... And Rightfully So

November had been good to Chelsea.
Chelsea picked up enough points to secure a top placing and 5 points ahead of Arsenal. Also scoring a bagful of goals with several 4-0 wins, the month could only be made sweeter with Jose Mourinho being awarded Manager of the Month and Arjen Robben being awarded Player of the Month.

It takes a good tactician to bring out the best in players. Mourinho had masterminded yet another 4-0 win over Newcastle last weekend. This is a much needed boost of confidence ahead of the London derby next week against Arsenal. After scoring the penalty, Kezman would hopefully be more than composed and confident enough to start a scoring spree in the Premiership. Playing 2 forwards paid off with 4 goals against Newcastle and it seems the logical formation if Mourinho wants a good attack without relying too heavily on the Duff/Robben. Playing them supporting a lone striker may not work all the time and Premiership sides seem to have adapted and shut off the service from the 2 pacy players. Maybe one should be substituted by Smertin to provide a less forward and more tactical approach. Tiago played magnificently and very much forward for a very defensive midfielder. It could be due to Newcastle's non-existent defence though, to allow him space in front. However, the left back position should return to Wayne Bridge/Babayaro asap as Gallas looks nervous everytime he has the ball and I don't blame him as he isn't a left footer. Rotating him and Carvalho would be a good idea for players to rest and play in their preferred position. Same goes for Johnson/Ferreira. Actually the Duff/Bridge combo at the left flank last season worked pretty well and that can be considered as a possible formation. Makelele made far too many errors during the game and he should consider himself very nlucky to be involved in more games than he had.

Recommendations for midweek Champions League action: Cudicini, Gallas, Terry, Johnson, Bridge, Parker, Smertin, Lampard, Geremi, Kezman, Duff

Sub: Pidgeley, Huth, Tiago, Joe Cole, Drogba

A defensive team to allow Parker, Johnson, Cole and Smertin some European action.

If the last weekend's result was anything to go by, Arsenal would pose little problem.