ALL the talk might be about Chelsea's exciting firepower, but the Londoners arrive at the Reebok on Saturday with a formidable recent defensive record writes Chris Sudlow

Since Liverpool beat them 1-0 at Anfield on October 6 Chelsea have played five Premiership matches, and conceded no goals.

The record since that Anfield setback is:

Manchester City away 3-0

West Brom home 2-0

Spurs away 0-0

Birmingham City home 3-0

Middlesbrough home 1-0

In the last match against Stve McLaren's Teesiders, keeper Cudicini, making his first appearance in the full Italian squad this week, was a well-deserved Man of the Match.

After the match this is what the opposing managers said of third placed Chelsea's title aspirations.

Ranieri was quick to dismiss their chances.

"At the moment, no. But I am very ambitious like everybody at Chelsea: my chairman, our supporters are all ambitious, and slowly, slowly.... But my objective is to put Chelsea in the first four places - that is my first target."

Steve McClaren was slightly more optimistic.

"They've got to be title contenders. They're collecting points, winning football matches. I wouldn't have said they played particularly well today but that's what wins you titles. You can't fault them: they keep getting results. They know how to win football matches. That's what counts.

"I thought we gave them one hell of a game and deserved more."

Ranieri pointed the way forward.

"Chelsea must try to win every match. The next match it will be the same. This is our life.