As blue and silver streamers rained down from the rim of the east stand, and a discreetly manufactured consignment of woven celebratory scarves were dished out to the players taking the acclaim on the sun-soaked Stamford Bridge pitch, Chelsea began the first of a string of celebrations to mark their fifth league title.

Sunday’s 1-0 win against Palace means no one can catch them.

The trophy and fireworks will be saved for the last game of the season, at home to desperate Sunderland, while other high points are Liverpool's gritted-teeth guard of honour this weekend, and the open-top bus parade to Eel Brook Common on the May 25 bank holiday, when the world’s silver reserves will get an airing.

And that’s without the Chelsea Ladies adding to the trophy haul after booking an August date at Wembley for the FA Women's Cup final.

So, with three games to go, it’s time to take stock of a season which, at the last knockings, has produced a fine new terrace chant.

The Cesc Fabregas song (Fabregas is magic, sung to My Old Man’s a Dustman) salutes a player who has finally won an English league title.

Its bawdy lyrics celebrate his rejection of a return to Arsenal by the likely vice- captain of next season.

Table-toppers from week one, this is some Chelsea team.

Jose Mourinho, puppeteer extraordinaire, takes full credit. Every team on the planet would love him as manager, so it’s doubly satisfying he’s made the Bridge his home.

Debit points? Well, if you’re being picky, the gaffer’s remarks that he’d like a bit more noise generated at home games handed opposition fans a cudgel, and deep down he’ll regret the way that off-the-cuff comment has been turned into a weapon.

All in all, though, it’s another significant rung up the ladder of fame.

It’s a season when it’s great to be alive, and a fan of the Blues.