Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton says the Blues' 7-0 thrashing of Norwich proves why they will go on to win the Premier League - but were they given a helping hand by a woeful Canaries side who already look destined for relegation?
Mason Mount scored a hat-trick as Thomas Tuchel's side ran riot at Stamford Bridge, with further strikes from Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Max Aarons' own goal wrapping up the win.
The performance was all the more impressive given it was without the injured Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, while five of the seven goals were scored by Blues academy graduates.
It means the London club are certain to end the weekend top of the table, while Norwich remain rooted to the bottom and without a win this season.
"This is why I believe Chelsea will win the Premier League - their squad is so strong and their academy players are flourishing," Sutton told BT Sport.
"Today's performance was excellent, but last month the performances have not been there. That is a tremendous mentality to have. They have a squad ready to compete at all levels."
Mount had not scored since Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second-leg win against Real Madrid in May, but his return to goalscoring form was timely for Chelsea after Lukaku and Werner picked up injuries in the midweek win over Malmo.
"Mount is becoming one of the most outstanding players in the country," former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole told BT Sport. "Some fans don't like him but I want to sit them down in front of a touchscreen. What he does is unbelievable. It must be a tribal thing. I am yet to meet a player or coach who doesn't think he is outstanding."
Mount also turned provider to set up fellow academy graduate James to make it 3-0 and effectively end the game as a contest shortly before half-time.
"It's a special day, not just for me but because of the scoreline and the way we played," Mount told BBC Match of the Day.
Blues boss Tuchel said Mount's hat-trick was a "massive moment" for the 22-year-old, though he played down his side's title prospects.
"I felt him a bit lighter, plays with a bit more freedom in the last matches. This is what we need," said Tuchel.
"You don't find any manager in the world who gives you a statement on favourites for the title race in October. We are where we are and we know what we want to do."
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