Chelsea bounce back with a laboured win
It wasn't until the 86th minute that they went ahead against MSK Zilina, one of only three Champions League teams without a point, but the most important thing for a younger-than-usual Chelsea side was to get back on track after a worrying few weeks.
The Slovakian champions, who were humiliated 7-0 at home by Marseille in their previous European tie, took a shock first-half lead which forced the Blues to bring on Salomon Kalou and Nicolas Anelka having started with six relatively inexperienced players though they were worthy winners in the end after bossing the second half.
The result ensured that Carlo Ancelotti's side will finish top of Group F regardless of how they fare away to the French champions in their final game and also ended their unwanted record of having lost both of their matches since axing assistant manager Ray Wilkins.
Ancelotti was still forced to dismiss criticism of the body language between him and Wilkin's replacement Michael Emenalo in his post-match interview amidst claims that he had sidetracked the Nigerian by turning to Paul Clement to discuss substitutions, something Carletto insisted was routine.
Didier Drogba admitted that Chelsea are performing nowhere near their best at the moment yet denied that there is any link between recent form and the loss of the seemingly popular Wilkins, who will be appearing as a pundit on Sky Sports' Champions League coverage this evening.
The Blues are [5.6] third favourites to finally claim Europe's premier competition at Wembley in May, while they are [1.76] to begin their domestic recovery with a victory at Newcastle on Sunday.
Was talk of a Chelsea crisis greatly exaggerated? Tell us what you think below...
Published: 24 Nov 2010
Lucas Nkhoma (November 24, 2010 9:58 AM) said:
I just want to add a little voice to the happenings at the Bridge. Yes , Chelsea seem to be going through some difficulties but we should not forget that this is football we are talking about. No single team in the whole world plays well throughout the season, not even the stylish Barcelona. In my view, Chelsea players need to get thier heads up and then we should soon be seeing the lethal Chelsea back. Remember their midfield(engine room)has been weakend by injuries.
Their defence has less confidence without TJ.
Viva Liverpool.
Lucas