Michael Essien's Return Adds Thrust to Chelsea's Title Charge

Something has been very different about the last two results of Guus Hiddink’s burgeoning reign as Chelsea boss.

In Turin against Juventus, and against Manchester City last Sunday, there seemed to be new life in the team, as if they had been given an engine upgrade.

The reason behind this was Michael Essien.

The Ghanaian has always defied belief with his seemingly endless stamina and strength, but the way he has returned from injury and hit the ground running is almost terrifying.

He had half an hour against Coventry in the FA Cup, and that was preparation enough for him to be the lynchpin for the Champions League victory over Juve.

His performance against Man City was also a joy to behold. Chelsea played well collectively on the day, but no-one came near the man nicknamed ‘The Train’.

Essien’s return has given The Blues a new lease of life. Suddenly Frank Lampard isn’t the only focus of markers in the middle of the park.

This was emphasised in both games last week, when Essien often burst beyond Lampard, or started a counter instead of the Englishmen.

Both the Juve and City midfielders found it nigh on impossible to shackle both Lampard and Essien, and that has led to more chances being created.

That was another noticeable factor in the game on Sunday. Ask any Chelsea fan and they will tell you they couldn’t be happier to see the team winning games again, even if they are 1-0 from the solitary chance of the game. But, there is always a nagging worry that one day this little spell of fortune will run out.

Sunday helped to dispel this worry somewhat, given that the scoreline could’ve been anything up to and beyond the 6-0 in the same game last year. 

Ricardo Carvalho was also back and despite having had an uncharacteristically shaky season, he was back to his near telepathic best, cutting out most City attacks before they’d started.

So, with two cornerstones of the Chelsea side back to fitness, and crucially, their best, what is there to stop Hiddink and his side picking up at least one trophy this season?

First stop on this quest is White Hart Lane this Saturday, normally a happy hunting ground for The Blues, and given the gradual improvement of the side in recent weeks, this weekend could be a statement of intent from Chelsea.

The side will be determined to keep pushing Manchester United, and after the message Liverpool sent out last week, Hiddink will no doubt want something similar.

It’s unlikely that United will be caught, but until the maths says otherwise, there’s no doubt Michael Essien and Chelsea will just keep on going.

We know they’ve got the stamina.