Yesterday's result against Portsmouth saw the Blues achieve a perfect start in the 2008/09 season and our 83rd unbeaten league game at Stamford Bridge.

The 4-0 final score had goals from Joe Cole, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard before new signing Deco rounded off the afternoon with a 30 yard screamer.

Both the performance and formidable attack force, which also saw the Blues controlling the centre of the field, will have sent a message to the Barclays Premier League on our intent this season.

'We just wanted to play as well as we can, we have had a good preseason and we want to start with all guns blazing,' said Lampard.

'Last year was a difficult start for us so we know the importance of starting well. The football we played in the first half was top draw, and we can still build on that.'

Cole, who opened the scoring after latching onto a clever ball over the defence from Michael Ballack, was pleased to have helped his team to the ideal start.

'We played some good stuff against a good side who will get somewhere this season, they'll be up there and take points off some of the other teams around us,' said Cole.

'It was a good result and a good performance, all the new boys did well and we are really pleased.

'It is nice to win the first game, there was a lot of pressure on the manager, it was his first game and all the eyes of the world were on it. So it is nice to get the win and the three points.'

With both José Bosingwa and Deco achieving their league debuts, it was a faultless start for our new Portuguese contingent, particularly Deco, who's 30 yard shot finished off the scoring in the final minute of the game.

'It was a brilliant start, it is not easy to come from another country and settle in as quickly as he has, in preseason he has been a different class,' explained Lampard, speaking about Deco.

'He has added a lot to the team, and his touches against Portsmouth were fantastic. He is obviously going to be a great signing for us.'

'He is fantastic, an experienced international and a top player, we are very lucky to have him in our squad,' added Cole.

But with the extra midfielder comes greater competition to break into the first team, something Cole is relishing.

'I have had that all my career at Chelsea and I love the competition,' explained the number 10.

'It is great having new players and new stars coming in and trying to learn off them everyday.

'I love the competition in training and it is good that we got the result today and that we will be okay next week.'

Not only does a great start to the season come with yesterday's win, but the triumph takes Chelsea to our 83rd unbeaten league game at Stamford Bridge, and Lampard knows that, despite the new regime, the record is part of the Blues.

'We have worked hard on different tactics in preseason but we have always had freedom and a great home record,' said the vice captain.

'Everybody knows how we play great football at home, and we showed it against Portsmouth.'

With the first game completed and success achieved, there was time for Lampard to look ahead to the season and our intent for the coming year.

'The new manager has come in and the lads are very confident, so we have a real determination to win things this season,' explained Lampard.