The 28-year-old, who scored the opener in the 3-0 win over Tottenham, joined three years ago and has not won the title yet but feels confidence increasing under Carlo Ancelotti.

"This is the best squad, team and spirit since I've been here," he said on Sky Sports. "John Terry won the title here so it's probably not as good as that year but we all stick together and fight. Hopefully that can help us win the title."

Cole opened the scoring with a diving header from a cross by Didier Drogba, who was later taken off with an injury.

"In a Chelsea shirt a header is very rare," he added. "I've only scored three in my career. This was against our rivals so I'm delighted."

Skipper John Terry hailed the character of his team-mates.

"The determination of the whole team won it for us," he said. "Our fight for each other. Look at the tackle by Michael Essien when he chased Aaron Lennon."

Spurs thought they should have had a penalty when Ricardo Carvalho challenged Robbie Keane, while Chelsea felt Michael Ballack may have earned a spot-kick.

"Maybe it was one on one," Terry added. "Bally's was definitely a penalty. I haven't seen Robbie's."