Andre Vilas-Boas would have done well to reflect on what went wrong in Chelsea’s defeat to QPR. Despite all the shenanigans around the racism charges and the undeserved, according to the coach, red cards, the plain truth was that the Blues went down 1-0 to a recently-promoted side, thereby missing the opportunity to overtake Manchester United to the second spot.
And so, when Chelsea take on Arsenal in another derby at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday, it would be interesting to see whether the team has absorbed the lessons of the previous defeat.
Villas-Boas’ side will come into the game with a 2-1 victory over Everton in the Carling Cup fourth round, but even that took them to the extra-time. Not that Vilas-Boas was too concerned with the delayed win. Speaking to the team’s website, he said, “It was important (to beat Everton). To be fair after a defeat that happens like that, although we have nothing to say about the effort we put on against Queens Park Rangers it was important to go back to winning ways and to do it in this fashion is more gratifying,”
Against them will be Arsenal, who have slipped under the radar more recently after an implosive start to the season. The 8-2 loss to Manchester United spawned off many a ticklers from those with active virtual social lives but that seemed to be the nadir. Since then, they lost to Blackburn Rovers 4-3, allowing their Indian-owned opposition their only win of the season so far, but have recovered well to win four games in a row in all competitions.
The away record is appalling though. Stepping out of the Emirates Stadium, Wenger’s boys have not won in eight games and that will be a record Arsene Wenger will look to erase. A Jose Bosingwa and D Droba-less Chelsea will still be strong enough to make things difficult for Arsenal.
Of course, Chelsea’s defence has been in question as well, having allowed goals against them in six Premier League games at home, starting last season. Add to that the loss to QPR and Vilas-Boas will be searching hard for answers.
Arsenal will have the option of playing Thomas Vermaelen in the game, while they will miss Jack Wilshere (ankle), Bacary Sagna (leg) and Carl Jenkinson (knee) through injury. On the other hand, Chelsea will be without Ramires, who is out injured along with Michael Essien whose knee continues to prevent him from hopping into the field.