Ancelotti blue as Chelsea’s festive frustration worsens

LESS than a month after ruthlessly dismantling Arsenal in their own backyard, Chelsea will now head into the New Year with alarm bells ringing, while even Carlo Ancelotti’s confidence is certain to be tested to the limit.

Suddenly, the prospects of a first Premier League title in four years does not look so much of a cakewalk after a worrying hiatus at the halfway stage of the season. This average performance at resurgent Birmingham City means Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, has only guided his side to one win in seven matches and next month will present his most severe challenge yet since his appointment.

With the talismanic Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou both heading off to the African Cup of Nations, the current absence of Nicolas Anelka and Michael Essien being so keenly felt, plus the suspension of Florent Malouda, it will not get much easier for the urbane Italian.