Five Things Learnt from Chelsea loss

5) An Improved Hazard

Perhaps only Jose Mourinho can claim to have suffered more during Chelsea’s early season slump than Eden Hazard. The current PFA player of the year has struggled to repeat the magic he so often displayed last season and was even dropped for the recent game against Aston Villa.

Chelsea fan’s were treated to a glimpse of the Hazard of old. At times, the Belgian displayed his shimmering menace, tormenting Stoke’s defenders. He missed the crucial penalty but Chelsea will still hope this could this be a turning point in their star-man’s season.

4) Jose Mourinho has the backing

Only 50 seconds had elapsed before Chelsea’s 4,712 travelling supporters began chanting Mourinho’s name. Presumably, this was to show he is still their number 1.

The majority of Blue fans are desperate for the special one to turn it around and Mourinho did not have the air of a man clinging on to his job. He even found the time for a cheery wave in the early stages and managed to crack a smile mid-way through the first half.

As the game wore on, those chants were even louder, especially after Loic Remy’s dramatic equaliser.

Despite the results, both Chelsea and the supporters are standing by their man which is actually to be admired.

3) ABRAMOVICH HAS MADE IS HARDEST DECISION YET… OR AT LEAST HIS BRAVEST!

There is no question that Mourinho is fighting for his future and another defeat this weekend against Liverpool could have severe ramifications for the Chelsea manager.

However, the Portuguese remains in charge, at least for the time being. Given Abramovich’s record, many will be surprised to still see Jose Mourinho pacing the side-lines at Stamford Bridge.

Both the Russian and Chelsea publicly backed him three weeks ago and insist that loyalty holds but their season has been unravelling at a rapid pace and the reality is, this is still a results buisness.

They return to Stoke a week on Saturday but whether Mourinho will still be in charge remains to be seen. There will have to be a cut-off point, but I don’t think we have quite reached it.

It is almost certain that Jose Mourinho will be given as much time as possible to get Chelsea back on track. I sense December will be the make or break month.

2) CHELSEA APPEAR TO BE OUT OF LUCK!

Chelsea were by far the better team during last nights defeat to Stoke City and can consider themselves extremely unlucky to not have progressed.

A lack of fortune has been evident this season with many controversial decisions going against them, the match ball defying them by courting both the woodwork and the goal line and to top things off, some of their key men have been ruled out with injuries.

Costa is the latest player to suffer from Chelsea’s miss-fortune. The undisputed talisman, the focal point of Chelsea’s attack, picked up another injury against Stoke and seems highly likely to miss the clash against Liverpool.

This latest injury may not be too serious but without him Chelsea lack menace and it only emphasises how short of attacking options they really are.

Unfortunate timing for Mourinho.

1) CHELSEA NEED TO SPEND, SPEND, SPEND!

Despite the improved performance last nigh, there is no doubt that Chelsea need to spend big in January. I can see big gaping holes in this Chelsea team and the cracks will need filling before we can witness Chelsea back to their very best.

Manchester City unbelievably spent £200m during the summer and have set a dangerous president.

Chelsea may be able to get better value for money, but they certainly need to match City for the quality of player they approach.

The Blues would need a centre-back, a left-back, a central-midfielder and a striker if they are to push Manchester City hard during the second half of the season.

Make no mistake, in this League anything is possible and Chelsea can still win the Premier League title if they can consistently beat the so called ‘lesser teams’ and can pick up maximum points against their top 4 rivals.

No one at the moment is displaying invisibility, everyone appears prone to the odd defeat. If Chelsea can get back on track, start winning football matches, they can increase the pressure on the leading pack.