Chelsea crumble at White Heat Lane

AS ash clouds continue to mass over Europe, Carlo Ancelotti’s message to his Chelsea players after a potentially defining day in the Premier League title race will be similar to the advice given to trapped tourists: stay grounded and don’t panic.

Simple guidance but hard to follow, certainly if the anxiety they displayed at White Hart Lane is anything to go by. Most perturbing for Chelsea supporters will be that their performance was embodied by captain John Terry, who conceded a penalty and was deservedly dismissed for two reckless challenges after a generally clumsy outing. Add Didier Drogba’s attempt to get himself substituted in bizarre scenes at the start of the second-half, and Ancelotti could be forgiven for worrying that his side might wilt under the weight of expectation.

Chelsea not only lost the game, but they lost their heads. They could not cope with Tottenham’s passing and movement, and in reality should be thankful that their goal difference advantage over Manchester United stands at three – because that edge could have been completely eroded were it not for profligate finishing from Spurs.