That has served as a statement of intent by the champions, who finished nine points clear of Chelsealast season.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis defended his supporters over their treatment of Terry and claimed that the Chelsea captain will come home a hero if England win the World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Chelsea are not so vulnerable. Indeed, they could do with a timely injury or two, preferably to Shevchenko and Ballack, to restore the balance which brought successive league titles.