What The Newspapers Say

[James 5,143]

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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