This was no performance of champions, not by any stretch of the imagination. However if results continue to go Chelsea’s way they could find themselves challenging for league honours, especially given the unpredictable nature of the championship this season.

It could have been different against Cardiff City, however, had Chelsea not been given a major decision in their favour.

Jose Mourinho was in particularly prickly mood from the moment his defence conceded a shocking opening goal.

He finished the match watching from the stands after being sent there by referee Anthony Taylor due to the Chelsea manager’s persistent objections about perceived time-wasting from the Welsh club.

It wasn’t the first time that Taylor was the centre of attention. A third of the way through the match, Chelsea equalised in controversial circumstances, with the goal coming from Eden Hazard despite the referee failing to call a halt to the play after Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o had illegally dispossessed Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall, who was bouncing the ball in readiness for a kick.

Cardiff and their manager Malky Mackay were incensed, but their protestations weren’t going to change the decision.

They were already in the lead after slack defending from Chelsea defender David Luiz caused confusion in the back-line. Jordan Mutch raced through and chipped goalkeeper Petr Cech after 10 minutes.

However Chelsea were back in the match on 33 minutes and from then on any hopes the division newcomers had of taking anything from the match began to dwindle.

On 66 minutes, Eto’o scored a powerful shot from within the penalty area. It was his first goal in English football.

Oscar’s well-taken goal on 78 minutes gave Chelsea some breathing space, with Hazard putting the victory beyond doubt with his side’s fourth, four minutes later.