Advantage Chelsea

as seen on Sports Pundit

Chelsea claimed a significant advantage in the English Premier League title race on Sunday after defeating Manchester United 1-0 to extend the Blues lead to five points at the top.

Captain John Terry scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute after a resolute performance down back alongside the impressive Ricardo Carvalho to cap a man-of-the-match game from the big defender.

And the victory gives Chelsea a major boost ahead of the international break, with the Londoners taking box seat in the title race.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who have won every game at Stamford Bridge under the Italian, are certainly looking title favourites too.

While last season, when Chelsea finished third some 7 points behind the Red Devils, the Blues dropped 18 points at home, this campaign has been dramatically different with no points dropped at the fortress that is becoming Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea actually haven’t conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge in all competitions this season since the opening day 2-1 victory over Hull City.The Chelsea skipper grabbed the crucial winner

And Ancelotti appears to have his side firing with Didier Drogba a fine example of a player flourishing under the Italian as he is enjoying arguably the best form of his career.

The 1-0 victory over United wasn’t a classic, but for Chelsea the tactics taken by the visitors said plenty about where these two clubs are at.

The Red Devils packed the midfield to try and prevent Chelsea expressing themselves. United’s tactic left Wayne Rooney to fight a difficult lone battle up front and while he battled manfully, ultimately his efforts proved fruitless.

It suggested the visitors would be happy to leave London with a draw, which is definitely not the norm for the champions.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti isn’t getting carried away despite the numerous positives, stating; "We have to continue because during the season there will be other strong matches like this.

“It's important we've started the season very well, we have 30 points from 12 games.

"But the season is very long and we know that. We have to stay focused for the next matches."The in-form Ivorian will head off for Africa in January

Indeed, there will be a tricky spell for Chelsea after the turn of the year when several stars, including Michael Essien and Drogba, head off for the African Cup of Nations.

Some good news for the Blues is the fact their transfer ban has been lifted and their fixture list during the African tournament is kind on them.

But there’s no doubt United will typically launch another assault on the title.

Rooney, as mentioned previously, fought hard on Sunday in a role he wasn’t totally comfortable with yet he caused plenty of trouble for Chelsea with a second-half missed chance a major moment in the match.

But Rooney’s inspired form this season, in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Real Madrid, suggests the Red Devils have a man capable of guiding them to the title.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s direct replacement in midfield, Luis Antonio Valencia, has proved a good addition but far from the Portuguese’s quality and a change like that leaves a lot for other players to shoulder.

Valencia was presented with arguably United’s best chance to equalize late in Sunday’s contest, but the Ecuadorian screwed his effort wide, symbolizing the Red Devils need for cutting edge.How will Ferguson replace Ronaldo's goals?

Ryan Giggs has been sensational this season but he struggled against Chelsea and that’s a concern for Sir Alex Ferguson.

But the Scottish boss seems to be more concerned with the referees, with several rants directed at the officials already this season, suggesting plenty of frustration at the Old Trafford camp.

Indeed, some of the body language and protesting late in Sunday’s game by United’s players and coaches hinted at worrying signs for a club who need to focus with a challenger ready to rival them this season.

But no title is ever won in early November and there’s plenty of hurdles to come, although Sunday’s victory for Chelsea puts them a step or two ahead of their rivals from Manchester and that’s a handy advantage.
Click here to read the full story on Sports Pundit