Chelsea's beleaguered back four need help! Branislav Ivanovic calls on stars to do the dirty work during Premier League slump

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Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has urged his side to pull themselves out of the rut they find themselves so far this season
The Blues' Premier League title defence has started limply and they currently sit a precarious 16th in the table
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Published: 16:30 EST, 13 September 2015 | Updated: 16:30 EST, 13 September 2015

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Branislav Ivanovic carefully considered the question. After five games, three defeats and 12 goals conceded, what is wrong with Chelsea’s defence?

‘I say one thing and this is true,’ Ivanovic began. ‘We were one of the best defensive lines in the last couple of years but this is a team. Not just the back four, also the players in front. As a team, we played very well (last season) and because of that we got the results.

‘We have to get back to this form quickly. We have to defend as a small team and try to win the games on our defence. It is very difficult, especially now, when you see that we are not in our top form. I hope we will change it soon. We are getting punished for all our mistakes.’

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic (right) wants the back four to be offered more help defensively

Chelsea's John Terry (left) and Ivanovic (centre) look dejected following the 3-1 defeat by Everton

The message was clear: though the numbers are damning for the back four, Ivanovic was in no mood to have the blame placed squarely on their shoulders.

And he is right. It’s easy to say Chelsea are being so easily breached because John Terry is ageing and Ivanovic is out of form and they are missing Thibaut Courtois.

But those who point to Terry being a shadow of his former self at 34 should consider the flawless performance that Gareth Barry — the same age as the former England captain — produced to propel Everton towards victory.

Making Ivanovic, a sentry of this back four for almost a decade, the scapegoat means no consideration is given to the dreadful contribution of John Obi Mikel, the anonymity of Cesc Fabregas or the brooding, ineffective petulance of Diego Costa.

This is a team wretchedly out of form. Eden Hazard flitted in and out, Cesar Azpilicueta was run ragged by Seamus Coleman, while Pedro found the intensity at Goodison Park a culture shock compared to what he was used to with Barcelona.

Everton may have had a sticky 20 minutes after Nemanja Matic gave Chelsea hope with a fabulous left-footed drive but, in the main, they swarmed all over Jose Mourinho’s side, exposing their failings and shattering their aura of invincibility with three Steven Naismith goals.

‘All you can do is work hard, get back on the winning way,’ said Ivanovic, who believes the switch to the Champions League this week could not be better timed. ‘One big win and things will change for Chelsea.’

Everton defender John Stones (left) breaks clear from Chelsea striker Radamel Falcao at Goodison Park

Stones (left) clears the ball ahead of the on-rushing Diego Costa during a fine display on Merseyside

Naismith celebrates his hat-trick goal against Chelsea after coming off the bench on Saturday

Roberto Martinez — who was sworn at by Mourinho — could have turned the screw but instead praised his own side.

‘It’s very unfair to say that Chelsea were poor,’ Martinez argued. ‘We were very clinical and scoring goals in games makes a big difference. All of a sudden you take control of that presence and superiority.’

Presence and superiority. At the moment, whether it is in defence, midfield or attack, Chelsea have neither. Mourinho needs them to get it back. Fast.