These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Hoddle ranks Blues with world’s best

Last night, the Blues sent a message out to the rest of the teams in the knockout stages with their 4-0 win against Sevilla in the Champions League.

Four unanswered goals from Olivier Giroud ensured that Frank Lampard’s men topped Group E, which left former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle to praise their performance so far this season.

‘You can’t look past Bayern Munich because they are so powerful, but you have got to put Chelsea up there. For me at this moment, they are above Barcelona and Real Madrid,’ he said on BT Sport, also reported in the Daily Mail.

‘They are two massive clubs, but Chelsea’s team is better than theirs.

‘At this moment in time, I think they have to be looking at least the semi-final and you get to the semi-final and anything can happen.’

He also believes when supporters return to the stadium, this Chelsea team will go to the next level playing in front of its home fans.

‘There is more to come from Chelsea,’ said Hoddle.

‘They have international players who are getting better as the season goes on and if the crowds are full and we are back to a full house – we haven’t seen this Chelsea side inspired by a crowd and the bigger the occasion the better the best players are.’

Fabregas praises Giroud

After our 4-0 victory over Sevilla last night, former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas sent a heartfelt tweet about the impressive performance of Olivier Giroud.

Giroud’s perfect hat-trick in Spain, part of four he netted in total against Sevilla, made him the oldest player to score three goals in a Champions League match since Ferenc Puskas in 1965 and Fabregas took to Twitter to praise the Frenchman.

‘What a real pro you are mate. All the young players should have you as a role model. Well done once again,’ said the 33-year-old.

‘And people still wonder why you always end up playing! Hark work, passion and dedication and real character to always turn things around.’

This was Giroud's second perfect hat-trick for Chelsea. The first one also came in European competition when we defeated Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League two seasons ago.

Owen tips Chelsea for league title

Michael Owen believes Chelsea are one of four teams that can win the league this season, stating it’s the first time the title has been this wide open.

The Blues currently sit third in the table, two points behind Tottenham and Liverpool and according to Owen, who was talking on BT Sport, also repeated in the Metro, our form in recent games cannot go unnoticed.

‘Chelsea are looking very good, Lampard has got them playing well,’ the Ballon d’Or winner said.

‘They’re doing well in the Premier League, but they’re flying in Europe. They made nine changes against Sevilla and were still brilliant.

‘What a squad they’ve got.’

The Blues are currently unbeaten in 90 minutes for 15 matches and our next fixture is against Leeds United.

It will be the first time fans are let back into Stamford Bridge since our 4-0 win against Everton last season and this will be a welcome boost as our players push for the top of the table.