Another cruise for Blues

A RECORD of five wins and 21 goals in five games so far this season, culminating in yesterday’s routine 4-0 victory over Blackpool, suggests Premier League leaders Chelsea are out-and-out favourites to retain their crown in 2011; but even manager Carlo Ancelotti admits that theory will not truly be tested until next weekend.

Chelsea completed what many critics have described as “an easy start to the campaign” by demolishing newly-promoted Blackpool inside 45 minutes and then losing focus in the second half as, just for once, they took their foot off the pedal.

Other victims who have succumbed to the Chelsea goals machine this season include West Brom, Wigan, Stoke and West Ham, leaving Ancelotti’s side top and four points clear of title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.