Shake, rattle and goals

IT WAS meant to be all about an outstretched hand but in the end the only thing shaken was Chelsea’s title challenge and, perhaps more deeply and even more significantly, their self -belief.

Make no mistake; Chelsea’s 4-2 defeat against Manchester City on Saturday, which included red cards for Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti, is a significant result even in a season in which the top three have taken it in turns to self-combust.

It has left the Premier League leaders only three points ahead of third-placed Arsenal, and given rivals and observers alike an unexpected glimpse of Chelsea’s sensitive under-belly.