Many said it couldn’t be done, the table now shows that it’s entirely possible.

This has been the season of shocks, and none will be more so than if Chelsea take the charge and win the Premier League this season.

Out of the blocks like a whippet, and striding into the lead until a November slump became a December disaster, and we were hoping, if not praying we could hold on to a Champions League position.

Now unbeaten in the league since early February, we find ourselves only three points behind first placed United, with a trip to Old Trafford up next, the destiny of our season lays squarely in our hands. With an identical goal difference, a win will see us take the lead in the title race, then it’s up to us to hold onto it.

The weekend’s football couldn’t have worked out better for Chelsea, and for once many of us will be kind to our Gooner friends, for doing us the favour we so desperately needed, but before that we had to see off the old enemy in Tottenham.

Chelsea lined up with Torres and Drogba up front, with Malouda and Lampard alternating at the tip and left of a diamond, Essien right with Mikel holding, although the two African internationals both switched at times too. Ancelotti opted for a strong defence with Ivanovic at right back, David Luiz and Terry centrally, with Ashley Cole at left back, and Petr Cech as ever in nets behind them.

Spurs turned up at Stamford Bridge without a win on our turf since 1990, yet just keeping level terms wasn’t enough and so Chelsea started the match in determined fashion, knocking the ball around freely and with pace, with Torres looking sharp and confident after last weeks goal.

Drogba went close with a rasping free kick that bounced off the bar, and Torres got onto a ball and tested Gomes, and it was against the run of play though that Spurs took the lead. Van der Vaart found Sandro about ten yards outside the area, and struck well smashing the ball past Cech into the top corner to stun Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were shocked and took a few minutes to settle, but were then back into striking at the Spurs goal, with Torres looking mostly likely to score, with Essien also going close. Yet it was in the final moments of the half that the officials changed the course of the game.

Frank Lampard took a shot at distance that Gomes looked to have covered. The keeper made a Tiaibi like mistake, allowing the ball through his arms and legs to spin towards the goal line. He dived to pull the ball back, but the linesman made the call that it had crossed the line. Replays since have shown that the whole ball didn’t cross the line, Harry went mental.

Half time came and went and the second half kicked off with Chelsea attacking Spurs, looking for the all important second goal, and Chelsea supporters mocking Gomes at every opportunity, however he then pulled off a good save to deny a Drogba shot from 20 yards, palming it to safety.

Ramires came on for Essien, and Kalou came on for Torres as Chelsea went in hunt of the winning goal. Malouda felt he should have had penalty after a foul by Kaboul but the ref played on, as well as making some odd decisions when our lads were fouled, no doubt trying to atone for his earlier mistake.

His afternoon was to get worse though, when in the dying minutes Drogba charged into the area, holding off two players before shooting at goal, his scuffed shot span across goal where Kalou was advancing and slid home the ball to make it 2-1 and send Stamford Bridge wild.

Ancelotti spoke after the match, stating; “Obviously we would like to win the game with a different situation because today we were lucky, we have to be honest and say this. Looking at the situation on television, we can say the decision was wrong and we were lucky. We have to accept when things are wrong like that but also when things are against us. ”

The Italian added; “In this moment we have to prepare for the next game, which is against Manchester United, and we must win that game.”

With Ferguson in the crowd having left 15 minutes early he will have missed our winning goal, however he won’t be missing the fact that we’re right on his shoulder, and breathing down his neck.

United – we’re coming for you.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry (c), Cole, Essien (Ramires 56), Mikel, Lampard, Drogba, Torres (Kalou 62), Malouda (Anelka 73).
Goals: Lampard 44, Kalou 88

Sometimes you just have to accept the fact that you weren’t good enough and it was one of those days for the Blues at the Emirates.

Chelsea have had some big results against Arsenal over the years and were expected to get the result again despite being on a terrible run for the past month, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be the case, as some horrible mistakes in quick succession put us three goals down. Although we got one back quickly a comeback never looked likely, a fact which hurt the most.

Nicolas Anelka was ruled out with a knee problem late on, but Carlo Ancelotti welcomed back Frank Lampard into his starting line up for this one, his first start in over 4 months. Arsenal welcomed back Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie into their starting line up for this London derby.

Both teams started with a similar 4-3-3 formation and looked to attack the full-backs. Chelsea started the game in a cautious manner as they tried to soak up the pressure and hit Arsenal on the break, something which has worked for us in the past.

However, when you are not playing well, things that worked for you in the past don’t really work.

Chelsea couldn’t get the opportunity to hit Arsenal on the break or rather the players weren’t able to capitalise on whatever little chances that came their way. The game lacked in clear cut chances and the closest Chelsea came was through Drogba, first with his shot from distance that went wide and then with his header which was deflected on by Djourou for a corner.

Arsenal were also restricted and were made to work hard but they got the reward when Song scored on the stroke of half-time as Chelsea defended really deep and invited Arsenal on much to the frustration of Carlo Ancelotti.

Arsenal deserved the lead at half-time and Chelsea were expected to change things around with Kalou and Malouda being ineffective up front. There was a change indeed, but it was Mikel, who went off and was replaced by Ramires, with Essien taking a more defensive role in centre midfield.

The second half has just begun when calamity hit Chelsea; two mistakes in space of two minutes wrecked any plans that the Blues had for a comeback. First, Essien, who was trying to regain the possession, made a block but unfortunately for him, the ball went straight into the direction of the on rushing Walcott, as Cole was caught off guard, he squared it off to Fabregas to score. Soon, it was 3-0, when Fabregas turned the provider for Walcott, as Malouda was caught in possession.

Chelsea got one back soon through Ivanovic, who headed in from a Drogba free-kick, and it looked like we would mount an unlikely comeback with half an hour still left with the game,  but we never got going as an attacking force.

Our full-backs were nullified by Arsenal and we had to resort to long balls to Drogba, but there wasn’t much support for him up front and there in lied the predicament for the Blues.

This defeat condemned us to our worst ever run in 10 years and some might say our title defence now hangs by bare thread, as Utd can go 9 points clear if they get the result at St. Andrews, and the fact that we were 5 points clear in October makes it even more painful.

Next up for us is Bolton on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, and considering our confidence levels, it’s a game in which three points are of paramount importance.

Carlo Ancleotti also conceded that his team were second-best on the day, after the game he said;

“The difference was the quality. Arsenal put more quality on the pitch than us. “They were able to play with the football. They played better than us.

“We didn’t play well. We’re in a difficult moment. We need to try and win the game against Bolton.

“We have to continue to work. We worked well these last two weeks. We didn’t have a good performance today but we’ll try in the next game.

“The table is not good but this is the reality. We have to wake up. Now we are sleeping.”

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech, Ferreira (Bosingwa 61), Ivanovic, Terry (c) Cole; Essien, Mikel (Ramires h-t), Lampard; Kalou, Drogba, Malouda (Kakuta 55).
Goal: Ivanovic 56.

For many weeks now we’ve been looking at our performances, and not seeing what we’re used to seeing.

The team appears disjointed and despite seeing ‘improvements’ in players, or passages of play, it’s just not good enough overall.

Arsenal earned a deserved win over us for sure, but who was your best Chelsea player on the day?

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The leftovers are eaten, the alcohol has run dry, and football finally returns. Tonight we see the festive treat that is Arsenal vs. Chelsea at the Emirates.

Didier Drogba should be lining up against his favoured opponents and we will need him to be on form if we’re to have a chance of bagging all three points. Expect Anelka and Malouda to flank him, Anelka getting the nod ahead of Kalou for his ball retention skills.

The return of Frank Lampard could also be critical, with the midfielder brining some much needed stability and attacking nous to what has been an overly physical midfield since his absence, so expect Ramires to drop to the bench as Essien and Mikel take the other two slots.

The defence all but picks itself with Cole, Terry and Ivanovic certain to start, the only question is the right back position, and it remains to be seen whether Carlo will go for Bosingwa or Ferreira.

Speaking ahead of the match, Carlo Ancelotti stated; “I think that Arsenal are a little bit afraid about the performance of Drogba because he did very well against them, but this cannot decide the game, though obviously if Drogba plays at his best we have more opportunity to win.”

“It is an important game obviously because both teams are involved in the fight for the title. Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham has the opportunity and skill to fight for the title until the end.” He added; “I think it will be a race with balance because a lot of teams have the possibility to win, not just Chelsea and Man United.”

John Obi Mikel also spoke of his feelings in the build up to the match, saying; “Arsenal is Arsenal, they are trying to put this thing right with the big games playing against the big four, but lately they keep failing. I think they’re a very good team though, they’re playing well now and have been getting results to stay in the race.”

Reflecting on the extending break the United postponement allowed us, Mikel reflected; “We’ve had more time in training to get things right for this game, we know what we’re doing and are working together as a team, improving our physical condition, receiving tactical advice, so by the time we start the game we will be really ready and know what we are going to do on the pitch.”

“We often play well against Arsenal and I hope we will do again, if we do I am sure we will get those three points.”

You can follow us for all the match news and updates as it happens on Twitter.

With the United match now on the back-burner until March, the focus switches to another of this seasons title contenders; Arsenal.

Fabianski’s return in goal should be a welcome sight for Chelsea fans. His presence in goal this season has made a shaky central pairing look even more fragile, as Vermaelen’s loss is felt with each passing game.

Fabianski possesses an inability to claim crosses and is a man with a penchant for high profile rickets; the Chelsea attack should be relishing his inclusion.

The Arsenal full-backs are pacey and better going forward than defensively, who generally suffer from lack of protection from their wide men. Squillaci and Koscielny have shown a lack of cohesion in recent weeks, an uncomfortable pairing that look even more uneasy when protecting Fabianski.

Wenger’s main joy will come from the passing, interplay and movement of his front four/five. Fabregas has been below his usually impeccable standards this season, but his vision and ability to pick out a pass are exceptional.

Being shielded by Song and Diaby will give Fabregas license to link up with Arsenal’s front three, who are as potent a combination as anywhere in Europe. The impressive Nasri joins Arshavin and Van Persie in a dangerous and threatening forward line.

Moving Nasri out wide may be a blessing in disguise, as he has been far more influential playing the Fabregas role in the Arsenal Captain’s absence.

The heatmap to the right shows Arsenal at their most effective; taken from their demolition of Aston Villa in November. If Arsenal’s midfield and front three control the tempo of the game, they are deadly.

Their interplay at times is mesmerising, but it relies heavily on dominating the middle of the park. If Fabregas can take possession in the key areas on the right, Arsenal will hurt us. We can see they rarely look to work the ball wide, but instead rely on working the ball primarily in the central two channels. Arshavin is particularly adept at moving into these channels and exploiting space.

Arsenal’s strength, as with the above, is in their ability to maintain possession and work intricate triangles in the opponents half. Fabregas, Nasri and Arshavin in particular will need to be monitored carefully as they tend to drift from their starting positions in between the lines of the opposition (note to Michael Essien and Jon Obi Mikel).

However, in my eyes the true danger lies in the left boot of a certain Robin van Persie. Van Persie is a big match player, that is without question and his ability to score goals against top sides is particularly well documented. His movement is superb and although he is just back from injury, for me he is the biggest threat.

Mikel, Ivanovic and Terry need to ensure RVP remains facing his own goal for as long as possible, as his quick feet will trouble if he gets turned or in behind.

For all their attacking quality they do lack a big match mentality. The most salient part of Arsenal’s defeat at United was their inability to pass the ball in their usual fluid manner. Moreover, if there is one side in Europe that can counteract a passing side, it is Chelsea.

The fear of Drogba is well documented, but you do doubt the psychological effect of one player on a side of professional footballers. With Drogba though, the doubts dissipate. Apparently Arsenal fans believe they have more chance of beating Barcelona over two legs than stopping Drogba from scoring?

If we are to win, and we must win, Drogba will need to play the school bully once more.

KEY ISSUES:

1. MAKE ARSENAL PLAY WIDE – We need a stellar performance from Messrs Mikel and Essien in the middle of the park.

Mikel seems to be a marmite player, he is liked or loathed, but if you cannot see his importance in big games then you need to take your blinkers off. Invariably excellent against top tier opposition, he was superb at Stamford Bridge and last season kept Fabregas firmly in his pocket.

Michael Essien has been slightly off key post-injury, but looked more like his rampaging self against Tottenham in the second half. Looking at the incomplete pass attempts from the game at Stamford Bridge, we can see the benefit of making Arsenal play both long and forcing them to cross the ball.

This requires immense positional discipline and will mean Essien may need to curb his enthusiasm for bursting forward with the ball. Clearly we should favour Terry and Ivanovic over any of Arsenal’s front three/four in the air, so shifting them from their favoured channels should work to our advantage. Arsenal will probably dominate possession, but if they are playing side-to-side that is a positive thing for Chelsea.

They do not want to cross the ball, but when they eventually do you can take that as a victory for Mikel, Essien and Lampard. If Arsenal manages to score from a cross, it will be from a poor piece of defending and not by design.

2. DIDER DROGBA AND FRANK LAMPARD – I cannot remember a player in the Abramovich era ever being as dominant as Drogba is against Arsenal. He is having a quiet season by his own admission, but the fired up Drogba versus Spurs is hopefully looking at Arsenal with a carnivorous grin.

We must not be afraid to look early to Drogba against the Arsenal back line, but this also means that we need to get players around Drogba looking for the second ball (cue Lampard). Drogba’s strength, hold up play and all around bully boy self needs to be evident from the outset.

If he scores, watch the old Drogba return. If he plays well, we will win. He scored a remarkable goal at Stamford Bridge, was a general pest all game and was a menace last season. Please Didier, put your hunting boots on.

Frank, Super Frank, how we have missed you. I am not sure what speed Lampard is up to in terms of his preparation, but if one chance falls his way in the penalty box, who will doubt the best goalscoring midfielder in Europe from slotting it away?

In Frank’s absence it was worrying that no other player could link with the forward line as well. It is of no surprise that our team have looked so disjointed in recent weeks. Lampard brings a balance, an experience, a class and lethality to our midfield that no one else inspires.

People will bang on about Lampard as a purely attacking force, but do take note of how he organises things defensively: I guarantee our midfield looks like it knows each other.

3. SET PIECES AND CROSSES – We are due a goal from a set piece very soon. Drogba, Terry, Ivanovic and Essien are all exceptional in the air and easily overpower/tower over their opposition. Any corner or free kick must be attacked with vigour and purpose.

I am still not happy with the quality of our delivery, but you would bank on us winning the majority of aerial contests in the Arsenal penalty box. Fabianksi is very suspect on crosses and this uncertainty seeps into his defence the more he comes under pressure. We need to pinpoint the Arsenal full backs, often isolated, and pepper crosses into Drogba.

THE TEAM:

The only real question is whether to play Bosingwa over Ferreira. In all honesty I think Paulo is likely to start after his handling of the current World’s Best Player Gareth Bale (I kid, honestly). However, I think given Arsenal’s general pace and our preference to play them on the counter-attack, Bosingwa might be the better option.

The midfield trio picks itself and as with the above thoughts, will determine a large part of whether we come out victorious. We need a performance from Anelka, who has been underwhelming of late. Last thoughts relate to our substitutes bench, which finally has some real impact quality on there for the first time in what seems like weeks.

Ramires, Kalou, Ferreira/Bosingwa and Sturridge provide real options to alter the game if things are not going our way. We have also got players to now alter the system if we choose.

Prediction is a simple one: Drogba plays well, we will win.

Sometimes I wish I was a betting man, because Drogba scoring against Arsenal is now, it seems, pretty much a forgone conclusion.

It was no surprise then, that in the 39th minute, up stepped our super striker to do it again, and deflate Arsene Wengers pre-match bravado that this would be the year they beat us.

Every season it’s the same, it’s becoming as iconic as Liverpool’s ‘we’ll win it next year’ in terms of the seasons ridiculous statements, but it all adds to the enjoyment of beating them, again.

It could have all been so different though, thankfully Arsenal read the script, spurning chances left right and centre. As early as the first minute they could have taken the lead, a Sagna cross to Chamakh saw the Moroccan head wide. Then Koscielny headed over soon after.

Arsenal continued to play their tappity tap football, mostly in front of our defensive lines although they were getting joy out of our fullbacks, with the Arsenal wingers and full backs often doubling up on either Ashley or Ivanovic. Arshavin had one shot that Cech was at full stretch to tip to safety.

Chelsea though, stood firm. With Cech claiming anything near him, Terry and Alex holding their lines and positions well, and Essien and Ramires covering every blade of grass and Drogba winning most balls against Squillaci & Koscielny.

With Arsenal pressing us it left openings at the back for a Chelsea counter attack. It came as no surprise then that it was our Ivorian battering ram that opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and the goal was a thing of beauty.

Ramires won the inside the Arsenal half, played a one-two with Mikel, and played a delightful pass to Ashley, who knocked a first time ball into the area. Drogba got on the end of the ball and somehow managed to knock it in, almost mid-pirouette, hitting the ball with his heel to put it past Fabianski at his near post.

The second half started as the first had finished, an absorbing encounter with chances for each team, and it was again with Arsenal pressing that we could have doubled our lead.

Squillaci pondered on the ball in his own half and Anelka stole the ball, beat him for pace and then rounded the Arsenal keeper perfectly, only to see his shot roll just wide of the post. Ashley Cole managed to score in the 69th minute, but it was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

Arsenal again had chances with Rosicky and Chamakh missing opportunities, as did Chelsea who seemed to always be offside during each attack, a combination of good defending by our visitors, and odd decisions by the linesman.

It wasn’t until the 85th minute that the game was put beyond doubt. Alex and Drogba stood over a free kick, and whilst the Arsenal wall was being readied, Malouda took up a space too. As Alex ran towards the ball, Malouda ducked and Alex rammed the ball at where his head had just been, straight into the top corner. Stamford Bridge erupted.

Essien had the chance to make it three shortly after, but Fabianski got at him early and smothered his shot, and Malouda had a shot that the Arsenal keeper also blocked, in the end 2-0 was a fair reflection of the match.

Drogba spoke of his Arsenal record post match; “It is difficult for me to explain, I think I might be at the right place at the right time. Of course there will be a game when I won’t score against Arsenal and I don’t mind if I don’t score against them and I score other goals against other teams.”

Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ivanovic (Ferreira 72), Alex, Terry (c), Cole; Essien, Mikel (Sturridge 88), Ramires (Zhirkov 82); Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Scorers Drogba 39, Alex 85.

The only thing I love more than beating Arsenal, is listening to the musings of their slightly senile manager. Unless he didn’t see it, that is.

A lot has been made of our physical strength, and whilst we are the tallest and heaviest team in the league, with Arsenal being the shortest and lightest, it’s disingenuous of Wenger to suggest that’s all we have in our Arsenal.

When asked about the difference in the teams sizes, he replied; “What for you is physical strength? How can you explain how Spain won the World Cup and Barcelona beat Chelsea in the Champions League? Football is not only down to physique. It’s down to intelligence, technique, mobility. There is not one way. That’s what makes it interesting.”

Indeed Arsene, would that be the Barcelona we’ve beaten on numerous occasions with out ‘strength’ or was it lightning counter attacks, tactical intelligence and mobility? How about all the times we’ve beaten your team? How about the five goals we put past you in the league last season, without reply?

Continuing on the same lines he added; “Did Didier Drogba score last week? No he didn’t, he played against Kolo Touré. When Touré played here you said he could not handle him. Suddenly when he moves to Manchester City he’s stronger.” Maybe because he’s now at a team that knows it’s ok to tackle, and be tackled?

Predictably the subject turned to money; “The biggest pride of a club is to achieve the maximum with the resources available, that is what we try to achieve and the situation is not really comparable to what Chelsea has done. The resources are different. The fact that I manage a club in a sensible way looks crazy. I understand why Chelsea manage in their own way, because they can support the deficit. We can’t.”

You say; ‘achieve the maximum with the resources available’ – which is exactly what we do, we have more resources available that you, and manage it that way. Continually harping on about the fact makes you look sad and bitter. You keep your profit, and pretty football. We’ll take the trophies every time, and guess what? Our football isn’t too shabby now, either.

Team news is much the same as the midweek match however Arsenal nemesis Didier Drogba returns to action after suspension and should lead the line. Drogba spoke of his record against Arsenal; “I can say that I am a bit lucky because I scored a few goals against them,’ he acknowledged. ‘Every game is different. I remember some games when we played well against Arsenal, but this one will be a different one, I don’t know how”

The Ivorian has admitted he’s still not 100%; It is a strange start to the season for me, I scored goals and made some assists but I am not really 100 per cent yet, with the surgery I had in pre-season it is a bit difficult for me to catch up. I am doing my best and I hope that maybe in one or two weeks I will be better.”

Let’s hope today is another good day for his rehabilitation, a couple of goals always helps.

Chelsea went back to the top of the English Premier League with a resounding 2-0 win at home to Arsenal.

Didier Drogba was the chief destroyer with two well taken goals, whilst the defence plus Petr Cech were outstanding in Chelsea’s gallant victory.

Florent Malouda was preferred to Deco and Joe Cole as the support to Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in attack, whislt Ashley Cole returned to the side at left back in place of Yuri Zhirkov.

As mentioned in many circles, Drogba is an alarmingly regular goal scorer against the Gunners and it took just seven minutes for him to find the back of the net at Stamford Bridge. Malouda’s corner was headed on by John Terry to an unmarked Drogba at the back post, who made no mistake in poking past Almunia.

Andrey Arshavin should have equalised for the away side after a long ball dropped over the head of Branislav Ivanovic, but Cech made a brilliant save with his left foot to deny the Russian.

A wonderful counter attack saw Chelsea double their lead. Frank Lampard surged through the midfield before spreading the ball wide right to Drogba. The Ivorian cut inside before unleashing an unstoppable left footed shot past the stranded Almunia.

Cech made two further saves in the second half, firstly to deny Fabregas and then preventing Bendtner getting to a loose ball. Drogba smashed a long range free kick against the crossbar in search of his hat-trick, but it was not to be.

Likewise, Arsenal’s attacking efforts weren’t good enough, pretty much ending their title hopes for yet another season.

Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday in what is expected to be a fierce London derby.

Chelsea go into the match six points clear of Arsenal who are third in the league, a win for United yesterday sent them back to the top of the table, bringing the result at Stamford Bridge into even sharper focus.

William Gallas will face his former club, whilst Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole will do likewise for Chelsea. Theo Walcott is fit, as is Abou Diaby, whilst the back to the future signing Sol Campbell is also available if required.

Didier Drogba has 15 league goals, after adding his free kick against Hull during the week, his third free kick of the season. He’s scored 10 times against Arsenal in 9 (+2) appearances since joining Chelsea in 2004. John Obi Mikel is also available after completing his tour of duty for Nigeria.

In late November, Chelsea crushed Arsenal 3-0 at The Emirates thanks to two goals from Didier Drogba and an own goal from Thomas Vermaelen. A win again tomorrow would just about put paid to Arsenal’s faint title hopes.

Chelsea have lost just three times in the past 114 Premier League fixtures, however, two of those were against Arsenal. The first was in Feburary 2004 and the second was the corresponding fixture last season. The Blues went down 2-1 under Luiz Felipe Scolari, only getting on the scoresheet via a Johan Djorou own goal. Robin Van Persie scored twice for Arsenal.

Ladbrokes have Chelsea installed as short priced favourites at 4/5, with a draw paying a healthy 5/2. Arsenal are clear underdogs at 7/2. William Hill are in agreement, posting Chelsea at fractionally longer odds of 5/6, the draw at 12/5 and Arsenal at 7/2.