Chelsea roar on with a decisive 2-0 win at home to Man City. This was a pivotal "six-pointer" game. City started the game in 3rd spot with Chelsea chasing two points behind. The win now puts Chelsea a point ahead of City and with a game in hand - potentially just six points behind United. The title chase is not over for Chelsea as they seek to defend their crown with a late charge.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
Chelsea FootballClub
Chelsea's two goals came late in the game - on 78 mins courtesy of inspirational defender David Luiz, and then in stoppage time from their other new Brazilian star Ramires. The game really was heading for a stale 0-0 draw. Chelsea boss Ancelotti opted for an experimental strike force of Malouda, Torres and Kalou and Chelsea didn't really raise their game until Drogba and Anelka were introduced on 70 mins.
David Luiz showed again what great value he is even at his hefty price tag. He has fitted into English Premier League football seamlessly and provided energy, poise and a cutting edge to the team. He really is one of the star finds of this season. His second goal of the season proved what a superb two-way threat he is. Chelsea have to hope that he is a durable player because he is going to be a linchpin player for them for seasons to come. Ramires on the other hand - has often struggled with the pace of the league but his last minute goal indicates that he has found his rhythm and endurance in a physically punishing league.
MAN CITY
Boss Mancini will be disappointed that his team failed to show up in this critical swing game against Chelsea. They have now lost their 3rd spot and on current form, will have a hard time getting ahead of Chelsea - AND have to battle Tottenham for that 4th spot. Its looking like another soft ending to a season for City who appear to be also running out of steam and ideas. For all the money they have spent, building team chemistry has been a big struggle. The team does need some time to gel so this part is understandable. Whether the owners have enough patience to wait is another issue. If Jose Mourinho becomes available in the summer, I expect City to make him a substantial offer to run City. So lots of potential drama await City in the off-season. Stay tuned on this one.
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Its abundantly clear that Chelsea now have the momentum to take up the chase for United. Arsenal appear to be losing steam. They are not sound defensively and their keeper Almunia is hitting an erratic patch. At this rate, Chelsea will overhaul Arsenal for 2nd and be the team to apply the heat on United. I'd love to be proved wrong because Arsenal have a great chance of ending their trophy drought and are still in a great position to strike. But they have major problems right now with team dynamics and confidence. This is the point in the season when the team should be shifting into high gear for the stretch run. Arsenal are sputtering along.
THE LAST WORD
Chelsea captain John Terry has been in the news this week as England boss Fabio Capello makes a hash of figuring out the England captaincy. It has now gone BACK to John Terry. My opinion is that its the right move. Terry is a better captain than either Rio Ferdinand or Steven Gerrard. I never thought a year suspension from the captaincy was required. Perhaps a few games to send a message about his off-field indiscretions. Terry is the right man for the captaincy for what he does on the field. Decision long overdue.
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