Most are likely bored with my repeated defending of Carlos stubborn attitude of keeping an out of form Drogba in the starting lineup and most know my view that playing him into form

is our best hope of doing anything in the Champions League this season and maybe even Carlos best hope of staying in the Job.

Pat Nevin watched the Merseyside Derby and had some comments on what he feels has been our main problem and I obviously agree or I might not have posted it.

Here it is anyway.

PAT NEVIN: FORWARD THINKING

Posted on: Tue 18 Jan 2011

The importance of a sharp spearhead is the subject of Pat Nevin's column this week and he is predicting a return to form for a proven part of Chelsea's success story...

On Sunday I found myself at Anfield for the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool. Actually when I say at, I mean above, as the BBC radio commentary position is situated about 100 feet up on the gantry looking down on the Liverpool fans below. To get to it you have to walk across the roof of the stand and believe me it is not for those suffering from vertigo or even just with a faint heart. Actually it is not great for those of us who had been Dj-ing at a club in Glasgow the night before, but that is another story.

What it does give you however is a fantastic bird's eye overview of the match. There was great excitement, a fine atmosphere but I was there to cover the match and one thing above all stood out. The recent lacklustre Liverpool suddenly had a spark back. Most people would have put this down to the influence of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish being back in the hot seat at his old stomping ground and that was certainly partly the case.

There was however another major difference in the Reds on the day. Without Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard they needed a definitive performance from their other key player, Fernando Torres and unlike recently they got it with knobs on.

The Spaniard was clearly up for it from the start chasing every lost cause, moving quickly and intelligently with no sign of this season's shrunken shoulders and generally poor body language. With the centre-forward leading the way the rest grew in confidence behind him and for long periods they looked anything like a side struggling four points off the relegation zone.

Your question clearly is, what on earth has this got to do with Chelsea Football Club? Well it struck me that with a world-class striker, in top form, in the right mood and leading from the front, the entire team can be immediately transformed. Every ball played forward might lead to a chance and if the hold-up play is good the midfielders will continually take the opportunity to burst a lung getting forward in support.

The Blues have had a few problems this season clearly, but it might just be that things could turn round very quickly if somehow our Didier could get himself back to the form he was in last season.

I have mentioned here before that post World Cup, some big players are certain to either get injured or suffer a dip in form because of the lack of rest in the summer. Saturday was a perfect example of how even just being half a yard slower can make a huge difference to even the best players. Didier was getting into dangerous areas but not managing to power away from the defender in the same way he was not only last season but for many before that.

It is possible that this is the start of a slow decline for the big man, but I think it is unlikely. I think it is more likely to be the short-term dip I have been expecting all along this season. As Carlo has often said 'it is not a good moment', suggesting he expects it to come good soon as well.

The reason for my positiveness on the subject is that he is still getting into the right positions and he is still having an effect on the game in other areas. His cross into the box from the right in the first half that Nic Anelka turned onto the bar was the best cross in the game and deserved a goal.

Strikers are famously affected by confidence when the goals aren't flowing but the old adage in the game is that if he is still getting into the right positions then the belief has not been seriously damaged and the goals are likely to start flowing again.

At the Merseyside derby I mentioned before I was talking to some Everton fans before the game about their striking problem. Davie Moyes hasn't had a natural scorer who could guarantee him 15 to 20 a season since he arrived at the club.

I suggested that they should probably stick with Jermaine Beckford who was signed from Leeds United. His ratio isn't good yet and he has missed more sitters than probably the rest of the team put together this term, but the point is he is still getting in the right place to miss them. Lo and behold he sniffed out a vital scorers' goal to give his team a lead in the second half.

I suspect Didier will start hitting the back of the net again as well, with great regularity, sooner rather than later. It may take another couple of rest games here and there but if and when he does, don't be surprised if the other players behind him suddenly up their performances as well.

It is worth remembering that the real serious problems have been on the road on the whole. With home games, only Manchester United have a better league record than Chelsea this season, a little tweak in the away style and hopefully pressure can start to be reapplied.

I agree to his points .. We need our best striker to hit form .

But certainly Malouda and Anelka are not untouchables in the squad .. Atleast Carlo must understand that and give chances to Sturridge and kakuta ..

I agree to his points .. We need our best striker to hit form .

But certainly Malouda and Anelka are not untouchables in the squad .. Atleast Carlo must understand that and give chances to Sturridge and kakuta ..

I'd disagree at this stage for the same reasons as Drogba...Maluda on last seasons form showed he was very important to this team and Kakuta has always looked a bit lightweight nervy and a little raw to be expected to come in in front of Maluda for important games (which is all we have left) and Anelka who played well again last time out is another player I would want on that teamsheet for CL games.

Time for the players you suggest chosen wisely is obvious but there is no need to throw them in and pin the remainder of the season on them when we all know the proven ability of the players they would be replacing.

Nobody in the Squad is untouchable but there is a fine balance between bring the best gradually out of young players and getting our established players into top form for the challenges ahead.

the boys will be here next season and are likely happy enough with the roles they are getting knowing any injury will see them in with a chance, this could be one of the last chances for Drogba and Anelka to win the CL and they deserve to be given every chance.

Its obviously my opinion and each to his own but I just don't feel Sturridge, Kakuta or Bruma are ready to be starters in the latter stages of the CL unless we have little choice.

Mceachran is a different story although the Essiens Lampards and on recent form Ramires would still be in front of him at this early stage (Mikel also in some games) but I would still feel its possible he will have a role to play if we do progress in the competition.

I don't say these youngsters should be totally overlooked in the League, I'm just more interested in getting the players I mentioned into form and believe its our best chance.

Pat is always good value for a read. I've heard he is a decent DJ too. At least in the world of indie. He really is the John Peel of football.

I would have to agree, I have been saying for a little while now that are greatest plight is up front. Though it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out...

Pat is always good value for a read. I've heard he is a decent DJ too. At least in the world of indie. He really is the John Peel of football.

True dat.....but wee Pat was probably a better football player than John Peel.

I like hearing him on 5 Live - he talks more sense than most and he can be quite funny.

As for Drogs, we have to stick with him until he gets his mojo back. We've got no one else that can play centre-forward like him.

Its obviously my opinion and each to his own but I just don't feel Sturridge, Kakuta or Bruma are ready to be starters in the latter stages of the CL unless we have little choice.

I'd just about go along with that for Kakuta and Bruma but not for Sturridge. Sturridge has not been given the chance he deserves and will never look ready unless given game time, 5 minutes here and there are not enough.