Houllier: Don't write off Chelsea

Gerard Houllier refused to write off Chelsea’s Barclays Premier League title hopes after his Aston Villa side dealt them a blow by holding the champions to a 3-3 draw.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted his side’s defence of the league was not over after they threw away a crucial two points yesterday in a Stamford Bridge thriller.

That was despite admitting after Wednesday’s victory over Bolton that they would have been killed off had they not won that day.

Failure to see off Villa left Chelsea marooned in fifth place, six points behind Manchester United having played a game more.

While a slip-up from their unbeaten arch-rivals is not impossible, it is highly unlikely Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham will all press the self-destruct button.

Houllier is well-placed to assess the current title picture, with his side having faced three of the top five in the past three games.

Asked if Chelsea were still in the hunt, he said: “It’s very difficult to say because every team has got its own asset.

“Tottenham, when they play, they are extremely good. Manchester City were impressive. Chelsea are a bit like us – they’re going through a difficult time.”

Villa’s difficult time – six defeats from seven matches in all competitions - eased somewhat with yesterday’s result. But Chelsea’s left them with one win in eight and 17 dropped points out of the last 24.

Ancelotti, though, was defiant.

“It’s not over because we are improving and I think that we can say something again this season,” he said, pointing out United had to win their game in hand to go nine points clear.

“First, they have to win. Second, I think that the gap is not a light gap at this moment. But everything is open again.

“Obviously, we have to beat them here, and we can say something again about the title.”

Yesterday’s result put Ancelotti’s position under fresh scrutiny after an ugly 1-0 win over Bolton had eased the pressure on the Italian.

At least Chelsea avoided defeat, a prospect that looked highly likely six minutes from time against a Villa side that had largely outplayed them.

Trailing 2-1 after Ashley Young’s penalty and Emile Heskey’s header had cancelled out Frank Lampard’s spot-kick, the home side thought they had won it when Didier Drogba and John Terry found the net.

Terry’s goal sparked wild celebrations as Chelsea’s players mobbed Ancelotti, but the joy was short-lived as Ciaran Clark levelled in stoppage-time.

Ancelotti denied his players had paid for over-celebrating, saying: “I think that it was not over-celebration. It was a good reaction after the goal.

“The last goal, yes, it was a mistake, because we conceded an easy cross and we didn’t mark in the box.”

He also played down an argument between team-mates at the final whistle, saying: “Everything is okay.”

Houllier also hit out at rumours of dressing-room unrest at Villa following Tuesday’s 4-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

“I’ve read so many things that really stun me, that are nothing to do with the truth,” he said.