Ballack delight as Blues keep perfect record

CONTENTMENT comes in many forms but Chelsea, for now at least, are happy to accept it in its simplest state.

Four wins, 12 points and joint top of the Premier League: no wonder Stamford Bridge is smiling again under Carlo Ancelotti.

For Michael Ballack, there is also some pleasure to be gained in the sufferings of others. A German should know his Schadenfreude and the fact that Chelsea currently peer down on the rest of their major rivals, all of whom have at least one mark in the defeats column, has pricked the midfielder’s enthusiasm for the new season.