Roberto Di Matteo was hardly given a chance after taking over as permanent manager of Chelsea, but the Italian has proved all doubters wrong so far, guiding the Blues to the top of the English Premier League table.

Chelsea are unbeaten in the league so far, and have only dropped two points from their seven games, giving them a four-point lead from the rest of the chasing pack.

However, the Italian is not taking anything for granted, knowing full well the league is a marathon rather than a sprint. "I was hoping for a good start and the response we got from the players was excellent," he told the club's official website. "Every win brings that positive mood into the camp, and helps build momentum.

"Preseason was a little disrupted by the Euros and the Olympic Games and the players coming back at different dates, so we didn't have a full or normal preseason programme, so we were very pleased to go into the league and start well.

"We felt we needed a good start, but that's all it is, a good start."

Di Matteo has utilized his resources well, working on a more attacking formation while ensuring his side's defensive capabilities are not compromised.

It is a plan that has worked quite well for the former Chelsea player. "You always look at the group of players you have available," he said. "We changed it last season and the players found themselves comfortable with the system.

"It worked well for us and has given the team a solid basis to work on, so we continue with it. It's a basic system that offers flexibility during the games, but the shape of the team is most important when we're not in possession."

The likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar have settled in quite nicely at Stamford Bridge, and with it giving Chelsea a youthful look along with a more eye-pleasing style. And, while the attacking players have been garnering most of the attention, Di Matteo highlighted the importance of the player that sits back and ensures his defenders are not left with too much to do.

John Obi Mikel is one of the more unheralded players at Chelsea, but the manager and his teammates know the Nigerian international's worth. "Over the years he has been almost ever-present, and he has been very important over the back end of last season and this season he started in good form," Di Matteo said of the 25-year-old defensive midfielder. "We all make mistakes in games and I don't think he gets the credit for the work he does for the team.

"It's a thankless task really, and I understand because I played in that role myself a little bit, and it's a role that is important for the team. His teammates and the management team understand and appreciate it, but maybe the fans are more focused on the more creative players and goalscorers, but that role is vital in our team.

"He and the player alongside him have to have a good understanding and communication, so that we always have one of the two behind the ball who is able to provide an outlet for us, to switch play, and also be the first player thinking about if we lose the ball, to be able give organisation in front of the defence."

Chelsea now face a tricky couple of weeks, starting with Saturday's London Derby against Totenham Hotspur. The Blues also have the likes of Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester United lying in wait, and Di Matteo believes it will give him the opportunity to use his entire squad.

"If you look at our fixture list it is very demanding and packed for a long time, so undoubtedly there will be time and space for everybody to play and show their qualities," Di Matteo added.

"We have Tottenham and Manchester United to come, with Shakhtar Donetsk in between so it's a big period coming up. Hopefully, when this international break is over, all the players come back in good health and we can start again."