Chelsea maintained their 100% league record at Stamford Bridge this season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur this evening.
The visitors almost took an early lead when Harry Kane struck the bar, but Chelsea soon took control of the game as Eden Hazard and Didier Drogba scored within three minutes of each other.
The points were sealed with just under 20 minutes remaining as Loic Remy added a third, continuing Tottenham's long winless streak at Stamford Bridge.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at whether Chelsea were worthy of the victory.
Match statistics
CHELSEA
Shots: 12
On target: 8
Possession: 39%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 9
TOTTENHAM
Shots: 10
On target: 2
Possession: 61%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
Yes. Perhaps Spurs deserved a little more out of the game, such as a goal, but they can have no complaints at coming away from this one without any points. Chelsea made a relatively slow start to the match, but those two goals in quick succession completely changed things and, from that point on, they were in cruise control.
It may well have been a different game if Kane had taken one or both of his early chances in the first half, but as soon as Chelsea settled they dealt with Tottenham's attack comfortably. As the stats show, Spurs had much more of the ball this evening, but they failed to seriously trouble Thibaut Courtois beyond the 12th minute.
Much of their possession came in the second half, when Chelsea did their usual job of simply seeing out the match and protecting their lead. They got a third on the break to add gloss to the victory, and perhaps that was a little harsh on Spurs, but there is no doubt that the hosts deserved to come away with all the points tonight.
Chelsea's performance
The defence looked unusually shaky for a short period towards the start of the match, most notably Gary Cahill, but they quickly sorted that out and returned to the winning machine that has been so impressive so far this season. They allowed Spurs the vast majority of possession and prevented the visitors from playing through them, while breaking quickly through the likes of Hazard, Willian and Oscar.
They may have only had 39% of the ball themselves, but they did a lot more with it than Spurs managed with their 61%. The hosts looked dangerous almost every time they came forward, and perhaps the biggest compliment that can be paid to their attacking display is that they didn't miss the suspended Diego Costa at all.
Jose Mourinho would have wanted a response from his side's goalless draw with Sunderland at the weekend, and he certainly got one. This was a hugely impressive victory and the type of performance that had so many people tipping them as champions before the slip-up at the Stadium of Light. When they play like this, it is hard to see anyone stopping them.
Tottenham's performance
It all started so well for Spurs. They began the match really brightly, playing with the same intensity and energy that drew so many plaudits against Everton at the weekend. Indeed, they could have been two goals to the good before Chelsea opened the scoring, with Kane missing a couple of good chances.
However, the two goals in three minutes really hurt Mauricio Pochettino's side. Having made such a promising start they saw the match slip out of their grasp so quickly, and they never really recovered from that. A two-goal deficit is difficult enough to overhaul at the best of times, but at Stamford Bridge it is nigh-on impossible.
There were positives for Spurs, namely the way they dominated possession and kept the ball nicely at times, but they just couldn't find a way through. They won't be the last team to fire a blank against this Chelsea defence, but to not create a single chance of note after the 12th minute will worry Pochettino.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Didier Drogba: Much was made of Costa missing this match through suspension, but Drogba ensured that his absence was barely felt at all. The entire Chelsea attacking unit played well tonight, but it was the Ivorian who had the biggest impact during his time on the field. His power caused problems for the defence, while he bagged a goal and grabbed an assist for the opener too.
Biggest gaffe
Hugo Lloris is usually such a solid keeper, but he didn't have his best game tonight. He could have done better for the first goal, but it was Drogba's strike shortly after that sees him win this dubious honour. The keeper's kick out was poor and only found Hazard, who combined with Oscar to set up the striker for the second goal.
Referee performance
By no means the most ill-tempered London derby of all time, and Mike Dean dealt with any incidents well. He only booked two players, both deservedly, and had no major calls to make at either end.
What next?
Chelsea: Chelsea's quest for invincibility continues on Saturday as they take on Newcastle United in the early kickoff at St James' Park.
Tottenham: Spurs, meanwhile, have a rare Saturday fixture of their own as they host Crystal Palace in another London derby at White Hart Lane.
Barney Corkhill
