By Ewan Day-Collins

26th November 2011 at Stamford Bridge

It was a good win. A win much needed for Andre Villas Boas, the Chelsea manager, after a horror run, including a last minute defeat mid-week in Leverkusen that could potentially jeopardise Chelsea’s Champions League safety. A man much maligned in some quarters, and even his most loyal supporters admitting he is under considerable pressure, Villas Boas could afford nothing less than a win today, which his team achieved through a solid, consistent performance, punctuated with a few moments of brilliance.

Three goals in 45 minutes ensured a confident, jubilant Stamford Bridge crowd, despite early nerves not being sufficiently quashed even though the first goal, headed in by John Terry, arrived in the 7th minute. Yet it allowed the defence to become tighter, to drop back slightly when in possession. The “high-line” Villas Boas has adopted is a contentious issue, some claiming it the reason for Chelsea’s poor form, in particular the porous defence. I am inclined to agree, particularly when I noticed that, early in the game, no Chelsea outfield players were in their own half, which, if Wolves had not been so shockingly awful, could have been exploited successfully. Yet, as with all tactics, their flaws are irrelevant when you are winning. This was proven when Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea’s player of the season, scored the second goal and his sixth of the term, again from a Mata cross, who had gifted Terry his goal also. It was typical Chelsea, reminiscent of previous times, when the wide channels were controlled so effectively.

The third goal was similar to the previous two, this time provider turning scorer. Juan Mata turned the ball into the net after good work from Drogba had set up Ashley Cole, who, in turn, sent in an inviting cross, Mata too good to miss. However, Wolves’ poor, undisciplined defending resulted in the inevitable, the team getting no more than they deserved. Manager Mick McCarthy branded their first-half display “unacceptable” and questioned if it “could get any worse”. This was an accurate assessment, with the fact Wolves sit one place above the relegation zone providing little solace to either McCarthy or the fans, reflected by some calling for his head which, in my opinion, would be far too hasty and imprudent, despite the shaky start.

However, the tables were turned after the break, or at least slightly. It could be said Chelsea were being deliberately pragmatic, judicious, attempting to consolidate their vast lead and not enter the land of ostentatious complacency. However, this would be far from the truth. Wolves had at least two clear-cut chances, which should both have been scored. In particular Branislav Ivanovic had a poor game and, in my view, left far too much space to his right, which should have and would have been utilised by superior opposition. This game highlighted the defensive frailties of Chelsea, just their second clean sheet in eight matches – the antithesis to the ordered, structured teams of the past.

Though this may be what Villas Boas is attempting to achieve – affect change. He seeks to forget about past times of Premier League success and enter a newer, fresher phase in the club’s history. Players such as Mata, Meireles and Torres symbolising the conquest for more trophies, but in an alternative style – following the blueprint set by Barcelona of high-lines and passing games. Yet Chelsea today appeared to return to the tried and tested, running down the wings with zeal and profligate consequences. Even Drogba, who has looked a shadow of his former, great self, was aggressive and challenging in his own, unique way.

So is this the way to go? To incorporate the more skilful players into the already successful, less free-flowing model. The model which, lest we forget, was more successful against the best team in the world, Barcelona, than any other opposition in world football. Villas Boas wants to revolutionise Chelsea through firstly, the profligacy of Roman Abramovich, the Chelsea owner, and secondly, the foreign style he was influenced by growing up in Portugal. Yet this may be difficult, radical change not necessarily being favourable with the old guard; and not necessarily being the most judicious option. What we do know at least is that today, after a solid 3-0 win against a Wolves team that should be beaten, Villas Boas has, at the very least, earned some respite from the mounting pressure - for a week anyhow.