Chelsea show class of champions

By Staff Writer | 30th November 2009

Chelsea show class of champions | read this item

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I know you only get three points for a win, regardless of whether you triumph 1-0 or 5-0, but the manner of your victory can have a huge psychological impact on both your team and your opponents as you head into your next set of fixtures.

I believe such an impact was made at the Emirates on Sunday as Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge was blown apart by a dominant Chelsea side. Yes, certain things went the way of the Blues (as Arsene Wenger was very keen to point out) but the manner of the victory is testament to the power, strength and resilience found in Carlo Ancelotti’s side. It made the rest of the league sit up and take notice while Chelsea fans will have the belief they can win a third title in six years.

While I can find faults in Arsenal’s technically gifted but inexperienced line-up and spot weaknesses in a post-Ronaldo Manchester United, from the season’s evidence so far I can’t see a way of stopping the Blue tide from sweeping all before them in the Premier League.

Ancelotti has moulded a team of individuals, whose infighting and ego trips have scuppered many a Chelsea manager, into a side capable of winning the league. Six clean sheets in a row have provided a solid backbone to their success; don’t forget United’s title campaign last year was founded on a record run of clean sheets. But far from being a dour defensive outfit, they also attack with a flow and panache worthy of their much lauded opponents last weekend. And in Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka they have a strike duo that fulfills every attribute and then some.

Key moments are still to come; the busy festive period and the African Cup of Nations, which will deplete them of key players for up to a month, are just two examples. But from what I have seen of the title challengers this season (and I count the likes of Villa and Spurs in that), I don’t think you can look beyond the boys from the Bridge. Make sure you bear this in mind before placing your next Premier League bet!