Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has genuine belief that the Blues could win the Premier League this season, following their 2-0 victory over Newcastle yesterday afternoon.

It was a pretty comfortable win at St James’ Park, leaving Frank Lampard’s side just two points off the top of the table, and while he knows Lampard will be keen to keep expectations in check, Cole thinks there is enough quality in the squad to compete for the title:

“Frank won’t thank me for it. But I’m the one getting excited. I think we can do it.”

Nine games into the league season is not enough time to gauge whether there is a title challenge on the cards but there are certainly a number of positive signs that Chelsea are in for a good season.

We will know more about where they are at in terms of challenging once they get through their next four league matches against Spurs, Leeds, Wolves and Everton. Every one of those games presents a different challenge and if they can come through those unscathed then supporters should start to get really excited.