The Ivory Coast striker struck in the 68th minute after a pinpoint through ball from substitute Juan Mata. After a heavy first touch, Drogba rounded Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. 

Playing its first league game since firing Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea provisionally drew level on points with fourth-place Arsenal and maintained its push for a Champions League place next season.

Stoke forward Ricardo Fuller was sent off in the 25th for stamping on Branislav Ivanovic in his first league start since the start of 2011.

Former Chelsea player Di Matteo saw his team beat Birmingham 2-0 in an FA Cup fifth-round replay on Tuesday.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter: @AO_Sports)