Carlo Ancelotti and David Luiz have been named Premier League manager and player of the month for March.
Ancelotti and Luiz rewarded for helping Blues back into title race
Carlo Ancelotti and David Luiz have been named Premier League manager and player of the month for March.
The awards are recognition of the success Chelsea have enjoyed over recent weeks, following a mid-season wobble.
Three straight victories have helped to the fire the Blues back into the Premier League title race and offer them hope that they could yet defend the crown they won in 2009/10.
Italian tactician Ancelotti found himself under mounting pressure as Chelsea threatened to sink without a trace, but he has remained composed throughout and has helped to steady the Stamford Bridge ship.
He takes the top-flight manager of the month award for the second time this season and the third time in his career.
Justified
Ancelotti will also be delighted to see one of his big-money acquisitions picking up a top prize alongside him.
Chelsea splashed the cash to lure Luiz away from Benfica during the January transfer window and have seen that decision justified almost immediately.
The Brazilian centre-half has already netted crucial goals against Manchester United and Manchester City, repaying part of the Blues' sizeable outlay.
He was on target at the beginning of March as Chelsea saw off table-topping United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti's men then eased past Blackpool 3-1 at Bloomfield Road before Luiz was among the goals again in a 2-0 victory over City, which catapulted them back into the title picture.
