BlueLion.

Cech - 8 - did everything he had to, superb penalty save and he commanded his area magnificently. Ivanovic - 6 - one of his poorer games this season in my opinion, but he did well considering it was his first game at RB for two-three months. Terry - 7 - superb performance, led from the back. Luiz - 9 - we have a star in our midst. Cole - 5 - I though Ashley was well below his usual standards. His passing was well off, though in all fairness no-one's was particularly great. Got into some decent positions mind. Essien - 5 - he had a strange game. One minute he's making a brilliant last-ditch tackle, the next minute he's fucking up a very simple pass. Very frustrating, he typified the team's performance. Lampard - 5 - 5 might be generous for Frank. Okay, he's still far from full fitness, but what we saw tonight wasn't even close to a third of the real Lampard. Ramires - 9 - I don't have to vindicate such a high rating for the player who was, again, our star man. Anelka - 4 - did he touch the ball? Malouda - 6 - he tried. Granted it rarely came off, but he put a shift in at both ends. Torres - 6 - like Malouda, he gave it a really good go. On another night, when his touch is back, he'll put those type of chances away for fun.

Petr's done nothing but help his cause again tonight.

Played CB and RB today, was exceptional. Best signing we've made since Cech.

Thanks for reading mate. It is very disappointing, its just a good thing I enjoy writing, no matter how good or bad I may be in the eyes of others.

Fulham 0-0 Chelsea Barclay's Premier League - Monday 14 February 2011 - Craven Cottage Petr Cech saved Clint Dempsey's 93rd-minute penalty to ensure Chelsea claimed a point against Fulham on a frustrating evening for the champions. After Tottenham's 2-1 win away at Sunderland, the Blues arrived at Craven Cottage knowing only a three-point haul against their West London rivals on Valentine's Night would take them back up to fourth in the table - but instead of Chelsea supporters kick-starting a romance with new striker Fernando Torres, it was their admiration for the world's best goalkeeper that was rekindled, as the Czech stopper saved a last minute Clint Dempsey penalty. The Chelsea number one had enjoyed an excellent game - but his best efforts were not enough to inspire an otherwise insipid display that was only marginally improved after the half-time interval. Chelsea predictably enjoyed the lion's share of possession and were permanently camped inside the home side's half for much of the second period, but that did little to mask the fact that they were blatantly missing a cutting edge up front - in spite of the embarrassment of attacking riches they were able to field. It is a result that does little for both sides; though a point for Fulham has helped consolidate their position in mid-table as they were able to edge away from the looming pit of the relegation zone. However, Chelsea are restricted to fifth place; and instead of closing the gap on third-placed Manchester City and regaining fourth position, they are now two points behind Tottenham with Champions League football next season looking all the more unlikely with every passing sub-par performance. Credit must be handed to Fulham for an excellent rearguard display, and the Cottagers had chances to steal what could have been a famous win over their West London rivals - where the achievements of Chelsea's double-winning side have, perhaps unfairly, overshadowed Fulham's remarkable achievement of reaching last season's Europa League final. They came within touching victory of a win that would have lifted them to ninth, and they had their chances to record a seventh win of the season. Dempsey was excellently denied by Cech prior to the 93rd-minute spot-kick - which came as a result of an innocuous-looking tackle from David Luiz - and he was then inches away from connecting with a Chris Baird cross as the game drew to its thrilling conclusion. The match itself demonstrated there is no love lost between the two sides, even on Valentine's Evening; but Fulham will nonetheless be contented with a point their manful display warranted. Chelsea were lethargic going forward and seemed devoid of ideas but for the sole spark of Ramires, who typified the never-say-die spirit that contributed to his side's early season success - and unfortunately a quality that seems to have deserted many of his team-mates. Optimists may view this as a point gained as opposed to two dropped - and judging by the form guide, this may be a fair judgement. Fulham have been excellent of late, and should they secure mid-table occupancy once more this term they will look back on this run of form as the cornerstone of their bid to beat the drop. Regardless, Chelsea certainly were not short on chances, and whilst goalmouth action was somewhat lacking, the Blues may well feel disappointed that the quality of their football has again thwarted them. With the Premier League title now out of reach - with Manchester United sitting a comfortable twelve points ahead of the defending champions - qualifying for European football next season should surely be Chelsea's primary objective domestically in their remaining dozen league fixtures, but as to which competition they will enter remains to be seen. Opportunities for the visiting team to win the game were not absolutely limited to long-range efforts, though Ramires, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien were continuously peppering Mark Schwarzer's goal with ambitious attempts. Torres himself looked sprightly and came close on numerous occasions; but a combination of dogged defending and poor control betrayed the £50 million Spaniard - though he is showing signs of creating an understanding with his new colleagues. Another of Chelsea's deadline day signings, David Luiz, was absolutely superb - with his calm defensive style and ability and desire to carry the ball reminiscent of the recently-departed Ricardo Carvalho. Luiz himself was almost the unlikely source of goals as he first ballooned a drilled effort way wide before he headed narrowly over with twenty minutes remaining - but the greatest cheer was reserved for a brilliant piece of improvisation as he acrobatically overhead volleyed the ball back into the area, only to see substitute Salomon Kalou head over. Set-piece opportunities were key to the attacking successes of both sides - whilst Fulham found Chelsea's tightly-marshalled defence hard to better from dead-ball scenarios, Chelsea were creating their clearest opportunities from such positions, and Essien nearly supplied the game-winning touch as he had done in November when he flashed a header across the face of goal. It was a tale of close, but not close enough for the Blues, who again drop ground after last week being in a position to cut the deficit to first position to seven points. Two attacking blanks later and the title dream is dead, and hopes of Champions League football look likely to rest on the success of top five clashes with Tottenham and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge later this term - though the Blues have not beaten either of the two sides since a 3-0 home demolition of Spurs in September 2009. Fulham perhaps enjoyed the better of the first half, though Chelsea exhibited a degree of control throughout; but on the balance of play, the number of goal-bound efforts was matched by either side in spite of all the territorial domination that the visiting team were enjoying. Torres went off after an improved personal showing, but on a day where slow build-up and misplaced paces were undermining the Blues' attempts to muster enough forward impetus to seriously mount a sustained challenge on Schwarzer's goal, he found himself living off of scraps. The best opportunities that feel Chelsea's way were largely a result of Fulham mistakes or were passed up by a lack of commitment to attack. A theme that has been consistent with the side for much of the season, Chelsea were dominating play but finding themselves limited to long-range shots. Even when the dropped Didier Drogba entered the fray, Fulham's stubborn rearguard refused to waver. The Ivorian first threaded the ball across the six yard box - only to see his endeavours undone by a lack of blue shirts - and then lashed high and wide from an acute angle, it was apparent this would simply not be Chelsea's night. And it was so nearly an evening to savour for Fulham fans as the excellent David Luiz brought down Dempsey in the area with a dubious challenge. Granted there was contact with the player, but compared to a blatant Brede Hangeland push on Florent Malouda in the opposite penalty box it seemed little more than an aggressive and determined attempt to wrestle the ball back. Either way, a spot-kick was awarded. Cech highlighted why, on current form, he is the world's best goalkeeper with a splendid parry, and whilst Chelsea threatened to counter attack deep into added on time, it was Fulham who came closest in the closing exchanges as Dempsey - still thinking about his scorned opportunity from 12 yards - was unable to meet a first-time cross from Chris Baird. On a night where Chelsea wanted three points, they were lucky to come away with a single one. A season-long tussle with Tottenham and the blue half of Manchester seems to be on the menu. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fulham (4-5-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido; Duff, Murphy © (Gera 82), Sidwell, Dembele (Gudjohnsen 82), Dempsey; Johnson (Davies 73) Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry ©, Cole; Essien, Ramires, Lampard; Anelka (Kalou 65), Torres (Drogba 70), Malouda The TalkChelsea.net man of the match was Chelsea's number 7, Ramires.

I was hoping Drogba would make a point when he came on. He did - Carlo was right to bench him On the plus side, the second half was slightly better. Thank God we didn't lose.

Torres has livened up! Luiz has been very impressive too, the speed of the football has improved a little as well

The football is not good enough, its simple enough. Whether that's down to the formation, the personnel or a combination of both, the way we are playing is simply not working for us. The chances we are making are largely coming as a result of Fulham mistakes, and the pace of our play is far too slow. My point isn't isolated to tonight's performance. The Liverpool game is the best example of how we lack the dynamism and creativity to play any other way than a 4-3-3, and it is something that has cost us time and time again this season. So does making pertinent points like that qualify me as a spoilt fan? If so, then I'm guilty as charged. And I'm quite aware of Fulham's qualities, thanks very much. If you'd have read some of the articles on the website, and other posts in the match topic, you'll see my point.

This 'niggling comment' is the thing that has undermined our entire season, believe it or not.

No movement, under-hit passes; generally insipid play devoid of any imagination or creativity. Boring.

No Mikel and Drogba? Carlo I love you!!

I think it'll be hilarious if Luiz scores his first Chelsea goal before Torres

1. Cech 2. Bonetti 3. Cudicini

I watch the game again and see where it was lost, and for what reasons. I get frustrated as well, but never so angry I get violent

Absolutely agree with you, Steve, Yury offers a lot to this team... we can see from the Blackburn away game in particular his pace and creativity is actually a massive asset, and people certainly weren't criticising the man who was our most consistent performer towards the back end of last season when Cole was injured.

Comparisons between the 08/09 season and the 10/11 season are foolish in my opinion, the league is far more competitive now, and there are many good teams like Sunderland and Bolton who were mid-table cannon-fodder that season.

That's exactly the attitude which is leaving us with egg on our faces.

Can we send Drogba on loan to Bolton instead, and bring Studge back?

Yep, as indicated by references to the Christmas period... unless its from the future

Okay, so the source is the Daily Hate Mail. But when watching the game, I thought the kid sounded familiar. He turned down the chance to sign for us in favour of a move to Ajax. So not only do our best academy players have precious years of their development wasted at this club, but we also let outrageous talent slip through our grasp without even noticing - until its too late.

It isn't because he plays for Arsenal. Its because he's a cunt, a cheat and I plain just don't like him

Its all very well to criticise Rooney, Gerrard and company, but Chelsea's players are hardly saints. Ashley Cole is a perfect example of that fact! I support England because I'm English, and when players have the England shirt on, I don't care if they play for Arsenal, United or whoever. Granted I want Chelsea players to achieve the most (), but I'm a proud Englishman, and doubly proud when I see Lampard, Terry and Cole in the starting eleven.

I'm in the same boat as Henrique. I love Drogba, but its because I love him so much he infuriates me with his lethargy and half-heartedness.

I wish I shared your optimism! If we'd have closed the gap last week I'd be in a similar place of thought. Agreed on the first point, and whilst we're currently in the battle for 4th you allude to, the 2nd/3rd place finish I think we'll ultimately achieve will paper over the cracks and result in another season of mediocrity masked by a Double we won two years previous.