One loss, two draws, missed penalties and five positives from Chelsea's poor run

While all the newspaper and blog talk about Chelsea’s recent run has suggested four games without a win is symptomatic of defensive meltdown, I’ve argued that things aren’t too far out of kilter at Stamford Bridge.

Bored of all the negative chat circulating on the forums, I’ve thought back over the four consecutive winless games and considered the positives Chelsea fans can take from the performances.

Chelsea are still scoring
Leaking goals is one thing, but if you don’t score them at the other end you’ve got no hope. Thankfully, whilst John Terry and Carvalho were busy looking confused as Everton swung multiple crosses into the box on Saturday, Drogba, Anelka and Lampard were wreaking havoc at the other end and notched up three top quality goals. Yes, there have been four winless games – but those games have still seen Chelsea score more than 2 goals each on average. Not too shabby.

Drogba’s still on fire
And if Chelsea are still scoring, perhaps it’s because Drogba’s on a one-man mission to conquer the Premier League. The Ivorian’s stats speak for themselves: 21 appearances, 18 goals, 7 assists, 4 penalties won. He has been without equal in the Premier League since August and his form hasn’t dropped over the last four games.

The bad luck can’t last
If Chelsea fans were honest, they would probably admit that over the last few months we’ve had a bit of good fortune. John Terry got away with what was probably a foul in the box against United and opposition have scored a welcome number of own goals: just a couple of pieces of luck that spring to mind. Perhaps the ridiculously unfortunate two goals conceded against Everton – and the lack of any decision going for Chelsea at the Eastlands – was just footballing karma. And if it was, we’ve probably paid our dues now…

Sort out defending set pieces, the rest will follow
Chelsea have a weakness at the back? Cue shock, horror and melodrama from the world’s media and Chelsea-despising football fans. The reality, of course, could be perceived as a rather more rosy picture. Ancelotti’s defence looks watertight in open play – sort out defending from corners and freekicks, the back four will be back to their stingy best and the wins should come…

The future looks bright
The future being Gael Kakuta, of course. Who knew that Chelsea could sign a young player who actually had some potential? Getting more and more game-time, the young Frenchman has been a breath of fresh air. Kakuta has a rich vein of confidence and the skills to back it up: quick feet, precocious vision and good pace over ten yards too. Kakuta’s display against Apoel deserved to contribute to a winning performance. It’s too early to get excited – he’s only 18 - but at the very least it’s encouraging to have a young player on the books a Chelsea manager is willing to give a chance to. Borini, Matic and Bruma are getting a chance too, and Mirolsav Stoch is scoring left, right and centre in Holland…

Comments

[JoshH]

"Bored of all the negative chat circulating on the forums..."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

The press and everybody else are so quick to tear a team down these days. Chelsea will bounce back with a vengeance -- let's just get to sorting out our set-piece defense!

Speaking of bad luck, even the 3rd Everton goal should be chalked up to a bit of bad luck. Drogba's poor clearance ricochets off Saha's face and into goal. Sure, Cech was off his line, but still, what are the odds!

[Since66]

Water off a ducks back

I WAS THERE WHEN WE WERE S**T

[Michael Heoo]

It seems to me that every team in sports with so many games is going to have periods where it gets tough. I would classify this period as mainly unlucky. We have certainly lost the edge we had, but I don't see this period as a time for extreme concern. I think a small let-down after winning all of our big 4 games so far and qualifying first in the CL for our group. I think after the holiday break we will be ready to finish off the league and make a run in the Champions League. I am still very optimistic.