Cole in fine fettle

Ashley Cole declared he felt “as fit as ever” after giving Chelsea a timely reminder of his true value by firing them clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Cole’s first goal in 28 months against Stoke yesterday not only spared the European champions a fourth successive game without a win but showed the watching Roman Abramovich he still has plenty more years at the top as the left-back continues to negotiate a new contract.