While Chelsea have won all six of their Premier League away matches, Manchester United have managed just two victories on the road this season. Many expected the Red Devils to take advantage of a weakened Arsenal team on Saturday, but the 2-1 defeat now leaves Sir Alex Ferguson’s men playing catch-up.

Which is great news for Frank Lampard and his Chelsea team, who find that roles have been reversed this time around after chasing the champions for the best part of last season. The London Standard reports that the midfielder has sent out a ‘title taunt’ to the Blues’ main title rivals and, while it doesn’t quite extend to that, it’s clear that Phil Scolari’s men are in the box seat right now.

The England midfielder said: “It is a nice gap for us. It is far from over, but in the last two years it’s been the other way round. We’ve been five points behind them (Manchester United) and it is not easy. When you are chasing, you really can’t afford to lose games.

“You have to remember Liverpool are neck and neck with us. But Man United and Arsenal, who are always big contenders, are those few points behind.”

Manchester United fans will take heart from the fact that Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all have to visit Old Trafford this season, although it’s big odds that the Red Devils will land the maximum nine points from these matches. Do the champions have the ability to claw themselves level and beyond the league leaders, or can the Blues surge even further ahead in the title race, rendering the big showdowns irrelevant?

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