Torres is out to get you, Fergie

Posted Sunday, February 27, 2011 by thesun.co.uk

Torres is out to get you, Fergie
I'VE GOT IT IN FER YOU ... Torres loves scoring against United

HE may not have been exactly wonderful in Copenhagen but Fernando Torres certainly looked more like his old self on Tuesday.

After a sticky couple of months, Chelsea's £50million striker showed signs he could be getting back to his deadly best as he helped the Blues miss a potential Champions League banana skin.

I reckon that's bad news for Didier Drogba's Stamford Bridge future - and even worse news for Manchester United's title hopes.

But however well Torres and his team-mates 'man up' in the coming weeks, I think it will still be too late for them to retain their league crown.

Despite his team sitting fifth, 12 points behind leaders United, skipper John Terry is refusing to let go of the Premier League title he held aloft last May.

Especially as his men have to play United twice this season, starting at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

He points to United overhauling Newcastle's 12-point gap in 1996 as a precedent.

But the main difference is United, packed with title-winning know-how and expertise, were chasing a Newcastle team renowned for entertaining rather than picking up medals.

Even a dozen points down, Alex Ferguson's Red Devils were still in with a shout.

Now it is United way out in front. Were it novices Manchester City or Spurs, I'd say Chelsea might have half a chance of closing the gap.

But you cannot see Fergie throwing away such a lead.

JT insists history can repeat itself but I just can't see it happening.

However, that does not mean I believe Chelsea and Torres will not play a major part in the run-in.

I am confident Chelsea can beat United to blow the title race open.

Especially if Torres builds on the performance he produced in the 2-0 victory at FC Copenhagen.

Like I said, it was not vintage El Nino but it was a massive step in the right direction.

He looked quicker, sharper, stronger and more positive than in a long while. And his body language matched his improved display.

He may not have scored but he thrived from having Nicolas Anelka up alongside him.

Torres is like Teddy Sheringham used to be - he needs someone with him up top. And not just because he wants to be fed but because he wants to feed as well.

Sheri used to set up countless chances for team-mates and got frustrated when they did not reciprocate.

Torres is the same. He likes a team-mate to play off.

He looked to have found that man in Copenhagen as Carlo Ancelotti left Drogba on the bench and started Anelka alongside him.

It was a bold move but one which I feel could not only reap Chelsea and Torres dividends but Anelka, too.

Not only did Torres look better but so did Anelka. He seemed to gain half a yard from the Spaniard being alongside him and scored both goals.

But I can't imagine Drogba was too happy. He is good enough to play alongside Torres or Anelka but he is more effective alone in a 4-5-1, rather than half of a partnership in a 4-4-2.

That highlights another dilemma for boss Ancelotti, who prefers to go with a 4-3-3. But give Florent Malouda, who started on the left of the midfield in Copenhagen alongside Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Ramires, the licence to get forward so when the time is right, it is a 4-3-3.

That way, full-backs Jose Boswinga and Ashley Cole do not have their attacking licences revoked and Chelsea have two banks of four when they are on the defensive.

I believe the Blues can haul themselves out of trouble and finish in the top four.

I believe they can beat United at home and maybe away in the run-in.

And I believe Torres is about to come good and show the world why the Blues paid £50m for him.

I don't believe all this will help them retain their title - but it might help Arsenal sneak in.