The fight for fourth place in the Premier League is hotter than ever this season. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all stand a realistic chance of grabbing that coveted last Champions League slot and there’s a chance Tottenham could get involved if they lose their impetus in the second-half of the season. That’s to say, it’s difficult to call who will wind up in the top four once all 38-games have been played.
It’s a little surprising then, that Arsenal and Liverpool opted against bringing in reinforcements during the January transfer window. Harry Redknapp brought in Ryan Nelson and Louis Saha, whilst Andre Villas-Boas went for Bolton defender Gary Cahill and Genk midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. Given the form that the Blues have shown over the last couple of months (culminating in a lucky 1-1 draw with Swansea City on Tuesday night) many fans have been left wondering if these signings are enough.
So have Chelsea put themselves in a tough position by not making the right signings? Do they still have the wherewithal to finish in the top four?
Football pundit and former QPR manager Iain Dowie had this to say about Chelsea’s situation:
“I must admit I thought Chelsea might have been more active this month, but Andre Villas-Boas has been very open about the fact that they have a project and the summer is going to be more important. They’ve got a very good player in Gary Cahill.
I was surprised he didn’t start against Swansea, but maybe it’s a case of getting used to the pattern of play. But who knows? Maybe he will be straight in against Manchester United at the weekend. They’re still 12 points off the top, and I think they’ve got a long way to go to be in the title shake-up now.”
Even the most ardent Chelsea fan now has to admit that reaching the top of the Premier League table isn’t a realistic aim – those 12 points might as well be an insurmountable barrier. What’s important at the moment is that the Blues are three points ahead of 5th place Newcastle. This is where the real fight will take place this season.
Whilst most Chelsea fans were likely holding out for a 20-goal a season striker like Hulk or Edinson Cavani at least Villas-Boas looked into the Blues’ defensive problems. Gary Cahill should add some steel to Chelsea’s back-four and will certainly be a step-up from the hapless David Luiz.
What’s more, given that both Arsenal and Chelsea have failed to sign any big name players, things are likely to play out in much the same way the first half the season went. As the Blues are currently fourth, that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.
For now it looks as though Chelsea have done just enough, but if they want to challenge for the Premier League next season, acquisitions will have to be made in the summer.
For more insight from Iain Dowie and other leading managers plus exclusive Barclays Premier League highlights go to www.yahoo.co.uk/sport
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