Fernando Torres grabbed his second goal in as many matches but was sent off for the first time in his English Premier League career as Chelsea romped to a 4-1 win over Swansea on Saturday.
The Spanish international is under pressure to justify the £50million transfer fee that Chelsea paid Liverpool in January. Until now he has been devoid of confidence and, more importantly, goals.
He scored last weekend against Manchester United but was also guilty of missing an open goal, a howler that has been endlessly replayed and picked over in the days since the club's 3-1 defeat.
If that grated with the striker, then worse was to come against Swansea, for his 29th-minute goal was subsequently overshadowed by his 39th-minute red card.
The Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas had no hesitations about including Torres in his starting line-up, despite his miss against United at Old Trafford.
However, stalwart Frank Lampard, who is now back to full-fitness, had to settle for a place on the bench, along with Didier Drogba and David Luiz.
Leaving out Lampard and Drogba was a bold step from Villas-Boas, but it is also gives the strongest hint yet that he is trying to stamp his mark on the team.
Swansea went with the strongest team including former Chelsea midfielder Scott Sinclair.
The 22-year-old endured a stop-start career at Stamford Bridge before finding a permanent home at Swansea.
Sinclair was treated to a good reception from the home fans despite making on a handful of appearance for the Blues.
Swansea manager, Brendan Rodgers, who worked for Chelsea's youth team, was also given a warm welcome.
Rodgers would have been pleased with his side's start as they coped admirably with the threat of Torres and Nicolas Anelka had the first shot at goal in the 12th minute but could not capitalise on Raul Meireles' pass.
Meireles then fired over himself a few minutes later as Chelsea began to find their range.
Torres, meanwhile, was being well-marshalled by Swansea's captain, Gary Monk, yet he did find some space in the 29th minute to put Chelsea in front with a neat shot on the turn past Michel Vorm.
It was a cool finish from a man under pressure and he celebrated like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
There was more relief around Stamford Bridge as Ramires added a second goal in the 37th minute.
Torres was involved as he passed to Ashley Cole, who cut in from the left wing before teeing up Ramires, who slotted home.
It proved to be Torres' last meaningful contribution as he was sent off by referee Mike Dean for a two-footed lunge two minutes later.
Dean did not hesitate to show a straight red card for the challenge that took place on the half-way line.
It was an unnecessary challenge from the striker, who will now face an automatic three-match ban that takes him out of ties against Bolton, Everton and QPR.
Swansea looked to make their extra man count as they started the second-half with plenty of enthusiasm as Nathan Dyer hit the crossbar.
However, Anelka provided Swansea with a timely reminder as he also struck the woodwork from distance.
Chelsea looked to consolidate their 2-0 lead but it was not that easy, for Swansea have taken well to the top flight and set about looking for a way back into this match.
But surely their hopes were killed off when Ramires added his second and Chelsea's third of the match.
The midfielder again benefited from a weighted pass, this time from Jose Bosingwa as Swansea's defence hesitated, Ramires took full advantage to stroke the ball past Vorm.
Ashley Williams headed home a consolation goal for the Swans in the 86th minute yet there was still time for a fourth for 10-man Chelsea as substitute Drogba made a neat shot on the turn from Florent Malouda's pass.