Half-Term Report: Chelsea

Has the dolce vita returned to Stamford Bridge? Maybe it has, although the approach has been a bit more workmanlike this time. Success has been built on a parsimonious defence, with a rejuvenated Marcel Desailly and the increasingly excellent William Gallas. Frank Lampard has found his feet and Emmanuel Petit, shorn of his ponytail, looks like he cares for once. Ten games unbeaten and seven without conceding a goal. That is, dare we say it, championship form. Except we are still in December and the doubt remains that any team dependent on Chelsea's mixed squad may not sustain a challenge. Manager Claudio Ranieri has also curbed his desire to constantly change formation. But at least he retains a colourful and frank ability to assess games and his own team's limitations. It may be that that sustains them more than anything else.