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.

“It was a surprise that Liverpool lost twice in the first three games and Manchester United have lost as well,” he reflected, after inspiring a victory over Burnley that was every bit as comfortable as the scoreline suggests. “It gives us a little bit extra motivation of course and that’s also why we have to win our games.

“But we are always happy when we are top. We know this situation and we can deal with this situation. We have a lot of confidence at the moment and I’m sure we can win the league. The team is very strong.”

Ballack’s confidence can hardly be considered misplaced. Chelsea might still be waiting to encounter opponents who finished higher than seventh last season but there is sass and swagger to their football which bodes well for their prospects.

Ancelotti’s new formation might be the most analysed diamond since the Kohinoor but it has brought out the sparkle in Chelsea’s midfield, which overran Burnley on Saturday. Frank Lampard, the jewel’s sharpened tip, supplied two picture-perfect assists – a chipped cross for Ballack to head in just after half-time, and a delicious return pass for Ashley Cole to volley home moments later – while Michael Essien was a crazy blue blur in front of the hosts’ back four.

Throw in sprightly displays from Deco and Ballack and the fact Joe Cole and Florent Malouda were not even involved on Saturday, and suddenly Ancelotti has the kind of options which must make his managerial rivals green with envy.

“The players can all play different positions,” Ballack added. “I can drop deeper or go forward, Lampsy and Michael as well, and we have people on the bench. Everybody has to play for the team and accept his role, even if you’re in a defensive role sometimes. That’s the key if you want success.”

The fact that Ballack has lingered in west London long enough to pass judgement on Chelsea’s chances is, in itself, something of a surprise. There were times last season when his commitment to the club’s project appeared tenuous at best but, having had his interest reawakened by Guus Hiddink, he is now a player reborn under Ancelotti.

His long-term future remains a matter of some conjecture – the extension to his current contract agreed in June expires at the end of the season – but more displays like this and Chelsea will be in no mood to let him leave.

“I feel comfortable at Chelsea but it’s always down to both sides,” he added. “I’m 32, I know I have a few years ahead but I don’t want to put me or the club under pressure. If we come together, we come together.”

Chelsea had to show patience, as well as panache, against a well-organised Burnley, but once Nicolas Anelka slid in Didier Drogba’s cross in first-half stoppage time, the game was as good as over. After that, only the heroics of Brian Jensen, the Clarets goalkeeper, kept the score respectable, and the Dane duly made fine saves from Essien, twice, and Ballack.

“I don’t want to say it because I am a Manchester United fan but Chelsea are the team to beat so far,” Jensen said. “Everyone can see the quality they have going forward and there were times when I was just seeing blue shirts everywhere.”

MAN OF THE MATCH: Frank Lampard (Chelsea): Ancelotti’s preferred formation might yet dent the England midfielder’s hopes of once again netting 20 goals in a season but it has not stifled his creativity. The passes he delivered for Chelsea’s second and third goals were dreamy.

REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear) 7: This was a game which flowed freely and needed – and received – few interruptions from the officials.

MATCH RATING: *** Even enough before Chelsea forged ahead; after that, it was a procession.