Football Update: Ancellotti looking to exploit a weak spot in Arsenal’s armour
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti expects fireworks as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 lock horns in the Derby match with Arsenal FC on Monday.
However, while the Blue’s boss was aware of the relative importance of the fixture, he was quick to warn his team that securing a result would amount to little if Chelsea were to wear out for the game against Bolton Wanderers 2 days later.
The Defending champions have been one of the few teams that have enjoyed their stay at the Emirates in recent history. Winning the last 2 encounters against their bitter rivals on their territory, the former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan coach feels that past record would
do little to dictate the outcome of the game this term
''I don't know if this is an advantage. Arsenal knows very well our skills and ability, and we also know their ability, their skills.”
were the words of the Chelsea boss as confirmed by the club’s official website.
Ancelotti felt that the key to success would be replicating their performance against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge this term. This brings http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044 to the picture. The Ivory Coast International has singlehandedly given the Arsenal back-four a run for
their money and with the absence of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Thomas-Vermaelen-c35002, Wenger’s first choice central defender, Drogba might do just that... ‘Drogbaaaa – AGAIN’...?!
The Chelsea boss was quick to recognise the strength of his opponents as well. Admitting that while Wenger’s side is hard to catch when they’re at song with possession, it would be more or less about finding the weak spot in the Arsenal armour and taking
their opportunity when the situation presents itself.
Looking at the Blues’ prospects of retaining the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge, Ancelotti believes that while it has usually been a race between his team and Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in the past couple of years, this term however,
the competition sees a lot of potential players. Arsenal joined by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur along with high-spending Manchester City provide tough times ahead for his team.
Winning the title isn’t about getting a result in a single game. The Chelsea boss highlighted the importance of being consistent throughout the season; against big guns and the relatively lesser opponents. Focusing his attention to the Bolton game after
their trip to the Emirates, the Italian said that both games were equal in his dictionary as emerging victorious on either occasion meant 3 points each.
These are indeed testing times. Chelsea need to get their act straight if they wish to compete with League leaders Manchester United who are 3 points adrift and also have a game in hand over the Blues.
"I think we used well these 15 days to train and I have confidence that my team moved on from a difficult moment. Manchester United are having fantastic results. They didn't lose a game so they are able to obtain results continuously. We don't want this
gap increasing, so it is important to obtain a result." concluded the Chelsea manager.
We are indeed in for a festive fortnight bound to carry its fair share of surprises – Who would have the luxury to come out at the other side and meaningfully say, ‘Happy New Year and Merry Christmas’?... Only time will tell..
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