With a few minutes remaining, a message flashed up on the electronic advertising hoardings bordering the Stamford Bridge pitch on Saturday. "This is Chelsea," it read.
For once, the reminder was required. Conceding five goals at home for the first time since 1989, with a defence that has been breached as often in 10 league games under Andre Villas-Boas as it was in the whole of Jose Mourinho's first season in charge, this seemed anything but Chelsea.
In part, Villas-Boas was appointed to alter the club's identity, to lend more excitement and enchant more neutrals. Losing 5-3 to Arsenal, however, was not quite what the club had in mind.
After a defeat that left Chelsea looking less like title contenders than one of four candidates to claim the division's bronze medal, an unrepentant Villas-Boas vowed to carry on attacking.
But, as Arsenal illustrated, it is a risky policy. Chelsea's precocious manager bristled at suggestions of naivety after the 3-1 defeat by Manchester United, but a second meeting with their peers reinforced such theories. The problem is that the manager lacks the personnel to implement his preferred style of defence.
Unlike his cautious, charismatic compatriot, Villas-Boas favours a high defensive line to enable his side to press opponents high up the pitch. The nearer the halfway line the back four are stationed, the greater the significance of pace.
It is a quality Chelsea's central defenders with the notable exception of David Luiz, who appears too erratic to earn his manager's trust, do not possess.
On and off the field, Villas-Boas has allied himself with John Terry. The captain was never electric, but he is slowing now.
That is coupled with the departure of his most dependable partner: Ricardo Carvalho's 2010 exit robbed Chelsea of their quickest and classiest centre-back.
If Luiz was intended to be the like-for-like replacement who could dovetail with Terry, the Brazilian's unpredictability has put the plan on hold. But Branislav Ivanovic and Alex, the alternatives, lack his athleticism. It amounts to an invitation to speedy strikers.
The mobility of the central defenders is of greater significance when the full-backs are ordered to attack.
Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa rarely need a second invitation, but the consequence is that each leaves space behind him. It was something Arsenal exploited expertly, especially when Andre Santos made it 2-2.
Chelsea's difficulties in their demolition derby were partly structural and partly individual. The left half of the back four, consisting of Cole and Terry, is historically the stronger unit.
Yet the left-back was troubled by Theo Walcott as he had been by Nani at Old Trafford; approaching 31, it may be too soon to say he is in decline, but his form has suffered, especially against elite opponents.
Excellence might not have been expected of the right half of the defence, but it has not been delivered.
Bosingwa's forte was always the progressive part of his game while Ivanovic has struggled to cover for his marauding colleague.
Chelsea's troubles were compounded by the ineffectiveness of the supposed shield to the malfunctioning defence, John Obi Mikel, who was outwitted by Arsenal's slick passing.
Villas-Boas has yet to settle on an automatic choice as the defensive midfielder and, if Oriol Romeu is the long-term option, the future may have to begin immediately.
That, indeed, was Chelsea's conclusion when they parachuted Villas-Boas into the manager's seat at the age of 33. The first three months of his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge suggests his is a side of two halves; the five players stationed furthest up the field are gelling promisingly, but the quintet nearer Petr Cech's goal pose questions about selection and direction.
It is amounts to an examination of Villas-Boas's mettle.
One defeat actually produced the greatest illustration of his ability, with the expert reorganisation of his eight remaining outfield players at Queens park Rangers a tactical masterclass in resourcefulness.
Now another setback calls for a rethink. The manager's immediate response on Saturday was a defiant avowal of his beliefs.
In the cold light of day, as Sir Alex Ferguson recognised after Manchester United shipped six goals the previous week, it makes more sense to prioritise clean sheets.
It would send out a distinctly familiar message: this is Chelsea.
Goals are not free at Liberty Stadium
While Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have let in five goals in one home league game and Manchester United six, their polar opposites are to be found in West Wales.
Five games into their Premier League lives, Swansea City have sieved a solitary goal at the Liberty Stadium. And even that, finished with unwanted aplomb, came from their own striker Danny Graham in Saturday's 3-1 win over Bolton Wanderers, his attempts to help his defence rather backfiring.
With Manchester United the next visitors, it is a record that will be tested but Swansea's return on their own turf - 11 points already - is giving them genuine hope of survival.
Norwich's desire last until the very end
Fortunate as the injury-time penalty that earnt them a point against Blackburn Rovers was, Norwich City's comeback from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 was another example of the spirit that propelled them into the Premier League.
Last season, they scored 17 goals after the 85th minute. At a higher level, it is a habit that has not deserted them.
sports@thenational.ae
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How to help
Donate towards food and a flight by transferring money to this registered charity's account.
Account name: Dar Al Ber Society
Account Number: 11 530 734
IBAN: AE 9805 000 000 000 11 530 734
Bank Name: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank
To ensure that your contribution reaches these people, please send the copy of deposit/transfer receipt to: juhi.khan@daralber.ae
MATCH INFO
Tottenham 4 (Alli 51', Kane 50', 77'. Aurier 73')
Olympiakos 2 (El-Arabi 06', Semedo')
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Malcolm & Marie
Directed by: Sam Levinson
Starring: John David Washington and Zendaya
Three stars
The figures behind the event
1) More than 300 in-house cleaning crew
2) 165 staff assigned to sanitise public areas throughout the show
3) 1,000 social distancing stickers
4) 809 hand sanitiser dispensers placed throughout the venue
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Juliet, Naked
Dir: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke
Two stars
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
Warlight,
Michael Ondaatje, Knopf