into the net.