Ancelotti eyes improvement for stuttering Blues

CARLO ANCELOTTI admits Chelsea’s standards are buckling under the weight of a gruelling festive programme, despite seeing them stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points at West Ham last night.

The Blues once again produced a leggy performance against struggling opponents and were unable to take maximum advantage of second-placed Manchester United’s slip-up at Fulham 24 hours previously.

“We didn’t play a good match,” Ancelotti admitted. “We met a strong, hard team. It was a tough game.