Ageless Chelsea a class apart

ARSENE WENGER bristled at the suggestion it had been a case of men against boys at the Emirates but Chelsea’s performance was so mature, so self-assured, so powerful, that it is impossible not to conclude the title favourites are currently on a different plane to their rivals.

Their 3-0 victory not only eases Carlo Ancelotti’s men five points clear at the top of the table but highlights how the side originally built by Jose Mourinho is now reaching a peak after enduring and surviving so much off-the-field trauma over the last few years.

Arsenal’s young side continue to play attractive football and entertain but there was a solidity and solidarity about Chelsea that only comes through soaking up an ocean of life experience – both good and bad – and the league leaders have certainly done that.