To think, I was so sure that Chelsea would end their slump when they met Everton on the weekend. They welcomed John Terry and Michael Essien back into their starting line-up but even they couldn’t seem to drive their team onto victory. Essien returned from a three-match suspension and John Terry, the club’s captain overcame his injury problems. These are two men renowned for their competitive edge and their zealous determination – so why on earth were Chelsea so lacklustre?
More importantly, how can this be the same team that looked nailed onto to retain their Premier League Champions’ status?
Before the Everton game Carlo Ancelotti suggested that his players lacked in ‘desire’: “Our desire at Newcastle was not at 100 per cent. Terry could make the difference, but I don’t think that one player can do that – we have to play as a team and have the support of everyone”. The same criticism could be levelled at this Chelsea side after their performance against Everton. By the second half the Toffees just seemed to want it more.
Some have claimed that the age of Chelsea’s squad is beginning to show through. This is nonsense, they proved earlier in the season that this squad has what it takes to go all the way. The quality isn’t missing, but perhaps the belief is. A bad game or two can change a club’s future and this recent slump seems to have knocked Chelsea’s confidence.
It is the job of both the Manager and the club’s Captain to ensure that the players go onto the pitch with the right attitude. Over the years, John Terry has been captain fantastic and Chelsea need him now more than ever. Unfortunately time is no longer on Terry’s side. All traces of pace are gone. Yet he still has a great positional sense and should be able to gee up those around him. Michael Essien is another player that Chelsea ought to be able to rely upon in times of need. He’s physically and mentally tough, always up for a battle and most importantly, he’s a quality footballer.
Unfortunately, things didn’t come together for Chelsea against Everton as they sunk to another disappointing draw. Manchester United have a winning attitude. Arsenal showed their determination against Fulham, but Chelsea looked there for the taking. It’s up to their most important players like Terry and Essien to right this wrong. They may have failed against Everton, yet you can’t help but feel that given more time, they will be able to steady the Chelsea ship. This side is too good to go down without a fight.
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