Chelsea simply need to continue their present form to be almost assured of the Premier League title at the end of the season, claims Salomon Kalou. Sunday's emphatic 3-0 win over rivals Arsenal on Sunday restored The Blues' lead at the top of the table to five points.
Chelsea have won 12 of their 14 Premier League matches under Carlo Ancelotti, including winning their last five consecutive league matches.
"We've made a good start," he told Sky Sports News.
"It's still a long journey. Manchester are still around.
"We still have to give them respect because they are a great team and keep winning.
"We know that as long as we maintain our performances, like we're doing now, it will be easy."
It has been feared Chelsea's challenge could fade in the New Year when Ancelotti loses the likes of Kalou, Didier DrogbaMichael Essien and John Obi Mikel for the African Cup of Nations.
"It doesn't matter which player plays this year, we keep winning," he continued. "That's the good thing about the team this year.
"I'm sure even if Essien, Didier and Mikel and I go to the African Cup there are players who can step in a do a good job."
