It's been a while! But unfortunately little has changed.

Discussions of a blip have been dispelled by Chelsea continuing to perform below par.

The match against Bolton was a frustrating one, but at least we started to show signs of confidence - something severely lacking in the performances of the last couple of months.

Lampard Not The Only One Celebrating His Return! ©AP Photos

The game against Arsenal had so many problems with it that there isn't enough space to spout negative ramblings. In summary we were poor and deserved to leave the Emirates empty handed.

Ancelotti can only take so much blame, personally I cannot aim any vitriol his way - he didn't expect to make his half time team talk then watch as two of his players set up two easy goals for Arsenal.

Frank Lampard's return has been much needed, he still isn't up to scratch but our midfield already looks a lot more heavyweight with his presence.

Kalou was finally dropped for the game against Bolton, a move which should have been made by the coach long ago, but it still didn't eradicate the fact that we have too little going on upfront.

For me the two major reasons we are experiencing this poor run of form is a/ the lack of attacking prowess at the moment and b/ the injury to Alex resulting in the right back position not being filled by Ivanovic.

Ferreira is a great backup player and handled Bale very well, Bosingwa is good going forward but not good enough at the back. Ivanovic however is a combination of both of these and is a far better option in this role.

This must also be the opinion of the boss, we have just had a bid turned down for Benfica's David Luiz, surely to occupy central defence and allow Ivanovic to return to the follies of old and enjoy his role on the right.

Upfront we have major issues. Malouda is not as imperious as he previously has been, Drogba is nowhere near up to form of old and Anelka blows hot and cold. As for Kalou, he blows cold constantly and is finally being played where he belongs for now - on the bench!

Bolton were worthy opponents, they didn't make it easy. We didn't exactly make it hard. The majority of play was in their half but we struggled to test their keeper because once the ball was played upfront we were not attacking the box with enough vigour.

Once too often a cross went in for nobody to be in the centre, our strikers at the moment are in the habit of dropping off to deep and collecting the ball for themselves. They need to trust the midfield to do that for them.

Ramires is showing signs of improvement, he wasn't great against Arsenal but must be applauded for his determination. Against Bolton he was chasing the ball down, attempting to be more physical and on occasion made some great darting runs.

Something we are not seeing enough of from Essien.

You know you are in poor form when you can pick out Essien as an under-performer. His driving runs have been amiss. Fortunately it showed that when he does have a part to play it is an important one, his determination in his run led to the goal on Wednesday night.

Next month is the most important in the last few years of the club. We are teetering on the edge of not being in the race for the title. Some may write us off already, however 7 points isn't impossible. We have to hope for 12 points out of 12.

Arsenal have already proven to be unpredictable with a win over us followed by a draw against 10 man Wigan. It is now for Man United to drop some points, unfortunately at it seems they are picking up stride for the first time this season.

One thing I will say, for all our success of the past few seasons it has been greatly refreshing to go to a game and regain that sense of relief at a goal being scored. It kind of brings the excitement back. Usually we are expectant, at the moment we are hopeful - and the reaction of the fans when Malouda scored against Bolton showed that the old feeling of relief is back. Not ideal, but it makes for excitement!

Have a great new year, and Keep The Blue Flag Flying High!!!