Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea. Focusing on the positives.

Waking up this morning and still thinking about our game yesterday against Newcastle I am still in two minds as to what to make of the game and the result. I had called for Chelsea to deliver yesterday and stated it was time that the players did and in a way you can say they did as we dominated the game and created chances once more but at the same time it's another two points dropped.

We have to remember that a point away at Newcastle isn't a bad result as they have proven on their day that they can beat anyone, but when you think their goal was because of our cock-up and Kalou should have scored from literally two yards you have to look at it being another missed opportunity for the blues and Carlo Ancelotti.

Of course I can imagine the press will be going to town on Chelsea stating that we have let our lead slip in the title race to United who remain unbeaten this season and Carlo's comments after the game would have just added fuel to fire this morning, but let's be realistic here, it's a point away from home, we have stopped the rot and should have won the game so it's time to focus more today on the positive rather than the negative.

Yes, Carlo is right, we need to take our chances like we were towards the end of last and the beginning of this season. Drogba and Anelka need to get back to scoring goals and I have no doubt in my mind that that time is only just round the corner. Kalou has been good for us these past few games as he has not been scared to run at the opposition and create chances, it's just a shame he didn't have the composure to slot the ball in the next from two yards in the second half because if he did we would all be looking at a different picture.

Their goal is obviously disappointing. God knows why Cech never gave Alex the call with Alex facing his own goal with Carroll chasing him down. It's one of those things that does happen in football but very very rarely to Chelsea. Unfortunately we have to bite the bullet and take that one on the chin, but it so easily could have been avoided.

I have never seen Mikel give the ball away as many times as he did in the first half yesterday. It was a ball given away by him that led to their goal and again could and should have been avoided. Chelsea started off sloppy and that is something that needs to be addressed.

Apart from the goal and the shot headed off the line from Routeledge by Ashley Cole I can't really remember Cech having alot to do yesterday. Chelsea looked solid with Branna and Alex in the middle, Bosingwa had a good game and so did Cole.

Like I say about Mikel, as the game went on he settled down and sorted his passing out. Malouda for me wasn't at it for the first half an hour. Then he imposed himself and became a major influence in the game, however I would like to see Malouda have a pop from 25-30 yards again like he has done before. At times in recent weeks he has had the chance but has decided to pass the ball wide rather than take the shot on.

I thought Ramires had a good game and was all over the pitch making tackles and closing people down. I mentioned on Twitter that Chelsea were playing too deep and sitting off Newcastle in the early stages and we needed to play higher up the pitch and to press Newcastle when they were on the ball, Ramires had alot to do with this in the second half and has to be commended.

I have to say though, Josh McEachran should have come on in the second half. As Newcastle sat back and defended in their own half for the majority of the game it was crying out for McEachran to come on and knock the ball about in front of them and look to prise them open. Was a shame it never happened, but you can understand Sturridge coming on as Chelsea looked to nick the winner.

I thought Drogba was ok, at times looked menacing as ever but also at other times became distracted with the officials more often than not. We need him firing on the goal trail again as along with JT, Essien and Lampard, this is what's missing for me at the moment.

Anelka, busy at times and again class on the ball. It's becoming a "concern" at his lack of goals lately and we hope along with Drogba he can sort it out. The work he does for the team is still excellent and I am sure the goals will come.

Kalou, took his goal well, remained a threat to their defence all game and was one of our busier players but again with Kalou being Kalou, you never know what you are going to get and the fact was apparent again with THAT glaring miss.

So to sum up, its a point away when it could have been worse. We are playing better and creating chances however, our lack of goals over this month has cost us dear. I don't think it's a time to be panicking yet though as this game was Essien's last of three suspended and he is back for Everton hopefully with JT.



However, it is two points dropped, we are down to second behind United and the pressure is growing on Carlo and the players. The thing is, we've been here before and we know what is needed to sort it out.

Let's hope we can get our players back and our forwards back amongst the goals sooner rather than later. For now once again and not the first time this season I am sitting here thinking "Bloody Kalou!"

KTBFFH.