Chelsea honeymoon well and truly over for Scolari

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Fortress Stamford Bridge has suddenly become a far less inhospitable hunting ground for visiting teams as Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's honeymoon period fades into the English winter gloom.

The Brazilian World Cup winner made a stunning start to life in Premier League club management, gaining plaudits for his side's free-flowing football and his relaxed, modest demeanour when dealing with the media.

Chelsea have set a hot pace in the title race, albeit matched by Liverpool, since the start of the season with a bulging goal difference and a 100 percent away league record.

The first cracks are beginning to appear, however, and the coach once famed for his angry rants in Brazil was clearly rattled after Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 on Sunday.

He had a legitimate gripe about the first of Robin van Persie's two goals but he did not shy away from his side's own shortcomings either as they dropped their 12th home point.

"It's a problem in our last three games," Scolari told Sky Sports, referring to his side's lack of goal threat. "We scored one goal but we only had one or two chances.

"We don't shoot outside the area or inside the area and we are not building the play to arrive in front (of goal), this is our mistake.

"Yes, I'm worried. I'm sad not happy. I think we are not playing very well. Sometimes you are unlucky. We are giving chances for the big teams at home."