Rafa Benitez's arrival at the Bridge wasn't really a popular ones for the fans and frosty receptions welcomed him on match days.It didn't help that Chelsea failed to win in the first three matches in charge and the failure to win the Club World Cup again didn't help his reputation. Benitez himself told the media that he needs wins to please the fans. But since arriving back from the Club World Cup, we have been seeing a revival for the Blues and especially in Torres. After placing 5 in the net against Leeds in the Capital One cup, Chelsea's best performance in the season came against Aston Villa, where the Blues romped home 8-0, with 7 different scorers. A 1-0 victory over Norwich followed, but then Norwich beat United and Arsenal this season and are no pushovers.With one game in hand, Chelsea are now 4 points behind City and 11 points behind leaders United, whose never say die attitude again brought them back from the jaws of defeat against Newcastle. 11 points is a big gap to overhaul, but its only reached the half way stage in the premier league. Even last season,City had a lead of 10 points at the half way stage, only to lose the lead going into the final weeks and then regaining it by the end.So Chelsea's pursuit of the premier league isn't exactly over though its going to be really tough. The current form looks good and if we can get a victory against Everton on Sunday, it will be a massive boost to the credentials. Everton hasn't been a happy hunting place for the Blues recently as the last 3 visits have presented defeats. With Everton also in good form, this could really be a match that could lift the Londoners if a win can be achieved.
Rafa's arrival was also meant to revive Torres and if stats are to be taken into consideration, Rafa has managed to get Torres scoring as he has scored 7 in his last 6 outings.Only van Persei with 16 goals in all competitions has more goals than Torres if you consider the players from the Premier League. Even now, its early to say Torres is back as he needs to prove this against better sides and Everton will be an opportunity for this.
Rafa's master stroke so far has been the deployment of David Luiz in the midfield role.He first deployed the Brazilian in the position in the Club World Cup and Luiz has thrived in the role, whether it is winning tackles or in passing the ball quickly to the attacking trio and Torres. Luiz in the pivot role is something the fans had been crying out for long and Rafa's decision could have actually found the best position for the Brazilian, whose is without question a wonderful talent.
Rafa has also managed to use the squad better as the likes of Marin and Piazon have finally made their debuts for Chelsea.Even academy player Nathan Ake played the final few minutes against Norwich.The first team hasn't really changed much from the earlier regime, only that more players are being used.
So Rafa's Chelsea is winning,Torres is scoring and deployment of Luiz in the DM position was a master stroke.Its still early to say that Rafa has turned it around and will be a good bet to take the position on a permanent basis, but the signs are looking good. The lack of depth in the striker's role is something that needs to be sorted out in the January transfer window. Falcao may not arrive after all, but the likes of Andre Schrulle, Negredo and Demba Ba are some of the names that have been rumored as potential targets by the Blues. Personally, I would prefer Demba Ba, as the Senegalese has a proven record in the premier league and will be available if Chelsea trigger his release clause of 7.5 million,not exactly an amount that Roman would even think twice over. With Sturridge seemingly on his way to Liverpool, its important that Chelsea add a proven goal scorer in January.Who knows, if United or City drop points and Chelsea continue its revival, the premier league might not be an impossible objective and with the Capital One Cup,FA and the Europa League, the season could yet prove to be a great one, like last season.
Rafa's arrival was also meant to revive Torres and if stats are to be taken into consideration, Rafa has managed to get Torres scoring as he has scored 7 in his last 6 outings.Only van Persei with 16 goals in all competitions has more goals than Torres if you consider the players from the Premier League. Even now, its early to say Torres is back as he needs to prove this against better sides and Everton will be an opportunity for this.
Rafa's master stroke so far has been the deployment of David Luiz in the midfield role.He first deployed the Brazilian in the position in the Club World Cup and Luiz has thrived in the role, whether it is winning tackles or in passing the ball quickly to the attacking trio and Torres. Luiz in the pivot role is something the fans had been crying out for long and Rafa's decision could have actually found the best position for the Brazilian, whose is without question a wonderful talent.
Rafa has also managed to use the squad better as the likes of Marin and Piazon have finally made their debuts for Chelsea.Even academy player Nathan Ake played the final few minutes against Norwich.The first team hasn't really changed much from the earlier regime, only that more players are being used.
So Rafa's Chelsea is winning,Torres is scoring and deployment of Luiz in the DM position was a master stroke.Its still early to say that Rafa has turned it around and will be a good bet to take the position on a permanent basis, but the signs are looking good. The lack of depth in the striker's role is something that needs to be sorted out in the January transfer window. Falcao may not arrive after all, but the likes of Andre Schrulle, Negredo and Demba Ba are some of the names that have been rumored as potential targets by the Blues. Personally, I would prefer Demba Ba, as the Senegalese has a proven record in the premier league and will be available if Chelsea trigger his release clause of 7.5 million,not exactly an amount that Roman would even think twice over. With Sturridge seemingly on his way to Liverpool, its important that Chelsea add a proven goal scorer in January.Who knows, if United or City drop points and Chelsea continue its revival, the premier league might not be an impossible objective and with the Capital One Cup,FA and the Europa League, the season could yet prove to be a great one, like last season.
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