Malouda eyes change of luck

Malouda: Talking positive

Florent Malouda admits the absence of Chelsea's key trio has caused their dip in form but expects a turnaround in their fortunes.

The Blues have failed to win in their last five Premier League outings, seeing them drop from first spot to fourth as the race for the title heats up.

The absence of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien has not helped matters, according to Malouda, who believes his side can return to winning ways.

"The fact that we have had John, Frank and Michael out is maybe one of the reasons why we have struggled," Malouda told the Mirror.

"We have had a lot of injuries. It's not an excuse, but it can explain what has happened. It has been difficult for the manager to pick a team.

"But even when you know that, you still have to go out and play like champions. We are still the champions."

The Frenchman believes coming from behind to earn a draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane last week was a sign of improvement.

Chelsea could have come away with a win, though, but Didier Drogba saw his injury-time penalty saved although Malouda is taking positives from the change of luck.

"Our reaction to what has happened to us last Sunday was good," said Malouda of the Tottenham result.

"I was really happy to see that we could have won that game with that penalty. It hadn't happened to us for a long time, so that was a good sign.

"We were disappointed not to win, but the way we played gave us hope."