Chelsea's return to top of Premier League

Two goals from Nicolas Anelka helped Chelsea to a 2-0 win at Blackburn and dislodge Liverpool from top spot but their celebrations on Luiz Felipe Scolari's 60th birthday were overshadowed by a heated exchange on the final whistle.

Ince had been incensed by Wilkins' remarks in the build-up that Blackburn were aggressive and over-physical, and he made his feelings clear in "in no uncertain terms".

Ince said: "Of course I was a physical character as a player but you don't play for the teams I did if you are just that. All the teams I have managed have played football.

"For him to come out with that garbage about us trying to put them on their backsides and that we are over-physical – well we weren't like that today, we played some decent football.

"I just said to him next time you are going to say something make sure you get your facts right. I told him that in no uncertain terms."

Wilkins had said the match would be "one of aggression" because Blackburn played in the image of their manager.

Essien's dismissive depiction of Arsenal is also likely to provoke a heated response. Arsenal have not won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2005 and manager Arsene Wenger had been criticised following some poor results before Saturday's 2-1 win over Manchester United.

Essien said in an interview for Monday night's BBC's Inside Sport programme: "Everybody likes to watch beautiful football, but to play beautiful football without points is... I don't think it's worth it. Arsenal are one of those teams that just plays beautiful football, but at the end of the day they don't get the points that they want to."