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Chelsea slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa but are still in the race for the title, but is the nature of the defeat likely to hurt their title hopes?
A visit to Villa Park very rarely represents the opportunity of a banana skin for any top club, but Chelsea yesterday proved that Aston Villa can still be a handful for any team. As the game headed into the last 30 minutes, Chelsea seemed to be in full control. With Fernando Torres looking lively and the impressive Eden Hazard going close on a couple of occassions, the stage was set for another famous 1-0 victory for the title chasing Blues.
However, in a rapid and unexpected turn of events, Brazilian midfielder Willian was sent off by referee Chris Hoy and the impressive Fabian Delph scored the match winning goal in the 82nd minute. Not just that, but Ramires, the "Rock" of Chelsea's midfield, made a shocking two footed lunge at Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi and was sent to the stands. That'll be a hefty suspension for the Brazilian. Then just as things could not get any worse for the Blues, manager Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands by the referee for his persistent and loud complaining on the touchline for much of the game.
What does this mean for the title race? Jose Mourinho has been reverting to an old tactic of using mind games in the run up the finish of the league season. Often telling the press that Chelsea are not in charge of their own destiny, the Portuguese coach insists that he would rather be Manuel Pellegrini and in Man City's shoes.
After yesterday, we can't help but also agree. Mourinho could face a ban and without their talisman midfielder Ramires, Chelsea could struggle for the next few games.
The Blues had looked like worthy title contenders after a 4-0 thumping of Tottenham last week but with a shift of focus to Champions League football against Galatasaray this Tuesday, there comes the critical clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Ramires will be sorely missed for that game.
Can Chelsea keep their focus for the run in - only time will tell, but discipline will be crucial for the next 7 weeks.
Written by Ketan Patel
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