Ballack Rues Chelsea's Defensive Mistakes

[Steve 10,227]

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack felt that errors in defence cost his team a crucial victory against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

The German midfielder made it 4-3 three minutes from time and it should have been a matchwinner, but Aston Villa kept at it and came back for the second time to claim a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.

However, it was an explosive encounter between the two teams - wiyh three sendings off and two penalties.

"I'm happy to be back in the team," he began.

"When you're out for such a long time, it's always a disappointing and difficult time for me. But I'm delighted to play again.

"I thought the match was not a bad game. We wanted the three points - however the result was not the best.

"When you score four goals in a match, you should win the game.

"But, we've made too many mistakes today."

As Chelsea deal with the loss of key players to injuries and the upcoming African Cup of Nations, he is confident that he'll be right at the top of his game.

He said: "I'm already looking forward to the next match. I want to be picked for every game - I'm fit and confident about my condition."

Ballack arrived at Chelsea on a free transfer in May 2006. His time at Stamford Bridge, has been riddled with injuries - limiting his appearances for the club.

After undergoing surgery on his knee in April 2007, he was sidelined for eight months., which also prompted speculations that he might be leaving the club.

Real Madrid appeared interested in signing him in August. However, Ballack released an official statement, insisting he is happy and wants to stay at Chelsea, and is now back in action.

With Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel absent for a month, there will a big hole in midfield for him to fill, particularly in light of Frank Lampard's injury today.

Source: WWW.GOAL.COM

[Steve 10,227]

im glad he is back he played so well and it shows we have cover for lampard when needed

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

Definately looked good today...looks like a totally different player to the one we saw this time last season already.

[Steve 10,227]

his confidence looked to be sky high after coming on the pitch i could tell straight away he was going to make an impact lets hope him and sheva can continue there good form

[misschief 24]

I have a good feeling about Ballack this season so I hope he really is going to repay Chelsea's faith in him.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Last season was a transition period for Ballack, hence the reason he wasn't that great, but I still think he had a relatively productive season. He lookd like dynamite yesterday, Villa couldn't cope. I don't think we will miss Lampard or Essien so badly when either is injured (or suspended )

[Steve 10,227]

i still think we will miss them they bring there own thing to the game, i was still very impressed with the way he played but lets give it a couple of weeks and then if it continues i will be very happy