Ancelotti rewarded for loyalty to players

MIDWAY through the second half, during a period when the Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt appeared to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of collecting the ball from the back of his net, Stamford Bridge echoed to the chant “that’s why we’re champions”.

With Didier Drogba’s opening goal – Chelsea’s fifth – ensuring Carlo Ancelotti’s side became the first Premier League side to pass the 100-goal mark, it was hard to disagree with the sentiment of the delirious home supporters.

Chelsea didn’t just stroll to the title. They might as well have lit up several large cigars and poured champagne from chilled jeroboams during the second half when the strengths of this team were displayed in all their brutal glory.