Slowly but surely, the flamboyant imprint of Luiz Felipe Scolari on his Chelsea team is becoming evident for all to see. It is a fluid, pass-and-move style that is easy on the eye and if it is a work in progress, the end product could prove to be spectacular.

Long gone is the functionality of Avram Grant, Scolari’s predecessor as Chelsea manager, and pragmatism of José Mourinho. Their brand of “winning is everything, never mind the entertainment” was not good enough for Roman Abramovich, the owner.

If Abramovich is happy with the return of the beautiful game to Stamford Bridge, the players appear to have bought into it, too. The 4-0 romp against Portsmouth in the Carling Cup third round at Fratton Park on Wednesday added to their conviction.

“The manager has a different philosophy with the system we play and the movement he wants on the pitch,” Petr Cech, the goalkeeper, said. “You can see the difference a little bit this season because we try to play more with the ball. We also have the players to play this style of football.

“To be a successful manager, you need to be able to adapt your style to what players you have in the squad. We have really good players who can pass the ball and have quality movement. That’s why we’re playing the way we’re playing.”

Scolari’s mantra is simple: get the ball, give it, go — and woe betide a player who stands and admires his handiwork. The result is a seven-match unbeaten run since the start of the season, with 18 goals scored and only three conceded.

Glen Johnson, the Portsmouth and former Chelsea full back, has also noticed the influence of the Brazilian. It may have left him and his team-mates continually perplexed on Wednesday but he can appreciate the Scolari Effect.

“Chelsea have some fantastic players, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work that out,” Johnson said. “Their movement is frightening. Obviously, they were a fantastic side when I was there but they seem to have improved under Scolari.

“They’ve taken their game to another level and they’re looking really sharp. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Scolari, the lads really like him. Without a doubt, they are the team to beat this season.”

With Scolari predicting an all-out assault on four fronts, Chelsea will be the team to beat in the Barclays Premier League, Champions League, Carling Cup and FA Cup. Cech is of the same opinion and does not subscribe to the Arsenal way, however successful, of using a team of youngsters in the minor cups.

“We are trying to win every competition,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s good to keep everyone up to the pace of the game and give them their match fitness. Some players are injured, some need resting, but whatever line-up is put out, it is always strong.”