Blues need to play at a much higher tempo

ALTHOUGH the rendition of “we’re gonna win the league” was sung with tongues very firmly in cheeks at Bloomfield Road, there was very much a sense of revivalism amongst the supporters even though we didn’t play particularly well.

Indeed we had a major wobble in the last 10 minutes with Boswinga especially, who was described by one fan as being “needlessly sh**e”.

And I think that is the point. The majority of problems we encounter are of our own making. Our play is so slow. We seem to have lost the ability of being able to zip the ball about.

Some may bemoan the tactics of the opposition — putting men behind the ball, defending above and beyond everything else but if we just moved the ball around quicker we would overcome a lot of that.

However, there were a number of positives from the game.

One thing we have missed terribly this season which contributed badly to our extended slump is the lack of goals from Frank Lampard. We have (unfairly) come to rely on from him. But he’s been finding the net regularly and, surprise, surprise, we are back to winning ways again.

If we could only get some of our players to remember we have a €58 million striker and pass to him occasionally we might be able to cement that Champions League spot.

The vast majority of Chelsea fans thankfully understand the game and can see that Torres is doing everything right. His movement is excellent. His work-rate is as it should be and he evidently worries opposition defences.

I hope mentally he is as strong. The longer he goes without a goal, the heavier that monkey on his back becomes. This is where the value of a good number two proves his worth.

Ancelotti has a strategic overview and a whole squad to manage and I’d imagine his time to dedicate to one player is limited.

Someone like Ray Wilkins would be invaluable. He has been described as being a very positive influence to have around a club and was obviously popular with the players. Paul Clement seems to be growing into the role of Carlo’s assistant, Emenalo is largely absent, so it’s important that he contributes to keeping Torres’ spirits up.

Obviously as a professional player he will have gone through peaks and troughs in his career but it will prey on his mind if it continues. Personally, I think his team-mates could do more to help him. There were a number of occasions when instead various individuals took on half chances themselves.

I understand players want to prove their worth but the good of the team must be paramount and they need reminding of that.

Towards the end of the season we need to be more positive on the pitch. This sitting back is neither helping the team to perform, nor is it helping my nerves.

Carlo must understand English teams simply do not play like this. They don’t really know how to. It invariably leads to the ball being lost cheaply and with our lack of pace it can be difficult to get back. We got away with it at Blackpool because, with all due respect, our players are much better than them, but we may not fare so well with better teams.

Carlo has learned something most Chelsea fans have known for quite some time. Kalou is better as a substitute rather than starting. He is one of very few players that does have some pace, and to bring him on when there are tired legs amongst the opposition, accentuates that.

The stuttering form of Arsenal and Manchester United show what could have been achieved if all of Chelsea hadn’t gone AWOL for five months. We’re too far behind for the title... but beat bogey team Manchester City on Sunday week and the race for third place, and automatic Champions League qualification is well and truly on.

The only player I really fear is Tevez and hopefully, between Luiz and Terry, we can keep him quiet. The games against Tottenham, City and United are the cliched six pointers and we need to do the business.

The results involving the top four seem totally unpredictable at the moment. It would be a brave man to bet on the eventual order. As far as we are concerned we need to play as if the title is still a possibility. Bit more attack, bit more pace, Lampard back doing what he does best and a few goals from Torres and who knows where we will be come the end of May.

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