BIRMINGHAM, England: Carlo Ancelotti has pledged to eradicate the dreadful defending that is threatening to increase the pressure on the Italian after a second successive Premier League defeat away from home.

Saturday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa combined with Manchester United's win over Bolton saw Chelsea surrender top spot in the table.

Defeat at Villa Park meant six of the eight goals conceded by Chelsea this season have come from set plays, evoking memories of the defensive problems that ultimately ended Luiz Felipe Scolari's reign at Stamford Bridge.