There’s no point in beating about the bush, this has been a torrid time for Chelsea fans alike.

It is difficult to pinpoint where and why things have gone so wrong in the last month or so, whether it was the sacking of Wilkins, the build up of injuries or if Ancelotti, like many before him, has simply lost the dressing room.

Yesterday’s performance against Spurs though was a relief, even if it was only a draw. It showed signs that we are turning the corner.

Anelka, Singled Out... ©Getty Images

The match against Newcastle brought many positives with it, but the match against Spurs was far more convincing – and for the first time in weeks looked like the Chelsea of old.

Spurs are no mugs – although much of their faithful are – and we put up a fight and in all honesty had them hanging on in the latter stages of the game.

On top of that, lest we not forget that we didn’t win there last season. So think of it one point gained, rather than two points dropped.

We were certainly vulnerable to the break, but that isn’t always a bad thing, we were vulnerable to the break because we were up the pitch fighting for the win.

John Terry was an absolute rock, his solidity yesterday vindicating exactly why the Chelsea fans hold him in such esteem. He played exactly how a captain should, and his attitude would’ve surely spread throughout the team.

Paulo Ferreira also endeared himself to us with a superb performance against the deadly figure of Gareth Bale. Who eventually had to resort to diving around in order to get Spurs in attacking positions, he didn’t have it his way for once. Tactically Ancelotti got it spot on, keep Ferreira there just to monitor Bale.

However for their goal this did backfire as Ferreira was out of position watching Bale whilst Ivanovic got pulled into the right back area, thus the ball was played to Pavluychenko in the centre with Obi Mikel covering in a role he isn’t suited to.

Didier Drogba looked dangerous, something he has been struggling to do for a while and quite rightly was dropped from the starting line up. Maybe it was the kick up the posterior that the Ivorian was in need of. Complacency is common-place with somebody who is regarded as first on the team sheet.

Seeing Frank Lampard back is a major boost to our chances. If we are to win the league we need players like Lampard in the centre fighting for the team. It has been majorly apparent in his absence how much of an influence he is on the team.

Our midfield has looked lightweight of late, and with Essien getting back to full fitness too we will hopefully regain our presence as a force.

Ramires does once again deserve some credit for a solid performance, he really seems to have worked on that side of his game, though his passing still needs some work, it would be hard on him to bemoan his inclusion yesterday. He truly gave it his all.

It isn’t all rosy though.

Anelka looked like Le Sulk had taken over his body once again, and was of absolutely no use to the team yesterday. His positioning at times was abominable, it was as if we had a defence and a midfield. The attack was missing. Malouda and Kalou were effectively midfielders.

Understandably with Anelka it is a desire for the ball at his feet that sees him drop deep, but in a game like yesterday’s we cannot risk not having a player there for the hoof balls up the pitch.

I have often stated that Chelsea play route one football with style, Anelka needs to adapt in that situation and use his ball skills to retain possession in forward positions.

Our goal is the perfect example, Cech – Hoof – Drogba – Goal.

Had Drogba not been on the pitch Cech’s kick would have simply found a bank of Spurs players.

Now, Kalou. Where do we start with him?

A word often bandied around alongside the name of Kalou is potential.

He has had potential now for four seasons, it is about time that this potential was turned into skill or class. But it hasn’t.

It is unclear to me what he has done to warrant a starting place in this Chelsea side, Daniel Sturridge came on and provided a much more effective duty in the same position.

There are times when I have sided with Kalou, for all of his bad finishing at least he is effective on the ball at times. That seems to have been lost from his game, so now he is running around the pitch ineffective on the ball and even worse in front of goal. Barn door certainly comes to mind.

I would be surprised if Kalou manages to keep his starting place this weekend, a midfield of Lampard, Essien, & Mikel should be enough to force him out with Malouda and Anelka partnering Drogba upfront.

It is a shame when you give up hope on a player, but in all honesty he doesn’t cut it. He has never been sure of his position (attacker, attacking midfielder, winger) and has never fulfilled his potential.

This is the player than Marco Van Basten begged his government for a passport in order to be eligible for Holland at the World Cup in 2006. If the situation arose now Van Basten would be begging for his deportation.

Enough moaning now though, it is time to start thinking a lot more upbeat. We showed signs of recovery, now we need to fulfil our own potential and answer the questions we have been posed throughout the last month.

Not just for the fans but for Ancelotti, it saddens me to see him under pressure. I can’t quibble with him for what he has brought to this club, in terms of his great personality but also a style of football we have never been party to at the Bridge.

Big day on Sunday. Certainly could turn the season back in our favour. Also here’s hoping for a draw this evening.

Keep The Blue Flag Flying High!

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