Nicolas Anelka shows an older more ruthless streak as a finisher. Part of the problem playing in the slot is the deferment to the frontline strikers, Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in carrying the scoring load. The 4-3-3 formation only works if there is a willingness to go wide and create an overlapping dynamic.
But since all three strikers are more comfortable centrally located it leads to real estate statism. But this time there was no Drogba leaving Anelka free to pull the immediate trigger. He’s been on target in the Champions League with seven goals sharing top gun billing with Samuel Eto’o. Carlo Ancelotti also benefited by a sharper Fernando Torres passing defenders at will but unable to score his first Chelsea goal.