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Sunday's match at Villa Park had a disappointing result for Chelsea. Chelsea were playing without key midfielder Frank Lampard, and try as the boys might the flow just wasn't there.
Essien was a natural slot-in for Lamps. However the solid midfield that Aston Villa presented in the first half, and the speed at which they played forced Chelsea to adjust our style. This adjustment seemed to stifle Essien and our midfield enough to stagnate the balls in to Drogba and Malouda, a crucial piece of our game.
Overall the team played well and showed a persistence and determination characteristic of Champions.
But the difference was 1 point, with the Blues losing, instead of drawing, like the last 8 years at Villa Park have produced.
In this, our most difficult month of the season pre-Christmas, with a Lampard-less midfield, the result was not really unexpected.
It goes without saying that a win would be a better result. The likelihood of that happening was lessened with news of Lampard's injury, and a draw would have been sufficient.
However, a loss is only 1 point difference. And really, what's 1 point between friends?
There are many more matches in September to make up the points lost at Aston Villa -- Blackburn at home, and Man U away for a start. What is important at this time in the season is what Chelsea do with the experience. A poor effort at cliche avoidance I know.
Realistically the point is important - come the end of the season, if 1 point is the difference between the League Title and 2nd place we will look back at this match and hang our heads.
But will it come to that? Not likely.
Our Verdict: Ask me again in May
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