Chelsea blip blows Premier League title race wide open
Chelsea started this season with great aplomb. Two 6-0 victories and no defeats in their first six or seven games meant that Chelsea were running away with the title, with Manchester United surrendering leads to manage draws and Arsenal being inconsistent
as always.
But, Chelsea's recent results have given Manchester United and Arsenal a backdoor entry back into the title race, a lifeline if you will. A gift both United and Arsenal have failed to fully accept, for if either team had fully capitalised on the situation
at Stamford Bridge, they could've and would've at least been three points clear at the top.
But even as it is at the moment, Chelsea remain top of the bunch but only due to goal difference because Manchester United have now matched them for points, 28 apiece, and Arsenal are hot on their heels just two points behind.
Chelsea have now lost three of their last four matches which is a shame for a team that started the season as they ended the last. The stutter started when Fernando Torres took it upon his shoulders to teach Chelsea a lesson and give Liverpool a much needed
win. He provided with a stunning brace that gave Liverpool a 2-0 and should've given Chelsea a wakeup call.
Next, Chelsea lost at home to Sunderland and it wasn't just the defeat that struck out, it was the manner of the defeat as Chelsea were on the back foot for the whole game, chasing around the park after the Sunderland players like headless chickens. Sunderland
fully exploited the central defensive void left by the absence of John Terry and Alex partnership, recording a hugely impressive 3-0 score line.
Scoring three goals at the home of the champions is a remarkable feat in its own, but scoring three without a reply is just exemplary. Goals from Onouha, Gyan and Welback proved to the rest of the league that Chelsea are not without their faults and if you
take the game to them, get in their faces and frustrate them then well you have a chance.
Sunderland's example was followed diligently by a tenacious Birmingham side with legs full of running and a keeper in inspired form, form which will not be easy to replicate throughout the campaign. Birmingham, at home, took the game to the champions, got
in their faces and achieved fruition for their hard work when a long ball forward was knocked down by Jerome for Lee Bowyer to latch onto in open space and finish tidily beyond the outrushing Petr Cech.
It was 1-0 to Birmingham, and they made sure it stayed that way. This in no way implies that it was an easy win for Birmingham as Chelsea threw everything they had forward. It took a string of world-class saves from Ben Foster and heavy tackling defending
to make sure of the points.
But this was a result well received by everyone who doesn't support Chelsea, for it has made the gap at the top of the table even narrower. It meant that Arsenal's demise at home to Tottenham in the North London Derby didn't severely dampen Arsenal's prospects
this season. It also allowed Manchester United to get within touching distance of the top of the table.
So, now the race gets interesting, with only 6 points separating the top six teams, anything seems possible. Chelsea will be scratching their heads wondering what's gone wrong. The only true answer is that they have not been able to cope without the presence
of John Terry and Frank Lampard, and compound that with the fact that Ray Wilkins was recently dismissed by Chelsea, it'd be easy to believe that there just might be a dark cloud hanging over Stamford Bridge.
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