English Premier League: Ancelloti on the defensive as Chelsea lose again
Chelsea lost their second match in a row in the English Premier League as they gave up their lead at the top of the table. The Blues lost their previous match in the Premier League to Sunderland by three goals to nil at Stamford Bridge
and now they have lost yet another game, this time the defeat came against Birmingham City at the Saint Andrews stadium. It was a shock defeat for Chelsea who went behind early on in the first half. After going a goal down, the Blues tried their best to get
an equalizer but they remained unsuccessful in their efforts thanks to an on-form Ben Foster in goal for Alex McLeish’s side.
Lee Bowyer scored the only goal of the match for Birmingham, who were quite happy as they managed to gain all three points against the English league leaders and champions. Chelsea’s manager said in his post-match interview, “I've already
said to the players 'don't lose confidence because you played good football.' The result is frustrating but they deserved to win. The team didn't play well against Sunderland and this result is not good but we didn't deserve to lose. We didn't win because
we were unlucky and because Ben Foster (Birmingham goalkeeper) played a good game.”
Carlo Ancelloti added to his remarks by stating, "We have to take confidence from the way we played. It is just the result that was disappointing. It is a strange Premier League this season. There are a lot of opportunities for teams to
close the gap at the top. We are losing opportunities but so are other teams. It is a more difficult competition this season because more teams believe in themselves. A month ago I said when we were doing well that there would be difficult moments ahead. This
is one of them. But if we keep playing like that then we will win games."
There has been unrest in the Chelsea camp after Ray Wilkins parted ways with the club, Wilkins who was the assistant manager with the club was an integral part of the title winning side in the 2009-2010 season. However, a couple of weeks
ago the ex-Chelsea player was informed that his contract was not going to be renewed, therefore he choose to leave his post at the club. Chelsea’s boss was adamant that Ray’s departure had no effect on the team as he said, "The fact that Ray had gone did not
affect things today. As regards his statement, I don't have any comment on that."
On the other hand, Birmingham’s manager Alex McLeish also spoke about the match. McLeish praised Foster for his heroics in goal for the Birmingham Blues, he said, "I've always said a good keeper is paramount. He can win you championships,
earn you points, save you points, or keep your team in the division. Ben has been superb for us. I thought the criticism of him with England was a bit harsh. He made some great saves today and in other games and has been on top form since he came here."
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