Chelsea's Drogba celebrating

Chelsea kept the top spot in a remarkable fashion, but in this crazy Premiership season can one team manage to be constant? 

Chelsea undoubtedly are the more likely team to do so. Their two losses came when players returned from international breaks. And with a team like Chelsea that means a lot of players are coming back from long travels. But the biggest issue in those matches wasn’t the jet lag or the fatigue, it was the midfield. In those two losses against Wigan and Aston Villa there was no Michael Ballack. Who would have thought that the German international would be so important to the team after a lack luster start a few years back. But there is no doubt Ballack is their core. He makes everyone around him better! Frank Lampard has NOT been performing to his level. Without Ballack Chelsea is lost. They better hope he doesn’t get injured. 

And transfer ban? Well it looks like Chelsea will be buying in January, but who needs a new player when you have a rejuvenated squad with injured players like Joe Cole and Alex coming back. The winger who made his return to the Premiership after almost a year on the sidelines has brought imagination to the Chelsea side. Cole has warranted man of the match accolades since he has been back. And he added the finishing touch Chelsea needed, they can actually score without Drogba. And then finally Chelsea will not be leaking easy goals anymore with Alex’s return. 

Alex is ultimately one of the best centre backs in the world. Carvalho has had his time, no his time should be on the bench. The back four are not the same with Carvalho. They don’t seem as strong and sometimes lack confidence with him partnering John Terry. So it’s easy, Alex plays Chelsea will stay on top easier;Carvalho plays then Chelsea have to sweat out close calls. 

Yes, Chelsea have the squad but they won’t when the African Cup of Nations comes a long. With Essien, Drogba, Kalou all out, it is going to be hard for the Londoners to keep their run going.  So they have to run the points now. And with the rest of the competition struggling-Liverpool losing to Fulham, and Manchester United dropping points – this may happen. 

So right now Chelsea need to play their own games. They are the best team on paper, but paper doesn’t prove anything. Their match against Manchester United this weekend will.If they do win against United, they will be 5 points clear and on their way to be Champions. No pressure blues.