In response to the recent criticism he has received, Villas-Boas has insisted that the new philosophy he is installing into this aging team will be the last thing to be sacrificed. Sticking with a high pressing back line, Chelsea produced an efficient defensive display against Newcastle and were worthy winners. Although, the score line is a bit flattering for the away side and cruel on Newcastle, Villas-Boas will be delighted to have relieved some of the pressure and temporarily silence his critics.
As well as a commanding defence, Didier Drogba led the frontline well and looked to be regaining form and justifying his starting place. Although, three goals away from home at an intimidating ground is great news for the London club, the nightmare of Fernando Torres’ Chelsea career continues.
Since his £50million move south from rivals Liverpool, the Spaniard has managed just five goals, leaving him to settle for a place on the bench alongside the likes of Kalou and Anelka. However, although Torres’ goal-to-game ratio has been anything but impressive, I have been impressed with his work rate and his willingness to help the team. Having been heavily criticised in the media for his lack of goals, the forward seems determined to hit the back of the net and prove his value to the team.
Yet, with three different strikers providing the goals today at St. James’ Park (I refuse to use its new name, The Sports Direct Arena), Fernando Torres must be struggling to see how he will gain a starting place to end his incredible slump in front of goal.
With one Spaniard struggling to find form at Chelsea, another is establishing himself as a key player. Juan Mata has grown into one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe and has provided Chelsea with some much needed flair. Seeing his counterpart revelling in his success, Torres must be struggling to work out what he is doing wrong and what Mata is doing so right. I guess it takes Juan to know Juan.
Because of past experiences, Roman Abramovic has been expected to dismiss Villas-Boas after watching his team win just 4 of his last 9 games prior to today’s victory. Instead, he has restated his commitment and faith in the young Portuguese, which should be responded with praise. In the month of the managerial sack race, Villas-Boas must think of himself as fortunate having witnessed Steve Bruce be put out of his misery and the terrible record Abramovic has with keeping faith in his employees.
Sticking to a new attacking philosophy has won Villas-Boas many admirers but he must now find a solution to getting the best out of Torres. If the talented young coach can do this, then don’t be surprised to once again see Chelsea challenging at the top of the table come May.
By James Hughes
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