Back in May, a UK sports statistician inputted more than 200,000 matches into his computer model and came up with the argument that the 2006 Chelsea side is the greatest English club team of all time.
Better than the Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04, the 1888 Preston champions who also went the whole season unbeaten, and Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Manchester United in 2008.
With Petr Cech assured in goal, John Terry marshalling a defence that was rugged and resolute, a midfield driven by Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, and a frontline led by the fearless Didier Drogba, it was a powerhouse unit put together by Jose Mourinho, which finished eight points clear of United.
Intriguingly, though, the previous season – the Portuguese coach’s first in English football – saw Chelsea record even more impressive results.
They scored 72 goals, but conceded just 15. Arsenal finished 12 points behind with third-placed Manchester United a further six adrift.
Even more remarkable was the fact Everton were 34 points behind in fourth. Beaten just once, at Manchester City, it was a season to savour as the Blues ended their 50-year wait for a top-flight title.
Statistics such as these highlight the dominance of Chelsea during this period and, a decade on, there are already signs of the same strength that outmuscled opposition, the solidity that left rivals stifled, and speed that engineered attacking opportunities at will.
For Cech, read Thibaut Courtois. For Claude Makelele, there is Nemanja Matic. For Drogba, there is Diego Costa, and Eden Hazard to offer the dash and dare of an Arjen Robben.
It’s like Mourinho went back in time and used a footballing formula that will serve its purpose once again in this campaign.
On Sunday, Manchester United found that out. Their cavalier style might have been more attractive to watch, but they needed an injury-time strike from Robin van Persie to seal a dramatic draw.
Chelsea don’t care about plaudits, just points. They are just single-minded in their approach to win and that mentality could be the difference in this title race.
People have already tried to look at their weaknesses, but there are few.
If there is one, it is up front. Drogba came up with a crucial goal at Old Trafford, but it is unreasonable to expect a 36 year old to carry such a burden of responsibility and expectation. He will be an asset, but continuing fitness concerns about Costa and Loic Remy will trouble Mourinho.
The strike pair are desperately needed because it is goals that ultimately win games and Costa has to be that bullying, brutal presence that Drogba was eight years ago.
When fit, Chelsea are a stronger force.
Another thing that could prove an unwanted distraction is talk of invincibility and matching the historic feats of Arsenal and Preston. Nine games in and with trips to both Manchester clubs safely negotiated, there is an increasing sense of optimism with even Patrick Vieira tipping them to emulate his famed Gunners.
But that would be foolish and they cannot afford to lose focus. Had United not been so hurried with their finishing and made better of promising attacking situations, then perhaps they might have inflicted a first defeat.
This game should serve as a warning to Chelsea.
Nothing is impossible, but nothing is achieved after three months either.
