Only Roman Rule Really Matters

The Chelsea manager, André Villas-Boas, has said that he only needs the support of owner Roman Abramovich to carry out his duties and that he does not require the full backing of his squad.

Media reports have suggested there was a row between the coaching staff and players when they met up at the training ground the day after last Saturday's disappointing 2-0 defeat at Everton in the Premier League. After the game Villas-Boas described it as Chelsea's worst performance of the season.

When asked on Thursday whether he still had the support of his players, Villas-Boas told a news conference: "They don't have to back my project, only the owner needs to back my project."

The manager, speaking ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round match against Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge, denied there was a row during Sunday's get-together – "there was a meeting of technical staff and players, nothing dramatic," said Villas-Boas – but acknowledged he did not enjoy the backing of all his players: "That is normal," he said. "They don't have to back my project. It's the owner who backs my project."

Villas-Boas, who on Saturday took "full responsibility" said he was unaware of any of his squad questioning his tactics or team selection. But there have also been reports that senior players want Abramovich to replace him with Guus Hiddink to rescue Chelsea's season, just as the Dutchman did three years ago when Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked.

But despite the club being in a worse position now – fifth in the Premier League – than they were then, Villas-Boas was confident his own job was under no more threat this week than last.

"I don't think so, but it's a question that you will have to ask the owner. I think the owner has full trust in me and will continue to progress with the ideas that we have. In the end, that is the objective of getting us the best position possible in the league, plus these two trophies, which we are fighting for. It will be extremely good for us if we win against Birmingham to put ourselves in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

"But we need strong progression in the league and to show our strength."

No AVB Christmas Card for Neville

Andre Villas-Boas has launched a scathing attack on Gary Neville's "ridiculous" criticisms of Chelsea.

The former Manchester United player said Blues defender David Luiz played like a man being controlled by a 10-year-old using a PlayStation.

"I'd say this to his face with most pleasure," the Chelsea boss said.

"You can't speculate and invent things that are going on. Some people can have more or less an idea. But not him. He cannot know."

Villas-Boas added: "You cannot approach a top Brazil central defender saying he's commanded by a kid with a PlayStation. That's ridiculous.

"He plays for the team with most [world] titles, so be careful with what you're saying."

Neville, now a television pundit, made the remarks about Luiz after Chelsea's home defeat by Liverpool in the Premier League.

He also said before Chelsea's Champions League win over Valencia on Tuesday that he would not want to be in the Blues' dressing room, comments heard by Villas-Boas.

The Portuguese said: "What does he know about the Chelsea dressing room? What does Gary Neville know about our dressing room?

"How can you imagine what is going on in the Chelsea dressing room? How can you know?

"Have you been here? Do you know where Cobham [Chelsea's training ground] is? You don't even know how to get here.

"I'm normally indifferent, not watching on the telly to see what these people say. But I was watching the television at that moment and I was gobsmacked."

Villas-Boas, 34, has also taken issue with criticism from Liverpool legends Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness since his appointment as Chelsea boss in the summer.

"Most of these people we are speaking about have a direct past related to single clubs, which are their favourite clubs, which in the end brings a likely biased position in their opinion-making," he said.

"Comic criticism from top ex-professional players when they take the route to the ridiculous, I think I have a word to say.

"When they opt for words as we've been seeing, in the past, I have to be aggressive."

Liverpool Give AVB More Worries

Liverpool continued to increase the misery on Chelsea as the Reds progressed to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup following a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Andy Carroll failed to convert a penalty in the first half but it did not matter in the end as the visitors scored twice in the second period.

First Maxi Rodriguez slotted home a Craig Bellamy cross from close range just before the hour mark and moments later Martin Kelly headed home the Welshman's free-kick.

It completed an emotional return for Bellamy, who had been omitted from the squad for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League on compassionate grounds following the death of close friend Gary Speed.

The 32-year-old Wales winger provided the spark of creativity Liverpool needed to defeat toothless opposition who were prone to erratic defending.

Under-pressure Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas will be disappointed by the poor defending that led to both goals and hastened Chelsea's third defeat in four matches, a sequence spanning just 10 days.

Adding to Villas-Boas' woes was the performance of anonymous £50million striker Fernando Torres, who was a peripheral figure against his former club, who followed up their recent Premier League triumph at Stamford Bridge with another victory.

Kenny Dalglish has now never lost to Chelsea as Liverpool manager in 13 meetings, but that record would have been more seriously challenged had referee Phil Dowd not blundered in the third minute.

David Luiz had dashed into the area but just as he appeared to have rounded Sebastian Coates, he was caught by the Uruguayan's knee and tumbled over. Dowd was unimpressed, however, and booked Luiz for diving.

Alex clattered into Bellamy in a feisty opening that soon settled down as both teams sought to pass their way into the final third.

Dowd did point to the penalty spot in the 21st minute and it was Liverpool who were the beneficiaries.

Alex blatantly handled the ball while under pressure from Carroll and Dowd hesitated before awarding the kick and booking the Chelsea defender.

Carroll, who had protested fiercely to Dowd, stepped up only to drill his effort straight at Ross Turnbull, allowing the Blues to wriggle off the hook.

Chelsea twice passed their way out of trouble in their own third of the pitch, but the same patterns were missing in the opposition's penalty area.

The limping Josh McEachran was replaced by Ramires in the 42nd minute, moments before Florent Malouda almost connected with a dangerous through-ball.

Dowd made another mistake by booking Ryan Bertrand for a nasty challenge on Jordan Henderson when it was Romelu Lukaku who caught the midfielder on the shin with his studs.

Lukaku then sent a header narrowly wide after being expertly teed up by Jose Bosingwa.

Bellamy almost released Carroll after dashing clear from his own half, but he overhit the pass and England marksman had no chance of connecting.

Lampard sent in a free-kick that caused panic in Liverpool's defence, with first the crossbar and then Coates coming to their rescue.

Luiz stopped Rodriguez in his tracks with a wonderful tackle as the former Argentina international charged into the area.

But Liverpool and Rodriguez could not be denied in the 58th minute when Liverpool surged into the lead.

Bellamy did the initial damage with a killer ball across goal - perhaps Luiz should have done more to prevent the pass - for Rodriguez to complete a simple tap-in.

Liverpool's large and noisy travelling contingent were back on their feet five minutes later as Liverpool grabbed a second.

Once more Bellamy supplied the ammunition - this time from a free-kick - and Kelly was given all the time in the world to nod home his first goal for the club.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas was stretchered off after going down in a tackle.

Torres was denied by the outstretched arms of keeper Pepe Reina, the Spain striker's most meaningful contribution to a match that had largely passed him by.

Bellamy left to a richly deserved standing ovation from visiting fans, and the game eventually finished in a 2-0 victory for his side.

Chelsea Secure Vital Wolves Win

Chelsea avoided a third successive home Premier League defeat with a convincing and desperately needed victory over struggling Wolves.

Skipper John Terry headed the hosts ahead early on and close-range strikes from Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata meant the match was as good as settled by the interval.

And, although the Blues had numerous chances to add to their lead after the break, under-pressure manager Andre-Villas Boas will just be relieved to restore some confidence after a dreadful run.

Having lost three of their last five league games - and with two wins from seven in all competitions - anything but a victory was unthinkable for Villas-Boas.

The early signs were good for the home side and settled an edgy Stamford Bridge crowd.

Raul Meireles sent a bobbling shot across goal and narrowly wide, while man-of-the-match Ramires went even closer when, after robbing the ponderous Nenad Milijas in midfield, his low strike was brilliantly diverted wide by goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.

From the resulting corner Blues skipper Terry truly settled the nerves, meeting Mata's centre at the front post and sending the ball into the far corner.

Terry's programme notes had talked of the need to stand up, take responsibility and get back to winning ways before the title race drifts away.

And his goal certainly backed up his words and laid the platform for a vital win against a Wolves side who struggled to retain possession in the face of a bustling and energetic home midfield display.

Mata, Ramires and Meireles enjoyed too much freedom and Oriol Romeu, who was making his first league start in place of Frank Lampard, had a remarkably easy afternoon dictating the play from just in front of the back four.

Daniel Sturridge scored his sixth Premier League goal of the season, twice as many as Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba combined

Mata smashed a shot over the bar following good work by Branislav Ivanovic on the right.

But Chelsea were particularly threatening on the left and Meireles and Mata combined superbly to set up the second goal when the Spaniard eluded Ronald Zubar's desperate challenge and picked out Sturridge, who guided the ball home from six yards.

Wolves had looked lively enough until that 29th-minute goal. But, although Stephen Ward then sent a header over the bar and the visitors brought on Sylvan Ebanks-Blake for Milijas and went with two up front, their defence was creaking under the incessant home pressure.

Sturridge almost added a third when he cut in from the right and unleashed a vicious, left-foot strike that Hennessey untidily palmed away.

And Mata did make it three seconds before the interval, turning in Ashley Cole's inviting left-wing cross after Didier Drogba's initial burst on the left flank.

To their credit, Wolves responded and enjoyed their best spell just after the break. Steven Fletcher shot just wide and a sustained spell of pressure saw several close calls for the home defence.

Chelsea still created the better openings and an out-of-sorts Drogba fired an effort wide and Hennessey produced a fine double save to keep out fierce Sturridge and Mata strikes.

Blues keeper Petr Cech pulled off an equally impressive double block to deny Matthew Jarvis and Fletcher.

But neither side could find a goal in the second half and Chelsea held on to secure only their third clean sheet in the league this season.

However, welcome as the shut-out was, Villas-Boas will know this victory was a necessity and sterner tests are to come against in-form Newcastle and Manchester City in the coming weeks - not to mention the Champions League showdown with Valencia.

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said:

"I think we can (win the title). We have most of the same players (who have won the title before). We have the talent and belief will be the last thing to die with us.

"In my opinion chaos happened. We were exposed a couple of times with group mistakes (in recent games).

"Now we have to correct them to make sure we are on the right track. It's a good challenge for the team and hopefully we can now respond in this period."

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy said:

"It was not good enough from us. At half-time I asked them to salvage a bit of pride and self-respect.

"Our fans were fabulous. They paid £50 and at least we gave them something to cheer.

"Although we did not brighten their experience too much, at least we gave them something to cheer about in the second half."

AVB Plans to Keep Attacking Style

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas insists he will not change his attacking style despite losing 5-3 to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Blues conceded five goals at home for the first time since 1989 in an enthralling London derby as Robin van Persie netted a stunning hat-trick.

Despite the heavy defeat, Villas-Boas is adamant he will not change his philosophy to the game and will work to eradicate the defensive problems on show against Arsenal.

Philosophy

"The philosophy is a personal value and a club value," explained Villas-Boas. "You should never sell it cheaply.

"It is something that makes us all proud and we will stick to this philosophy throughout this league. It is our way of playing, we are proud of the way we play and we just have to correct things to get a positive result."

Villas-Boas also backed his defenders insisting two freak goals cost them after they battled back to 3-3 before John Terry's slip allowed Van Persie to restore the lead and then complete his hat-trick in stoppage time as Chelsea pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

"We fought hard to get to 3-3, the emotions were behind us and it could have gone either way," added Villas-Boas. "If we can recall, there was a 3-1 result at Old Trafford, Man United thought they could swing it and they lost 6-1. We were punished in that sense.

"You have to take the last two goals out of the situation, because one is a slip from a player [John Terry] to leave the other player [Robin van Persie] one against one so is nothing to do with defensive organisation and the other is when you are trying to do something with three minutes on the clock.

"Before this we were one of the three best defences in the Premier League. We committed mistakes that we will try to evolve and maybe we can improve them for the game against Blackburn."

No distraction

Villas-Boas also denied that captain Terry had been distracted by the FA investigation into claims that he racially abused Anton Ferdinand.

"No, it was not distracting," continued Villas-Boas. "I don't think so. For me there is an investigation. It is a misunderstanding, let them investigate."

AVB Loses First Battle with Ferguson

Manchester United delivered a clinical first-half performance which Chelsea could not match as the Premier League champions maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side passed the 20-goal mark for the campaign as Chris Smalling Nani and the in-form Wayne Rooney did the damage against one of their more likely rivals for the title.

Fernando Torres ended his goal drought in the second half, but also produced a horror miss as both teams spurned numerous chances in an end-to-end affair.

United were in front within eight minutes when Ashley Young's free-kick from the left was headed home by the unmarked Smalling, who was fractionally offside when the ball was whipped in.

Chelsea had chances to level, with Torres scuffing a weak shot wide before the Spaniard unselfishly laid a golden opportunity on a plate for Ramires, but the midfielder fired straight at David de Gea.

The title holders seized on their opponents' profligacy, and suspect defending, to increase the lead on 37 minutes when Nani, after collecting a fine cross-field pass from Jonny Evans, cut inside and, as Chelsea players stood off, unleashed a thumping drive which Petr Cech could only watch fly into the top corner.

Things got worse for Chelsea before half-time when Wayne Rooney scored the third after John Terry's attempted clearance had ricocheted into the striker's path following a stunning run from the halfway line by Phil Jones.

Andre Villas-Boas introduced Nicolas Anelka for Frank Lampard at the break and was rewarded within 30 seconds of the restart as the substitute's defence-splitting pass played in Torres to dink a cute finish above De Gea into the net.

The Red Devils should have put the match beyond Chelsea on 55 minutes, but Rooney put a penalty wide as he slipped on his run-up after Jose Bosingwa had been harshly adjudged to have brought down Nani after his fellow Portuguese's shot had crashed back off the bar.

Rooney, seeking a third successive Premier League hat-trick, then struck the post and Javier Hernandez was hurt by a crude challenge from Ashley Cole when firing the rebound into the side-netting.

Chelsea should have set up a grandstand finish when Torres went clean through again seven minutes from time but, after skipping round De Gea, he somehow put his left-footed shot wide of a gaping net.

Perhaps in an attempt to make Torres feel a tad better, United substitute Dimitar Berbatov saw a tame effort cleared off the line in injury-time by Cole, but a fourth goal would have been harsh on Chelsea, who now trail their opponents by five points.

There was nothing special about Young's eighth minute free-kick, which was floated to the far post but Terry found himself the only one defending as United shirts piled in, Smalling the man to make a connection to turn home his first league goal.Chelsea did carve out a succession of opportunities that at one stage turned the game into a personal contest between the Blues and De Gea.

Having escaped unscathed from Chelsea's pummelling, United went to the other end and doubled their lead thanks to a piece of brilliance from Nani.

Questions should be asked about the ease with which Juan Mata was brushed aside but once the midfielder was out of the way, Nani advanced with confidence and drove a 20-yard effort into the top corner.

By half-time, United had a third as Terry's attempted clearance bounced off Nani and into the path of Rooney, who tapped home his ninth of the season.

The credit went to Jones, although the aura surrounding the summer arrival from Blackburn was punctured by the ease with which Torres got behind him to slot home Anelka's through ball 30 seconds after the restart.

It was only Torres' second goal since arriving from Liverpool and justified Villas-Boas' decision to introduce Anelka for Lampard at half-time.

Having already threatened on numerous occasions, Chelsea's confidence grew immediately, although United nerves would have been eased had they converted the 55th minute penalty.Neither side will forget how Terry slipped as he went to slot home what would have been the decisive spot-kick in the shoot-out to decide the 2008 Champions League final.

On Sunday afternoon, Rooney emulated him, his standing foot giving way, the ball bouncing harmlessly wide after the striker had fired it into his own body, although the consequences were markedly different.

United might easily have had another spot-kick when Cole flew into Hernandez after Rooney had pushed a glorious chance against the post.

The tackle was not great and resulted in Hernandez hobbling down the tunnel in obvious pain as he was replaced by Berbatov but, having fired into the side netting, referee Phil Dowd felt the incident was worthy of a yellow card and no more.

Having scored once in front of the Stretford End, Torres suffered utter humiliation seven minutes from time as he raced on to Ramires' through ball, rounded De Gea and then somehow fired wide of a completely empty net.

Berbatov missed a golden opportunity himself in stoppage-time, as Cole cleared off the line after Rooney had set the Bulgarian up with an admittedly misdirected pass.