Football: Chelsea home in comfort

Chelsea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Manchester City. . . . . . . . . . . .0

THIS may not be the most accomplished Chelsea side of the last 30 years but it is gradually proving to be one of the more effective. Any side that can wrest a 2-0 home lead off Leeds United have to be taken seriously. Last night's comfortable win over Manchester City was seriously impressive because it marked Chelsea's third consecutive Premiership win - their best start in 30 years.

With Chelsea back in Europe, their fans have had recourse to dwell on past glory days, but this Chelsea side are beginning to earn the right to lay ghosts.

Binding the team together is Dennis Wise, and against Manchester City he was invaluable. His manager, Glenn Hoddle, gives him a freer rein for home fixtures and last night it paid off. Wise capped an impressive performance with a delightful goal, chipping Tony Coton from 20 yards in the 74th minute.

The goal killed off City's hopes of grinding a way back. Gavin Peacock's fourth- minute goal had left City chasing the game. Hoddle acknowledged that his side were flattered to be in front in the first half, but maintained that so far this season Chelsea's results have been forged out of a 'killer instinct' for scoring in those periods when the team are playing to full capability.

'We don't like the London air do we,' Horton said. They certainly don't. Michel Vonk sealed Chelsea's win with an own goal in the 84th minute.

Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2) Kharin; Clarke, Kjeldbjerg, Johnsen, Sinclair; Spackman; Rocastle, Wise; Peacock; Spencer (Newton, 86), Furlong. Substitutes not used: Hoddle, Hitchcock (gk).

Manchester City (4-4-2): Coton; I Brightwell, Curle, Vonk, Lomas; Summerbee, Flitcroft, McMahon (Quinn, 67), Beagrie; Rosler, Walsh. Substitutes not used: D Brightwell, Dibble (gk).

Referee: M Reed (Birmingham).