Chelsea have come under heavy criticism lately for performing poorly against big teams like Arsenal and Manchester United, losing both games and more against neighboring Queens Park Rangers. Is something really wrong with Chelsea or is it Andre Villas Boas?

Fernando Torres is not used to Chelsea’s style of play; Back in Liverpool, Fernando Torres was the main player when he went on the counterattack, especially with Steven Gerrard behind him to help with quick passes. Chelsea currently play a possession game that keeps opposing defenders in their box and closes off spaces for players like Torres. Obviously, it’s impossible for the entire team to change their strategy for one player, so he needs to adapt quickly or it’s over for him. Fernando is already 27 years old, so he only has 3-4 years in which he can excel and the 50 million paid by Roman Abramovich will continue to haunt him unless he does.

Didier Drogba is no longer the same player, the striker who scared the Gooners, Red Devils and all of Europe has finally aged; it was going to happen eventually, especially with the Ivorian international who turned 33 earlier this year. His recent performances in the EPL have shown that he has become too slow and old for the main league.

Bosingwa is very weak defensively, despite his speed and accurate crosses. Many blame José Bosingwa for the Blues’ defensive mistakes; he is quick to leave his position and lunge forward and is often hit by opposing strikers. Several analysts called Brainislav Ivanovic to replace Bosingwa in his position as he is much better defensively and could do better for Chelsea, but Boas has shown his confidence in Bosingwa by consistently starting.

Florent Malouda, Kalou and Anelka no longer have anything to offer, the trio have achieved a lot for Chelsea but it is clear that they are no longer fit for the club if they want to compete with Europe’s bigwigs. Andre Villas Boas has already hinted at Kalou’s departure, as he hasn’t been included in a major league or UCL game in some time, but the fate of Anelka and Malouda is still unknown.

Terry is still being criticized by the media for claims of racism, many have noted that the John Terry who plays for Chelsea is not the same player he used to be; And with the English media discussing the investigations into the case on all counts, it’s no secret that John Terry suffers from a lack of concentration which saw him dropped from England’s starting line-up against Spain.