Sunderland 1-2 Chelsea - Much better!

Saturday's result was important for Chelsea for two reasons. Firstly to keep up with the pace United and City are setting at the top of the league at the moment, but finally and most importantly, Chelsea played the best they have this season although still not at 100%, it was much better and the signs are encouraging.

With news breaking before kick off that our midfield three was to be Ramires, Lampard and debutant Raul Meireles we all wondered who would sit and hold. To be honest, I thought it would be Ramires but I was proved wrong. Raul Meireles was given the role and played really really well. His pass through to Danny Sturridge that split the defenders and gave Sturridge a chance to score (which he did with a cheeky flick) was exactly what we had been missing.

Juan Mata was fantastic. Every single time he got the ball after finding space, he looked to move the ball forward or get forward at the earliest opportunity, again something we had been missing.

Frank Lampard who had another understated game was able to get back to playing his game, time and time again he made his late run into the box which is encouraging. Ramires was all over the pitch with energy to burn once again and our midfield three dominated the game.

Ashley Cole at left back got forward so much more in this game than he has all season so far, Ivanovic and JT had good games along with Bosingwa. (I still would prefer Luiz next to JT and Ivanovic at right back though).

Anelka got the nod up front and had a good busy game. He linked up well, maybe once or twice should of passed the ball rather than have a pop at goal but you can understand with getting the start why he did.

Sturridge had a quiet game that sprung into life with his fantastic goal. It's all about confidence in his game and the goal showed he has it in abundance. I think he could play better in general but his impact on the game was important.

It was a shame we conceded the goal at the end of the game and that's something we need to work on, to remain focused and disciplined until the final whistle.

All in all, our performance was pleasing because it was exactly what AVB had spoken of. He said that we need to build on our performances week on week and Saturday we had done exactly that.

Meireles pushed Mata hard for man of the match in my book, but Mata takes it. He was at the heart of everything Chelsea did going forward. The thing is, he can only get better.

A good performance, the right result and let's build on this now for United on Sunday.

KTBFFH

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