Chelsea's home sickness

Rafael Benitez insisted criticism of him by Chelsea fans had nothing to do with the European champions' poor recent record at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have managed just two wins - albeit high-scoring victories - in seven home matches in all competitions under Benitez, repeatedly jeered by Chelsea supporters unhappy a man who had his run-ins with the Blues during his time as Liverpool manager replaced sacked fans' favourite Roberto di Matteo.

Chelsea will host Arsenal today in the Premier League. Chelsea's most recent attempt to gain some much needed home comfort ended in disappointing fashion as they squandered a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw at home to lowly Southampton on Wednesday.

Now interim Chelsea manager Benitez wants Stamford Bridge to regain the ‘fortress' reputation it had. "It was always tough, always difficult when I went to Stamford Bridge (as Liverpool boss)," said Benitez, whose only home league victory so far at Chelsea was the 8-0 thrashing of Aston Villa on December 23.
"We will try to make it the same. It was (like that) for Aston Villa. After that everyone was scared."u00a0