Didier Drogba promises fans the best is yet to come

Chelsea have started the campaign with three straight wins despite the players still learning how to cope with Ancelotti's systems of a diamond midfield and 'Christmas tree'.

They already boast a three-point lead over Manchester United and Arsenal, the latter having played a game less, while Liverpool trail by six.

Drogba believes Chelsea haven't come close to fulfilling their potential yet and believes the other clubs will find it hard to bridge the gap.

He said: "The team is still improving, but we are not there yet. The good thing is we are winning at the moment and in the next weeks I hope we will get even better.

"We are starting to play the way the manager wants, even if he is still saying we can improve and we do have to improve.

"It is nice to win the games when you start like this and better for you to work during the week because you have a smile.

"There are a lot of teams involved at the top of League at the moment but this is just the start. The picture will be better in two months and we will really see what is going to happen during the season."

Ancelotti has been particularly concerned at Chelsea's new habit of starting games slowly - they went a goal down in their first three games of the season and took a long time to get going against Fulham last Sunday.

Drogba admits the team are taking too long to get into their rhythm at the moment and added: "Maybe the way we start the game is too slow and we need time to come into the game.

"The opposition don't want to lose the game so they fight. They are doing everything to defend. It's difficult for us, but we are okay with it."

The 31-year-old Ivory Coast international has looked impressive in the first few games and has scored three times in as many matches.

While midfielder Frank Lampard appears to have been affected most by Ancelotti's tactical changes, Drogba admits he is loving playing under the Italian. He added: "I'm really happy. It's important for me that I feel fresh and thankfully I had no injuries in pre-season. I wanted to start the same way I finished last season.

"I think I can still improve and the way we started with this new system is really good for the strikers. I like the Christmas tree. I am not really alone. I have a lot of support from four to five different players.

"That's good because it creates a lot of movement and allows me to make runs and score goals. We have more possession in midfield and so this is very good for a striker.

"It's a different role for Frank and he is still trying to find his best position. He can play even better, even though he put in some fantastic balls against Fulham. He knows there is a lot more to come from him."

Meanwhile, Drogba's strike partner Nicolas Anelka, who admits he has been struggling with various injuries for the past six months, has been told earlier fears he could be suffering from a hernia are unfounded and that he won't need surgery.