United and City stormed to the top of the table before the international break, taking maximum points from their opening three games.

The Blues are two points off the summit and look like needing to win at Sunderland tomorrow to avoid the gap widening further.

Indeed, comparing the way they have been playing to that of the Manchester clubs, it might seem vital that Chelsea do not allow themselves to be cut adrift, even at this early stage of the season.

But former Porto boss Villas-Boas played down the consequences of falling further behind, pointing out the Premier League had a history of huge deficits being closed.

"A gap of five points in Portugal is a big gap," he said.

"But you have Man United recovering for a title from 12 points behind and you have Chelsea shortening a distance of 15 last year.

"So there are plenty of examples in the Premier League.

"Even if it goes to five or to seven, or if you don't shorten it, you mustn't panic."

Villas-Boas also shrugged off the number of goals United and City had scored compared to his side.

The Manchester pair have netted 13 and 12, respectively, so far, while Chelsea have managed just five.

Villas-Boas pointed out that meant nothing considering the Blues scored 14 in three games under Carlo Ancelotti last term and won nothing, costing the Italian his job.

"You saw what happened last year with Chelsea in the beginning," Villas-Boas said.

"It was twice 6-0 and then it didn't happen in the end.

"The impact that it has on the rest of the season can be decisive or not."

The 33-year-old insisted he was happy winning every game by just one goal.

"I like to play well but I like to win games as well," he said.

"You just have to score one more goal than the opponents normally.

"If it's 4-3, everybody will be happy, no? 5-4, 6-5."

He added: "Everybody wants to start well and, of course, I would be more happy if I had nine points instead of seven.

"But I am happy because we went to Stoke and Stoke at home lost three games last season.

"So, it's not bad."

Chelsea do not have long to wait to find out just how good United are, with their game at Old Trafford coming up a week on Sunday.

Villas-Boas said: "I don't know if it will be a proper indication for both teams yet. It's still early.

"Now we go finally into the routine of a tight calendar.

"So I'm not sure if what is happening is a pattern or not.

"Maybe in one month's time, you can see more or less."

However, Villas-Boas admitted Chelsea did need to improve and feels the signings he has made will help them do that.

The latest of them, Raul Meireles, could make his debut at the Stadium of Light tomorrow, while Juan Mata and Oriol Romeu are also pushing for their maiden starts.

"Oriol has arrived and he can offer more in that 'six' position, where we need it," said Villas-Boas.

"Raul can offer in different positions. Position six, position defensive midfielder, position offensive midfielder.

"Mata is, of course, a winger who can play number 10 position - extremely versatile player."

Daniel Sturridge is also available after suspension, with the striker's pre-season form and performances in training giving him every chance of starting.

"It's a good time to go to Sunderland," said Villas-Boas, who admitted he did not fancy a winter match in the north-east.

"They've drawn with Liverpool away, so it's a good team, well organised.

"They are competitive in midfield and they can work hard as a team.

"They have added with (Sebastian) Larsson, who is a quality player, and with (Nicklas) Bendtner, of course, who had a fantastic international break.

"All of the signs are there for you to beware."