Barclays Premiership:The Odds against Chelsea’s title defence

By: Tonebsky Nesta

The English Premiership may not be the most skilful in the globe, but it’s arguably the world’s most exciting league. At least the extensive and glamourous media coverage gives it an irresistible acceptance, hence the uncommon battle to win its coverage rights by leading cable television channels globally. The emergence of Chelsea as English Champion on the last day of the 2009/2010 season against expected last minute slip up by a few did not attract the much needed ovation by ardent followers of the Blues due to the nervy moments the team created in its build up to its eventual demolishing of Wigan on the last day of the league. The lack of excitement sterms largely from the lack of defensive and attacking depth, coupled with the ageing of the team’s reliables’ in these two areas. These lapses was what was roundly exposed by Manchester United in the FA Community Shield against Chelsea played recently at the new Wembley lush green turf. While Chelsea relied heavily on the ageing Nikolas Anelka and injury plagued Didier Drogba to provide it with goals at the front, Manchester United introduced Javier Hernandez to continue from where Wayne Rooney’s forays at Chelsea defence stopped. Both Wayne Rooney and the new Manchester United Mexican import, Javier Hernandez exposed the lack of pace of Chelsea defence occasioned by an ageing backline.

The only two signings Carlo Anceloti had made as at press time shows that the Italian and former AC tactician has not been able to identify the weak link in Chelsea. The choice of Anceloti to allow creative and hardworking Joe Cole go on free transfer to one of its rivals, Liverpool and sign Yossi Benayoun who obviously lacks pace and strength leaves much to be desired. Anceloti’s signing of Brazilian midfielder, Ramires from FC Porto when Chelsea was welcoming back Mikel Essien without really having noticeable defect at the centre also calls for questioning. The club’s academy should be able to provide at least a player to compliment its ageing players in that department. Another area that should give chronic Blues followers grey hair is the over reliance on goal tender, Peter Cech without a worthy substitute. While lack of fund remains an issue for Chelsea like its contemporaries in Europe, its reign as English Champion may suffer embarrassment if young, courageous and skillful players are not signed from other clubs or recruited from its reserve team. It must also be noted that the club management should give promising players like Daniel Sturridge and Gael Kalkuta enough playing time to give them confidence and bring out the best in them.