Source: Daily_Mail
Fernando Torres nearing top form - Petr Cech
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes striker Fernando Torres is closing in on a return to top form and the attacking options the team now have will only strengthen their Barclays Premier League title challenge. [LNB] The Spain international started in the goalless draw at Stoke as the centre-forward in a 4-3-3 formation with both Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka on the bench. [LNB]Although he could not add to his tally of just one goal in 18 previous appearances since his ?50million January move from Liverpool, the 27-year-old showed flashes of the player who scored 50 goals in just 64 league matches for the Merseysiders. [LNB] Off target: Fernando Torres (left) has only scored once for Chelsea[LNB]Cech felt Torres was now benefiting from being injury-free and settled at the club. [LNB]'It has made a huge difference that he had a pre-season with us,' he said. 'Sometimes when you come for such a huge amount of money to a different team and city everything changes and there is a lot of pressure. [LNB]'He had some injuries last season and it was not the ideal situation for him but you could see he was settling well every week. [LNB]'Now he has got to know the players and the way that we play. [LNB]'He had a really good game against Stoke and he deserved to get a goal. He was close on a few occasions, he created space and chances for the others. I thought Fernando was brilliant up front and it was just a pity we did not convert our chances. It was great to see.'[LNB] Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou were charged with providing the ammunition for Torres at the Britannia Stadium but with the hosts defending resolutely they eventually made way for Drogba and Anelka. [LNB] Firing blanks: Torres's performance against Stoke was not rewarded with a goal[LNB]With Daniel Sturridge still to return from suspension Cech believes Chelsea have a forward line full of options. And he feels they will have to call on that depth of riches up front if they are to challenge for major honours again this season. [LNB]'Having so many good strikers will definitely make a difference,' he added. 'The season is very long and we want to compete in every competition. [LNB]'This season there is the African Nations Cup and a lot of teams will be affected - we have a lot of Africans as well - so it is good to have a large squad. [LNB]'I think we have a very good squad, although I think the manager wants to get a couple more players.'[LNB] Andre Villas-Boas, on his managerial debut in English football, pinned his colours to the mast by selecting Torres ahead of his two major rivals. [LNB]Although he eventually asked them to combine as a front three it is unlikely that will be a long-term option.[LNB] 'We like 4-3-3 but we have tested a couple of systems in pre-season which give us some flexibility,' said the Portuguese. [LNB] Options: Daniel Sturridge is just one of several Blues strikers waiting for a chance[LNB]'In the end it is not because you add a striker you become more offensive, you have to create the right dynamic and hopefully through the passing of the weeks we can be more dynamic. [LNB]'In the circumstances, the first game of the season, we had possession and chances but didn't score. [LNB]'The positive part is we didn't lose the game, we got a point and got a clean sheet and were pretty solid. [LNB]'We showed we could cope with this kind of pressure so we are positive going into the next game at home (to West Brom).'[LNB] Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu, who signed from Barcelona in July, saw his international duty come to an end after Spain were eliminated from the Under 20 World Cup. [LNB]He is expected to be given some time off to recuperate but his return sooner than expected will boost midfield numbers for Villas-Boas. [LNB]John Obi Mikel, who played the full 90 minutes at Stoke, is still awaiting news of his father Michael after he was abducted in Nigeria on Friday. [LNB]The midfielder was told the news prior to the game was opted to play. Chelsea have pledged whatever support he needs and the 24-year-old will be afforded time off should he require it. [LNB] Chelsea star Mikel plays on despite his father being abducted in NigeriaStoke City 0 Chelsea 0: New manager but same old troubles for the BluesAtletico Madrid set to beat Chelsea to Falcao signature as they chase Aguero replacementModric move is slipping away from Chelsea, admits chairman Buck[LNB]
