The Chelsea manager has established himself in the Premier League and no longer needs to hark back to his success at Porto to defend his reputation
When Liverpool won their Premier League match at Stamford Bridge last month the victorious manager was not just observing protocol when he spoke up for his opposite number. Kenny Dalglish pointed out what André Villas-Boas had lately achieved with Porto while landing the 2011 Europa League and also winning the Portuguese League
Tom Jenkins watched Chelsea break City’s unbeaten Premier League run on a rainy night at Stamford Bridge, with Lampard finishing off the proceedings to make it 2-1
Tom Jenkins
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Evening all. By 10 ‘o’clock this evening, Manchester City could lead Chelsea by 13 points in the Premier League. It’s worth dwelling on that – 13 points. On 12 December last season, the then Premier League leaders Manchester United had put 13 points between themselves and Birmingham, who were 16th. It’s bigger than the gap between 8th-placed Stoke and rock-bottom Bolton, as big as the gap between Chelsea and West Brom. “It would be difficult for us from 13 points behind but not impossible,” said Andre-Villas Boas over the weekend. I have to disagree. Can anyone see Chelsea overturning a 13-point gap?
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Chelsea may have lost to Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool (the latter two coming at the Bridge) already this season, but they remain a dangerous animal. Villas-Boas has been like a cornered cat in the past week or so, fighting back on behalf of his side. Tonight his team have the chance to repay the favour.
Meanwhile City, European frustration aside, move serenely on. Yes Mario Balotelli refuses to keep his head down, yes the Tevez thing is still ongoing, yes they’re in the Europa League post-turkey-and-all-the-trimmings, but they feel like minor sideshows, twirling colourful umbrellas on a monumental silver steamroller. Will Chelsea get squashed this evening?
Premier League 2011-12Premier LeagueChelseaManchester CityJohn Ashdownguardian.co.uk
