French striker Nicolas Anelka opened the scoring just before the break with an easy tap-in after being fed by Didier Drogba's low cross.

Germany midfielder Michael Ballack doubled the lead two minutes after the restart with a far-post header.

Left-back Ashley Cole wrapped up the win on 52 minutes with a superb left-footed volley from inside the area.

Chelsea made it four wins out of four to become joint leaders with Tottenham Hotspur, who secured a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Birmingham City later in the day.