The sacking of assistant manager Ray Wilkins has clearly had a mental effect on manager Carlo Ancelotti. Since Wilkin's dismissal (whatever the reason may be), Chelsea have lost three in the last five matches as dark clouds hang over the Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti has since replaced the former Blues player with chief scout Michael Emenalo. A strange move, given that he has no coaching certificates. The players had an affinity with Wilkins and almost unfathomable that he was sacked. Why? Was it more to do with his contract? Or did he have differences with the manager? Or maybe the fact that he speaks Italian was probably an eroding asset as Ancelotti's English has improved, as has his knowledge of the national game.
Defeats at Liverpool, at home to Sunderland and at Birmingham have halted Chelsea's majestic start. And while that should not represent a decline of Chelsea FC, it is hard to believe they can regain that imperious form of their first five league games, which they had a 100% record.
Ancelotti on Sunday could preside in Chelsea's worst spell in the league if they lose away at Newcastle. Three straight defeats means it will be their worst run since 1999, and may leave calls for his resignation. Unlikely, but it is hard to see where the Blues can go from here looking at their wafer-thin squad.
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