Fantasy could turn to reality for Blues

CLINICAL. At times surgical. Ultimately inevitable.

The fans and neutrals who packed their Fantasy teams with as many Chelsea players as they could filled their boots on another afternoon that suggested two things.

The title is as much a possibility for them this season as another nightmare campaign is for Arsenal.

In truth, Thomas Tuchel’s side did not even bring as much of the fire as they do at their high-octane best.

Chelsea were patient in the first half, picked their passes, pushed at fluid spots in Arsenal’s defence and applied the pressure until they burst.

Then they placed a collective hand on the head of a Mikel Arteta side swinging punches at thin air.

Reece James romped down the right to set up the first and found so much space for the second he must have considered applying for planning permission. Romelu Lukaku (above) celebrated after kicking off another Premier League adventure with the goal we knew would come.

But this was a win that demonstrated yet again that Arsenal can spend as much money as they like, Chelsea are levels above them.

Twenty-two attempts on goal compared to just six for the Gunners in their own stadium is revealing.

When Sky’s cameras panned in the first half to the bench where Thiago Silva, N’golo Kante, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell were sat chilling, it was clear that Chelsea were nowhere near full strength.

Regular Champions League campaigns ensure they continue to attract the top-class talent that made them kings of Europe last season.

Two games in and Chelsea sit top of the league with five goals and two clean sheets. This fixture is no longer the heavyweight bout it used to be.

The Blues’ showdown at Liverpool next Saturday night will be a genuine test of their title credentials.