5 reasons why things have gone wrong at Chelsea this season

Chelsea’s grip on the Premier League crown may seem to be slipping as a series of factors seem to have taken their toll on a difficult campaign up until now.

We’ve highlighted five reasons why the Blues haven’t fired this season…

1. Ray Wilkins departure.

He’s been there, done it and inevitably got the t-shirt. Wilkins acted as an internal go-between for Carlo Ancelotti and his players. The calmness of ‘Butch’ has undoubtedly been missed since he was dismissed from his number two role at Stamford Bridge, and it seems to have rubbed off on the pitch.

On 28 November, Chelsea were two points behind leaders Manchester United. Now, 11 games later, they sit in fifth position and trail United by 12. Wilkins left on 30 November.

2. Misfiring players.

Big name players haven’t produced this season with the consistency of last term. Didier Drogba hasn’t scored on more than one occasion in a match since the opening day thrashing of West Brom.

Nicolas Anelka has also struggled this term, contributing six goals to Chelsea’s cause, mainly playing off either flank in Chelsea’s 4-3-3 formation. Florent Malouda often provides support from the other wing, but he has never been prolific in front of goal.

Questions may also be asked of the holding midfielder John Obi Mikel, who at times has come in for some criticism. His sloppy pass led to Andy Carroll poaching a goal to put Newcastle one up back in September when Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw.

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3. A different Chelsea?

At one stage earlier this season, the west-Londoners could only manage one win out of eight in the league, picking up six points out of a possible 24. That run included a brace from now Chelsea man Fernando Torres in a 2-0 loss at Anfield; and a rare Nedum Onouha goal as they slumped to a 3-0 defeat at home to Sunderland (queue the Zenden dance!).

Looking back at Jose Mourinho’s tenure, or even last season, the performances being put in by this Chelsea side are not of what we have come to expect.

4. Lampard missing.

It cannot be ignored that the Lampard-less midfield has had an effect this season, particularly going forward. Whilst Chelsea boasts the tightest defence in the league, the team selection has often left them tactically stumped as they have fielded the midfield trio of Ramires, Mikel and Essien.

Between the three of them they have amassed four league goals. You could probably count on one hand how many times they have ventured into the opposition’s box – something Lampard has mastered over his career.

5. No money spent & down to the bare bones.

Despite the capture of Fernando Torres and David Luiz for over £70m this January, it may be a case of too little too late, as the team cried out for acquisitions in the summer.

Ramires was recruited for £18m, whilst they added the creative spark of Yossi Benayoun to their squad from Liverpool; unfortunately that spark seems to have burnt out since he pulled on the blue jersey.

It would be harsh to say Roman Abramovich has not put his hand in his pocket, but looking at the spending he has made before, this summer was a drop in the ocean compared to the transfer markets before it.

He only has to look back at previous seasons where it proved Chelsea’s heavy spending brought trophies. The owner is desperate to bring the Champions League trophy to the Bridge; it is the only trophy that has eluded him.

But, factor in the loss of some vastly experienced internationals in the summer and we may see why Chelsea have slipped off the pace this season. Michael Ballack, Deco, Juliano Belletti and Ricardo Carvalho all made way. Players of their calibre can prove to be vital in a championship push, even if they are not first team regulars.

Many would say that the departure of those players was a positive move from Ancelotti, by moving out some of the deadwood they could allow a new Chelsea to develop. Unfortunately, this hasn’t materialised.

They also lost Joe Cole to Liverpool, where as Benayoun swapped Liverpool for London. But both players have been largely ineffective for their new clubs this campaign (although the latter has been troubled with injuries).

Besides the impact of losing experienced players, it has affected the squad numerically as a taxing fixture list has often forced Ancelotti’s hand.

The Italian has been left to use players such as Josh McEachran, Jeffrey Bruma, Patrick Van Aanholt and Daniel Sturridge (now on loan at Bolton) to fill the bench. Whilst these are all good young players, Chelsea have struggled to change games when they needed it most.

Funnily enough, Sturridge has scored three times in as many games at the Reebok while £50m Torres has failed to hit the net in two outings. It’s a funny old game Carlo.

What’s next?

In summary, Chelsea have lacked the firepower and strength to maintain speed with the league leaders Manchester United so far this campaign.

Although it looks as if their crown may be heading away from west London at the moment, they still have a big part to play in the Premier League this season and you may not want to write them off just yet.

With fixtures against Sir Alex’s men home and away, they will also entertain neighbours Spurs and big spending Manchester City to Stamford Bridge.

Champions League qualification must be paramount to Ancelotti’s men but they are still in the current Champions League and FA Cup competitions.

Is 12 points a bridge to far for the Blues? If Fernando Torres and co. fire and the Chelsea of old return, we may yet see a final challenge for the title.

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Written by Ben Willoughby for Clean Sheets All Round – view the original article here

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Agree/disagree with Ben’s points? Let us know what you think in the comment section below

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