Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea teams will never be remembered as the great entertainers. Far from it. What, however, they do offer is a lesson in how to control a match, an achievement that comes from sheer hard work and persistence.

Against more powerful teams, they can, like they did in their draw with Manchester City, be undone. For that reason, next weekend’s London derby against rivals Arsenal promises to be an enthralling encounter. It’s clear, however, that this Chelsea side has clearly come on from the one that came close to title success last season.

Against Aston Villa, Chelsea never let up. Goals from Oscar, Diego Costa and Willian ensured that Mourinho’s men preserved their status as the only team in the Premier League unbeaten in all competitions.

“We are happy with what we are doing,” said Mourinho, whose side maintained their margin over their nearest challengers. “We are not perfect and we have a lot to improve in every area of our game but we are playing well.

“We have a lead of three points over Southampton, and this is very important. It is not crucial because it’s too early but it is a little bit of space and it gives you a good feeling to be top of the league.”

Costa, the £32 million summer addition, scored his eighth goal of the season and again showed his ruthless streak in front of goal, despite continuing to nurse a hamstring injury.

Villa rarely threatened despite managing to contain the Blues early on. But after Costa’s 59th minute goal victory looked certain.

By then Oscar had already put his side in the lead with an early goal, tapping after a Willian shot was saved.

The latter was one of the quietly impressive performers of this Chelsea team, completed the scoring by putting the ball in from close range.

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert said: “We were well in that game. I couldn’t fault my own team. We gave it a right good go.

“When you come to places like this, when you get a chance, you’ve got to score.

Chelsea travel to Portugal to face Sporting Lisbon this week, before the crucial match against Arsenal on Sunday. Aston Villa host Manchester City this weekend.