Club Focus - Chelsea - Premier League battle intensifies after cup exit
Jose Mourinho will be rewarded with entry to the latter stages of the Champions League and widely respected for gratifying his pre-match assertions. The appraisal of this managerial confidence and tactical prowess may therefore shadow what was a poor display from Mourinho’s adversary.
An array of mistakes saw Chelsea posses no real threat in front of goal and unable to prevent those of the opposition. A number of excuses may depart Chelsea mouths from the ‘two stone wall penalties’ to the ‘we caught Inter and Wesley Sneijder on a good day’ but the fact is the battle was won off the field. A tale of two managers saw Mourinho expertly exploit Chelsea’s need for a goal with well thought out counter attacking football and on the contrary Chelsea failed to react. The two defensive midfield occupiers stood firm to deny Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack the space to play. Esteban Cambiasso and Thiago Motta were able to nullify any threat Chelsea had to offer, when in possession they were constructive, usually spreading the ball to one of many Inter on-runners. Carlo Ancelotti however, once again failed to conjure a plan B. The Italian was inconclusive in his mentality, employing a flat back four who were restricted by managerial constraints to progress down the flanks but still searching for an elusive goal. The tactician’s decision to play Nicolas Anelka out wide saw Didier Drogba neglected upfront, as the Chelsea midfield became overrun by an organised Milan enterprise.
An infuriating display provoked the expected groans from the Chelsea fans as they could only look on as Mourinho’s side picked them apart. The Portuguese favourite across all sectors of the ground gracefully left the sidelines early satisfied as his input was carried out elegantly by Sneijder and company. Nonetheless Chelsea must pursue alternative gains with the League still a promising commodity. The Londoners are firm favourites for FA Cup glory although it seems this is a falling priority amongst the country’s elite. A game in hand and two points between the Blues and their Manchester challengers makes the League up for grabs. Arsenal have also staked a late claim, mounting further pressure on the Blues, with Arsenal and Manchester United still occupied by Champions League football Chelsea must take advantage and guarantee League victory. Roman Abramovich will be infuriated by Chelsea’s exit, the competition has unquestionable been the Russian’s craved asset since plunging his millions into the club in 2003.
Looking ahead Chelsea face a Blackburn side with little to play for after escaping the suction of relegation and too far adrift of Europa ambitions. Despite the Rovers losing 3-1 and 2-1 in their last two outings to Tottenham and Liverpool respectively their form at Ewood Park has seen them win their last four games. Chelsea’s inconsistent away form may therefore once again meet its match as Big Sam’s naturally imposing and intimidating home tactics cause the visitors considerable problems. Tactical revisions are necessary for Chelsea to avoid their predictability away from home, the 4-3-3 formation served the side well against West Ham and may be the solution to Chelsea’s away form which has seen them employ the diamond formation or a deep midfield with a defensive 4-5-1.
Off the field Chelsea have had another press filled week of mixed affairs as Abramovich won a legal battle, accepting libel damages after false newspaper allegations claimed he was battling a gambling problem. The money Abramovich received from the legal affair is unknown, although the Russian’s solicitor notified the public in a statement in which he said all money will go to charity. The falsified claims suggested Abramovich lost his half a million pound yacht in a poker game. Other news included a familiar name, as John Terry once again fails in his attempts to sidestep the limelight. After a frustrating game against Milan opponents Inter, John Terry’s 4x4 hit and injured security manager Steve Rowley as he emerged out of crowd after the game. Terry was confronted by police at his home where he was later breathalysed. Terry said he was unaware of any contact between his car and Rowley and has lately visited the security guard in hospital to amend his error.
Back on the pitch it is imperative Terry leads his side out to victory in the Super Sunday clash as Chelsea cannot afford to let ground slip in the race for the Premier League. A competition where ambitions have intensified after their Champions League exit.
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