BlueLion.

Newcastle United stunned José Mourinho’s Chelsea with a thoroughly-deserving win at St. James’ Park. A lethargic performance from the visitors – surprising considering the Blues boss rested nine of the starting eleven for Tuesday’s demolition of Arsenal – will cast doubt over the West London’s side title credentials, who have now failed to win in four of their five Premier League fixtures away from Stamford Bridge this season. The result means Mourinho’s men have blown the chance to return to the summit of the Premier League – and they may be as far as five points off the pace should Arsenal triumph over Liverpool in the Saturday teatime kick-off. Should Arsenal win that fixture against Brendan Rodgers’ side, the Blues will at least remain in second – should Stoke avoid defeat at home against high-flying Southampton, that is. With Tottenham away at Everton on Sunday, there is the potential for the Blues to get away with this result somewhat – but, should the worst-case scenario come true, Chelsea could fall as low as fifth ahead of a home game against West Bromwich Albion next weekend. Mourinho must immediately turn his attentions back to European matters as his side tackle Schalke on Wednesday night, and wholesale changes can once again be expected following sub-par performances across the pitch. After something of a purple patch, Eden Hazard was a subdued character, whilst the in-form Fernando Torres was offered nothing but scraps by a midfield three - consisting of Hazard, Oscar, and Juan Mata, the match-winner at the Emirates in midweek – totally devoid of invention and creativity. However the greatest areas of concern lie with Chelsea’s experienced heads – whilst John Terry will feel himself unlucky to be on the losing side after a solid individual display, both Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard look totally out of their depth at present. David Luiz, meanwhile, only served to offer Mourinho another reason why he should be omitted from the starting eleven in favour of Gary Cahill. The Blues were truly disappointing; their best opportunities in the first half coming from set-piece deliveries. First John Terry thundered a towering header against the crossbar, before a mêlée in the box resulted in Branislav Ivanovic’s deflected volley again hitting the woodwork. Terry later had a header spectacularly cleared off the line by the impressive Mathieu Debuchy as the Blues failed to convert their territorial dominance in the opening exchanges into clear-cut chances. Indeed, the only true chances of note came about late in the second half – Hazard wastefully shooting wide when well-placed, and substitute Samuel Eto’o having a shot closed down magnificently by the lunging Debuchy. Newcastle, on the other hand, executed the tactics of Alan Pardew to perfection. Intent on sitting deep and soaking up Chelsea pressure, the home side became increasingly confident as the match progressed – and the visitors had no response to their slick, incisive passing, of which Yohan Cabaye was at the forefront of. Emboldened by a strong performance towards the latter stages of the first half, the home side emerged after the interval with renewed vigour. Moussa Sissoko, the hero in this fixture last season, was the first to try his luck as the Toon committed to the attack, but he was thwarted expertly by Petr Cech. Cech excelled moments later as he made a point-blank save to deny Loic Remy, but he was powerless to prevent Yoan Gouffran from heading the hosts into a lead their positive approach warranted, as the Frenchman dispatched a wonderful free-kick delivery beyond the helpless Czech goalkeeper. If you would have expected that set-back to finally wake the Blues up, you were sadly made to be mistaken. A sense of lethargy seemed to be contagious amongst the side, and even the introductions of Willian and André Schurrle failed to add the dynamism the Blues seemed to be lacking up top. The best that Mourinho’s side could conjure were a number of late half-chances: Hazard’s miscue was swiftly followed by Debuchy’s miraculous piece of defending to deny Eto’o a simple finish with Krul on the deck. Schurrle then misdirected a header at the far post as it became increasingly clear that the Blues were simply having one of those days. With Chelsea overloading the midfield in an attempt to salvage a draw, it came as little surprise when Remy converted a second with consummate ease; smashing in Vurnon Anita’s cross after the diminutive Dutchman had effortlessly skipped past the hapless Luiz. Chelsea were unable to even net a consolation as they slipped to their first loss since mid-September, and only their second in eight league games. Whilst the result is, of course, a damaging result for Mourinho – who has now failed to win in four league visits to Tyneside – a run of winnable fixtures between now and mid-December should ensure the Blues arrest any fear of the annual November slump that has derailed many a Chelsea title challenge in the past. But it is a matter of concern that, away from home, the Blues have managed a poultry five points from as many fixtures, netting a meagre four times in those fixtures – a statistic made to look all the worse when you consider three of those goals were netted at Carrow Road last month. There is significant work for Mourinho to undertake – right now, it would appear as if the Portuguese is unaware of exactly what his best starting eleven is. Yet with the squad of Chelsea’s calibre at his disposal, slip-ups such as this must be eradicated should the West London outfit wish to be in title contention come May. Alas, a somewhat predictable result here – but it is onwards and upwards for Mourinho and Chelsea! Click here to view the article

Mine arrived today. Wearing it right now. Watch Mata fucking leave in January now

Safe standing: NOW.

Yeah, very fair point. But I've read he is doing a lot of conditioning work by himself in the gym to improve his strength (if you look at him, you can tell he has bulked up a fair bit), and I imagine he is still doing a lot of running training to improve his speed and stamina. Hard work pays off.

Sorry Sam please forgive me!!! xxxxx

What has been something of a special week for Chelsea supporters around the globe has just got that little bit better. After a last-gasp win over Manchester Cityand then going to the Emirates and humbling Arsenal in the League Cup, news have broke that the Blues have finally secured the signing African sensation-in-the-making Bertrand Traore on a long-term deal. A highly-skilful attacking midfield player who is equally as potent on the wing as he is in the number 10 position, the 18 year-old already has ten full international caps for Burkina Faso, scoring one goal. He already has international honours to his name - in 2011 he played a starring role in helping his nation secure the Under-17 African Championship. Blues defender and England international Gary Cahill went on record as saying Traore has "a bright future ahead of him" with Chelsea - and that prophecy is one step closer to fruition now the youngster has been signed. Traore, despite featuring heavily for the Blues in Asia, was technically only a trialist when he netted in consecutive tour fixtures. You may remember Traore as the young man who scored twice for the Blues in their tour of Asia last summer. It was his left foot that supplied one of the tour's many highlights - this absolute screamer: The Blues had feared they might lose the young African starlet due to FIFA rulings - but now, a month after his 18th birthday, this promising talent has been snapped up by the West London outfit, and it is highly likely he may feature under José Mourinho before the conclusion of the season. Traore has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal, and is likely to feature heavily for the club's respective academy and youth sides over the coming months. HOWEVER whilst the young man is contractually aligned with Chelsea Football Club, there is the potential stumbling block of obtaining a work permit. Yet with ten national caps, it looks likely that Traore will be granted permission to live and work in the United Kingdom. Fingers crossed....! Click here to view the article

This has made my day week life

You mean Slade, right?

Would make sense, he's one away from 50 UCL appearances for us.

Come on mate, he's 29 not 60!

He only had one real save to make (from Giroud, which he stopped with his legs), but his handling and distribution were absolutely top class. Fumble or Hilarious would have conceded last night. Schwarzer still has the ability, but also the experience to compliment it.

Avoid the two Manchester clubs, and I'll be very happy.

He needs a run of games, and he isn't going to get that here. I want him to secure a loan - Leverkusen, Bremen, anyone - anywhere where he can show José what he can do, and secure a place at the World Cup finals, which he deserves.

Regardless of the run we're on, this is one of those games. If I recall correctly (which, I do...), Mourinho has only ever won once at St. James' Park , and it isn't one of our happiest hunting games. This will not be easy: especially after Newcastle lost in the derby last week. They will have something to prove.

Not going to lie, but I thought that Schurrle was the more "Mourinhoesque" player of the two because of his work-rate. But after last night I've realised Willy does exactly the same for us. Another excellent acquisition; he has substance as well as style.

I don't know where the "200th" appearance malarky has appeared from... last night was his 249th appearance and his 220th start...

Thanks for reading, everyone

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Juan Mata's sensational strike, along with Cesar Azpilicueta's first Chelsea goal ensured the Blues progressed into the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup at the expense of Arsenal. In a battle between the country's two most in-form sides, it was José Mourinho and his Chelsea side that totally outclassed their North London opposition - all in spite of a mammoth ten changes from the side that toppled Manchester City just 48 hours prior. And it was two of those players that came into the side that made the match's most significant contributions - first, Cesar Azpilicueta coolly slotted home his first goal for the club before Juan Mata gave a clear indication to José Mourinho that he is back to his impressive best as his magnificent strike from distance settled the game. Evoking memories of the Blues’ famous 2007 League Cup final win over the Gunners, this is another impressive result to savour for Mourinho’s men. Whilst Arsenal rested a number of their senior players, including Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud, Arsene Wenger named a strong starting eleven for a game played at a packed Emirates Stadium - including a 9,000-strong travelling support. José Mourinho made wholesale changes of his own, with only Gary Cahill retaining his place from the match against City on Sunday. Amongst those to play were veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, as well as Michael Essien, with the old war-horse, making his 249th Blues appearance captaining the side. From first minute to last, the Blues were the superior team. Despite the introductions of Ozil and Giroud from the bench, Arsenal looked toothless against a formidable Chelsea backline. In midfield they were dominated by the guile and speed of Willian and Mata, and the tenacity of Essien and his defensive partner John Mikel Obi. You get the feeling this will have been as disheartening a night as it could have been for Arsenal fans. Talk of this side matching the Invincibles of 2003/04 will no doubt duly subside after this humbling. Toothless and at times insipid, a second home defeat in a week will serve as a timely reminder to Arsene Wenger that his side have strides to make up on teams of Chelsea's quality. When you consider the strength of Chelsea's starting eleven, all of whom are full internationals, you have to acknowledge this is some squad at José Mourinho's disposal, and, you would fear, the best is yet to come. Right from the off there were indications that the Blues meant business; they began the game with an energy that might have surprised many onlookers after their exhaustive, gargantuan efforts at the weekend. A succession of ultimately fruitless corners were won, and the Blues notched an impressive 75% of the possession in the opening exchanges. The first real effort of note from either side was a whipped effort from Kevin de Bruyne that was fielded comfortably by Lukasz Fabianski. Willian had earlier seen a shot deflected behind, whilst Nicklas Bendner – sporting quite possibly one of the worst hairdos the game has ever seen – saw a shot blocked at source by Cahill. With 24 minutes gone, the first goal of the game arrived. Arsenal won a corner which was hoofed upfield by Willian – and, in a moment of extreme déjà vu, Chelsea were able to capitalise on defensive hesitation as Carl Jenkinson’s underhit back-header landed invitingly for Azpilicueta to prod home a maiden Blues goal. Chelsea’s dominance had been rewarded – and the Blues were able to see the half out with a degree of comfort; Mark Schwarzer had been untroubled and José Mourinho was cutting a relaxed figure on the sidelines. Arsenal were bound to rally – and rally they did – but they were almost caught out with 49 minutes on the clock as Samuel Eto’o went devilishly close to adding a second when he spanked an effort just wide. The home side then enjoyed a fair spell of possession without really doing anything with it – the best they could conjure was a deflected strike from Aaron Ramsey which skipped wide of the post. With the hosts enjoying a little more of the ball, there was more space for Chelsea to exploit. Exploit it they did, and it came as no surprise when Juan Mata – the best player on the pitch, and by some distance – smacked home his first goal of the season to seal the victory. A quickly-worked throw was directed into Mata’s path by Willian, and, without hesitation, the Spaniard duly unleashed an unerring strike into the roof of the net. Game, set, and match. Wenger threw on both Ozil and Giroud, but even the diminutive German’s creativity failed to ignite the home crowd, who were being outsung and taunted by the visiting faithful. “Where’s your European Cup?”, and reminders of an eight-year spell without silverware were frequently aimed at the dumfounded locals. The one positive Arsene Wenger can take from this game is the fact that his supporters are most efficient at fire-drills. The stadium was virtually empty by the time substitute Ramires twice came close to adding a third; firstly seeing a dinked effort cleared off the line and secondly seeing an arcing drive drop just over the bar. The full-time whistle sounded to a chorus of delight from the 9,000-strong Chelsea support, who celebrated a sixth win in as many matches. José Mourinho, in his 200th match in charge of the side, wasted little time in indulging in the moment – whilst he acknowledged the chants of his adoring fans, he quickly raced down the tunnel, no doubt beginning his preparations for the tough trip to Newcastle on Saturday. One thing he will not have to worry about, however, is confidence. This Chelsea side look good. Very good indeed…

Haha old news guys, everyone was sharing that SD would honour the order on both Facebook and Twitter. Fair play to them.

That's because he is quietly effective. These threads are only ever active when we're slagging someone off. Today TalkChelsea is slagging off a man having a very good season.

Sports Direct have noticed the error. The price has been changed to £55 and it is temporarily out of stock.

You don't offend anyone, Barbara, because you post excellent analyses, backed up with statistical facts. There are some members, however, who have to condescend and patronise instead of having the maturity to agree to disagree. It's refreshing to see people like yourself make actual arguments, but sadly some idiots remain intent on their holier-than-thou portrayals!

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