Chelsea have the edge in title battle

Congratulations, Chelsea! Yes, you've heard it here first. It's time for me to praise one of the big four teams, and Chelsea thoroughly deserve all the accolades that will come their way.

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John Terry celebrates his winner for Chelsea

• Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United
• Ferguson unhappy with referee

Carlo Ancelotti's team have opened up the biggest lead of the season so far, an impressive five points, and although the usual cliché is to insist this is far too early in the season to draw any conclusions, you have to say it is Chelsea's title to lose.

So far, there is little to suggest that Chelsea will falter in their bid to reclaim the crown they lost in 2007. The testing time, of course, comes at the turn of the year, when they lose key players to the African Nations Cup, but the fixture list during that period is kind to the West London club. Added to that, the transfer ban has been lifted just as expected - as natural justice has to prevail before the punishment can be determined.

Chelsea are clear at the top going into international week, and there is plenty of time for both clubs to dwell on the outcome of this tussle.

Congratulations also to Chelsea for their moving moments before kick-off led by servicemen taking pride of honour along with the Chelsea Pensioners. Sir Alex and Ancelotti joined their players on the pitch, and the United manager took the trouble to break off from his pre-match preparations to speak with servicemen before the game.

The match itself was not a classic by any stretch of the imagination but Chelsea have now not conceded a goal at the Bridge since they played Hull City and Stephen Hunt grabbed the first goal scored in the Premier League this season.

The Bridge is a fortress and that is why I tipped Chelsea to win this highly significant clash. It was tight with so little to choose between the clubs, and you knew Untied wouldn't be giving up.

For me, Wayne Rooney was the player who sparkled for United as the lone striker, not the role he usually likes, but he was formidable again in front of Fabio Capello. Rooney is so important for club and country, and ended the match wearing the captain's armband,yet he still has one flaw: his temperament.

He earned a yellow for complaining about Chelsea's controversial winner, claimed by captain John Terry, although Nicolas Anelka also got a touch. I predicted Rooney could be captain of England as well as wearing the armband for United, but he has to learn to curb his anger. You would think becoming a father might help. It hasn't so far.

Empics

John Terry heads home the winning goal

As it stands, though, six wins in a row at home make Chelsea a formidable force this season, having dropped 18 points at home last season. United have now lost three games, all away from home, and Sir Alex Ferguson has to sort out a United team that everyone knows lacks that extra cutting edge without Cristiano Ronaldo, but they still possess sufficient class to challenge Chelsea all the way.

It certainly makes a nonsense of the speculation that Rooney could be a world record transfer target for Barcelona. Firstly, Sir Alex wouldn't countenance the sale of Rooney. Well, you might say, he didn't want to sell Ronaldo - but the Portuguese was determined to sign for Real, and the force was with the player.

Rooney is vastly different. There is no sign of him wanting to leave Old Trafford and, besides, it won't be to Barca, who don't have anywhere the funds to buy Rooney. They are struggling to find the cash to buy Robinho from Manchester City and want to take him on loan.

Regardless, Sir Alex has got to stop moaning at refereeing decisions. He might have a point again, but a club as big as Manchester United cannot keep going on about officials. Sir Alex is good for the game, but he has got to end his attacks on the refs, and he has got to find the solution to some pressing problems to ensure he gets the best out of Rooney.

As for Chelsea, there is a testing winter to come and, all credit to Ancelotti, he has approached all the problems with good grace and humour. He isn't fazed by his team's vulnerability to a long season because of their average age. His answer is that at AC Milan they were on average ten years older!

The Geriatricos are looking fresh enough for the moment. Even the Chelsea Pensioners paraded on the pitch before the game looked pretty sprightly.