Is it time for Roman to wield his axe?

Back in November, Rafa Benitez was brought in as Chelsea manager following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo. At the time, the Blues were in with an outside chance of securing Premier League glory, regardless of the form of Manchester United and Manchester City.

His first game at Stamford Bridge and it's fair to say the fans didn't want him at the club, due to his Liverpool roots and despite a 0-0 draw with City; the supporters weren't appeased. Fast forward to the present day and it couldn't be a contrasting turn in fortunes for Benitez.

Chelsea have taken 25 points in the period Rafa has been at the helm at Stamford Bridge. In the same period, Arsenal and City have taken 28 and Tottenham Hotspur 31, having played one game less at the time of writing.

It's just that Benitez isn't doing badly, it's just his rivals are performing better. There is a real possibility that Chelsea could miss out on Champions League football next season, such is the form of Arsenal and Spurs at present.

During the 2-0 defeat to City on Sunday, the Blues looked toothless pushing forward and defensively inept. Furthermore, a win for Spurs over West Ham United would see Spurs leapfrog them into third.

It's a distressing thought for fans of the west London side, who will be keen to secure a place amongst Europe's elite next season. However, with the possibility of missing out on Champions League football, is it right to give Benitez the sack with just 11 games to go?

Chelsea appear disjointed and tactically poor at present, regardless of claims that they're improving - according to Benitez anyway. In fact, it may be wise for Roman Abramovich to wield his axe, if just to save their season.

A second calling to Di Matteo may well be impossible, but at least the opportunity to bring a smile back to the faces of fans and entertain them between now and the end of the season is within his grasp, should he opt to give Gung Ho master Zdenak Zeman a chance between now and May.

Either way, with Chelsea looking increasingly likely to drop out of the top four before the end of the season, what's the worst that could happen?

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