actually its quite strange - last season, they steamrollered
everybody whereas this season, they fall short during times when we
expect them to win.
On paper, they seem to have a easier fixture list running in, they
have done the tough away games (except to Arsenal) whereas Man U
have to visit Liverpool away, Chelsea away.
Think the crucial factor is the lack of able players to double up
when their keyplayers are injured or not performing. I don't think
Chelsea can use injuries to Terry & Cech as excuse for poor
performance. If you want to be a big time team, these are things
that you must counter and live with. But looking at Chelsea's
lineup, the Dutch defender - Balh...something has not been good.
Same goes for Ferrira (or something like that) - hence essentially,
you rely solely on Terry & Cavarlho - either one gets injured /
suspended, you are in trouble. Playing Essien in centre of defense
is not exactly a bright idea.
Man U is facing a defensive crisis at the moment - all their
defenders are out. But the saving grace is that their goalie is
around although in the recent games, his form is questionable as
well. But their strike force is still potent - a fine example is
the turnaround wins against Everton & AC Milan. And for Man U,
they have so many players that can score.
Comparatively, Chelsea relys on (or solely) Drogba to deliver the
goods. Shevchenko is still blowing hot & cold, Kalou is still
young, the rest - Essien, Mikel, Joe Cole, Robben are not in top
form. And its have been a long time since Lampard last scored.
