When Carlo Ancelotti's side dismantled Arsenal last weekend at the Emirates, it appeared the whole nation had already earmarked the Premier League title for Stamford Bridge despite the looming presence of Manchester United.
Now that former Red Devil Carlos Tevez has put the Blues to the sword in the other half of Manchester this weekend, there is a growing feeling that Roman Abramovich's multi-million pound squad could falter further in the coming months.
With the African Nations Cup robbing former Milan manager Ancelotti of key players like Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou in January, Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to keep up the pressure.
The 4-0 win at Upton Park confirmed that his mostly young charges are gelling much better than previous months, something that will please Fergie no end as he seeks to build on his incredible Old Trafford legacy.
Not only that, teams like Manchester City, Arsenal and even Spurs could conceivably make the title race even more fascinating going into the second half of the season if they can string a few wins together in December.
The upcoming White Hart Lane clash between Tottenham and Mark Hughes' men, for example, could mark one or the other as a serious player, especially if Chelsea hit a tricky patch and United's injury plagued squad drop points around the festive period.
Whatever happens, and don't count out Martin O'Neill's adventurous Villa side quite yet, it promises to be the most exciting season in the top half of the table for a good long while ahead of South Africa's showpiece event next summer.
Hammers face tough test
Looking down the other end of the Premier League table, West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola must be getting worried on the back of the United thumping now that his team are shorn of England striker Carlton Cole until some time in January.
The rampant transfer speculation concerning Cole, Matthew Upson and Robert Green refuses to go away, with all three gunning for a World Cup squad place, therefore Zola will need all his experience to reverse the slide.
Portsmouth's win over Burnley gives the south coast outfit a lift heading into Christmas, while the other teams surrounding the Hammers are all capable of putting a mini run together to leave the former Chelsea forward and his men in dire straits.
Hats off to boss McLeish
If Zola needs inspiration, then he need look no further than Birmingham where previously underfire manager Alex McLeish has engineered a dramatic return to form that leaves the Blue side of the city hopeful of a Europa League spot.
Unbeaten in their last six league games, the team spirit over at St Andrews looks to be in rude health with former Leeds midfield dynamo Lee Bowyer leading the charge into the top half of the table.
Bowyer is letting his boots do the talking for once, while the likes of midfield partner Barry Ferguson, Seb Larsson and Chucho all seem to be clicking into a higher gear in front of a stingy defence and in-form England keeper Joe Hart.
Just like Fulham last season, it's great to see one of the less glamorous sides stealing attention away from the big-money behemoths who, more often than not, take their fans for granted. Long may it continue.
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