Chelsea won the domestic double last season and were top of the table this term and Ancelotti publicly acknowledged Ray's importance, so to reveal his contract would not be renewed, and then to tell him to leave immediately, was strange.

BBC: Alan Hansen on Chelsea's problems

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning shook off his neck brace and passed for more than 4, 000 yards, Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson jumped off the operating table and produced the second-highest rushing total in history, and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis returned to the field just 12 weeks after tearing his triceps.

WSJ: NFL: The Year Everything Changed

The Blues lie fourth in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester United, who have a game in hand, with assistant Ray Wilkins coaching the team on an interim basis.

BBC: Chelsea confirm Hiddink as coach