Talk Chelsea News

Talk Chelsea News News Articles http://forum.talkchelsea.net/index.php Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:40:00 +0000 10 Chelsea 2-0 Stoke http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6420-chelsea-2-0-stoke/ Frank Lampard and John Terry scored to set up a Wembley showdown with Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Having surrendered their lead at the top of the Premier League thanks to wins for Arsenal and Manchester United yesterday afternoon, Chelsea have added another Wembley date to their fixture list pile-up thanks to goals from Frank Lampard and under-fire captain John Terry.

The Blues - having lost their last two games - were in clinical mood and another efficient-if-unspectacular victory for Carlo Ancelotti's side sets up a semi final occasion with Martin O'Neill's in-form Aston Villa in mid-April.

They took the lead ten minutes before half-time when Terry teed up Lampard on the edge of the box, and it was roles reversed after the interval when Terry headed home his third goal of the season from his England colleague's corner.

The margin of victory might have been greater, but Ancelotti will be pleased with the performance of his team after their humiliating thumping at the hands of Manchester City the previous weekend, during which the hosts lost their superb 37-game unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge.

However Chelsea were not in charitable mood, and Stoke were outclassed and outplayed by their hosts, who looked as comfortable as ever - including their skipper and stand-in goalkeeper. Whilst allegations of Terry's private life have been spread across the news, Henrique Hilario, the understudy to the crocked Petr Cech, has suffered scrutiny for an unconvincing display against City.

But an excellent late save from Ricardo Fuller to preserve a confidence-aiding clean sheet will do the Portuguese goalkeeper - who earned his first international cap in midweek - a world of good.

The match was always likely to be a match-up of Chelsea's guile and Stoke's brute strength and physicality, but the Blues demonstrated a second string to their bow with a dominating defensive performance - although they nearly fell behind with less than six minutes on the clock.

Mamady Sidibe headed over from Robert Huth's flick, before having a second effort blocked by Alex, who replaced the rested Ricardo Carvalho. But it was Dean Whitehead who came closest for Stoke, forcing a brilliant clearance off the line by John Mikel Obi after smashing a loose ball towards goal.

Nicolas Anelka, arguably Chelsea's best player on the day, was enjoying freedom out wide due to Stoke's narrow midfield, and it was he who had the most presentable of Chelsea's early chances; the first forcing a good save from Thomas Sorensen.

John Terry celebrates his game-clinching header.

He should have scored moments later when pouncing on a Whitehead mistake, but flashed a shot well wide with his left boot. However, the opening goal would come from Chelsea's next attack.

Florent Malouda's corner caused all sorts of problems in the Stoke box, allowing Terry to feed the ball to Lampard who lashed home beyond the despairing dive of Sorensen thanks to the slightest of deflections off of Stoke's captain Faye.

But Lampard's 16th of the season could not have been better-timed, and the goal was deserved from Chelsea's point of view with the hosts clearly the more creative side.

It could have been 2-0 before the whistle was blown for the interval but Didier Drogba's volley from Paulo Ferreira's smart cross from the left was stupendously saved by Sorenson at his near post to keep his side in the tie. Branislav Ivanovic had a shot deflected wide as Chelsea continued to press.

And it was little surprise when they doubled their advantage twenty minutes into the second half. Andy Wilkinson made two brilliant blocks to deny first Nicolas Anelka from close range after an excellent Chelsea counter-attack, but heading Alex's rocket header over his own crossbar.

However the Stoke defender was less fortunate when Terry's header flicked off his chest and beyond his own goalkeeper - and how did the Chelsea captain celebrate; showing his armband to the euphoric Chelsea supporters behind the goal.

It was little more than Chelsea deserved and the Blues seemed to grow in confidence following the game-clinching goal.

Stoke were having to come out of their shell leaving space to be exploited by Chelsea's forwards, and only a better touch from Kalou might have increased the score before he was blocked at source by Sorenson, who was enjoying a fine game between the posts for the Potters.

Anelka had a shot smartly blocked before Lampard's long-range effort brought a top-drawer save from the Dane to order to preserve a crumb of credibility to the scoreline.

But in truth, Tony Pulis' side were well and truly beaten, and a last-minute save from Hilario following a decent effort from Ricardo Carvalho confirmed the victory as Chelsea celebrated reaching their 19th FA Cup semi-final - and a Wembley date with Aston Villa.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Hilario; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry ©, Ferreira; Lampard, Mikel, Malouda; Anelka, Kalou; Drogba

Stoke: Sorensen; Wilkinson, Faye, Huth ©, Collins; Delap, Whelan (Pugh), Whitehead, Tuncay (Lawrence); Sidibe (Kitson), Fuller

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 39, NICOLAS ANELKA

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:40:00 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6420-chelsea-2-0-stoke/ Chelsea 2-4 Man City http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6327-chelsea-2-4-man-city/ Carlos Tevez scored twice as Manchester City became the first team to beat Chelsea at home in 16 months.

The Argentine scored a stoppage time equaliser at the end of the first half for Roberto Mancini's side after a catalogue of errors from the hosts, only moments after Frank Lampard had given the Blues the lead.

But City started the second period with menace and it was little surprise when Craig Bellamy gave them the lead thanks to a fine run and finish beyond Henrique Hilario.

Substitute Juliano Belletti then hauled down Gareth Barry inside the penalty area to give City the opportunity to increase the lead. Tevez effortlessly dispatched beyond Hilario whilst Belletti was given a straight red card.

And the Brazilian was soon followed down the tunnel by Michael Ballack, who picked up a second yellow card for an aggressive tackle on City's diminutive Argentine, but Bellamy put the icing on the cake with City's fourth goal after ex-Chelsea man Shaun Wright-Phillips had been played in by Tevez.

Lampard pulled a late consolation back for Chelsea for his fifteenth goal of the campaign after Barry had brought down Nicolas Anelka inside the area - but that was scant reward for a Chelsea side whose lead at the top of the table is reduced to a mere point, with a visit to Old Trafford looming ever closer.

There will be serious questions asked of Chelsea after another below-par performance and more lacklustre defending. Under-fire captain John Terry was again partly at fault for allowing Tevez to roll home the equaliser, but besides perhaps goalscorer Lampard and the faultless endeavour of Nicolas Anelka, no Chelsea player can seek to take positives from the match.

With Petr Cech missing for a month due to a calf injury, stand-in goalkeeper Hilario was expected to grasp his opportunity between the posts with both hands, but an unconvincing, mistake-riddled performance will leave Carlo Ancelotti with a lingering seed of doubt planted in his mind.

And with Ballack and Belletti joining a list of unavailable players for the FA Cup clash with Stoke next weekend, the Italian's options look increasingly thin.

Much of the pre-match talk was of Wayne Bridge's feud with former team-mate John Terry over allegations of the latter's private life, but few expected anything other than a Chelsea victory as the Blues sought to increase their lead at the top of the table.

City mustered just one effort on target during the opening exchanges, and that was an easy take for Hilario as he gathered a freekick from Adam Johnson without concern.

Chelsea were coming closer as the half drew on - Malouda drilled a thunderous long-range strike narrowly over the crossbar, Drogba wastefully headed over and Vincent Kompany almost sliced an attempted clearance beyond his own goalkeeper. Joe Cole had also seen an effort saved after cutting inside Johnson.

And it came as no surprise that Chelsea would eventually take the lead, and it was Cole's ball into Frank Lampard that allowed the England star to score his fourteenth goal of the season.

Juliano Belletti sees red as Chelsea's day is summed up in one disastrous moment.

But the unthinkable happened when Tevez - a peripheral figure all game so far - stole a march on Terry, rounded Carvalho before rolling the ball into the net. The Argentine had been on a leave of absence to be with his wife and prematurely-born daughter, but scored despite a limp finish that Hilario should have done better with.

And they could have gone in ahead at the break had Joleon Lescott converted a free header from just six yards out - Chelsea were living dangerously.

Lampard and Anelka both had chances to give Chelsea the lead again as the second half began, but as the Chelsea attack broke down, Mikel found himself isolated against Bellamy marauding down the left flank.

The Welshman did not disappoint with his finish; low and across the goalkeeper, but questions must be asked of Hilario, who simply should not have been beaten from such a tight angle.

Only a last-gasp clearance by Branislav Ivanovic prevented City from increasing the lead any further - and there were was indication that their relentless pressure would cease. Ancelotti's side were becoming desperate and he responded with three quick fire substitutions.

The Chelsea manager's decision was met with boos as Joe Cole was withdrawn. Having set up the earlier goal for Lampard, Cole was enjoying his best game for Chelsea for some time, and his replacement Daniel Sturridge instead only frustrated by making a number of wrong decisions when well-placed in the City half.

And another of Ancelotti's substitutes - Belletti - lasted only fifteen minutes as he was dismissed for a foul on Barry inside the box. One lethally-dispatched penalty later, City had a healthy lead and Chelsea's problems did not look like ending.

Ballack saw a second yellow and Bellamy slotted home a second to confirm a magnificent result for City - their first league double over Chelsea for over fifth years.

Lampard's late consolation penalty came after a late surge by the nine remaining Chelsea players - Anelka had been foiled by a superb reflex stop by Given whilst Drogba had shot tamely wide on two occasions.

But Barry's hack on Anelka gave Lampard the chance to add a speck of credibility to the scoreline, but it was a weak performance by a lacklustre Chelsea side that barely deserved the scant consolation the penalty would prove to be.

The Chelsea number 8 comfortably stroked the ball home to partly amend for his costly miss in the reverse fixture where Given had denied him the opportunity to score Chelsea's second on that particular night, but the damage had been done.

Manchester United sit just one point behind Chelsea, and can go top next weekend due to the Blues being in cup action. The title is slowly slipping out of Ancelotti's grasp.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea(:Hilario; Ivanovic, Carvalho (Kalou), Terry ©, Malouda; Ballack, Mikel (Belletti), Lampard; Anelka, J Cole (Sturridge); Drogba

Manchester City: Given ©; Zabaleta, Richards, Lescott, Bridge (Santa Cruz); Kompany, De Jong, Barry; Bellamy, Tevez (Sylvinho), Johnson (Wright-Phillips).

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Man City's number 39 - Craig Bellamy

Posted Image

]]> Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:57:39 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6327-chelsea-2-4-man-city/ Wolves 0-2 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6299-wolves-0-2-chelsea/ Didier Drogba scored twice to earn Chelsea a crucial victory in the Premier League title race.

With defending champions Manchester United beaten 3-1 at Goodison Park by an in-form Everton side, Chelsea were presented with an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points.

And a superb performance from key duo Didier Drogba and goalkeeper Petr Cech ensured that the Blues head to Italy to face Internazionale in the Champions League full of confidence.

The result means that no matter what result United achieve against West Ham in midweek, the Blues will head into their weekend clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge safe in the knowledge the destiny of the title is still very much in their own hands.

In a week where tabloid headlines have again focused around the private life of another Chelsea footballer - this time the injured Ashley Cole - the result acts as a welcome distraction from a tirade of media attention for Chelsea's Italian manager.

Speaking after the game, the Chelsea coach was full of admiration for his two star performers. "Didier is doing very well, not just because of his goals but because of his leadership with his team-mates. But Petr was man of the match because he saved the result for us."

And perhaps even more notable was Chelsea's triumph despite something of an injury crisis, with the aforementioned Cole joined on the treatment table by Ricardo Carvalho, Alex, Deco, Michael Essien and Juliano Belletti amongst those missing.

Another key member of the Chelsea set-up who was absent was star midfielder Frank Lampard, who missed out due to illness - but an efficient performance by his team-mates will be just the tonic to remedy the England star back to good health.

The match, in truth, was something of a dead-rubber clash for much of the first half. Wolves started the brighter of the two teams, matching Chelsea's midfield with a dogged performance, but it was the visitors who forged the first opening.

Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov is congratulated for setting up Drogba's first goal.

It was Michael Ballack who shot wide, but as soon as Chelsea were into their stride, they found themselves on the back foot as the hosts replied.

Kevin Doyle forced Cech into a smart save at his near post with an instinctive effort only moments after the Irishman had tested the Czech shotstopper for the first time after a promising run from deep.

But by the time Chelsea had soaked up pressure from Wolves, they were hitting the hosts on the counter-attack, and a move of stunning simplicity led to their opening goal. It was the industrious Zhirkov who created it; playing a clever one-two with Ballack before teeing up Drogba to poke home from close range for his 24th of the season.

The goal - coming late in the half - held much promise for Chelsea in the second period, but it only seemed to galvanise Wolves, who were matching their hosts man for man. Their first effort of a period of great pressure on the Blues' goal came through new signing Guedioura, who forced a top save from Cech with a fiercely-hit volley.

Cech was keeping his team's lead intact, and his defence will be thankful for his fleet-footedness as he leapt to smother the ball at the feet of Kevin Foley before Guedioura's follow-up was hacked away by John Terry.

As at Goodison Park some ten days beforehand, Terry was out-of-sorts - without regular partner-in-crime Carvalho he seemed lost and times, and but for an impressive display by Branislav Ivanovic, the Blues skipper would have found himself on the losing side of the defence's match-long duel with the tireless Doyle.

But whilst Terry was under-performing, his goalkeeper was enjoying one of his best outings between the posts for Chelsea for some time, and his contribution was highlighted when he provided an assist for Drogba's second goal.

A long punt forward caught the Wolves defence unaware, and Drogba coolly rounded Marcus Hahnemann before stroking home to take his tally for the season to an incredible 25 in 29 matches.

Wolves continued to press, aiming for the goal their fight and grit warranted, but Chelsea were not to be denied only their second win away from home in seven matches and first in three. Ancelotti's winning machine marches on - thanks to their goalkeeper and talismanic forward.

___________________________________________________________________

Wolves: Hahnemann; Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward; Henry ©; Foley (Halford), Guedioura, Jones (Ebanks-Blake), Jarvis (Mujangi Bia); Doyle

Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Ivanovic, Terry ©, Zhirkov (Bruma); Ballack, Mikel, Malouda; Anelka, J Cole; Drogba

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 1, PETR CECH

Posted Image

]]> Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:49:10 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6299-wolves-0-2-chelsea/ Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6264-chelsea-4-1-cardiff/ Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea to a comfortable victory over Cardiff City.

The Ivorian striker scored his 23rd goal of the season with just two minutes on the clock to give Chelsea a deserved early lead. But there were elements of complacency in Chelsea's play throughout the first half, and it came as little surprise when the tenacity of the visiting side was rewarded when Michael Chopra headed past Henrique Hilario.

But Drogba was the source of all of Chelsea's creativity, and he played an exquisite ball to Michael Ballack, who fired Chelsea back into the lead. And there was no mistake from Daniel Sturridge as he hammered home his fourth goal in the FA Cup this season.

Substitute Salomon Kalou capped off a hugely satisfying performance for Carlo Ancelotti's side with a fine header which sees Chelsea unbeaten at Stamford Bridge for 37 matches.

And a comfortable victory for Chelsea ensures that a third home tie of the competition will see the Blues face either Stoke City or Manchester City in the quarter-finals, with a replay between the two sides to follow.

The Chelsea manager made a number of changes to the side that went down 2-1 at Goodison Park to Everton thanks to Louis Saha's brace, with only Drogba, John Mikel Obi, Frank Lampard, Ricardo Carvalho and Yuri Zhirkov retaining their places after a dismal team showing on Merseyside.

But thoughts of Wednesday were quickly forgotten as Chelsea raced into an early lead. Mikel capitalised on some lacklustre defending by the visitors, freeing Drogba who had a clear route to goal. The Chelsea striker's touch did not let him down as he lashed beyond David Marshall for his fourth goal in as many games since returning from Angola.

Daniel Sturridge celebrates his fourth of the season with Drogba.

An early goal was exactly what Ancelotti would have hoped for, but Dave Jones' side rallied and replied in kind. Gabor Gyepes wasted a presentable chance, before Anthony Gerrard, cousin of Liverpool skipper Steven - produced a sensational save from Hilario to preserve Chelsea's lead.

But the Blues' defensive lapses were evident once more when Chopra stole home to score his 17th of a productive season for the former Sunderland forward. There was an inquest between goalkeeper and defence following the goal; centre backs Carvalho and Alex were certainly at fault.

Needless to say, Chelsea's second half performance was much more authoritative, and Michael Ballack notched home a fine goal to cap off a flowing Chelsea move. It was started and ended by the German, who latched on to Drogba's magnificent chip over the defence, and Ballack nonchalantly lifted the ball into the net over the keeper.

Mark Kennedy's last-ditch block prevented Alex from making amends as he denied the Brazilian a first goal of the season, whilst Drogba and Zhirkov were off-target from long range. Sturridge - anonymous for much of the first half - was becoming much more involved, and he shot just wide of the post from thirty yards.

And Sturridge's growing influence on the game was underlined when he made the most of a loose ball to slide home underneath Marshall for his fourth goal of the season. The young England striker had combined well with Drogba, and it was a deserved goal from Chelsea's number 23.

Cardiff's misery was made complete on 86 minutes when Kalou - something of a cup goalscoring specialist - superbly headed home Paulo Ferreira's cross. Kalou has found the net in the Champions League and both domestic cup competitions this season, and his strike was his first goal for the club since December, against Blackburn.

A third FA Cup in four seasons looks ever-likely for Chelsea - their ruthless efficiency in this competition means they are now seven years unbeaten at home and nine matches without loss in the competition. Bring on City - Stoke or Manchester.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Hilario; Ferreira, Alex, Carvalho, Zhirkov; Ballack, Mikel, Lampard ©; J Cole (Kalou), Sturridge (Malouda); Drogba (Borini)

Cardiff(4-4-2): Marshall; McNaughton, Gerrard, Gyepes, Kennedy; Burke (McCormack), Rae (Blake), Wilding (Taiwo), Whittingham; Chopra, Bothroyd ©

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 11 - Didier Drogba

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:10:28 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6264-chelsea-4-1-cardiff/ Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6204-chelsea-2-0-arsenal/ Didier Drogba scored a quick-fire brace to hand Chelsea the three points in a keenly-fought London derby.

The Ivorian poked home from close range after just seven minutes to give Chelsea the lead before capping off a fine counter-attack with a lethal finish inside the area.

A win means Chelsea return to the top of the Premier League table after Manchester United put five past a beleaguered Portsmouth side at Old Trafford. But with the returning Drogba and Mikel starting, Carlo Ancelotti's men were quietly confident about completing a first Premier League double over Arsenal since 2006 - the last season Chelsea won the title.

The hosts put in a sensational team performance to deny Arsene Wenger's young side time and again, with inspirational skipper John Terry a stand-out performer at the heart of the Chelsea defence.

Arsenal were resolute and showed tremendous resolve to dominate much of the game, but with Petr Cech returning to form and his defence imperious, Chelsea were not to be denied and held out for a famous victory.

With allegations of his private life still very much making both the front and back pages of the tabloids, there will be some reconciliation for John Terry, who ends a tortuous week having set up Drogba's first goal.

And Terry celebrated at the final whistle in his trademark style; beating his first against his chest in an act of pure defiance. Mass public criticism led to Fabio Capello stripping Terry of the England captaincy, but the banner at the Matthew Harding Stand remains for all to see - John Terry, Captain, Leader, Legend.

But the Blues skipper was just one of a number of heroes across the pitch for Chelsea, who denied and contained Arsenal with a fabulous rearguard action.

Chelsea started brightly in a vociferous atmosphere generated by the Blues faithful, and took an early lead from Florent Malouda's corner.

Some criminally poor Arsenal marking allowed John Terry to head the ball across the face of goal to the unmarked Drogba, who, after shaking off the attentions of Alex Song, poked past a stranded Manuel Almunia to give the hosts the lead with just seven minutes on the clock.

Arsenal's response, however, was resolute and mature, and but for Petr Cech, the Gunners would have restored parity through Andrei Arshavin. Cesc Fabregas' clever chip into the box was fired goalwards first time by the Russian, but the legs of the Czech goalkeeper foiled the Arsenal forward.

Didier Drogba celebrates his second goal.

And Arshavin was made to pay for his guilt-edged miss when Drogba clinically sent the Chelsea crowd into raptures with a delightful second. Lampard robbed the ball and played it to Drogba, who went past Gael Clichy with frightening ease before finishing.

It might have been three had the Arsenal goalkeeper not denied Ashley Cole a goal against his former club, but for all of Arsenal's possession, they were crafting only a handful of openings before ultimately being shut out by Terry and company.

But a much-improved performance in the second half by the visitors will leave much room for optimism in Arsene Wenger's side as his team penned Chelsea inside their own half - but it was the hosts who came closest to finding the net; Lampard's flick saved by Almunia.

Arsenal were cranking up the pressure but Chelsea's defence was up to the mark, with Ashley Cole making a fine saving challenge to block Nasri the one time Arsenal truly carved Chelsea's resilient defence open.

Beating Petr Cech, however, was proving difficult for the North London side. With rumours about his Chelsea future spread across the back pages of many a tabloid newspaper, the Czech was in formidable form as he silenced his doubters with a sublime performance.

Having commanded his area with relative assurance all game, the Czech excelled himself to save Fabregas' clever low freekick, and then pawed away a dangerous cross before substitute Nicklas Bendtner could make contact.

The visiting supports lit a bright red flare in the away end, but a superb rearguard performance looks to have extinguished Arsenal's title hopes once and for all.

Drogba then hit the crossbar with an incredible freekick that had the Arsenal goalkeeper rooted to the spot as he looked for his dream hattrick against the team he had supported as a boy, but both defences stood firm.

There was time left for the Ivorian to take his plaudits as he received a standing ovation as he made way for the returning Kalou. The industrious Anelka and Ballack were also withdrawn to choruses of appreciation, but the greatest cheer was for John Terry, who threw his shirt into the Matthew Harding Lower before celebrating with his adoring fans.

He may be disgraced, but his Chelsea continue to march on.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea FC: Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry ©, A Cole; Ballack (Zhirkov), Mikel, Lampard; Anelka (J Cole), Malouda; Drogba (Kalou)

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna (Eboue), Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy; Fabregas ©, Song, Diaby (Rosicky); Walcott (Bendtner), Arshavin, Nasri

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 12 - John Mikel Obi

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:00:05 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6204-chelsea-2-0-arsenal/ Hull 1-1 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6182-hull-1-1-chelsea/ Didier Drogba scored on his return to the Chelsea side, but could not prevent his side from drawing with Hull..

The Premier League leaders had the opportunity to increase their lead of Manchester United at the top of the table to four points, but instead their advantage is an advantage of just two points.

And with Chelsea hosting Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Blues may find themselves behind the Red Devils should Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat struggling Portsmouth at Old Trafford the day beforehand.

Steven Mouyokolo headed past a beleaguered Petr Cech as Hull took advantage of some lackadaisical Chelsea defending, but Drogba responded with a trademark freekick to level matters before the half time break.

But Hull - undone by a speculative Drogba effort in second half stoppage time earlier in the season - defended manfully, and a below-par Chelsea were incapable of breaking down their hosts for large periods of the match.

The few opportunities crafted by Carlo Ancelotti's side were either wasted or denied by the superb Boaz Myhill, who must take the plaudits for a commanding performance. Chelsea were wasteful with their passing and their performance suggested over-confidence and complacency.

Nevertheless, Chelsea will be grateful for the point - they were outplayed for large periods of the game and despite considerable pressure and possession, they were not particularly adept at converting their few-and-far-between chances.

The return to action of Drogba will be one positive to take from the performance, as well as Ashley Cole's cameo appearance from the bench after initially being considered a doubt for the game at the KC Stadium.

But there is no doubt that the off-field circumstances involving captain John Terry have affected the team's mentality, with two below-par performances within the space of four days. Terry's late header papered the cracks against Burnley, but there was no excuse for a poor team showing all-round.

Under-fire Chelsea captain John Terry will not be helped by a poor individual and team performances.

Chelsea were limited to speculative efforts for much of the game; Frank Lampard's 35-yarder the pick of the chances, forcing a smart save out of the excellent Myhill. The best chance the visitors crafted early on was headed straight at the Hull keeper by Michael Ballack after a magnificent cross by Branislav Ivanovic.

Of the nineteen league goals Chelsea have conceded this season before the game, fourteen had come from set pieces, and the visitors struggled to deal with Hull's dead-ball situations throughout the game.

It was no surprise, therefore, that their twentieth came from the head of Mouyokolo, who took full advantage on the half hour as he headed Stephen Hunt's corner past a stranded Petr Cech.

Hunt was proving an effective, tireless outlet for the home side, but Chelsea soon equalised. Nicolas Anelka was hacked down on the edge of box after passing to Lampard, who was blatantly tripped in the area. The referee awarded the freekick, however, but justice was delivered as Drogba side-footed into the bottom corner with unerring accuracy.

It was to be one of the few positive moments from a Chelsea perspective - their defensive frailties were again underlined moments before the break when Anthony Gardner headed over unmarked in front of goal.

After the interval, Cech had to be at his best to deal with a number of troubling deliveries from Hunt, whilst at the other end Myhill excelled to first deny Drogba and then Terry with a sprawling double save.

And just as Chelsea began to improve as the match moved towards a tense conclusion, substitute Sturridge found Myhill in inspired form as he parried away a dipping volley from the young ex-Manchester City forward.

Even the introduction of the Coles; in-form Ashley and ever-improving Joe, could not inspire Chelsea, who appeared to be almost arrogant in their approach play. There were poor performances across the pitch; Drogba, Ivanovic, Yuri Zhirkov and Deco should be the only players awarded credit amongst the Chelsea ranks.

On the other hand, Hull were massively impressive - young midfielder Tom Cairney in particular, and their draw was fully warranted. Unlike at Stamford Bridge on the opening day, there was to be no stoppage time winner from Chelsea's talismanic striker. Instead, Carlo Ancelotti will feel this is a massive opportunity missed by his team.

A better performance will be required for the visit of Arsenal on Sunday. The Blues demolished Arsene Wenger's team 3-0 at the Emirates in November, but a repeat of that scoreline seems highly unlikely on evidence of this showing.

___________________________________________________________________

Hull: Myhill , McShane (Zayatte), Gardner ©, Mouyokolo, Dawson; Fagan, Boateng, Cairney, Hunt; Altidore (Kilbane), Vennegoor (Zaki)

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry ©, Zhirkov (A Cole); Deco, Ballack (J Cole), Lampard; Malouda, Anelka (Sturridge); Drogba.

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Hull City's 45, Tom Cairney

Posted Image

]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:37:42 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6182-hull-1-1-chelsea/ Burnley 1-2 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6160-burnley-1-2-chelsea/ John Terry scored a late winner for Chelsea away at Burnley, to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

The Chelsea and England captain was the centre of much media attention following allegations of his private life being spread across the tabloids, but left his critics stunned when he headed home a superb winner from Frank Lampard's corner.

Chelsea had taken the lead after Nicolas Anelka converted from close range for his sixth goal in as many games, before Steven Fletcher expertly fired in an equaliser that was fortuitous in its craft.

But Terry rose highest just seven minutes from time to beat the despairing dive of Brian Jensen to bullet the ball into the roof of the net. There was no celebration from the Chelsea defender; he merely planted a kiss on the club emblem on his shirt.

The win completes a perfect January for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who are now on a six-match winning streak and unbeaten in ten matches in all competitions. Only Manchester City have bettered the Blues in their last twenty one games - nevertheless, this was still the Blues' first win away from home since November.

The returning Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou were rested following International duties, so Ancelotti looked to the in-form Anelka to lead the line against the Clarets. Yuri Zhirkov replaced Deco and Alex deputised for Ricardo Carvalho, who was fit enough for the bench only.

The opening twenty minutes passed without note; limited merely to a Chelsea side in first gear probing for gaps in the hosts' defence. The one time the Blues broke down Burnley's stubborn back four, Frank Lampard blazed over from Anelka's pull-back.

But the away side did not have to wait long to open the scoring. Petr Cech threw the ball sixty yards upfield to Joe Cole, who played a delightful pass to Florent Malouda. The French winger fed the ball to Anelka who coolly slotted home to open the scoring.

Anelka and Malouda celebrate the former's opener against Burnley.

Suddenly Chelsea were playing with more fluidity and speed in their passing. Successfully keeping Burnley at arm's length, they comfortably saw the game through to half-time, but the Blues' performance in the second half is unlikely to bode well with the Chelsea manager.

Ancelotti saw his side play with an air of complacency, and they were caught out when Fletcher controlled a long ball from Robbie Blake to fire beyond Cech. The Burnley striker did well to bring the ball down, but was fortunate to see Alex's attempted clearance hit him on the upper arm before he slotted home.

But all this did was spur Chelsea on. Rallying around their under-fire captain, the Blues stepped up several gears, and might have had a second when Malouda fired the ball goalwards, only to see it drift wide.

Ballack then headed wide and Alex spurned a decent chance from Malouda's corner around the hour mark, before Lampard's clever freekick was well-saved by Brian Jensen. Ballack sliced the rebound across the face of goal and Burnley cleared.

Chelsea were in the ascendancy, and only an incorrect offside call against Joe Cole denied Chelsea as they applied pressure to the accelerator. The Blues were getting closer; Malouda fired just wide of the post and substitute Danny Sturridge found Jensen in good form.

But with seven minutes left, Chelsea - and Terry - struck. Lampard's outswinging corner was met by the England captain's forehead, and he duly converted to seal the three points for Chelsea.

The margin of victory might have been greater but Lampard flashed a late chance over the bar, as the Blues played out the final minutes in relative comfort.

The result means the Blues are four points ahead of Manchester United and five clear of third-placed Arsenal - and Ancelotti's side still have their game in hand to play - away at Hull on Tuesday.

An excellent January now leads into a promising February as the Blues face their toughest month so far this season; Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City and then a trip to the Giuseppe Meazza to play Internazionale Milano all await Chelsea this February.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry ©, A Cole (Deco); Lampard, Ballack, Zhirkov; J Cole (Sturridge), Malouda; Anelka

Burnley: Jensen; Mears, Cort, Carlisle ©, Kalvenes (Duff); Elliott, Bikey, McDonald (Paterson), Eagles; Blake (Thompson); Fletcher

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 2 - Branislav Ivanovic

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:25:50 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6160-burnley-1-2-chelsea/ Chelsea 3-0 Birmingham http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6145-chelsea-3-0-birmingham/ Frank Lampard scored a superb brace as Chelsea beat in-form Birmingham to return to the top of the table.

The England midfielder expertly rifled home from close range after being played in by Florent Malouda, who had earlier opened the scoring with a deft header from Joe Cole's cross.

Lampard had made it 2-0 with a rasping drive from outside the box, before his second deep into injury time ensured a fifth straight victory for Chelsea, who return to the top of the Premier League in style, whilst extending their unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge to 23 league matches.

With the Blues in FA Cup action at the weekend, Champions Manchester United had the opportunity to leapfrog the Blues to the summit of the Premier League, and a Wayne Rooney-inspired demolition of Hull meant that Chelsea entered this intriguing clash off top spot.

But Carlo Ancelotti's side were excellent; demonstrating their superb confidence with a classy display against a team that had previously gone fifteen matches without defeat, since a defeat at the hands of Arsenal in October.

However, the visitors were shown up by a Chelsea side brimming with belief after securing safe passage to the last sixteen of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-0 victory at Preston, who now top the table by a point, with a game in hand over both Manchester United and Arsenal.

And with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou returning from international duty ahead of the game away at Burnley on Saturday, few will fancy their chances against the Blues' ruthless efficiency; a trait they seemed to surrender during a hapless December.

Chelsea won just one match all month as 2009 came to a close; a 2-1 triumph over strugglers Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. Amongst the dropped points were the two thrown away at Birmingham, where Joe Hart was in fine form to deny Salomon Kalou and Frank Lampard.

Florent Malouda was sent off in that fixture with only minutes remaining, but the in-form Frenchman made up for his short-comings by opening the scoring after just five minutes.

Florent Malouda's seventh of the season put Chelsea on the route to victory.

Joe Cole showed great skill to out-run Lee Bowyer on the Chelsea right, and sent in a teasing cross that saw Malouda head home unchallenged past a beleaguered Hart, who could do little to deny the Frenchman his seventh of a productive season.

Chelsea were in the ascendency, and Birmingham's only effort of note in the first half came from the boot of Cameron Jerome, whose volley took a deflection over Petr Cech's crossbar. At the other end, the involved Cole tested Hart with a long-range shot, but the young keeper was equal to the strike.

Michael Ballack, in arguably his best run of form this season, then went close when he tested Hart, before Ricardo Carvalho saw his effort flick the post as it fell wide of the target.

It was no surprise when Chelsea went 2-0 thanks to Lampard's superb finish. The Chelsea vice-captain had scored a screamer against Watford earlier in the month, and from a similar position, took a touch before rifling the ball into the bottom corner with pinpoint accuracy.

Ballack was involved with everything the Blues were creating, and he almost added to his seasonal tally when he tested Hart once more with a header before seeing his intelligent near-post flick go inches over the crossbar.

The first of Ballack's chances had been fashioned by the magnificent Ashley Cole; enjoying one of the best performances of his Chelsea career - the highlight of which a clever nutmeg on débutante Michel.

Petr Cech was then called into action as Birmingham produced their first real spell of possession; McFadden first wasted a glorious chance before the Czech pulled off a wonderful flying save to tip over Keith Fahey's toe-poke.

But Birmingham's late rally was short-lived; Chelsea capped off a superb evening when Lampard strolled upfield and tucked the ball past Hart for his thirteenth of the season. Birmingham had tasted defeat for the first time in fifteen games - but there was no shame in coming second-best to a wonderful attacking performance from the hosts.

The Blues therefore go a point clear of Manchester United, and with the Red Devils away at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, there is opportunity for Chelsea to increase their lead this weekend.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry ©, A Cole; Deco, Ballack, Lampard; J Cole (Zhirkov), Malouda; Anelka (Sturridge)

Birmingham: Hart; Carr ©, Johnson, Dann, Ridgewell; Larsson, Ferguson, Bowyer, McFadden (Michel); Jerome (Fahey), Benitez.

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 13 - Michael Ballack

Posted Image

]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:24:27 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6145-chelsea-3-0-birmingham/ Preston 0-2 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6115-preston-0-2-chelsea/ Chelsea produced an efficient display to earn progression into the FA Cup fifth round after beating Preston at Deepdale.

Fielding a strong starting eleven, Carlo Ancelotti was clearly taking the competition and his opposition seriously. The start of Darren Ferguson's reign at Preston had been a successful one, but Chelsea were in no charitable mood as they swept aside their Championship opponents with relative ease and with admirable style.

Many a Premier League manager would have opted for a cautious approach to the match; looking to pay their hosts the optimum amount of respect and hope to hit them on the counter-attack.

But Ancelotti's side were ruthless; at times demonstrating the attacking success of their January renaissance, and at others relying on their experience to brush aside a spirited Preston side, who can indeed take heart from a heart-felt effort that earned a standing ovation at full-time.

Chelsea took the lead through Nicolas Anelka's eleventh goal of the season, before Danny Sturridge stabbed home a rebound after John Terry's initial header produced a good save from Andy Lonergan only 117 seconds into the second period.

Chelsea's steely performance indicates they will not willingly relinquish their grip on a trophy they have won twice in the past three seasons, and with Premier League opposition in Manchester United and Liverpool already knocked out in the Third Round, the Blues have a great chance to retain their trophy once again.

Nevertheless, things could have been different had Henrique Hilario not bravely beat away Chris Brown's knock-down as Richard Chaplow steamed in to convert. The Chelsea keeper was perhaps busier than he would have expected early on, but Chelsea composed themselves to show their superior quality.

Danny Sturridge celebrates his third goal in as many games with skipper John Terry.

Lonergan excelled to deny Yuri Zhirkov his first Blues goal as he rifled an effort goalwards after a clever exchange with Frank Lampard. The Russian was instrumental moments later when Lampard released him down the left to cross for Florent Malouda who tapped in, but a freekick had already been given; leaving Chelsea frustrated.

The referee was only delaying the inevitable, however. Lonergan palmed away a ferocious Alex freekick to keep the scores level, but he was helpless as Nicolas Anelka capped off a superb counter with a measured finish that deceived the Preston custodian at his near post to give the away team the lead.

Things would have been so much different for Darren Ferguson's side had Darren Carter poked home from close range, but he could only spoon the ball over the bar from three yards after Hilario had made a splendid save to deny Brown's looping header.

As to be expected, Chelsea made Carter pay when Sturridge converted for his third goal for the club after Terry had his header saved, to effectively seal the tie.

Joe Cole came on and almost added a layer of gloss to an effective Chelsea performance, but stabbed just wide from 15 yards, before Anelka and Sturridge had shots saved by Lonergan; no doubt Preston's star performer.

The only downsides for Chelsea were injuries to Juliano Belletti and Frank Lampard; the latter removed as a precaution with twenty minutes left. To their credit, the Preston fans - outsung by the Chelsea faithful all match - applauded both men off the field, to which an honoured Lampard responded to in similar fashion, giving the thumbs up to the home supporters.

And it was certainly a thumbs up from Carlo Ancelotti as his side march on towards the prospect of a third FA Cup since 2007 in impressive style.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Hilario; Ferreira, Alex, Terry ©, Zhirkov; Ballack, Belletti (Malouda), Lampard (J Cole); Deco, Anelka; Sturridge

Preston: Lonergan; Hart, Mawene, St Ledger, Davidson ©; Chaplow, Jones, Carter (Parkin); Sedgewick (Mayor), Brown (Mellor), Wallace

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 39 - Nicolas Anelka

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:47:09 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6115-preston-0-2-chelsea/ Chelsea 7-2 Sunderland http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6061-chelsea-7-2-sunderland/ Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea produced a vibrant display to put seven past a beleaguered Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts took an early lead when Michael Ballack's clever past with coolly slotted home by Nicolas Anelka, and Florent Malouda gave Chelsea a greater advantage with a fabulous run and shot. Ashley Cole increased the lead with a stunning finish, and Frank Lampard volleyed home a fourth to give the Blues a comfortable half-time lead.

Former Chelsea winger Bolo Zenden reduced the arrears after Michael Ballack had added a fifth for Chelsea, but further goals from Anelka and Lampard gave the hosts an incredible 7-1 lead, with Darren Bent's late strike a mere consolation for the stunned Sunderland supporters.

Though Manchester United won against Burnley at Old Trafford, Chelsea's lead at the top is retained, and with a game in hand over Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the Blues' title credentials were underlined with a fine attacking performance.

There were doubts pre-match about Chelsea's ability to cope without star striker Didier Drogba, influential midfielder Michael Essien and also Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi - all on international duty in Angola - but those doubts were silenced with just eight minutes on the clock as Anelka rounded Martin Fulop and gave the Blues the lead with a composed finish.

The Blues could have scored twice by the time the Frenchman - back from a hamstring injury - had converted; Ashley Cole and Joe Cole had fluffed good early chances. However a similar mistake was not to be made by Florent Malouda, whose superb run from deep and cultured finish underlined the host's superiority early on.

Cole then scored arguably one of the best goals of the season as he collected a pass from John Terry inside the area. Cutting inside his marker, he held off the challenge of Steed Malbranque to exquisitely chip Fulop for his fourth goal of the season.

Florent Malouda celebrates his sixth goal of the season with Nicolas Anelka

On 34 minutes Lampard scored his customary strike against the Black Cats with a close-range volley from a low cross by the energetic Cole from the left. There were opportunities for Ballack, Joe Cole and Anelka to increase the lead, but bar a poorly-struck Belletti effort, Fulop's miseries were spared until the half-time whistle.

Sunderland had barely had a sniff, though Darren Bent and Daryl Murphy forced good saves out of Petr Cech after good work by Kenwyne Jones on both occasions.

However Chelsea were not to be stopped, and Sunderland's woes were added to when Ballack stole a march on his marker to power home a close range header for his first goal since September.

Sunderland's Hungarian goalkeeper was powerless to stop the Chelsea number 13 from scoring his fourth of the season, but had earlier pulled off a sensational save to deny Anelka; tipping his powerful effort on to the bar and then the post as he denied Chelsea momentarily.

There was a moment for celebration for the travelling supporters as Zenden rifled home in terrific fashion from the edge of the area, but their reprieve was short-lived as Anelka made it six after Fulop had failed to clear Zhirkov's cross.

Fulop denied Anelka a hat-trick from six yards out and Joe Cole hit the post with a header to give the away goal some respite, but there was no surprise when Lampard calmly nodded home his second of the match to give Chelsea their seventh.

Bent's injury time consolation took some of the gloss off of a classy performance, but Chelsea's 350th Premier League victory highlights the fact that the Blues are certainly back to their attacking best.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry © (Alex 46), A Cole (Zhirkov 46); Ballack, Belletti, Lampard; J Cole, Malouda; Anelka

Sunderland: Fulop; Bardsley, Cana ©, Da Silva, McCartney; Malbranque, (Zenden 46) Henderson, Meyler, Murphy (Campbell 72); Jones, Bent

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 39 - Nicolas Anelka

Posted Image

]]> Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:26:59 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6061-chelsea-7-2-sunderland/ Chelsea 5-0 Watford http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6000-chelsea-5-0-watford/ Chelsea produced a vibrant display to defeat Championship side Watford in the FA Cup.

The current cup holders - 2-1 victors over Everton in May - were ahead inside just five minutes when Daniel Sturridge poked home from close range for his first Chelsea goal. The Blues had a comfortable 3-0 lead with just twenty-one minutes played, as a John Eustace own goal and a fortuitous third through Florent Malouda gave Chelsea a commanding half-time lead.

There was still time for Frank Lampard to belt in from 25 yards for Chelsea's fourth, and a superb display was rounded off with a deserved second goal for the lively Sturridge.

Chelsea were excellent throughout and at their attacking best, even though Watford boss Malkay Mackay had attempted to stifle the Blues' midfield by electing for a defensive 4-5-1 formation. However the hosts' superior quality shone through as they cruised to a comfortable victory - despite being without without the injured Nicolas Anelka and the unavailable Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou.

Carlo Ancelotti made a number of changes as the Blues' formation shifted to an attacking 4-3-3, with Malouda and Joe Cole playing either side of Sturridge. Juliano Belletti joined Lampard and Yuri Zhirkov in midfield, and Henrique Hilario replaced Petr Cech in goal.

It was no surprise that Watford were cautious in the opening exchanges as Chelsea surged forward right from the off, and it was even less of a shock that the hosts took an early lead.

Frank Lampard's corner was flicked on by Alex, who found Chelsea captain John Terry. The defender volleyed into the six yard box, where Sturridge was on hand to poke home from close range. It was the young striker's first goal for club, and the goal filled both the striker and his team with confidence.

Then Malouda slammed in a vicious cross that Joe Cole fed back in to the danger area, and under pressure from Lampard, Eustace could only slice the ball into his own goal as he attempted to clear off the line.

Frank Lampard hammers Chelsea into a four-goal lead.

Things went from bad to worse in front of the visiting supporters in the Shed End as the Blues extended their lead. Zhirkov's effort from the edge of the area took a slight touch from Malouda before bouncing past the stranded Scott Loach.

And though the clock read only 21 minutes, Chelsea had the game won. There were further attempts on goal from Lampard, Belletti, Zhirkov, Sturridge and Terry before half time, although all were unsuccessful.

Chelsea seemed to step off the gas as the second half began with the victory already assured - a luxury that Manchester United never had as they were knocked out by Leeds United at Old Trafford. The Blues were firmly in control and when Lampard thundered home a terrific fourth, it was a question of how many the Watford defence would concede.

Four soon became five as Sturridge capped off an excellent team move when the instrumental Zhirkov and the tireless Ashley Cole combined to set up the young striker, who calmly stroked the ball home.

Sturridge then made way for Fabio Borini, and Gael Kakuta came on for Ashley Cole, allowing Zhirkov to move back into defence. There was also polite applause from the Chelsea faithful as Blues' youth product John Harley came on as a substitute for Watford.

And Harley struck the post with Hilario beaten as Watford looked for a mere consolation strike, but the effort was a mere glimmer of a positive - the visitors were well and truly beaten.

A comfortable, clinical and comprehensive victory is exactly what Ancelotti ordered - and young Daniel Sturridge will now be brimming with confidence as the Blues prepare for a visit to Hull.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Hilario; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry ©, A Cole (Kakuta 73); Lampard, Belletti (Matic 64), Zhirkov; J Cole, Malouda; Sturridge (Borini 69)

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Demerit ©, Doyley; Cleverley, Eustace, Severin (Jenkins 46), Lansbury; Cowie (Harley 79), Graham (Henderson 79)

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 18 - Yuri Zhirkov

]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2010 18:30:06 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/6000-chelsea-5-0-watford/ Chelsea 2-1 Fulham http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5973-chelsea-2-1-fulham/ A Didier Drogba-led revival ensured Chelsea came from behind to beat neighbours Fulham in a pulsating London derby.

The visitors took a surprise lead inside five minutes when Zoltan Gera superbly hooked the ball beyond Petr Cech, but found themselves on the back foot as Chelsea surged forward looking for an equaliser.

They were forced to wait until Didier Drogba powered home a bullet header from a Branislav Ivanovic cross, before Chris Smalling helplessly beat his own goalkeeper to extend the Blues' lead at the top of the table.

Following Manchester United's win at Hull yesterday, Carlo Ancelotti will be relieved to see his side win just their second game in eight matches as the Blues increased the gap between themselves and their northern rivals to five points.

A frustrating end to 2009 sees Chelsea complete a frustrating festive period, after dropping points away at strugglers West Ham and in-form Birmingham.

Carlo Ancelotti made six changes to the side that earned a credible clean sheet at St Andrews' on Boxing Day, with Joe Cole, Salomon Kalou and Yuri Zhirkov amongst those brought into the side. Other notable inclusions were John Mikel Obi and Drogba, who, like Kalou, had been granted permission to leave a day late for international duty.

Despite plenty of early possession during the opening exchanges, Chelsea's new-look defence was left exposed when Paul Konchesky set up Zoltan Gera, who emphatically hooked the ball past Petr Cech after just four minutes.

Chelsea were shell-shocked, and though they were having no trouble in retaining the ball, their lack of confidence was demonstrated with laboured build-up play being paired with a poor final delivery.

The hosts' best efforts in the first half were both through Drogba; the first of which forcing an excellent low save from Fulham's Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. His strike partner, Kalou, also had a number of opportunities, but he flashed a low drive wide before later poking horrendously off-target when well-placed.

There was a small chorus of boos from a minority of Chelsea supporters at the half-time whistle, but those boos seemed to be the fuel to which Chelsea pulled off a sensational comeback that had looked increasingly unlikely.

However Fulham had a golden opportunity to extend the lead seconds into the half, but Cech made an exceptional save from Zamora when the in-form striker looked to put his side 2-0 up.

But Chelsea were relentless; constantly pinning back Fulham and keeping them under immense pressure. Drogba gave an early indication that the Blues were far from done when he forced a superb save from Schwarzer with a fizzing effort, and the tireless Kalou was becoming more and more involved.

Chelsea had been suffering from a lack of width in their play in the first half, but Ancelotti switched his formation around; a change that saw Kalou and substitute Daniel Sturridge switch to wide positions in an attacking 4-3-3 shape.

But on 73 minutes, substitute Branislav Ivanovic fired in a superb delivery that Drogba converted with a bullet header to deservedly draw Chelsea level.

The Blues had dominated the game for almost its entirety, and it was little surprise to the Stamford Bridge crowd that they would go on to claim a second goal in quick succession after a confidence-evoking equaliser.

Chelsea's young forward Sturridge forced a good save out of Schwarzer, but his parry only brought about the winning goal as the ball bounced in off of the unfortunate Smalling.

There was time for Kalou to clip the crossbar with a stunning effort, but despite a late rally by the visitors that saw a number of corners pumped into the Chelsea penalty area, the Blues held out for a massive victory that could just point them towards the title once again.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira (Ivanovic 63), Carvalho, Terry ©, Zhirkov (A Cole 83); Mikel (Sturridge 70), Ballack, Lampard; J Cole, Kalou, Drogba

Fulham: Schwarzer; Pantsil (Etuhu 66), Hughes, Smalling, Konchesky; Duff (Riise 83), Murphy ©, Baird, Dempsey; Gera (Johnson 70); Zamora

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 11 - Didier Drogba

Posted Image

]]> Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:35:52 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5973-chelsea-2-1-fulham/ Chelsea 2-1 Portsmouth http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5900-chelsea-2-1-portsmouth/ Frank Lampard's penalty saved Chelsea's blushes as they won for the first time in five games.

The England midfielder stepped up when Chelsea were awarded a penalty ten minutes from time when Branislav Ivanovic was hacked down in the area.

Despite missing in the recent defeat to Manchester City, Lampard was calm and composed; ruthlessly dispatching the ball past the outstanding Asmir Begovic.

The hosts had gone ahead thanks to Nicolas Anelka's eighth goal of the season, but former Lyon forward Frederic Piquionne volleyed home after a fortuitous deflection from a Jamie O'Hara freekick saw the Portsmouth striker standing in front of an open goal.

Ex-Chelsea manager Avram Grant was given a warm reception on his return to the club that he led to the 2008 UEFA Champions League and Carling Cup finals, and his side gave a good account of themselves in spite of seven changes made by the manager to the team that earned a point away against Sunderland.

Carlo Ancelotti rung the changes himself; Alex was reinstated to the defence after a month's absence, and the injured Didier Drogba was replaced by compatriot Salomon Kalou.

But Chelsea's leading scorer was barely missed in an opening period the hosts comfortably bossed. Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka had early efforts go wide, and Michael Ballack was just wide of the mark with a long-range effort.

Chelsea were totally dominant and it was no surprise they took the lead after 23 minutes; Anelka sweeping home from close range after Alex had galloped forward from defence to join the attack. It was a fitting way for the Frenchman to cap a century of appearances for the Blues.

But Chelsea, for their dominance, failed to convert the necessary second goal that would make matters more comfortable, and slipped into a mode of complacency as the half drew on. Portsmouth had a good chance to equalise when Petr Cech could only parry a well struck Piquionne shot, but Hermann Hreidarsson could not control the rebound.

The Blues' lead lasted for only five minutes of the second period as the visitors drew level. A huge slice of luck was involved as O'Hara's freekick deflected straight to Piquionne, but the Frenchman's volley was sublime; comprehensively beating a stranded Cech.

It did, however, again highlight Chelsea's defensive vulnerability, and is the sixth goal conceded in three home matches for the Blues. Kevin-Prince Boateng twice had chances to give Grant's team a shock lead, but was denied by brilliant diving block by Ashley Cole, and then lost his footing with the goal gaping - despite clearly being offside.

The introduction of Joe Cole and Florent Malouda saw Chelsea change shape as Deco and Kalou - both noticeably quiet - were withdrawn. Switching to the tried-and-tested Chelsea formula of a 4-3-3, the Blues were suddenly reinvigorated by a driving run by Cole and then a snap-shot by the England man that went just wide.

Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic then made a stunning save to deny Tal Ben Haim's inadvertent flick towards his own goal to keep the South Coast team in the contest. Begovic, replacing the injured David James, had made a number of solid saves, but he was helpless as Chelsea took the lead from the penalty spot.

With eleven minutes remaining, marauding full-back Branislav Ivanovic was fouled by Marc Wilson, and Lampard made no mistake from the spot, smashing home his seventh goal of the season with confidence.

And teenage star Fabio Borini could have added to the lead after rounding Begovic following a defensive mix-up in the Portsmouth ranks, but the Italian was just wide with his angled effort.

Nevertheless Chelsea hung on to record their first win in five matches, and return to winning ways in the Premier League to open up a three point lead over Manchester United.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea (4-1-3-2): Cech; Ivanovic, Alex, Terry ©, A Cole; Mikel; Ballack (Malouda 63), Lampard; Deco (J Cole 58); Kalou (Borini 71), Anelka

Portsmouth (4-3-2-1): Begovic; Finnan, Ben-Haim, Wilson, Hreidarsson; Diop (Hughes 59), Mokoena (Utaka 85); Mullins; Boateng, O'Hara; Piquionne.

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 2 - Branislav Ivanovic

Posted Image

]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:14:07 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5900-chelsea-2-1-portsmouth/ Chelsea 3-3 Everton http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5868-chelsea-3-3-everton/ Chelsea conceded three times as Everton secured an unlikely point at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had conceded just once at home all season in the Premier League, but fell behind early on when the ball bounced in off the post and on to the unfortunate Petr Cech for an own goal.
Chelsea responded through Didier Drogba's stunning drive and Nicolas Anelka gave the Blues a 2-1 lead.

However Yakubu equalised for Everton on the stroke of half-time, and a Louis Saha header earned the Toffees a share of the spoils after Drogba had earlier given the hosts the lead.

The result means Chelsea's lead at the top of the table could be reduced to merely goal difference should Manchester United beat Aston Villa at Old Trafford, and the Blues' perfect home record has also been cancelled out.

Chelsea dominated the match but their defending was at times comical. Despite doing more than enough to ensure a victory, the hosts conceded three goals from dead ball situations that will underline their recent defensive frailties - Chelsea have now conceded ten goals in their last four matches, and five in their last two at home.

Chelsea were still reeling from the injury to Michael Essien, sustained in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with APOEL Nicosia, and the hosts clearly missed the presence and drive of the Ghanaian midfielder. Chelsea have failed to win a match since their demolition of Arsenal last month, and have now either lost or drawn their last four games.

And this intriguing encounter - a repeat of last season's FA Cup final - could not have gotten off to a worse start for Chelsea as they fell behind after just eleven minutes as Louis Saha's header was flicked on to the post and went in off of Cech.

However Chelsea responded in a fashion typical of their performances under Ancelotti, and equalised through a sumptuous Drogba effort after Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard combined to tee up the Ivorian striker for his 17th goal of an exquisite season.

And Stamford Bridge erupted into a cacophony of noise as Anelka poked home from close range after Branislav Ivanovic had flicked on a corner from Lampard to give Chelsea a deserved 2-1 lead. The Blues were good value for the scoreline, and besides the scoreline indicating otherwise, had totally dominated Everton and in truth warranted a greater scoreline in their favour.

But Chelsea failed to clear a Diniyar Bilyaletdinov long throw, which Yakubu smashed home from close range after both Terry and Carvalho failed to clear the immediate danger. Almost undeservedly, Everton had restored parity - and it was the first touch of substitute Yakubu, who replaced the crocked Jo only moments before.

Nevertheless, just ten minutes into the second half, Chelsea were back in the lead as Ivanovic's cross was expertly volleyed home by Drogba after Tony Hibbert had failed to clear.

Yet back came Everton again as Johnny Heitinga's freekick into the box was headed on to Saha's forehead by Drogba, and the ball looped over Cech to make it 3-3. It was a highly fortuitous goal for the visitors, but the Chelsea defence and goalkeeper will need to take a long, hard look at themselves for conceding such a soft goal.

The Blues pinned Everton back into their half for the remaining twenty five minutes, and Michael Ballack almost found the winner but he dragged his shot wide of the post from outside the area.

The draw means Chelsea have dropped point at home for the first time at home since April - again versus the Merseysiders. Manager Carlo Ancelotti said that he was "happy with the performance of the team but not the result."

A win for Manchester United would mean that the invincible-looking Chelsea side that dispatched Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson's team last month would be top of the table by the virtue of goal difference only.

The rot goes on; yet fear the backlash. Portsmouth visit Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, and few would bet against the Blues returning to winning ways against the Premier League's bottom-placed team. Looking at the Blues' upcoming fixtures, anything other than nine wins from nine will be acceptable. The pressure is on.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea (4-4-2): Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho (Belletti 85), Terry ©, A Cole; Mikel (Borini 87); Ballack, Lampard; J Cole (Malouda 75); Anelka, Drogba

Everton (4-4-2): Howard ©; Hibbert, Neill, Heitinga, Baines; Pienaar, Rodwell, Fellaini, Bilyaletdinov; Jo (Yakubu 45+2), Saha (Agard 90+3)

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 11 - Didier Drogba
Posted Image

]]> Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:02:21 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5868-chelsea-3-3-everton/ Man City 2-1 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5826-man-city-2-1-chelsea/ Saturday 5th December 2009, the FA Premier League, the City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

Carlos Tevez' second half freekick sealed a famous victory for Manchester City over Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The Argentine forward curled home beyond Petr Cech after Ricardo Carvalho had been wrongfully adjudged to have fouled the former Manchester United star whilst challenging for the ball. City's Emmanuel Adebayor had given Chelsea the lead after Nicolas Anelka's shot was parried onto the Togo striker's back, but the ex-Arsenal striker responded by prodding home an equaliser for Mark Hughes' side.

Frank Lampard had the opportunity to draw Chelsea level but saw his penalty saved by Given to complete a torrid few days in the North that has seen the Blues dumped out of the Carling Cup and their lead cut to two points thanks to Manchester United's thrashing of West Ham. City, who had equalled the longest run of consecutive draws with their 1-1 stalemate against Hull the previous weekend, move to fifth in the table.

Nicolas Anelka, Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech were amongst the changes as Carlo Ancelotti shuffled his pack for a crucial encounter at Eastlands. City were without Craig Bellamy and Stephen Ireland, and went behind in the eighth minute through unfortunate circumstances.

A bright start by the visitors saw Drogba's effort saved by Given after Deco's clever flick saw the Ivorian break through, but Chelsea were not forced to wait long to open their account. Branislav Ivanovic and Anelka saw efforts saved by Given, but the latter strike bounced in off Adebayor's back to give the Blues the lead.

Chelsea were moving the ball around well on the slick surface, but City responded well and but for a Ricardo Carvalho clearance off the line, would have drawn level when Cech flapped at a cross.

City were bombarding the penalty area with crosses and the anxious-looking Chelsea goalkeeper looked less than convincing on a number of occasions. Adebayor shot narrowly wide and Essien deflected a long range strike from Gareth Barry over the bar.

Adebayor then controversially equalised as Shaun Wright-Phillip's shot hit Micah Richards' hand before dropping to the Togo striker. City - nor referee Howard Webb - minded, and the goal was awarded, much to the visitors' dismay.

Before the half was done, Drogba sent a freekick inches wide with Given comprehensively beaten, but it was through a similar opportunity for Carlos Tevez that the hosts took the lead early in the second half.

Moments after Ivanovic had saved his goalkeeper's blushes once again, Tevez fired home from the edge of the area to give City a second goal that, in fairness, their performance had warranted. Chelsea were furious - the freekick was given for an apparent foul by Carvalho though replays suggested the Portuguese won the ball.

Juliano Belletti and John Mikel Obi soon came on as Chelsea switched to a more attacking system with Lampard pushing forward as a second attacking midfielder. They were soon again in their grove and Deco's freekick was headed just wide by Ivanovic, before Drogba failed to connect with the ball properly under pressure from Kolo Touré and headed the wrong side of the post.

Chelsea were handed a lifeline with a penalty decision after Drogba was tripped by substitute Onuoha, but Given sent the home support into raptures as Lampard's weak spot-kick was well saved by the Irishman. Drogba then poked wide after Essien's incisive pass had found him well-placed, before captain John Terry limped off injured to complete a poor evening for Ancelotti's men.

Chelsea have two home games against APOEL and Everton as they look to bounce back. Beware the backlash.
___________________________________________________________________

Man City (4-4-2): Given; Richards (Onuoha 68), Touré ©, Lescott, Bridge (Kompany 75); Wright-Phillips, De Jong, Barry, Robinho (Zabaleta 90); Tevez, Adebayor.

Chelsea (4-3-1-2): Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho (Belletti 63), Terry © (Malouda 88) A Cole; Essien; Ballack (Mikel 63), Lampard; Deco; Anelka, Drogba.

The TalkChelsea.net Star Man was Manchester City's number 32; Carlos Tevez

Posted Image

]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:47:27 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5826-man-city-2-1-chelsea/ Blackburn 3-3 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5818-blackburn-3-3-chelsea/ Wed 2 Dec 09, Carling Cup Quarter-Final, Ewood Park, Blackburn
Two penalty saves from Paul Robinson ensured Blackburn progressed to the semi-finals of the Carling Cup at Chelsea's expense.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti made a host of changes to the side that demolished Arsenal 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with the Blues boss clearly prioritising Saturday's crunch clash with Mark Hughes' Manchester City.

Blackburn took an early lead through Croatian Nikola Kalinic to give them a half-time lead, but a goal from substitute Didier Drogba, and a second through Salomon Kalou put the visitors in a commanding position. Brett Emerton's cross inexplicably deceived Hilario to force extra-time and Benedict McCarthy’s penalty looked to have won the game for Rovers, only for Paul Robinson to flap at a cross; allowing Paulo Ferreira to score.

The victory will be sweet revenge for Rovers who suffered a 5-0 drubbing at Stamford Bridge in November, and a welcome tonic for manager Sam Allardyce as he recovers from heart surgery.

Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic formed an unorthodox centre back pairing. Yuri Zhirkov replaced the injured Ashley Cole, whilst a change in formation saw wingers Florent Malouda and Joe Cole playing alongside Kalou. In-form Didier Drogba was on the bench along with youth team star Gael Kakuta.

The home side took the lead through a well-worked goal; Morten Gamst Pedersen combined with Pascal Chimbonda, who teed up Kalinic who fired beyond Hilario from close range. It was a goal Blackburn deserved for a positive start to the match, but Chelsea came back into the contest with a number of good opportunities.

The best of which was headed wide by Kalou, who couldn't convert an inviting cross from Belletti. Zhirkov and Malouda disappointingly shot straight at goalkeeper Paul Robinson, and Joe Cole was disappointingly quiet.

In response, Ancelotti chose to make a tripe substitution; Kakuta and Drogba replaced Cole and the ineffective Deco, as the team resorted to their typical 4-4-2 formation. Young defender Jeffrey Bruma also joined the fray in place of Belletti.

And the changes had an immediate effect as Chelsea turned the game on its head. Drogba powered home a stunning header and then Kalou latched on to a through-ball from Zhirkov before slotting beyond the goalkeeper. Kalou should have added a third to Chelsea's tally but he was soon forced to retire from the action after tearing his thigh - the Blues were down to just ten men.

Blackburn levelled when Emerton's cross evaded Hilario who misjudged the flight of the ball as Kalinic rose to meet it, and Rovers continued to pile the pressure on their opponents, but the Chelsea goalkeeper saved well from Kalinic.

Junior Hoilett, who had missed two decent chances in normal time, was then fouled by Zhirkov in the area as the game entered extra time; McCarthy sent Hilario the wrong way but Chelsea equalised through Ferreira when he poked home from a tight angle after Malouda's free kick was missed by Robinson.

But the Blackburn goalkeeper made amends with a stunning penalty save from Michael Ballack. Chelsea converted their next three spot-kicks and Hilario denied Kalinic, but Robinson saved Gael Kakuta's powered effort to send Blackburn through, and deservedly so.

___________________________________________________________________

Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Robinson; Salgado, Samba, Nelsen ©, Chimbonda; Emerton, Nzonzi (Van Heerden 91), McCarthy, Pedersen (Grella 61); Kalinic, Roberts (Hoilett 69).

Chelsea (4-3-3): Hilario; Belletti (Bruma 46), Ferreira, Ivanovic, Zhirkov; Mikel, Ballack, Malouda; Deco (Drogba 46), J Cole (Kakuta 46); Kalou

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Blackburn's number 10 - Benedict McCarthy

Posted Image

]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:40:15 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5818-blackburn-3-3-chelsea/ Arsenal 0-3 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5791-arsenal-0-3-chelsea/ Sunday 29 November 2009, the FA Premier League, the Emirates, North London

Didier Drogba scored twice as Chelsea thrashed Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

After Manchester United beat Portsmouth 4-1 at Fratton Park yesterday, Chelsea's lead was cut to just two points, but a comprehensive victory over London rivals Arsenal sees Carlo Ancelotti's side renew their five point advantage over the Red Devils.

Didier Drogba opened the scoring with a deft finish on 41 minutes, before an own goal by Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen moments before half-time gave Chelsea a commanding lead at the interval. Arsenal mounted a second half fight-back but Andrei Arshavin's finish was rightfully disallowed after a foul by Eduardo. Drogba completed a stunning victory with an equally-brilliant freekick deep into the second half.

The win means Arsenal are eleven points behind Chelsea, though the Gunners have a game in hand. Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti was quick to praise his team's excellent team ethic, and was complimentary towards the hosts who made it "very difficult" for the visitors at times.

It was Arsenal's first defeat at the Emirates since their 4-1 at the hands of the Blues back in May under the tenure of Guus Hiddink, and the encounter was made even feistier by Nicolas Anelka, Ashley Cole and William Gallas all lining up against their one-time employees.

Cole was at the centre of torrents of abuse from the Arsenal faithful, but it was fellow ex-Arsenal star Nicolas Anelka who was at the centre of the game's first talking point, when he was seemingly hauled down inside the penalty area as he looked to pull the trigger. Chelsea had had a decent claim for a penalty kick, and moments later Drogba headed straight at Manuel Almunia in one of the half's better opportunities.

Frank Lampard was back for the Blues after missing their last two games, and the Chelsea ace was at the heart of everything good the visitors were producing. Cole; centre of a chorus of boos from the supporters, rached through after being played in by skipper John Terry, and his teasing cross was met by Drogba on 41 minutes to open the scoring.

It was a tidy finish from the Ivorian, and moments later a second devilish delivery from Cole had Chelsea finding the back of the net. This time the England defender whipped in a first-time ball after combining with his namesake; Joe, and Thomas Vermaelen could only look on as he poked the ball beyond his own goalkeeper.

A sudden double blow had Arsenal against the ropes as Chelsea reached the interval without being seriously troubled by Arsenal.

Wenger responded by bringing on Theo Walcott, and the ex-Southampton man had an immediate impact on Arsenal's approach play, though the hosts were denied a route back into the game when referee Andre Marriner ruled out an Arshavin strike after Petr Cech had been obstructed.

Branislav Ivanovic, Terry, Cole and Ricardo Carvalho were all magnificent at the back for Chelsea and their midfield and strike force were also enjoying splendid performances. Arsenal were having a hard time breaking down the Blues' formidable defence - clearly missing Dutch forward Robin van Persie.

The only sour note for Chelsea was an injury to Ashley Cole, though Yuri Zhirkov had marked his return to full fitness in midweek against Porto, and Paulo Ferreira proving to be an able replacement in the closing moments.

Lampard nearly deflected in a Drogba shot that had bounced off Gallas but Almunia made a good save to push the ball away to prevent Chelsea from increasing the lead, but he was helpless as Drogba powered home a sumptuous freekick on 86 minutes to complete the perfect afternoon for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

___________________________________________________________________

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Traoré; Song (Walcott 46), Denilson; Arshavin, Fábregas ©, Nasri (Rosicky 65); Eduardo (Vela 56)

Chelsea (4-1-2-1-2): Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry ©, A Cole (Ferreira 72); Mikel; Essien, Lampard; J Cole (Deco 67); Anelka, Drogba (Malouda 87)

The TalkChelsea.net Star Man was Chelsea's number 11; Didier Drogba

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:44:49 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5791-arsenal-0-3-chelsea/ Chelsea 4-0 Wolves http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5745-chelsea-4-0-wolves/ Saturday 21 November 2009, the FA Premier League, Stamford Bridge, West London

Chelsea convincingly beat Wolverhampton Wanderers to maintain their five point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Florent Malouda gave the hosts the lead with a superb effort from long range with just five minutes played, and a quickfire brace from the brilliant Michael Essien put the game beyond Wolves with the first half barely half complete. An excellent performance was capped off with a goal from Joe Cole; his first for over thirteen months, as Chelsea maintained their superb start to the season.

The Blues have now won eleven out of thirteen Premier League fixtures this season, and seven from seven at Stamford Bridge, and were comfortable throughout. Mick McCarthy's side tried to match Chelsea's system and play expansive attacking football, but were ultimately undone by the Blues' superior quality, in spite of a number of absentees for the hosts.

Influential trio Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack joined Deco and José Bosingwa on the treatment table, so Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel returned to the starting line-up as Carlo Ancelotti made seven changes to the team that beat Manchester United. Chelsea were boosted by the return to fitness of Ashley Cole and John Terry, and there was a place on the bench for French starlet Gael Kakuta.

The Blues were able to show off the strength-in-depth of their talented squad as they took the lead after just five minutes. Jody Craddock's poor clearance was picked up by Frenchman Florent Malouda, and the former Lyon man lashed the ball home from twenty five yards to give the hosts the perfect start.

Chelsea's brilliant displays this season have been testament to their attacking supremacy, and only seven further minutes had passed by the time they had increased their tally. Having sent the Blues on their way to another three points, Malouda then found Michael Essien from a corner, and the Ghanaian duly converted for his second goal of the season.

Wolves were reeling from an early double blow from their hosts, and by the time Essien put Chelsea 3-0 up after just twenty one minutes, Mick McCarthy's side could have been forgiven for wanting the half-time whistle to be sounded early. Joe Cole, Malouda and Essien in particular were dominating the midfield, and though Wolves should be credited for their attacking play, they were guilty of giving the Chelsea trio too much space to exert their influence on the game.

The West Midlands side improved as the half progressed, however, and only a stunning reflex save by Petr Cech denied Sylvain Ebanks-Blake from reducing the arrears before half-time. Wolves weren't given much respite and found themselves even further behind following a patient start to the second period from Chelsea.

Joe Cole's shot squirmed under the glove of Wayne Hennessey to give Chelsea a handsome and deserved 4-0 lead, and the England star wheeled away to celebrate his first goal since October 2008; also against Birmingham opposition in the form of Aston Villa.

Chelsea had worked their fourth goal brilliantly, with the move starting with goalkeeper Cech, and a brilliant Anelka run and Kalou lay-off later, Cole arrowed his effort into the bottom corner.

Essien then saw a shot skim the outside the post as he went looking to complete his first Blues hattrick, and a superb save onto the bar from Hennessey denied him from doing so with a drilled effort from range. Chelsea seemed content with their lead, and Ancelotti made sure to bring on Kakuta, Fabio Borini and debutant Nemanja Matic for some valuable first-team football.

Kakuta showed glimpses of brilliance and went close twice in the dying minutes; finding the side netting from an acute angle and then flashing an effort from distance just wide. Wolves were fortunate to see just four goals past them on a day where Chelsea were ruthlessly efficient and brilliant in attack - the Blues' march to the title goes on.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea (4-1-3-2): Cech; Belletti, Alex, Terry ©, A Cole; Mikel; Essien; Malouda (Matic 69); J Cole; Anelka (Kakuta 58), Kalou (Borini 77)

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-5-1): Hennessey; Halford, Craddock, Berra, Stearman; Edwards, Henry ©, Surman, Castillo (Knightly 52), Jarvis; Ebanks-Blake (Keogh 61).

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 5 - Michael Essien

Posted Image

]]> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:19:44 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5745-chelsea-4-0-wolves/ Chelsea 1-0 Man Utd http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5680-chelsea-1-0-man-utd/ Saturday 8 November 2009, the FA Premier League, Stamford Bridge, West London

Chelsea claimed a precious victory over Manchester United to keep them top of the Premier League.

Remembrance Sunday; a day that celebrates the end of the hostilities of the First World War and commemorates the men and women who fell between 1914 and 1918. In 2009, a pivotal battle in the Premier League was fought out between two of the country's superpowers - leaders Chelsea and defending champions Manchester United.

It was the hosts who came out victors in this Battle of Stamford Bridge, thanks to a goal scored through Blues captain John Terry. On a day that honours servicemen who fell during the Great War, it was apt that the captain of Chelsea Football Club, nicknamed the Pensioners, should score the winning. A poignant minute of silence was impeccably observed by the Chelsea faithful and the visiting fans from Manchester.

The Chelsea skipper rose highest to meet Frank Lampard's pinpoint delivery, and though the ball clipped Nicolas Anelka en route to finding the bottom corner of Edwin van der Sar's goal, few could have begrudged a boyhood Manchester United support claiming his first goal against the Red Devils.

The result is a highly significant one for Chelsea, who are now five points clear of both United and Arsenal. The Blues were off-colour and far from their deadly best, but their unbeaten home run in the Premier League now stands at twelve months without suffering defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Much was made of the game prior to kick-off, with many claiming it to be the most important game of the season so far. With Chelsea already two points clear at the top, United were in desperate need to close the gap on the Premier League's leaders.

There was some significant team news for the visiting side, who were already without the ailing Rio Ferdinand - both Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Vidic were far from match fitness, but the Serbian defender was on the bench with the threat of Didier Drogba challenging an inexperienced centre back pairing of Jonny Evans and Wes Brown.

However, the pair gave the Ivorian striker very little to craft openings for the hosts, and were aided immensely by the return to fitness of Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher; a player so often called up by Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United's crucial matches.

United began the better of the two sides, with Luis Antonio Valencia testing Ashley Cole with an early foray down the visitors' right, but Cole was up to the challenge. Michael Carrick blazed over before Wayne Rooney was denied only by the linesman's flag - with replays showing the England striker was level with the last defender as the ball was played.

Ferguson's side were furthered angered when referee Martin Atkinson waved away penalty claims after John Terry appeared to bring Valencia down inside the area, but the official gave the benefit of the doubt to the England skipper. Terry was cynical and though he was not helped by slipping, a spot kick should have been awarded to the visitors - however, the referee waved play on.

Ryan Giggs and Carrick had long-range efforts that Petr Cech comfortably gathered, but United were being restricted by Chelsea's stubborn rearguard, with Carvalho and Ivanovic looking particularly imperious. The Portuguese defender blocked a close range Rooney effort as the quarter-hour mark passed, but United were lacking a cutting edge in front of goal.

Chelsea almost punished them for failing to take their chances but Anelka's efforts; the first a rasping drive and the second a curling effort, were both excellently stopped by van der Sar. The half-time whistle was sounded with United just shading the first half, but the hosts had had the better opportunities. Drogba hooked wide late on, but the United defence had kept the Blues striker relatively quiet throughout.

The second half continued to the same pattern, with Fletcher excelling in midfield, in helping to break up Chelsea's attacking rhythm. Deco was being completely marked out the match, and both goalkeepers made regulation saves as the tempo was increased slightly. Carvalho did well to block a Fletcher effort and Cech tipped over a curling Rooney effort to keep United at bay.

Rooney then shot wide after playing a clever one-two with Valencia, but United were punished with 15 minutes remaining when Chelsea took the lead. Ashley Cole was felled by Fletcher, and Lampard's delivery was met by Terry, whose effort went in via Anelka. Didier Drrgba may have been offside when Terry connected with the ball, but though the Ivorian tried to poke home, the goal stood and Chelsea had taken a massive step in the race for the Premier League title.

Joe Cole entered the play to make his 250th appearance for Chelsea on his 28th birthday, and Salomon Kalou soon came on to replace the stricken Drogba, who had received a high boot in the ribs. United's late rally was more desperate than threatening, and besides an important intervention by the brilliant Ivanovic and a superb clearing header from Anelka, the visitors were left frustrated as Chelsea celebrated a massive victory.

It is a result that may just point the way to who will be crowned the Premier League champions this season. Chelsea were patient and professional throughout, but a defeat is rough on United who in truth outplayed the hosts. Chelsea were not to care, however, and celebrations in West London will continue long into the night.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea (4-4-2): Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry ©, A Cole; Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Deco (J Cole 62); Anelka (Alex 90), Drogba (Kalou 82)

Manchester United (4-5-1): Van der Sar; O' Shea, Brown, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Owen 84), Giggs (Obertan 84); Rooney

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 2 - Branislav Ivanovic

Posted Image

]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:19:41 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5680-chelsea-1-0-man-utd/ Atlético 2-2 Chelsea http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5656-atletico-2-2-chelsea/ Tuesday 3 November 2009, the UEFA Champions League, Group Stage, Estadio Vicente Calderon, Madrid

Chelsea qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League thanks to two Didier Drogba goals, as they drew with Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side, struggling for form both domestically and in Europe, took a deserved lead when Sergio Aguero hammered home a stunning volley to give Quique Sanchez Flores' side the advantage. The result means Chelsea qualify, alongside FC Porto who beat APOEL Nicosia 1-0 in Cyprus, as well as Manchester United and Bordeaux.

Chelsea were laborious and failed to play with the same creativity and cohesion that has seen them win so many recent admirers, but were back on terms through Didier Drogba, and the Ivorian scored again just moments later to give Chelsea a lead - arguably against the run of play. But Atletico hit back through Aguero's excellent freekick to give the Spaniard a share of the spoils.

Didier Drogba was back in the Chelsea team for the first time in the Champions League since his antics following Chelsea's loss to Barcelona in May - and though that was significant news, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti chose to field Salomon Kalou over Nicolas Anelka alongside the Ivorian in a relatively-unexpected move.

But it was Atletico that enjoyed the better of the first half, with Flores' side showing more urgency than their English opponents. Diego Forlan flashed a left-footed effort wide whilst at the other end, Drogba's shot on the turn went wide of Asenjo's post. Chelsea had soaked up a lot of the early Atletico pressure, but were not showing the same fluidity that has seen them score 17 goals in their last four matches.

A rare start for former Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes looked to be an inspired selection by the former Valencia manager, with the Spaniard forcing a decent save out of Cech with a curling shot from outside the box. Chelsea were rarely troubled, with Atletico resorting to shooting from range, but the Blues were lacklustre at times, frustrating their Italian coach.

Despite their lethargy, Chelsea still went close through Kalou's header, and Asenjo had to react to push Drogba's freekick on the post. Lampard then struck just wide but it was Atletico who took a deserved second half lead through substitute Aguero.

Not included in the starting eleven because of a groin strain, the Argentine smashed home a volley from 12 yards after Terry could only flick on a cross from the flank. It was sweetly-struck but Chelsea will have to look at themselves for giving the Atletico forward too much space in the area.

Chelsea responded by bringing on Deco, Michael Ballack and Nicolas Anelka, and the former almost reduced the arrears but volleyed wide. But Chelsea rallied and Malouda sent in a superb cross that was met by a firm header from Drogba, sending the Vicente Calderon into silence, but for a pocket of travelling supporters from London.

The Blues faithful were in ecstasy moments later when Drogba finished at the second time of asking to put Chelsea 2-1 up, but Aguero levelled matters to at least restore some Atletico pride. Chelsea could have won it with a last-minute freekick but Drogba's effort was charged down and a late Deco shot flew well wide, but Chelsea progressed, and will battle it out with Porto to top Group D.

___________________________________________________________________

Chelsea(4-3-2-1): Cech; Belletti, Alex, Terry ©, A Cole; Lampard, Essien (Ballack 59), Malouda; Kalou (Anelka 69), J Cole (Deco 69), Drogba

Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Sergio Asenjo; Perea, Pablo Ibanez, Juanito, Antonio Lopez ©; Reyes (Maxi Rodriguez 71), Paulo Assuncao, Cleber Santana, Simao (Jurado 83); Forlan, Sinama Pongolle (Aguero 53)

The TalkChelsea.net Man of the Match was Chelsea's number 11 - Didier Drogba

Posted Image

]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:52:10 +0000 http://forum.talkchelsea.net/topic/5656-atletico-2-2-chelsea/