Brief: Newcastle 1 – Chelsea 1

Chelsea went into the game at Newcastle United looking for their first points in three league games and to regain top spot from Manchester United who, after their 7-1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers had moved above us. With Arsenal in second and Chelsea third we needed the victory.

Due to the adverse weather the game was in doubt right up to mid morning, but all was cleared and it kicked off at 1:30 as the early Sky game.

After just six minutes, Jon Mikel Obi relinquished possession to Wayne Routledge in midfield but got back to flick the ball to Alex, and a misjudged back-pass by the Brazilian gifted Andy Carroll the easiest of finishes to give Newcastle the lead.

Chelsea were poor in the first half yet again, but went into the break level thanks to Salomon Kalou’s finish after his shot deflected in off a defenders boot.

The second half saw Drogba put the ball in the net, but his effort was ruled out because the Ivorian had handled in the build-up, while Kalou somehow contrived to shoot into the side netting from close range.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge also fired wide after his initial shot had been blocked by Taylor. Chelsea were also indebted to Ashley Cole for a goal-line headed clearance from Routledge.

So, a 1-1 draw was the final result and despite another second half of attacking football Chelsea still managed to go 45 minutes without scoring, something Ancelotti will, I am sure, be working on once again this week.

The table now shows Chelsea in second place, the first time this season we have been knocked off the top, Manchester United are two points ahead on the same goal difference and Arsenal level with us on points. Next week could see the return of Essien and JT, and with Frank Lampard not far off, we should hopefully see this bad period come to an end.

“Win or Lose – Up the Blues”

Stats from the BBC website: