Football Special Report: EPL News- Chelsea vs. Everton (Recap)
The woes for Chelsea continue, as they failed once again, on the weekend, to get all three points against Everton. The match was drawn, as each side scored a single goal in the match, but it could have been worse for the Champions of the English Premier
League.
Chelsea had a big boost to their squad, before the match on Saturday. The injured captain, John Terry, returned after spending weeks on the sidelines. Also, the suspended Michael Essien made his way back into the starting XI, giving further boost to Chelsea’s
midfield and defensive options. As Chelsea’s bad run of form in recent weeks was associated with the big players missing big games for them, so it was expected that two of the returning players would help Chelsea in regaining their lost form.
Even before the match, Michael Essien and John Terry made statements in the press regarding Chelsea’s performances. Both the players showed their concern over the problems being faced by the Blues, but they were optimistic about the future. However, this
optimism was not enough to revitalize the squad members, as Chelsea failed yet again. Although, Chelsea had drawn their last five matches against Everton, but this time Chelsea needed to change the history. In the end, history was once again repeated, while
the returning players could not help their team as well.
The situation could have been worse for Chelsea, while it could have been yet another defeat at Stamford Bridge this season. The hosts scored their only goal through a penalty by Didier Drogba, but many had their reservations against the penalty awarded
to the Blues. Nicholas Anelka, the Chelsea’s forward, was one on one against Everton’s goalkeeper, Tim Howard. The striker played the ball on the side and rather than chasing the ball, he went on his run and collapsed on the ground after tipping over the charging
goalkeeper. Anelka had made no attempt on chasing the ball, while Howard was not in his way stopping the goal, which made it an unintentional foul. However, referee brandished a yellow card for the keeper and pointed towards the penalty spot.
The defensive problems also continued for Chelsea, despite having Terry back in as the centre-half. Everton equalised late in the second half, exploiting Chelsea’s weakness at the back. In the end, it was a poor show by the current Champions, who have fallen
from a comfortable five point lead on the top to a third position and two points off the pace. Arsenal won their match on the weekend and went on top, while Manchester United still has a match in hand and they are sitting in second position.
The real problem for Chelsea is not their defence, but the poor form of their attacking players. In this match, once again, Chelsea failed to launch a formidable attack, as the goal was not scored from an open play. Also, there weren’t really any threatening
shots on the target, which made it easy for the Everton back-line. All the star players in Chelsea seem to be out of breath, as they have been unsuccessful for quite a long time now.
Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Chelsea, has his days numbered at Stamford Bridge. This poor run of Chelsea is one of their biggest in the league since Roman Abramovich took over the charge at the club. Despite changing things around, Ancelotti is sticking
to his old principles, which is not producing results for him. It seems that the manager is also out of options and is relying solely on fate to turn around and produce results for his side.
Nevertheless, Chelsea would have to turn the results in their favour as Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs are also lurking around the corner, and the Champions League spot is in jeopardy. Also, some big fixtures are coming up, against Tottenham, Manchester
United and Arsenal. Therefore, Chelsea has to get back into their senses if they want to remain the title contenders for the current season.
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