After the first half of Chelsea’s humiliation at Old Trafford, one thing was evidently clear – this was the end of the Chelsea team as we know it. No longer does Lampard dominate midfield, or Terry anchor the defence, and concussed Drogba was nowhere to be seen.

In essence, the spine of the team that has been ever present during the most successful period in Chelsea’s history now has no place in the starting line-up of a team that wish to challenge for the top honours, both domestically and in Europe.

Most of the focus post match has been firstly on the chance Torres missed, which a one legged donkey could have buried, and the somewhat dubious tackle by left back Ashley Cole on United’s little pea. However the effects of the game may be longer lasting than the stud marks Hernandez is left with, as AVB faces the task of dismantling and phasing out players who have nearly as much power at the club as the ‘galacticos’ did during their heyday.

After the first premier league game, AVB nailed his flag to the Torres mast, and made it clear that Drogba and Anelka were no longer first choice starters – the manager is not afraid to make big decisions, and is willing to drop anyone who is not performing, including the under fire Spaniard.

To Torres’ credit, his performance in the last two games has been markedly improved, with two assists against Leverkusen and the goal against United. Inevitably for any player under pressure, the main focus is going to be on the worst miss since time began, but there may yet be hope for Torres in a Chelsea shirt.

A huge issue for AVB is that of Frank Lampard, once the first name on the team sheet and scorer of 20 plus goals a season, yet now after an injury hit last season looks to be a shadow of his former self, and has lost at least half a yard of pace. Whilst the player can still offer a great deal to the club, ever the consummate professional and still able to take a cracking penalty kick, it is questionable if he should be starting games.

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