New year but Blues face same old failings

SOME of Chelsea’s players left the field arguing, others shook their heads in disbelief while colleagues sunk to their knees in despair; but every single one headed for the dressing room knowing a new year will now bring new problems, new difficulties and new inquests.

Of course this match will be remembered for its sheer drama as Chelsea came from 2-1 behind to lead 3-2, only to concede an injury-time leveller to Ciaran Clark, but it was far more than a six-goal thriller to fill up an end of season DVD of Premier League highlights.

For Villa it could prove a real turning point in a season that has been little short of disastrous, such was the energetic and inventive nature of their football which in the end earned them a deserved and hugely welcome point; but for Chelsea it encapsulated everything good about the old Blues of 2010 and everything bad about the new version of 2011.