Clarke the key?

Clarke: Key to success?

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Steve Clarke joined West Ham United as first team coach on the 15th September and ever since, the fragility of Chelsea;s defence has been questioned.

But how important was the former Scotland international at the west London club and can the Blues cope without him?

Clarke was a part of the coaching set up at Stamford Bridge for the first four games of the season, and when he left for east London, Chelsea were sitting pretty at the top of the league.

Tight at the back

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side recorded three wins and a draw in those four matches, scoring nine and conceding just two.

Chelsea's record with and without Steve Clarke 2008/09

Since Clarke's departure, Chelsea's faltering fortunes have left the club lying third in the league four points behind Liverpool, and if United win their game in hand, five behind them.

They have only averaged 1.88 points per game since he left as opposed to 2.5 beforehand.

In recent weeks, much has been said about Chelsea conceding from set plays and crosses, and indeed their last five goals conceded have all originated from crosses (the yellow shows fixtures with Clarke).

Premier League 08/09 - Chelsea's Goals Against

Seven of Chelsea's nine goals conceded have come from set pieces; accounting for 58% of their total goals conceded, the second highest percentage, behind only Manchester United.

Many feel that Clarke's departure has resulted in a lack of discipline and increased confusion at the back and these statistics go some way to supporting that.