Crisis!

Well, since that loss to Liverpool, Chelsea have gone on to 5 wins, 4 draws and 5 defeats in all competitions, probably our worst, prolonged run of poor results since Roman has come in. That also included a run of 5 matches without a win over the course of about a month (end of November to end of December). During this period, we've scored 20 goals and conceded 16, with the 7-0 tonking of Ipswich in the FA Cup papering over the cracks.

In the league, it has been 3 wins, 4 draws and 4 defeats in this period, seeing us slide down to 4th (a low of 5th), 7 points behind United having played a game more. Ferguson's assertion that our match with them at the Bridge is likely going to decide the title is probably not wide of the mark, because we're pretty much going to have to beat them to even be in with a shot of pulling this rabbit out of the hat; amazing really if you consider we're only just slightly past the midway point in the season.

Most fans and experts put this crisis down to key several key injuries that have forced players to have to play out of position. There is probably no player more key than Lampard, it has to be said. His linking play and creativity in the final third has been sorely missed. Add to this Drogba being way off form (he's supposedly recovering from Malaria) and our goals have well and truly dried up.

Alex has also been a key miss for us, as with Ivan moved into the middle to cover for him we've lost our defensive balance and solidity. Paulo and Bosingwa have given us other things but their defending is questionable. Neither they nor Ash have done a good job of defending crosses and this has led to many poor goals being conceded. One of the key areas we're looking to strengthen in this transfer window is the CB position and this would seem to confirm our defensive weaknesses. Ivan, while not offering much going forward in terms of wide play, does offer us solidity in defending the dangerous opposing wide men.

With Lamps now back in the fold, we've looked an improved outfit in recent weeks; however we need to keep this going. Drogba in particular needs to step up his game. We need him to regain his form if we're going to mount a serious challenge in any of the competitions.

I would be remiss if I did not mention one gem we've unearthed, whose been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season - Josh McEachran. Of course, he's not quite ready to step in and shoulder important responsibilities regularly but if Carlo manages him well, we could well have a star in the making.

Onwards and upwards Blues!


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