When Luiz Felipe Scolari took over last July his Chelsea reign began with a smile and a confidence befitting that of a manager who has led Brazil to a World Cup. Six months later and his grin has been replaced by a troubled frown as the club's season stagnates.

The start of a New Year has many people hoping for a fresh beginning, yet it was the same old Chelsea who failed to beat League One Southend in the FA Cup third round.

The Brazilian has said that only hard work in training can provide a remedy for the team's inability to convert chances but one win in the last five games suggests the message is being lost in translation.

There were more signs of discontent in the stands at the final whistle after Saturday's 1-1 home draw and as former manager Avram Grant can testify, the supporters' patience, not to mention the owner's, can run out to your cost.

That is why the match against Manchester United on Sunday is not just crucial for their Premier League hopes but also for Scolari himself. While there is no question of his job being on the line, he needs to turn results around.

If Southend manager Steve Tilson can come up with a game plan to stop Chelsea from winning, albeit with the help of a bit of luck, then you know you've got problems.

Last week, Christmas spirit seemed to be in short supply as the squad held crisis talks on the first day of training after the draw at Fulham.

Notably captain John Terry, who will return from suspension for the match at Old Trafford, wrote in his programme notes that the club need more unity to make this year a success.

He said: "I'll tell you what we need and want more than anything in 2009. Firstly, we must all stick together. We take on the world as one - us players, management and staff and especially the supporters.

"Secondly, we want some winners' medals. We didn't get any in 2008 and we need to put that right.

"We need to be more consistent, we need to play better and sometimes we need to be together more, including the fans, but we can certainly do all that."

However, the supporters shouldn't be blamed for losing a bit of heart recently after seeing fortress Stamford Bridge become a home from home for many visiting clubs.

Southend, like Liverpool, Arsenal, Burnley, West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle before them this season, denied Chelsea width and had plenty of men to prevent them from playing through the middle.

Didier Drogba still should have scored a hat-trick and substitute Franco di Santo saw his header brilliantly saved by Steve Mildenhall in injury time but a replay was a fair outcome.

Chelsea had taken the lead through Salomon Kalou in the 31st minute, only to show familiar vulnerability to the high ball when Peter Clarke made the most of Ricardo Carvalho's mistake to head past Carlo Cudicini.

No doubt there will be another meeting to talk about what went wrong at training today. They certainly can't afford to make any errors against Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

United are only four points behind second-placed Chelsea in the table with two games in hand. Salomon Kalou admits it's a match they can't afford to lose and said: "This game is crucial because if they win on Sunday they have the chance to build a lead over us as they have two games in hand as well. It is important to keep the gap because if you allow United to get in front it's always difficult to catch them.

"Last year we were always running after them and so far this season they have been the ones behind us, we want to keep it that way.

"We are still hoping to win the title and we are going to Manchester to show them that we are still Chelsea and we want to win the League.

"People on the outside seem to think it's all doom and gloom here at the moment but we are still second in the League, we are still in the FA Cup and Champions League.

"I don't think we are underperforming. We have had some bad results but that happens at a big club, you can have moments when you don't do well."

The replay against Southend at Roots Hall takes place three days after the game against United.

These next two matches could determine whether the club are still in with a chance of winning any domestic silverware this season and if Scolari gets his smile back.