It has been weeks of very poor run for Chelsea and the
Sunday afternoon game against Manchester United
should give a clear view of what the season holds for
the English League champions. Carlo Ancelotti‘s bold
assertion that Chelsea‘s ”bad moment” is behind them will be put to the test with this all-star fixture at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian‘s description of six points from a possible 21 as a mere moment was a positive spin on a horrible slump that could have buried Chelsea‘s hopes of retaining the title. The slump may not have buried the hope of the Stamford Bridge army but their display since they got flogged by Sunderland followed by sloppy display in all games afterwards have left their avid fans reeling in shame. This is one fixture that should have excited Stamford Bridge faithful but the state of the team has turned excitement to fear and anxiety.
But it was hard to disagree with the sentiments of the Chelsea manager after a 1-1 draw at high-flying Tottenham Hotspur last weekend that felt more like a victory.
Lacking momentum in the opening 45 minutes at White Hart Lane, Chelsea finished the match like an express train but for Didier Drogba‘s stoppage time penalty miss it would be fair to say talk of their demise had been greatly exaggerated.
The passion, as captain John Terry said, was certainly back. So this is no ordinary game but a test of passion. How Chelsea players handle this match will give fans enough yardstick to measure what the table could look like after 38 matches.
As it is they are three points behind United, who have played a game less, but with Drogba firing on all cylinders when he came on at Spurs and Frank Lampard back from injury, Ancelotti may have some good moments to look forward to. But can Lampard‘s return turn around the form of Chelsea? It is a tough one to judge but while he and Michael Essien were off the team opponents ran through the Chelsea midfield at will leaving analysts to wonder what could happen if both players and Terry missed a full season.
Despite their poor run of form, they have not won in the league since November 10, Chelsea are still in the thick of the title race mainly because unbeaten United have leaked points in draws and Arsenal remain inconsistent.
United enter the Christmas period with most optimism, however. Despite an almost non-existent contribution from Wayne Rooney so far this season they are setting the pace and proving extremely difficult to beat. But this is the kind of game that return Rooney to the form opponents dread. They may have started the season on a very slow pace but they have buckled up fast enough to become clear threat to Chelsea hopes of retaining the title or even their neighbours billions buying them the trophy. Victory at Chelsea would be a huge statement of intent.
”It‘s a massive game now that will go a long way to establishing the top of the league. It‘s a big, big game for United,” United manager Alex Ferguson told the team‘s website.
By the time the game kicks off at Stamford Bridge Arsenal could be back on top of the table. Arsenal could be on top of the table is the right way to state it because, like they did in the last four seasons, their run has been quite inconsistent.
Fourth-placed Manchester City and neighbours of United face Everton on Monday although whether or not Tevez plays remains to be seen. What is definite is that the City people will also follow events at Stamford Bridge this afternoon with keen interest.
At least City proved in a 3-1 win at West Ham United that they can make do without their leading scorer-a result that should fill Roberto Mancini‘s side with confidence as they approach a run of four winnable matches.
For pure entertainment, however, Bloomfield Road may be the place to be on Sunday lunchtime when Blackpool host fifth-placed Tottenham. Under Ian Holloway Blackpool have embellished the Premier League with some eye-catching football this season and their attacking philosophy has propelled them to 10th place when most thought they would be propping up the table by Christmas.
Likewise Tottenham have taken the UEFA Champions League by storm this season with their expansive style and are dark horses for a title push. Gareth Bale‘s exceptional pace in counter-attacks has made Spurs such a delight to watch.
There may not be a lot of star attractions at the West Brom game against Wolverhampton but the presence of Osaze Odemwingie will surely make the game attractive. Perhaps only the manager and the team doctor can certify if the Nigerian will be fielded for this match but that venue should be of interest to Samson Siasia who is in Europe to meet with some Nigerian players. The Super Eagles striker has been battling fitness in the last weeks and a quick return to form is the ultimate desire of the team. If the Nigerian attacker is on the pitch for the game, then there is every reason for the Baggies fans to hope for a smile.
Source:Punch
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