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Club Focus - Chelsea - Dr.Ogba prescribes the necessary treatment
Wednesday 02 December 2009
Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti redefined all title credentials with a brutal display away at the Emirates. Much to the dislike of Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, Didier Drogba struck the vital blow in a 3-0 win. Drogba continued an impressive run against the North Londoners with a record of 10 goals in 11 games and his 11th goal of the season. Wenger’s army were dumfounded to fall behind after having the majority of possession in the opening exchanges. The inability of Eduardo to capitalise on the half chances presented to him allowed for the inform Blues to profit with deft finishing. The game has become widely renowned as a new level of a ‘men versus the boys’ affair.
Arsenal consequently fell suspect to their own youth production system, in grooming the young talents of Armand Traore, Theo Walcott, Denilson etc Arsenal lacked the physicality required in a title winning side. Effectively Arsenal are producing the types of players that they already attain in abundance, the likes of Francisco Merida, Jack Wiltshire and Carlos Vela are all tipped to be in a list of notorious Arsenal creations. The problem however is these individuals do not encompass the strength the Premier League necessitates of the players within it. There are exceptions of course but Arsenal’s lack of balance needs to be stabilised. Ironically it is Didier Drogba of whom Arsenal need to conjure up from their youth production line; a powerhouse capable of terrorising the most capable of defences. It may be said Arsenal stand strong against the weak but find themselves weak against the strong. The Gunners were outmuscled in all areas of the pitch this Sunday, one moment in particular provided the epitome of the Arsenal performance as in Traore’s attempt to shoulder barge and dispossess Drogba, it was somewhat embarrassingly, the left-back who consequently needed picking up from the challenge. Arsene Wenger’s men have never efficiently replaced the role of shielding the back four; Alex Song remains strides off the finished article, a shadow of the Gilberto Silva and Patrick Vieira: commanders that provided authority and control in the midfield battle, much like their opponents through Jon Obi Mikel and Michael Essien.
A disgruntled Wenger claimed Eduardo’s penalty shout was a certainty however replays showed a high foot from the Croat striker and support Andre Marriner’s decision. Had the spot kick been awarded it is doubtful the result would have changed course as the Blues dominated ever since opening the scoring. Resilient and dedicated performances from Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry and Petr Cech were well received by manager Ancelotti. The players in front of the strongest defence in the league were also vital to the win as Nicolas Anelka backed up his strong comments of a derogatory nature towards his former club with an imposing show. Arsenal fans themselves struggled to boo former player Ashley Cole as he left the pitch, knowing full well the England left-back had produced a master class in the role. Fellow Arsenal abuse target Drogba was asked to sign autographs by the home fans when he departed the pitch, despite disliking a player that has sunk misery on the Gunners for four years now the Arsenal faithful were unwilling to allow such an act pass without recognition.
Chelsea’s next battle lies in the League Cup a fixture against Blackburn Rovers who without manager Sam Allardyce have begun to string together a respectable run of late. The Blues then travel to Manchester in their fourth successive away tie to face Chelsea legend Mark Hughes’ City side who have become the draw specialists recently with seven draws in their previous seven Premier League fixtures. The two money spending conglomerates collide although the home sides title chances have largely disintegrated with a poor run. Chelsea’s consistency will once again be tested as they face a team of individual talent, yet to effectively gel into their vision which may be argued as being that of Chelsea. The positive factor for the Pensioners is in their reliable performers. Terry, Cole, Essien and Drogba amongst others all raise the boundaries when facing a fellow challenging team. City however have critics to answer, a run of draws has done them no favours in their battle to become seriously recognised as Premier League contenders and the Eastlanders will look to the Chelsea game as a chance to turn their form around. For now Chelsea remain five points clear and will look to see this through a built up Christmas period.
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