Scolari at fault in substandard show

Only a shocking lapse in concentration cost them the opening goal against the run of play, when firstly John Obi Mikel played a shocking ball behind Deco, who then fouled Francesco Totti to prevent him from racing clear.

It was a challenge that would cost him later in the match as it was the first of two yellow cards but there was no excuse for the way Chelsea defended the free-kick. It was played out quickly to Cicinho on the right and his cross was met by a crisp finish from six yards out by former Chelsea star Christian Panucci, while the Blues backline just stopped and stared.

There was still no reason to panic just yet as Scolari's side had shown enough quality in the opening 45 minutes to suggest they could come back, although Nicolas Anelka was putting in an especially anaemic display up front.

In previous games, the former Portugal coach had left it too late to make a difference but on this occasion it was too early as he took off Joe Cole and Florent Malouda at the break for the unfit Didier Drogba and Juliano Belletti.

It was a move that instantly backfired as it just seemed to ensure that Chelsea lost their grip on the game completely and Mirko Vucinic capitalised by smashing the ball into the top right-hand corner within three minutes of the restart.

Ten minutes later, it got even worse for Chelsea as Vucinic robbed Mikel of possession in Roma's half and, after successfully beating off the Nigeria international's desperate bid to make amends, was able to run into the area unopposed to make it three.

Terry's effort 15 minutes from time was a mere consolation - the Chelsea skipper tapping home at the second attempt after a Deco cross - and they had goalkeeper Petr Cech for preventing further humiliation when he saved from Vucinic at close range. Chelsea had lost their shape and composure and it just seemed that Scolari's substitutions had played a major part in their downfall. The 59-year-old is certainly a worried man now that Chelsea lead their group by just one point with two games remaining.

He said: "When you give away three goals you do worry. You need to think why was this and what we can do in our next game.

"We didn't play well. We made mistakes at critical times. We allowed Roma chances and individual mistakes cost us dearly."

There was a danger that this match may have been postponed due to a heavy downpour in Rome but now it's up to Scolari to ensure Chelsea's Champions League hopes don't go down the drain.