We are an improvement even from that first year here under Mourinho - Ricardo Carvalho

Chelsea have a five-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table and are favourites to claim the crown.

Their impressive start has seen Carlo Ancelotti's men lose just two matches, conceding eight goals from their first 14 fixtures.

Jose Mourinho led the Blues to the title in 2005 with a side that lost just once in 38 outings and conceded only 15 goals.

But Carvalho, who was signed by Mourinho in 2004 and has gone on to make 196 appearances, thinks the present team has more quality.

"In this moment we are an improvement even from that first year here under Mourinho," said the 31-year-old defender, whose national side Portugal have qualified for the World Cup.

"Of course then we were compact and everyone was fighting, but now I think we have more quality in the squad maybe. Or at least different players, playing in a different system and style.

"We are playing well and not conceding goals, we are top, and also we have qualified for the World Cup, so everyone in my life is happy."

Chelsea face a tricky test when they visit Eastlands to play seventh-placed Manchester City on Saturday.

Carvalho added: "We are in a good moment, we have had some difficult games away, but if we can get the points on Saturday it will be good and then we are at home.

"We have had four games away, Porto, Arsenal, Blackburn and Man City and they are all hard games, with different styles, but what is important is to win. We have to be always a little worried because one bad result and things can change completely. Okay we are in a good moment now but we have to make sure we carry on with it."