Chelsea Coming Together For Final Push

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke of "turning corners" and of having brought to an end a "difficult moment which went on too long", following their much-needed victory over Bolton Wanderers. The Blues won in a one-sided affair at the Reebok Stadium with unanswered goals from Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda, Nicolas Anelka and Ramires, and the result marks the first time that they have won back-to-back Premier League wins since the end of October.

Chelsea are finally looking more like their former selves following a poor run of results which included losses against Sunderland, Birmingham and Wolves, and will now be looking to put together a run of victories in a bid to charge back up the table and into a position to challenge Manchester United for the title, who are most people's football betting tips for the league right now. At present they trail the Old Trafford outfit by seven points having played one more game, but with both fixtures between the pair still yet to be played. Their captain John Terry remains upbeat about their chances of retaining their title,

"In the past we've never given up. Manchester United are getting the right results and a little bit of luck - maybe that will turn. We still have to play them twice and if we can then we'll be back in it,"

Tuesday night's performance would suggest that Chelsea have managed to shake the sense of lethargy from their limbs, and their spirited, determined and ruthless display against a strong Bolton side will have been exactly what their fans would have been praying for. But if this is to be more than a flash-in-the-pan recovery then the Blues will have to keep their concentration, as their next three fixtures consist of challenging games against Everton, Sunderland and Liverpool and the football betting indicates all three sides will give them a match.

One factor which suggests that Chelsea might just be back to their best was the sublime strike by Didier Drogba to open the scoring against Bolton. The goal marks his first for the club since he managed to fully shake a bout of malaria which he admitted to playing through, despite him suffering symptoms for over two months. With Essien back, Drogba fit and Ramires finally opening his account for his new club, the future looks far brighter.

Mark van Bommel Joins AC Milan In Free Transfer

Mark van Bommel has been called many things. While some call him, "the dirtiest player alive", others prefer to simply call him "scum". While normally I don't approve of these rude and often over-exaggerated names, in van Bommel's case I might make an exception. Last season the Dutchman amassed an impressive 111 fouls and 16 yellow cards in all competitions, yet never receiving a red card.

While van Bommel is an intelligent central midfielder, with a relatively wide range of passing, his overall style is what turns many people away from him. He tends to plow through his opponents: ramming through them, stepping on them, and using sly tactics to avoid more bookings than he should receive. If you were to categorize Mark van Bommel, you would probably have to put him into a category of his own: a provoking bone-cruncher.

Acting is part of van Bommel's vast repertoire of skills

Regarding the deal which has been signed, Mark van Bommel was released from his contract at Bayern Munich after specially requesting termination of his contract. The club was happy to tear up the player's contract, thanking him for the four years and a half of service, and letting him join AC Milan on a free transfer. Mark van Bommel's deal with AC Milan is six months long, a smart move by the rossoneri. The former Bayern player will be useful in case injuries continue to pile up, but he won't be around for long to drag down the club.

Mark van Bommel joins another newly-signed Dutch player, Emanuelson who arrived from Ajax for about 1.5 million Euros. While Emanuelson will have the shirt number 28, Mark van Bommel will wear the prestigious shirt number four, previously worn by Demetrio Albertini. 

While it's a little early to judge, we might get a chance very soon when AC Milan play against Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia. AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says that it is likely that the new signings will play, giving them a chance to debut at the San Siro.

It's a strange transfer, probably one which will work out well for AC Milan in the end. What do you think? Share your comments below!