Chelsea dragged into fight with Arsenal and Tottenham

It was the worst possible result for Chelsea against Manchester City yesterday, as it put Roberto Mancini’s men seven points ahead in second place. The worry now for Chelsea is that Arsenal are just two points behind in fifth place, while Tottenham are just one point behind and play their game in hand away to West Ham tonight. If Spurs win tonight they will feel like they have won the jackpot at an online casino and move into Third Place.

I have never wanted the Hammers to win so much in all my life, but Spurs are in a really good spell of form at the minute. The most disappointing thing about yesterday’s game was the lack of passion and drive to get back into it. After Hart saved Lampard’s penalty it seemed to drain some of the resolution from the players and we made it too easy for City to play their game.

There was maybe a case for Hart seeing red after bundling into Demba Ba to give away the spot kick, but the striker was heading away from goal so it was no surprise to see just a yellow. Lampard struck it well, but Hart guessed right and made a fantastic save. That was the closest we came, and Toure was allowed way too much room in the box to pick his spot for the opener, as was Tevez for the second.

We are in a real fight now, and Benitez needs to get the players over that result quickly, with an awayday at Middlesborough in the FA cup on Wednesday, followed by a vital home game against West Brom in the Premier league. Any more slip ups and we risk missing out on the Champions league next season.