Demba Ba has admitted he has struggled to produce his best form since his move to Chelsea from Newcastle.
The striker made a major impact at West Ham and then St James’ Park before leaving the Magpies for Stamford Bridge in January.
But he has been unable to hold down a place in the Chelsea team and almost left to join Arsenal on loan in the final hours of the recent transfer window.
Ba’s goalscoring record
West Ham: 14 matches, 7 goals
Newcastle: 54 matches, 29 goals
Chelsea: 23 matches, 6 goals
“I know I haven’t played as good as when I was at Newcastle or West Ham,” said Ba.
“I needed time to settle. I keep working hard and still believe the rewards are behind the work.
“I’m not looking at any causes outside myself. It all depends on me and the performance I put in on the pitch. If I don’t perform, it will be only my fault.”
And the Senegal international, 28, insists he will not be adversely affected by seeing a proposed move to Arsenal fall through.
He said: “This is part of football. It didn’t happen. I’m a good professional and always work hard. I will keep doing the same.
“I told the manager if I stayed I would keep fighting for the club. Now it’s about the next months and years with Chelsea.”
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 17/09/2013