Barbara

The more I read the more I'm convinced even people who say they don't have much expectations about this team they do. Some say they don't expect results, titles and the end product right now, but they want us to win everything. They simply want us to win against the best 6 sides away and home as if it were that easy... Given how unbalanced and how many deficiencies we do have in some areas I'm happily satisfied with our position at the table and overall results. There's a lot of improvement to be done in the team's football and Mourinho has made a few assessment mistakes imo and I hope he finally acknowledges we need better strikers and more quality in the midfield, but it still surprises me how impatient people really are despite everything. I can't for the life of me complain about a point away at arsenal bc that one point can make a difference in such a close league... why risk losing one point given our recent record of messing up in the end lately? How many in the top 6 beat arsenal at Emirates? How many even beat any top 6 teams away? It's all ifs bc no one knows what would have happened if he kept hazard for example. Why are people so sure we would have scored in 20 minutes when we didn't in 70? How are they keeping it realistic if they don't properly give the team time and have no patience? We aren't the end product yet, so there's no reason for Mourinho to take risks with a team that proved if anything it isn't reliable yet. I'll take that one point and Mourinho's supposedly coward approach, if that's how they call it. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note 4G using Tapatalk

Who could have filled Hazard's shoes in the second better than André? I may agree that Mata instead of Oscar (despite the fact that it would compromise the defensive aspect as Willian's work-rate was immense and all of us know Mata doesn't come even close), but the only player we had to lead our counter-attacks with dribbles and pace (that was what Hazard was doing so well) was Schürrle. André didn't have a good match imo, he was disconnected from the play. Oscar is still in terrible form and added nothing to our attack. I think Mourinho simply didn't predict how bad (or at least how non-factor) the subs were. Watch Hazard's last minutes before the sub. He wasn't going for the plays anymore, he was tired. The match he was supposed the rest, he played about 40 minutes (against Sunderland). I honestly can't find anything to complain from Mourinho's part, although I was very unsatisfied with both André's and especially Oscar's performances. Oscar seems burnt out, not sure if as a consequence of the injury or because the matches finally piled up. He wasn't playing that well even before the injury. Both Willian and Hazard were immense helping Iva and Azpili and also the pivot. Somehow André and Oscar couldn't keep even that. They were nothing special (far from it) offensively, but defensively they weren't much better. Oscar is sort of expected, he's been playing terribly lately, but André was playing well in his last matches. So I get why Mourinho did it, but I can't blame him when his players didn't turn up. I'm sure he didn't ask them to be sloppy, unfocused and disconnected from play... And I think it's very naive of you to think that Arsenal would continue to be passive as the end of the game approached. Any team at home will take a last sprint at the end of match to try to win it. They started to grow before the subs, after them they had their best chances as expected. I'm not sure Azpili's clearance would have been a goal. I've seen that play at least 10 times and I'm still not convinced, although absolutely thankful he was there to make sure it didn't go in.

The guy wanted to play Champions League... what's wrong with that? How people can get the idea he's a mercenary just because among the many options he had, he stuck with one would give him UCL football as a mercenary? Those guys have dreams, they aren't on this only for the money... so the fact he wanted to play UCL football and it weighted on his decision proves the opposite imo. If he wanted only money he'd go wherever paid him more and end of story. Instead he wanted to go to a team that gave him the chance to play one of the biggest competitions in the world. Hardly a mercenary decision imo... As for him wanting to go to RM... well I think any player would like to play in Bayern, Barcelona and RM nowadays simply because those clubs have better chances at winning the biggest titles at stake. RM is now struggling to settle with Carlo's tactics, but in a season from now if Perez doesn't fire him (or he decides to quit), they'll be back on track. Then it's down to the player's personal preference and I don't know Hazard well enough to say how much playing in a superior team (squad wise) in a less competitive league (competing with 'only Barça' and every 3 years some wonder team like Valencia two years ago and now Atletico). Mourinho is praising him constantly and seems adamant to give him plenty of chances... I wonder if part of it isn't a strategy to gain his trust and club loyalty (or manager loyalty) in addition to trying to give him confidence, ofc.

@Peace., I've missed you dearly. I was really happy when I saw your username by mine's in the online users. You're so much class, don't deprive us from your amazing posts. Now I'll actually read what you've said

and that's the borderline behavior I don't get. It seems like Chelsea never win with some people. So many people saying we were going to be hammered, then we aren't and it's bad too. So damned if we do it, damned we don't? Or maybe their problem isn't Chelsea, is Mourinho.Whatever it is I don't get it. Based on pre-match posts you'd think people would be very happy 1) we draw away against the league's leader (who've been there for a long while btw) 2) we outplayed them for most of the match. You don't outplay only when you create more chances (which we did), but also when you don't allow them to create anything (which we also did) 3) our players were mentally tired by the mark 70 (give or take a few minutes), Mourinho made changes that would ensure the players efforts to win wouldn't end with a defeat because they were tired. Isn't all that progress from the spanking they predicted we would face? Not only the spanking never happened, but we were the best side, still there are only complaints. Someone (don't remember who) said or implied the half time conversation changed the players' mentality... I disagree. We started 2nd half with the same mind we've finished the first. We even created some very good counter-attacks - only we didn't create a chance as clear as the one Lamps missed and Willian messed up in the first. We carried on the philosophy we finished. It was only when Mourinho noticed the team's gas dying out quickly after the 60 mark. Once you don't have anything else to give (and some players didn't) you just deal with it. Willian and Hazard when taken out weren't on the same pace as they were in the first half and starting the second. It's just that simple imo. But even if we complain about the last few minutes... I don't get how we go from definitely being raped by them, to outplaying them and the tone is still moaning and complaining. I'd get it if Arsenal fans had such reaction as they were also sure they'd slam us.

He was my motm. I was a bit nervous when the lineup came up, but he made a flawless match, absolutely flawless. He's back to a very good level and I just wish he had a bit better pass. Sometimes he roofs the ball without trying to pick a pass instead, and while I think some moments ask for that, many aren't that dangerous, but he seems terrified of going for the pass. It doesn't compromise, it's a flaw, but it doesn't compromise. Played a very secure match, handled their players very well and I think Luiz better up his game if he wants to go back to the team. If Cahill can carry on playing like this he deserves to start.

let's bring Benitez back. We played great football at the end of the season with awesome 2x1 plays.

absolutely. Cech didn't have ONE save in the match, we finally fixed our defense, we were very unlucky not to have scored in the first and people are complaining. Our players were tired by the 60 mark on, Arsenal was growing in the match, so Mourinho set for a draw when we once again couldn't get the ball in (today more lack of luck than quality imo). Willian had a bad of couple decisions, but there are a lot of positives! Our pivot wasn't raped, Cahill was VERY secure in the defense along with Terry and had a great match imo. Yeah, he's inability to pick a pass is stuff of legend, but I'll take the flawless defense over his lack of technical ability to make a pass instead of getting rid of the ball to the sidelines. So I get people being frustrated, but this team played 120 minutes 5 days ago and as much as we had time to rest, I guess it showed a bit in the end... so I'm not complaining, I just wish luck was on our side in EPL as it's been in UCL. Both managers had good game plans and imo we've executed our much better than Arsenal have. So seeing how shitty we've been playing lately, I'm quite happy myself. We outplayed them, we didn't make stupid mistakes we did in other matches. Drawing is hardly something to complain imo Where's the MOM poll?

we're not playing for a draw. We're playing counter-attack and we actually deserved the win more than they imo edit: NOW we're going for a draw, LOL (Luiz for Torres) See? That's Mourinho trying to draw (or not lose as he'd say)

there was a contact, I agree, but not a pen as Willian didn't cause anything that wasn't happening already... he didn't influence the play imo and Walcott was already in the pitch

I'm not sure I'd change. We've got them on our pocket. We balanced it and even got the game favoring us. We just need more luck finishing (as usual), but I don't think I'd change anyone, maybe except someone for Hazard. He's a bit on snooze mode although I wouldn't take even him off now. But Schurrle for him is the only change that would remotely make sense imo, but I wouldn't go for it yet, and would give Eden more time to wake up and fire up. edit: just to make it clear, I don't think Eden is having a bad match, I just meant him to fire up a bit and do his individual play. He's been good linking up. It's just I think he can do a bit better.

Attemps: Chelsea 7, Arsenal 0 (though I guess that Rosicky shot just before Dean ended the first counted as one, lol) Well, can one of them actually get in?

Is Dean bloody kidding me? Rosicky deserved a yellow for that karate move on Azpili

Willian should have passed to Eden who was all by his awesome self in the right wing, when he passed to Torres (the play that got us the corner)

I have no doubt we'll split possession with them at most 60/40. Arsenal link up quickly. It's his slowness (combined with Terry's) that worries me the most.

Here's hoping Cahill won't compromise. I feel completely on the edge (in a bad way) when he plays those big matches... especially against such quick and creative players as Arsenal have.

all cool kids coming and the legends... and then... he takes the ball, and marches... he approaches the camera and says 'Henrique Hilario - goalkeeper' *bursts out laughing* then he takes the shot *dies laughing* WHAT'S AIR?

I want Arsenal and Liverpool to sink just like the next fan and be non-contenders for the rest of football history, but dammit, those kind of matches against rivals, with a lot at stake like today's and a week from now against Liverpool are the kind of match I wait the whole season for. This is bloody exciting. I want them to fail, but I also like to face them when they're in form, it makes up for great matches! The big matches are what we look forward to the most. Come on, Chels!!!!! Keep The Blue Flag Flying High!!!!

Mata filled his shoes (as much as it could be filled anyway). He always scores against Arsenal

Th guy is 19 why are questioning if he's going to have space in the team? I'd be amazing for Chelsea to keep all among Oscar, Willian, Mata, Hazard and Schürrle for the next five years, but it's also very unlikely (I'm already counting Kev out). I know we have other players from youth, but Lucas is showing he can be a good addition to our squad 2-3 years from now. I've caught up with his latest matches and yeah, I'd like to see him tested as a second striker when he's back with us... maybe he can make it even as a striker. Those young players who show skill can be molded into a bit of different positions from their original position. For a guy playing second striker well, I think maybe molding him into a striker. It's not like we have many of those around here (although as I cover Chelsea's u-21 and u-18 teams I can see a good guys coming up, and hopefully they'll develop nicely as well)

*in love* #perfectLebaneseisperfect #cutestthingIveeverseen

The Match Arsenal will receive Chelsea at the Emirates to close Premier League 17th round, on Monday at 8pm and the top of the table is at stake. The teams have played earlier this season for League Cup also at North London, with Chelsea winning 2x0, but neither team played with their first squad and the context is completely differently for the Premiership match. With the top of the table at stake, the Blues could reach the top position alongside Liverpool (but second in goals deficit to the Reds) whereas Arsenal need to win to keep the highest position. Currently Chelsea stand at 5th making the win all more important to keep the team in the Champions League zone and also to have a close gap to the leaders. After the anticlimactic elimination in the League Cup to Sunderland, last Tuesday, José Mourinho signalized that he may adopt a more defensive posture seeing as the attack hasn’t been scoring enough and the defense has been leaky. The last time Chelsea had a clean sheet in the Premier League was at November 23rd when the team won the London derby against West Ham, 3x0. Ever since the team has played four times for the national league and conceded eight times. Arsenal have also struggled in the last couple of weeks. In addition to the 1x1 draw against Everton, the team was smashed by Manchester City last weekend, 6x3 for the Citizens and also faced a defeat in Champions League to Napoli, missing the top position in their group. The match is redeeming for both sides after such disappointment results, in such a critical time of the season with matches pilling up as the holidays approach. Teams News Arsenal Starting with the home team, Arsenal will miss defender Laurent Koscielny due to injury and Jack Wilshere for misconduct after the central midfielder flashed his middle finger to Manchester City’s supporters last in the embarrassing defeat. On the brighter side, the French manager can count with Polish striker Lukas Podolski who’s recovered from a hamstring injury. The scouting report for Arsenal can be found here. Form (latest first): LDWWWL Key-player: Mesut Ozil. Possible lineup: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal; Flamini, Arteta; Ramsey, Wallcott, Özil; Giroud (4-2-3-1). Chelsea Mourinho has Branislav Ivanovic back to the squad after the defender missed the League Cup match for collecting a 5th yellow card against Palace. The Portuguese already confirmed most of the defenders – the Serbian himself, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta. The only doubt is who to play by the Blues’ skipper, the manager said he hadn’t made a decision between David Luiz and Gary Cahill. Midfielder Michael Essien can’t be selected, after also being suspended for reaching yellow card’s limit. Form (latest first): WLWWWD Key-player: Eden Hazard Even a provisional squad for Mourinho’s side has been difficult to predict this season, and while the manager confirmed 80% of his defense (supposing Petr Cech also plays), the attacking midfielders’ and striker’s are anyone’s guesses. Possible lineups: Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry, Azpilicueta; Ramires, Lampard; Schürrle, Oscar, Hazard; Torres (4-2-3-1). Stats and Facts § Head to head: 183 matches - 71 Arsenal wins, 58 Chelsea wins and 54 draws. § Chelsea have won the three most recent matches. § Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 Premier League matches. § Wenger has never won against Mourinho as an opposition manager, with four draws and five losses in all competitions. § Juan Mata has scored in each of his four starts against Arsenal in all competitions for Chelsea. § Last time Arsenal went three Premier League matches without a win was in January, the third match then being against Chelsea. § Chelsea have scored at least twice in each of their last six matches – 16 goals total. Match Odds by SkyBet Arsenal – 11/8 Draw - 12/5 Chelsea – 15/8 TV coverage United Kingdom: Sky Sports 1/HD Belgium: Sporting 1 Brazil: FoxSports (HD) Canada: Sportsnet India: Star Sports 2 (HD), Star Sports 4 Middle East: Al Jazeera Sports HD1, HD6 United States: NBCSN For additional regions, you can check out the TV schedule for the match here. There should be many match streams that can be found online if your local sports channels are not broadcasting the game or if you happen to be busy and cannot catch the game live, follow TalkChelsea on Twitter as it would provide live match commentary on the action. Click Here To View Article.

End of year celebration #1297842837435 in a German Pub

now this is something I agree with. I just don't think three SF in a row is a bad result, especially for a team just as Galactico as this one that had a streak of 8 R16 eliminations. We have a scrappy team now imo because of age, deficiency in some zones in the pitch and Mourinho's mistakes too. But I guess the system is alright, it's been only a few months, Bayern and Barcelona took nearly a decade to start getting the fruits of their philosophy. Chances of them meeting each other aren't that great and it doesn't happen very often. But I do have a priority list: Chelsea >> Real Madrid >> Inter (although for as long as Perez is there, it's Inter >> RM because I don't approve of what he does to RM, he's destroying our club!). And Flamengo (Brazil side) ahead of all of those. Most Chelsea European fans also have a team they support in their country. I don't see a problem, but I respect those who see it and can't imagine themselves supporting more than one team. I've started supporting Flamengo at age 2 when 1982 Brazil NT came to play in my hometown and Zico held me, my mother took me to watch football since early age, when he held me and I said I'd want to support his team. My passion for football started after it, ofc, two years is too young, but about 7 I was a full-time Flamengo fan. At age 8 I started watching Italian football with my uncle. I started supporting Inter although he wanted me to be a Juventus fan. It was about 25 years ago. Then when I was around 13 I started watching La Liga... and around 10-11 years ago I started supporting Chelsea. Thing is I like Chelsea and English football much more, despite being the most recent passion. There's no league in the world as EPL. So it's a life of loving a sport and getting interest in new leagues. I can't help myself.

I'm not taking away your right to have an opinion, I just think there's too much stuff I consider crazy in this thread, and for my own benefit I'll stop reading it. People will jump all sharks and while your post isn't crazy, as a Real Madrid fan I'll tell you it's completely inaccurate and I have many RM friends who agree with me and who are missing Mourinho there dearly. So why keep reading a thread only to be annoyed by most things said here? It's a personal problem I have, I'm not saying people should stop posting, I'll just stop reading because most I read here is overreaction... but for others it's not so to each their own. But back to your post... so winning the UCL is that easy right? You just have to sign a manager and a couple of new guys and plim, the title is yours for the take? Then why it took Bayern three finals to win it again? Why Barcelona was humiliated by Bayern, why ManU was kicked out in Rof16 and groups stage in the last two years? Those were teams that entered the competition to win it, why didn't they? Why did Barcelona and Bayern lose to us two seasons ago? Oh that's right, because knock-out competitions can be unpredictable and there are a few top clubs other than RM playing it every year and clubs that have a great tradition on winning it and making finals. Mourinho improved the team, his system worked as long as he had the players with him him. Only when there was a split in the group between pro-Mourinho (not even pro, but players who weren't against him, and just wanted to keep winning) and against-Mourinho players shit hit the fan and there was no way that team would win anything. It was divided and it was their fall. Mourinho's RM played much better than Carlo's RM does, and the squad was only improved since José left (although I'm not sure Bale + Isco makes up for Ozil leaving). RM is already 5 points behind a struggling Barcelona in La Liga, why is that? We completely dominated Spain in the 2011/12 season, we handed Barcelona their ass that season and they struggled last season against us again. I'm not saying Mourinho was (or is) flawless or the manager he used to be in the past, and while saying he failed at RM is arguable, saying his system didn't work is completely unfair and untrue. RM played amazing football for two years under him, it was a pleasure to watch that team and on occasion and very specific matches we had oppositions that either played better than us or we were unlucky. I can talk about RM because I've watched around 90% of their matches in Mourinho's first two seasons and early last season before I was disgusted by Sergio Ramos, Casillas among others fuckers in the group that thought they were bigger than everything, including Real Madrid. To make a comparison, I rate Mourinho's RM a 8,5/9 team. I rate Mourinho's Chelsea a scrappy 6.