Menace in Mourinho brings best out of Blues

On repeated occasions this season, Jose Mourinho has rather conspicuously reminded people this is not the same Chelsea side as 2004-2006; that the old truths no longer apply.

If that earlier squad were relentless, this outfit are still no more than resilient.

That is difficult to dispute, and it is a view that may well influence this title race — but it’s equally hard to argue it would be the main factor.