Top of the league they may be, but Chelsea need creativity and goals.
After one victory in seven, there is no need for panic yet, but listen to the words of Carlo Ancelotti and you realise he is in need of inspiration.
‘We have lost a little bit of confidence in our play,’ he said.
‘It’s normal when you don’t get results. We have had some injuries. We are a little bit tired. This can happen.
‘We did very well against Arsenal. Now we are a little bit down. Without the African players we have to show we can play without them.
‘But there are a lot of matches and it is impossible to stay all the time in the top condition. But today I think we gave signs that are good for the future.’
Shorn of their influential African influence for a month after today’s derby against Fulham, the Italian has also suffered a further blow with Florent Malouda’s suspension following two bookable offences at St Andrew’s.
It places an extra burden on Cole, who is certain to start at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
The 3,500 away contingent were howling for his involvement after an hour on Saturday.
And while this might have been the first time in 33 matches since late April that Chelsea have not found the net, this blank was coming.
Against Portsmouth, West Ham and Birmingham, Ancelotti’s side has scored once in open play. Although he has been used sparingly, it appears Cole’s time has come.
‘It’s not easy for Joe to do his best after nine months out,’ said Chelsea’s boss.
‘He has to improve and stay focused. He hasn’t got to lose the confidence in himself.
'He has quality and he’s a fantastic player. I think he will show this in his next game.’
Ancelotti was relatively pleased with Daniel Sturridge, but it is asking too much for him to shoulder the goalscoring burden alone.
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