Cech exposes flaws with rivals' challenge

Whatever the other issues generated by eccentric refereeing decisions, there's little doubt that the four-match holiday programme has provided a crystal clear insight into the outcome of this season's Premiership title race.

We may still be 16 matches short of the finishing line but, barring some unforeseen series of mishaps, the title is on its way to Stamford Bridge. And so it should be when you consider the amount of money Roman Abramovich has invested in the club.

Of course, neither Arsene Wenger nor Sir Alex Ferguson will concede until all the mathematical possibilities are all exhausted but they must both recognise the inevitability of Chelsea's eventual success.

"Ten points out of 12 from our four holiday matches is not a disaster," said Wenger after yesterday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Highbury. "But Chelsea have taken 12 out of 12 so we are now two points further away."

There is no serious gulf in class between the three main title contenders, but what elevates Chelsea is (a) the strength of their squad, (b) the fresh tactical ideas of Jose Mourinho and (c) the goalkeeping of Petr Cech.

It says much for Mourinho's game plan that the Chelsea defence - 43 goals conceded last season - has let in just eight in 22 Premier League matches this campaign.

Much of the credit for this must go to the agile Cech, who has quickly established a reputation as the best goalkeeper in the Premiership. It's no coincidence that the two goalkeepers who previously contested this accolade played for the two teams who dominated the Premiership.

The truth is that Manchester United and Arsenal have both failed to replace their outstanding long-serving goalkeepers - Peter Schmeichel and David Seaman.