The pressure continues to mount on Andre Villas-Boas after his Chelsea side fell to a damaging 3-1 defeat in Naples.

Chelsea represented England’s last realistic hope in the Champions League after Arsenal fell to a demoralising 4-0 defeat in Milan last week, and they looked on course for a shock win when Juan Mata sidefooted home a volley. Those looking to bet on Champions League winner will have been shocked.

However, the defensive frailties which have plagued Chelsea’s campaign under Villas-Boas surfaced and Napoli took full advantage. Ezequiel Lavezzi equalised from 20 yards before Edinson Cavani put the home side ahead just before the break. Lavezzi gave Napoli a cushion with a third in the second period.

Chelsea went into the game without a win in four and without injured skipper John Terry. They took the lead against the run of play on 27 minutes when Daniel Sturridge’s harmless ball through found Mata, who slotted past Morgan De Sanctis to give Chelsea a crucial away goal.

Both sides were struggling defensively and David Luiz had a golden opportunity to double the lead from a corner. The Brazilian was made to regret that miss when Napoli hit Chelsea with a double salvo just before half-time. Cavani’s smart finish from Gokhan Inler’s cross gave the Italians a deserved lead at the break. Those who bet on Champions League games should bear this in mind.

The game opened up at the start of the second half as Chelsea searched for an equaliser, but it was Lavezzi who struck next after Cavani pounced on an error by Luiz. Yet again, defensive frailties proved Chelsea’s undoing.

Villas-Boas introduced experienced pair Michael Essien and Frank Lampard but they could do little to stem the tide as Napoli closed the game out with ease.
Chelsea’s Champions League hopes hang by a thread after the defeat. With the Blues’ season quickly fizzling out, it seems Villas-Boas is running out of time.