Is it the end of an era at Chelsea? – Part 2
The problems for Carlo Ancelotti are not only created from within the club but the loss of key personnel at key stages of the season has hit Chelsea hard.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097 made his first start on Monday night since 28th of August. He has been an ever present player for the blues and his absence meant that someone from the midfield needed to step and score those vital goals that Lampard guarantees.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Didier-Drogba-c11044 was also hit by malaria and John Terry has been in and out of the team with little niggles. Micheal Essien has been suspended and injured and has failed to get a run of games under his belt. Alex too is injured and Jose Bosingwa made a late return from his injury.
Add to that the long term absentee’s of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Sturridge-c10076, which goes a long way to show how Chelsea regret letting 5 senior players leave in the summer without adequate replacements.
Put it simply – Chelsea do not have the strength in depth of the previous title winning Chelsea squads. Given that the squad was trimmed to give the youngsters a chance and also bring the wage bill down, it is now evident that the current Chelsea team need more players like Essien, Ivanovic and Cech, who have the experience and age on their side.
The bridge between the youth and the first team regulars is too far at the moment. The idea of throwing in youngsters, when some senior player is injured, has failed miserably. The young and inexperienced need time and support and should be introduced gradually to the tremendous pressures of the premier league. Chelsea has so far failed to do that.
On Monday night, Chelsea players, for the very first time, felt they were the underdogs going into the game. None of them seemed up for it with the exception of their skipper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895. He was on a one man mission as he threw his body on the line time and again. He stood tall against the tide of Arsenal attacks and when he had the ball at his feet, he used it tremendously well.
He tried his best to rally his team forward but Drogba seemed disinterested and the likes of Essien went missing and lacked their usual drive and enthusiasm.
This http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 side lacked belief and for the first time looked fearful. Arsenal started the game nicely and they soon realised, like many others have done over the past month or so that this Chelsea side is there for the taking.
It was asking too much from Lampard to go out there and play 90 minutes after being out for nearly 4 months. It was a sign of desperation from the Chelsea boss who now seems to have run out of ideas.
The absence of Lampard has only enhanced his legend and if Drogba is their fear factor and Terry is their inspirational leader, then Lampard is their Talisman. He is the one who makes Chelsea tick.
He not only makes a significant contribution in the middle of the park by controlling the game, he set ups and scores as many goals as one can ask from a central midfielder. By just glancing at the Chelsea squad, it’s difficult to find replacements for the 30 plus age group of players.
The likes of Lampard and Drogba will soon be on the slide and by next season, Chelsea might require readymade replacements for them.
There is no one doubting the ability of the Chelsea first team, when fit and in form, they showed us at the start of the campaign how ruthless they can be.
However, the problems at Chelsea are there for everyone to see. Carlo Ancelotti must be backed in the upcoming transfer market and even if Chelsea finish this season without a trophy, Ancelotti should stay and he should be given the chance to build his squad.
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