How quickly can Chelsea recover from the Blues?

Champions Chelsea started the season at a blistering pace, scoring 17 goals in their first four Premier League games and conceding just one in the process. Even the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City in September seemed like just a mere blip as Chelsea attempted to retain the title.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, although great news for Arsenal and Manchester United supporters, the final two months of 2010 saw Carlo Ancelotti’s men go through an unusually sticky patch. The 1-1 draw at Tottenham was the Blues’ third consecutive league draw and meant they slumped down to fourth and missed out on the chance to return to the top of the table. The usually reliable Didier Drogba, who came off the bench to net the equaliser, missed a late penalty at White Hart lane to ensure that the Chelsea have taken just six points from their last seven league games.

The last victory came with a 1-0 triumph over Fulham on November 10 but, shortly after, assistant manager Ray Wilkins was surprisingly sacked and Chelsea’s season began to take a downward spiral. Chelsea face title rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in their next two games and, if they don’t halt their slump soon, their hopes of retaining the Premier League trophy could rapidly fade away.

Chelsea can never be underestimated and they will no doubt bounce back. A point off the top of the table in December is certainly not a crisis, but these are certainly worrying times for Ancelotti’s men. As an avid Gooner, I hope Chelsea's blip continues long into the season, but we cannot let our guard down and can never rule them out of the title race regardless of how the next few weeks unfold. Key duo John Terry and Frank Lampard have recently returned to action, so you can expect Chelsea to up their game and get back to their best in the near future!

Chelsea will need to go all out for a win against Manchester United in their next league encounter and home advantage could prove decisive at Stamford Bridge. History is on the Blues' side ahead of the game at Arsenal on December 27 but the Gunners will be out to prove that they should be treated as serious title challengers for the rest of the season.

A great fortnight of Premier League action is to be expected and whoever is top of the pile at the start of 2011 will have a strong foothold on the title.  But nothing can ever be taken for granted in the top flight of English football as Chelsea have found out in recent weeks.

I believe Chelsea will recover from their dip in form…but let’s hope it’s not for another few weeks!