Chelsea closed to within three points of first place in the Premier League thanks to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Swansea City.
While league leading Manchester United dropped points courtesy of a 1-1 draw at Stoke City, Chelsea cruised to an emphatic 4-1 triumph over the Swans.
With Daniel Sturridge inexperienced and Nicolas Anelka unsettled, it is important Chelsea find a consistent source of goals if they are to maintain a title challenge.
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is showing legitimate signs of a return to form, but it seems every step he takes forward is closely followed by a step backwards.
For example, last weekend Torres scored a fantastic goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Spanish international striker ran onto a Nicolas Anelka through ball and produced a deft flick over David De Gea to open Chelsea’s account.
Sadly, it was a moment later in the game that would dominate headlines and media attention after the game. He broke through on goal and rounded De Gea with nifty footwork, but then skewed the ball wide of an open goal. The miss was one of the worst in Premier League history, and certainly not needed by a man who is battling to end a scoring slump.
In today’s 4-1 win over Swansea, things again started on a bright note for Torres. Just before the half hour mark, Torres collected an excellent through ball from fellow Spaniard Juan Mata, and fired past Michel Vorm to put Chelsea in front.
In a sad echo of last week, misfortune would soon follow for Torres. Just minutes after Ramires doubled Chelsea’s lead, Torres inexplicably flew into a rash, two-footed tackle on Mark Gower.
Torres had both feet off the ground and received a deserved red card for the play. Not only did it ensure more negative headlines for Torres, it now means Chelsea must play without him while he is suspended.
For that reason, Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas will be boosted by the goal scoring return on Saturday of powerhouse forward Didier Drogba.
Drogba was injured earlier this season after a sickening collision with Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy. He made his return with 11 minutes remaining against Swansea and the score at 3-1 Chelsea.
During injury time, Drogba made sure his return would be remembered on the score sheet. Drogba collected a pass from Florent Malouda, turned and fired home to wrap up the 4-1 win.
The return of Drogba I well timed and could be key this season. Drogba has been the goal scoring force that has driven Chelsea to a league title before, and could do so again in what is shaping up to be a fascinating title race.
With Daniel Sturridge inexperienced and Nicolas Anelka unsettled, it is important Chelsea find a consistent source of goals if they are to maintain a title challenge.
Spanish striker Fernando Torres is showing legitimate signs of a return to form, but it seems every step he takes forward is closely followed by a step backwards.
For example, last weekend Torres scored a fantastic goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Spanish international striker ran onto a Nicolas Anelka through ball and produced a deft flick over David De Gea to open Chelsea’s account.
Sadly, it was a moment later in the game that would dominate headlines and media attention after the game. He broke through on goal and rounded De Gea with nifty footwork, but then skewed the ball wide of an open goal. The miss was one of the worst in Premier League history, and certainly not needed by a man who is battling to end a scoring slump.
In today’s 4-1 win over Swansea, things again started on a bright note for Torres. Just before the half hour mark, Torres collected an excellent through ball from fellow Spaniard Juan Mata, and fired past Michel Vorm to put Chelsea in front.
In a sad echo of last week, misfortune would soon follow for Torres. Just minutes after Ramires doubled Chelsea’s lead, Torres inexplicably flew into a rash, two-footed tackle on Mark Gower.
Torres had both feet off the ground and received a deserved red card for the play. Not only did it ensure more negative headlines for Torres, it now means Chelsea must play without him while he is suspended.
For that reason, Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas will be boosted by the goal scoring return on Saturday of powerhouse forward Didier Drogba.
Drogba was injured earlier this season after a sickening collision with Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy. He made his return with 11 minutes remaining against Swansea and the score at 3-1 Chelsea.
During injury time, Drogba made sure his return would be remembered on the score sheet. Drogba collected a pass from Florent Malouda, turned and fired home to wrap up the 4-1 win.
The return of Drogba I well timed and could be key this season. Drogba has been the goal scoring force that has driven Chelsea to a league title before, and could do so again in what is shaping up to be a fascinating title race.
