Lampard scored the 100th league goal of his career with a second-half header, to go with an opening goal from Brazilian defender Alex and a hat-trick from Nicolas Anelka.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was sent to the stands for the second half after remonstrating with referee Martin Atkinson in the tunnel at half-time.

But Chelsea manager Scolari tempered his disappointment at losing Ashley Cole with a first-half calf injury for next week's Champions League encounter against Roma by revelling in the form of Lampard.

Scolari said: "Lampard can score 150 goals in his career. One goal every two or three games is fantastic for a midfielder.

"I think this season we need to think who is the best in the world. It is Frank Lampard."

Scolari also saluted Anelka, whose hat-trick, all from close-range, brought his tally this season to nine goals.

"Anelka has played more than in other seasons and he has more confidence now," said Scolari, who revealed the Frenchman would start against Roma. "He tries his best in every game."

Scolari was most impressed with the fluency and movement from his Chelsea side, who were determined to make up for losing their 86-match unbeaten home run against Liverpool last Sunday.

He said: "We played very good football, on the ground, feet to feet and the players changed position very well.

"We had 10 chances to score a goal and that was better than other games when we have not been shooting very well.

"Joe Cole played his best game. He helped to defend when we didn't have the ball and tried hard when we received the ball. This is what I want from my players."

Cole will have a scan tomorrow but Scolari predicted he would be out for around two weeks.

Keane, meanwhile, insisted he had not been sent off but had been advised by Atkinson to spend the second-half in the stands after querying several of the officials' decisions at half-time

"I didn't swear at him or anything," said Keane. "All you want when you play one of the big boys is a bit of fairness and I don't think we got that today."

The Sunderland boss, however, was the picture of calm afterwards, accepting that his young side had been beaten by much the better team

He said: "Don't take anything away from Chelsea. There is no shame losing to a team like that.

"When you are 5-0 down with 35 minutes to go and Didier Drogba is warming up I wished someone would fast forward that clock.

"But my players kept going. It has been a tough week for us, particularly having to come to Chelsea after they had had a defeat. We knew there would be a reaction and unfortunately we were on the end of it.

"I've never had a problem in my career in praising the opposition.

"I wouldn't say I'm happy, I'm just not as angry. I'm relaxed.

"It has been a tough start to the season for us, a lot of new players.

"Chelsea would beat most teams coming here. It is a big ask and there's no harm and no shame losing to a top, top football team. I'll sleep quite well tonight.

"Good players like Deco and Frank Lampard open you up because they have got good touch and pace. They will be winning titles and European Cups over the next few years."