After a bright start to the season, Chelsea are now struggling to get results. With just one win in their last six games in all competitions, their form is a cause for concern.
Despite beating Arsenal 2-1, Chelsea have struggled against poorer teams. An embarrassing 2-2 draw at Brentford in the FA Cup 4th round and most recently a 3-2 defeat against Newcastle.
On their recent run, the blues have blown several leads. Leading 2-0 at home to relegation battlers Southampton, The Saints fought back to get a 2-2 draw. The same happened at Reading with both of Le Fondre’s goals coming in the dying minutes.
Against Newcastle, Chelsea came from a goal down to lead 2-1. Their failure to kill the game off saw debutant Moussa Sissoko score twice to steal the win for the Geordies.
It seems that teams don’t fear Chelsea anymore. If you can contain their attacking threat then they can be got at defensively. They don’t bully teams anymore. With Drogba leaving, they’ve had to change their style of play and play a way that Abramovich wants.
The Russian wants a more attacking style to Chelsea’s play. The problem is, Abramovich is not appointing a manager who believes in that style of play and sticking with him. With Benitez coming in mid season, it’s hard for him to adapt to the way they play and still get results.
With Chelsea dropping points, the race for the final Champions League places is on. Tottenham who are only a point behind Chelsea in 4th are in good form. But with Defoe limping off injured against West Brom, trying to maintain that good form may become difficult without an inform striker.
In the chasing pack, Everton and Arsenal want a Champions League spot. Everton are notorious for finishing a season well and hope history repeats itself as they push for a top four finish. Arsenal are five points off Chelsea and a top four finish is a must for the Gunners. Anything less for Arsene Wenger’s men could seriously raise questions about the Frenchman’s future.
The race for the last two Champions League spots looks and exciting one. Chelsea still have to visit both Manchester clubs and Liverpool. If Chelsea continue to drop points against the lower teams in the league, securing a top four finish may be too much to ask.
Source: DSG
