Independent on Sunday, Steve Tongue: “Chelsea, it is clear, are in better shape than Internazionale ahead of Jose Mourinho’s return here on Tuesday. After the Serie A leaders had crumbled in Sicily on Friday night, Carlo Ancelotti’s team recovered from a brief and unexpected stumble against their rivals from along the District Line; a route which, like West Ham’s back-line, was not operational yesterday. In doing so they regained the League leadership, having played the same number of games as Manchester United, who will be expected to beat Fulham this afternoon to keep the pot boiling nicely.”

Sunday Times, Jonathan Northcroft: “Chelsea fans sang “One England captain” and saw this derby win as another chapter in the story of John Terry’s rehabilitation. But there is a better, more unlikely comeback at Stamford Bridge. When an Italian manager with an aversion to wingers arrived last summer and a rival left-sided attacker was his only major signing, there were probably players more confident about life under Carlo Ancelotti than Florent Malouda. But who, Wayne Rooney apart, is playing better? In Chelsea’s push for the title Malouda, unexpectedly, is their Factor X.”

The Observer, Amy Lawrence: “Three days before the man himself returns to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea put on a performance that was classic Mourinho. There was no great need to exert themselves and, against a pedestrian West Ham side, they plucked the three points necessary to regain position at the top of the Premier League table.”

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Sunday Telegraph, Rory Smith: “Far from their imperious best, Carlo Ancelotti’s side simply did enough to swat Preston’s challenge aside, taking the lead in slightly fortuitous fashion through Nicolas Anelka before seeing Daniel Sturridge double it with the first attack of the second half. All hope extinguished and progression secure. The holders are on the march.”

The Observer, Paul Wilson: “Beast!” hissed the home crowd, respectfully, as the portly Jon Parkin was sent on to chase a two-goal deficit for the last half hour. “You fat bastard!” bellowed the Chelsea fans in the Bill Shankly end. Not particularly romantic, granted, but you cannot make a fairytale out of every FA Cup mismatch. At least Darren Ferguson’s second defeat in his short period in charge of Preston was nowhere near as grim as the DVD of Chelsea’s 7-2 thrashing of Sunderland with which he has been torturing himself all week, and after taking on a virtually full-strength Chelsea team in his first home game the new manager’s task can only get easier.”

Sunday Times, Jonathan Northcroft: “Chelsea … were hardly over-extended and assured their passage to the fifth round with 44 minutes still to play when Dean Sturridge scored to make it 2-0 after Nicolas Anelka had opened the scoring. “Professional” was how Ray Wilkins, Chelsea’s assistant manager, described his team’s performance.”

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The Observer, Amy Lawrence:
“It was as if Steve Bruce sent out 11 cones. The invitation for Chelsea to enjoy themselves, express themselves, and do wonders for their goal difference was accepted stylishly, as Carlo Ancelotti’s men treated their audience to an exhibition.

The 4-0 scoreline after 34 minutes actually flattered Sunderland. Absurd but true. Nicolas Anelka was exceptional and has rarely looked so boyishly happy.”

Sunday Telegraph, Ben Findon:
“How Steve Bruce’s side must dread the sight of Chelsea. They were crushed 5-0 in London last season and outclassed 3-1 at the Stadium of Light in August. They were lambs to the slaughter as Chelsea turned on the style once again.”

Sunday Times, Brian Glanville:
“Many years ago, when asked why he did not recruit talent from below the Sahara, Ken Bates, then owner of Chelsea, said it was because African players were so frequently absent at international tournaments. So they were again, in a competition which takes place every two years rather than four — the habit of the World Cup and the European Championship. But yesterday you couldn’t see the difference.”

The Sun:
“CHELSEA mocked fears they will miss their African Cup stars by reaching seven heaven for the first time in 50 years. The Premier League leaders struck four times in the first 34 minutes before Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard completed doubles. Florent Malouda, the outstanding Ashley Cole and Michael Ballack underlined the Blues’ utter domination against injury-hit Sunderland. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti might still be irked at conceding second-half goals to Black Cats substitute Bolo Zenden and Darren Bent.

Independent on Sunday, Steve Tongue:
“For Chelsea the absence of four players at the African Cup of Nations merely offered others the chance to emphasise their quality: notably Juliano Belletti as the defensive midfielder, and Joe Cole, back in his old Jose Mourinho position on the right of a three-man attack. What never happened under Mourinho was a scoreline like this; in those days Chelsea tended to declare once they were a couple of goals to the good. Roman Abramovich has demanded something more and Carlo Ancelotti seems capable of delivering. The tempo was maintained until the end even when victory was assured.”

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