Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has endured a difficult six weeks, facing overwhelming criticism for Chelsea's slump in form, causing many to speculate over his future at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese coach was under immense pressure going into Tuesday night's decisive Champions League clash with Valencia, and a failure to guide Chelsea through to the knockout stage would no doubt have shoved him closer towards the exit. However, a convincing 3-0 win provided Villas-Boas with the perfect opportunity to bite back at his critics, which he did, claiming the win was a "slap in the face" to those who had criticised both himself and the club.
Chelsea have now not only qualified for the Champions League knockout phase for the ninth consecutive year but ensured they will avoid the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the next round after finishing as Gr0up E winners. A defeat would have been unthinkable as it is no secret that the coveted Champions League trophy is the one which Chelsea's owner Roman Abramovich craves the most. The Blues will now eagerly count down the days to the draw for the last 16 on 16th December.
Despite back-to-back 3-0 wins in the space of four days, Villas-Boas still has relatively short odds of 5/1 in the Next Premier League Manager To Be Sacked Betting. The 34-year-old will now shift his focus back to the Premier League and Chelsea's massive match with leaders Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Monday. City are undefeated in the league this season after an excellent start which has seen them pick up an outstanding 38 points from a possible 42. Chelsea will have to be at their very best to get the three points they have been installed as the 6/4 favourites with Stan James, while City are priced at 9/4 to come away with the win, with a draw available at 23/10.
All odds supplied by Stan James.
