Chelsea’s recent blip has turned into a full-blown slump ahead of Sunday’s trip to London rival Tottenham, the first of three tough English Premier League matches in a row for the stuttering defending champions.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side was tight at the back and free-scoring up front in the first three months of the season as it built a five-point cushion at the top of the league.
But the Blues have won just two of their last eight matches in all competitions, have slipped to third in the Premier League and play Manchester United and Arsenal -- the division’s top two who meet at Old Trafford on Monday -- after the away match at fifth-place Spurs.
Chelsea captain John Terry denied the side was in a crisis but warned his team-mates the bad run of results had to come to an end.
“We’re going through a bad spell ... hopefully this will be the end of our blip otherwise teams are going to pull away,” the England defender said. “We need to go on a good run and now would be the perfect time with Tottenham, Man United and Arsenal coming up.
“Nothing has changed on the squad basis; it’s just about staying together and staying confident. The good thing is we’re not out of it.”
Ancelotti said on Friday he has the full backing of club owner Roman Abramovich and does not fear for his job.
“I am an optimist that everything will be OK for this season,” the Italian manager said. “I spoke with Roman after the game on Wednesday and he gave me total support. He understood the problem of the team.”
Arsenal took advantage of United’s postponed match at Blackpool last weekend to climb to the top of the standings with a 2-1 win over Fulham, its third straight victory in the league.
Chelsea, on the other hand, was fortunate to draw 1-1 at home to Everton last Saturday, extending its winless streak to four league matches.
England midfielder Frank Lampard was still out with a groin injury and Brazil centre back Alex was missing because of a knee problem.
Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart was still out with a hamstring strain for Spurs, who are six points behind Arsenal.
Second-place United’s home match against league leader Arsenal, which is a point clear at the top, will have been given some added bite following comments by its left back Patrice Evra.
United, which saw its match against Blackpool last weekend called off because of a frozen pitch, should have Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand available.
Arsenal joined United, Chelsea and Tottenham in qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League by beating Partizan Belgrade 3-1 on Wednesday.
Captain Cesc Fabregas missed that match with a hamstring problem, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was unsure whether the Spain midfielder will be fit for Monday.
In the other standout match this weekend, Alan Pardew takes charge of his first game as Newcastle manager when Liverpool visits St. James’ Park on Saturday.
Pardew was hired to replace the popular Chris Hughton, who was fired on Monday despite leading the club back into the Premier League and into a mid-standings position.
Disgruntled fans could vent their feelings toward the club’s board on Saturday.
Liverpool has recovered from its difficult spell at the start of the season and has moved up to eighth, just four points behind Spurs.
Elsewhere on Saturday, fourth-place Manchester City visits last-place West Ham, Villa hosts West Bromwich Albion, Everton is at home to Wigan, Sunderland goes to Fulham and Stoke welcomes Blackpool.
On Sunday, sixth-place Bolton is at home to Blackburn, and Wolverhampton Wanderers hosts Birmingham.
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