Chelsea flex muscles in Brussels
Manager Jose Mourinho had been perplexed by his side's recent inability to show the same passion and desire as their opponents and ordered them to put an end to their sloppy attitude against Anderlecht.
They did so in a fashion that would have delighted the Portuguese master with two goals inside the first 15 minutes from Hernan Crespo and defender Ricardo Carvalho.
The win was also enough to see the Blues progress to the next phase - just as Mourinho had predicted.
Afterwards, captain John Terry said they now wanted to top the group. "It was not as comfortable as we would have liked, we started well which we haven't done in previous games. But tonight we have gone 2-0 up and kept the ball brilliantly after that.
"They had a couple of half-chances playing the counter-attack but we've got a clean sheet and we are pleased with that," Terry said.
"It's pleasing to come here and get a win, it's a tough place to come but we've done it."
And Terry insists the hard work is not over as the Blues look to pip domestic rivals Liverpool to top spot to secure a supposedly easier draw in the next round.
"It's very important for the knock-out stages, it's important to come top psychologically and to win the group would be a great achievement."
Chelsea, even without their injured midfield talisman Claude Makelele, demonstrated a desire that had been sadly lacking during their 1-0 reverse against Real Betis last time out.
Mourinho would have been delighted when Crespo, preferred in attack to Didier Drogba after scoring against Newcastle on Saturday, put the Blues in front after seven minutes.
It came just seconds after Anderlecht's Mbo Mpenza had screwed a shot wide from six yards following good work on the right flank by Christian Wilhelmsson.
Chelsea regrouped and attacked down the left wing where Frank Lampard had plenty of time and space to deliver a pinpoint cross for Crespo.
The Argentinian gave Silvio Proto no chance by volleying the ball into the net.
Mourinho's side had not finished and in the 15th minute they doubled their advantage through Carvalho.
A corner on the right from Lampard was knocked on by Crespo for the Portuguese international to despatch a vicious volley into the top right-hand corner of the Anderlecht net.
The rest of the first half saw Chelsea dominate proceedings without adding to the scoreline, although Crespo saw a looping volley go just over the target and Joe Cole was unlucky with a chip that Proto just managed to collect from under the crossbar.
Chelsea continued to enjoy space and possession they are rarely afforded in England and no doubt Mourinho had asked for a repeat performance at the start of the second half.
Carvalho got through on goal in the 50th minute after Duff had put him clear but he did not have the legs to finish the run and settled for a corner.
That resulted in Duff chancing his luck from 20 yards with a fierce shot that Proto did well to punch clear in a crowded goalmouth.
Chelsea almost added a third in the 84th minute when Lampard's left-foot effort from just outside was pushed on to the foot of the post by Proto.
Seconds later Crespo should have done better with a right-foot shot that he place wide of the upright from six yards. It was to be his last contribution as he was replaced by Carlton Cole.
Liverpool's goalless draw with Betis at Anfield ensured both English sides qualified from Group G.
: Proto, Deschacht, Tihinen, Kompany, Zewlakow, Goor, Vanderhaeghe (Iachtchouck 46), Vanden Borre, Akin (Ehret 74), Mpenza (Zetterberg 60), Wilhelmsson.
: Cech, Del Horno, Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Gallas, Duff, Essien, Lampard, J Cole (Diarra 63), Crespo (C Cole 86), Gudjohnsen (Geremi 77).
: Stefano Farina (Italy).
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