Originally Posted by tomcaty
Reply With Quote
Petr Cech feels Chelsea's title defence will be built from the back this season.
The Blues saw their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League table trimmed back down to five points following Arsenal's 3-0 victory over 10-man Manchester City, while rivals Manchester United also won at Stoke.
Carlo Ancelotti accepted the Champions League trip to Moscow played a part in his side's somewhat laboured 2-0 win over struggling Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
Cech believes although the Blues have failed to maintain the blistering start to the defence of their championship crown - which saw 21 goals in the first five games - a solid rearguard can prove vital as they build for the challenges ahead.
"When you keep a clean sheet you have the biggest chance of winning games," said Cech, yet to be beaten at Stamford Bridge this season.
"We are not conceding goals at home, but the most important thing is that we are winning those games.
"You would swap keeping a clean sheet for winning the game every time, but I am pleased all those clean sheets are helping us to win games.
"Last season our home record helped us to win the Double, so hopefully it will do the same this season."
While captain John Terry accepts the decision by Wayne Rooney not to leave Manchester United will make Chelsea's job harder, the England centre-back feels the Blues will be tough for any side to break down.
"We are a unit because we defend from the front. Everyone tracks back and helps and that's key for us," Terry said.
"We have been defending really well and we see the likes of [Michael] Essien and [Florent] Malouda tracking back and doubling up with Ashley [Cole] and [Jose] Bosingwa, that's really important.
"Mikel breaks up a lot of play, Petr [Cech] made some great saves and we're defensive all over the pitch.
"We defend from the front and defend altogether"
Right-back Bosingwa returned to the starting XI for the first time in 13 months against Wolves.
Frank Lampard is also close to a return from his hernia operation.
With no midweek Carling Cup tie, the England midfielder could be in contention for the trip to Blackburn on Saturday.
Terry said: "We have had a boost with Essien's return, Bosingwa's back now as well and obviously we're looking forward to Lamps coming back in the next couple of weeks."
"If the ball is a crying toddler, then Andres Iniesta's first touch is a lullaby..."