This morale-boosting victory is what Chelsea needed after a troubled start to the season that has left the side languishing way down the Premier League table and manager Jose Mourinho being forced to defend his decisions.

Goals from Willian and a penalty kick from Oscar had given Chelsea a commanding lead at the interval against Maccabi Tel Aviv in this Champions League opening group match. 

Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas added to the total after the interval. It was Chelsea’s first win at home this season after picking up just one victory in six matches in all competitions.

However, Chelsea will need to be better when London rivals Arsenal come to town this Saturday.

The Chelsea boss was in slightly more relaxed mood after the match than he had been recently.

"I forgot the feeling. For so long we don't win a game, so good, a good feeling," said Mourinho. "I am a fantastic manager when I win matches and I am a fantastic manager when I lose matches."

Willian scored his side’s opener on 15 minutes when his free-kick from 35 yards was misread by Maccabi’s goalkeeper. The ball looped beyond the despairing dive of Predrag Rajkovic.

Mourinho had rung the changes following his side’s loss at Everton on the weekend. In truth, for all their fight, the Israeli double-winners rarely threatened the Premier League champions.

By the time that Willian had put his side ahead, Chelsea had already squandered the chance to get into the lead when Eden Hazard blazed a fifth minute penalty kick high into the Shed End. Last season’s player of the year continues to misfire and his decision to blast the penalty kick rather than place the ball either side of the goalkeeper, as is his way, reflects this.

"The penalty we missed was a big test for us," Mourinho added. "When you start a game you have to win and after five minutes you miss a penalty, it is an extra negative episode and our reaction was very good."

In added time at the end of the first half, Chelsea were further ahead when the visitors conceded yet another penalty kick when substitute Costa was fouled in the area. Oscar’s spot kick was well-taken.

On 58 minutes, the home side sealed the victory when Costa slammed a cross from Fabregas beyond the Maccabi goalkeeper. Fabregas added a fourth late on.