Chelsea continue to make the most of these most open of early chapters in the Premier League season, again clearing a hurdle with ease while rivals stumble and find form in fits and starts.

This afternoon Mourinho’s men made light work of Arsenal, winning 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and extending their lead at the top of the table to five points. More telling for Arsenal, however, might have been the sight of Arsene Wenger squaring up to Jose Mourinho in the technical area. Wenger pushed the Chelsea boss in the chest, then went back for another helping – this time almost getting nose to nose. Mourinho played the innocent and Wenger stormed off, possibly realising he had once betrayed how Mourinho has always had his number. Today was win twelve from twelve for Jose in this personal duel.

Eden Hazard scored in the first half, while Diego Costa added the second when he got behind the Arsenal defence and dinked the ball over a stranded Wojciech Szczesny in the 78th minute.

Chelsea have now taken 19 points from their first seven league games. The only blemish is the single draw – away at Manchester

City - and already a goal difference to dwarf their nearest competitors. Arsenal sit nine points back, on ten – less than 50% of the possible maximum.