Scolari delighted with bolt from the Blues

Chelsea 4 Portsmouth 0

Like anyone prematurely robbed of a loved one, Chelsea have found it difficult to adjust to their loss but this was the sort of rollicking performance which suggests closure is imminent. A comprehensive dismantling of a peculiarly inept Portsmouth had the home hoards bellowing the name of another smouldering Portuguese by the final whistle and delivered a chilling message of intent to Manchester United.

Scolari admitted this was a debut beyond his wildest dreams, the equivalent of balancing the books, sealing a lucrative corporate contract and fixing the photocopier on your first day at the office, although his joy was tempered by the admission that more will be needed to restore the Premier League title to west London.