Barbara

Well, I compare Bertrand to Arbeloa from RM, so that's how low I rate him I think Lampard changed a bit his game because it's clear for everyone who wants to see it that Ramires is a tad tired and under-performing a bit for his own standards, so Lamps actually have to make up for that and the easiest way for it is trying to making things simpler. I do think we should rest Ramires if we don't want to exhaust him or worse, lead him to pick a muscular injury... I feel like he's on his limit right now because it's still sort of early in the season and no one is at their 100% fitness already, although they're all fit. I don't remember those matches you mentioned by Ryan, but then again I don't remember what I ate two days, so this isn't me disregarding his contributions, just my memory sucking overall I do remember watching some matches when he couldn't properly give a 2m pass, and only passed backwards. Nothing drives me crazier then a full-back that can't properly link up with attackers because that's also part of the job description. Crosses are a little bit more complicated, so I normally cut some slack to most FBs. The thing is his a back-up player now, but Cole has been even worse than Lamps this season, actually it's sort of offensive to even compare both. I read somewhere that his back pain was something he was carrying before the Norwich match, so maybe the pain was partially responsible for his dip in form, but among all veterans in the team (including Essien) I think he's the worst - form wise. If Azpilicueta was a LB I'm positive he'd be playing more often because even though Iva was pretty bad against Cardiff imo, he's been pretty good at all other matches. We all know he isn't going to offer much offensively and he's been really good defensively, which I suppose is what Mourinho expects the most from his FBs and that exactly why I think Cole should be dropped more often from the main team. I don't remember which match it was (Everton I guess), but it was becoming embarrassing for Cole how the opponents winger and FB were outrunning him in every single run. He just couldn't keep up and it cost us some dangerous attacks by the opponents... and Ryan is decent defending and I agree he's one of the fastest players we have in the squad now. In a match like tomorrow when Draxler has a engine in his boots, it's a blessing in disguise we'll have Ryan and not Cole. It's not even funny to imagine the field day he would have if Cole was the one defending there. That Ushida guy is as fast as Japaneses get (which is a lot) and he'd have a walk in park (more like a sprint, but you know what I mean) if he was up against Cole. I hope Ryan can perform better for us because right now I feel like we should slowly start making the Cole's transition into a squad player simply because I feel he can't keep up with the physicality of playing week in and out and he's become much slower and it seems like age is factoring on his performances.

I actually missed the word 'repeatedly' when I wrote "In addition to that he made ten transitions to attack [all of which successfully] and linked up play in the attack eleven times – most of which with Hazard, but also finding Eto'o running down the opposition defenders at the edge of the box" I actually meant that although most times Ryan linked up play with Eto'o, most of his transitions were passes finding Eto'o just behind the defensive line. It happened repeatedly in the first half. And I'm one of people who dislikes Ryan's football the most, but I must say he played a very good match and I had to eat some of my words about him. I watched the game while distracted by my boyfriend and with only 3h of sleep on me, so only when I re-watched the match to do the scout I was able to see how good Bertrand was for us. I hope with all my heart that he continues to progress and proves my assessment of his value wrong. That was without a doubt the best match I've seen from him all things considered. He's normally very good defensively (sometimes only decent though), but normally he's terrible, below criticism attacking and I think he linked up way better than Cole did. To be honest I've been thinking about having a special rate for such messes as well as for formidable plays/goal, like a 7 rate. I'm still judging if that won't make the whole thing biased though. Opinions on such thing as welcomed. As for Lampard, I even bolded his name, but I do a top three total score and his was 4th, but I agree it was one of his best matches for us. He was solid and didn't make some sloppy mistakes as much as he did in previous occasions this season. But to be fair, Hazard, Terry, Eto'o and Willian were far superior to Frank (maybe Willian was the same level or slightly better, but the other four were far superior). I think Eto'o dragged players with him as well, but I agree, Bertrand provided that for Hazard, although I don't think Ivanovic did the same for Willian.

absolutely especially because the alternative is Mata - who's very slow and Oscar isn't that fast himself either (supposing Oscar plays RW and Mata CAM). Of course there's also Wilian. If it was up to me I wouldn't even have Mata selected because I think this match isn't for him at all, unless he's fixed as a CAM (even then I don't see Mata as the best asset for counter-attack football, something I expect to see us playing more often tomorrow), but Kevin isn't on his best form in the team, so I expect him to fail to be selected. he does look like a hobo edit: also the press conference report http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3505041/title/mourinho-we-need-points

but the worst part is that Mourinho was absolutely right in his complaint about the time they were taking to put the ball back in play. In his conference for the Schalke match he said they took an average of 21.5 seconds and that's ridiculous. And then Ivanovic takes like 3 seconds and the SOB comes to pressure him on taking too long to put the ball back in play? FUCK THEM INDEED, but starting with the terrible judgement by the referee. You can clearly read Mourinho's lips when he's talking to Taylor and maybe he shouldn't have left the designed area for managers or should have been milder and more polite in his complaints, but Holland also said they've been complaining about throughout the whole match with the 4th referee and nothing has been done. They can go all fuck themselves, even if it's only a fine and not a ban. Wankers indeed.

that's what I thought so too, and if Kevin was in better shape I'd even bet Mata would be the AM not used as he also has experience against German sides for the season he had for Werder Bremen. But Kevin doesn't seem to be in Mourinho's plans now so I expect Willian and Mata to feature in the bench along with Azpilicueta, Mikel and Torres. But of course, Mourinho could use Mata instead. I just don't see this match being that fit for Mata to be honest. German teams are very fast and Mata is very slow and this Schalke side is especially fast in the flanks. Also thanks for adding some more match facts to my report, you're a sweetie (ps.: although you made a typo on Draxler's name, I'm fixing it here, but it can't be fixed in the main site)

New interview with André for Bundesliga site: http://www.bundesliga.com/en/cl/news/2013/0000274032.php

Schalke 04 x Chelsea Veltins-Arena – Gelsenkirchen, Germany – October 22,19h45 BST The Match Schalke 04 and Chelsea are going to face off each other in gameweek 3 into Champions League group E. Schalke is on top of the group standings with six points, three more than both Basel and Chelsea. After losing the opener at home against Basel, Chelsea has set a recovery campaign and a positive result against the Germans in very important for José Mourinho’s side continue their quest not only in the qualification for the knockout stage, but also the first position in group. Despite many injuries – old and new – coming their way, Schalke have won their first two matches and are yet to concede this term in Champions League. As usual in Germany, Chelsea should expect an incredible supportive atmosphere for the Royal Blues as their fans will push their side throughout the 90 minutes of play. Players to watch Schalke § Kevin-Prince Boateng – after being doubtful due to a knee injury, the midfield has been confirmed for tomorrow’s match, being one of the forces of Schalke’s strong midfield. Boateng has already scored three times in the Bundesliga and is a threat coming from behind § Julian Draxler – the player who was wished by a few English sides in the summer is on top of his form and has been working well with his two teammates in the attacking midfield as well as providing for Adam Szalai, their top scorer in the season § For a throughout analyzes on the opposition, please check the team scouting report by Sherry Williams. Chelsea § Eden Hazard – the Belgian showed in the last matches for Chelsea and Belgium that he’s finally gaining sharpness again and he should cause trouble Schalke’s defense § Oscar – continues to carry on good form in the season, and as a player who does very well in European competitions, he should be an important asset for the Blues to pursue the away victory Teams News The German’s side has been plagued with injuries lately, and although they could start missing six of their best players, it seems like they’ll miss only four. On the brighter side, Jens Keller confirmed Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jermaine Jones have recovered from their problems and will be fit for the match. The same luck hasn’t reach Marco Höger and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who won’t feature again this year. In addition to them Jefferson Farfan and Kyriakos Papadopoulos aren’t fit yet to come back to pitch, carrying on their recovery processes. Chelsea aren’t immune to the medical department restrictions and Ashley Cole hasn’t even traveled with the team to Gelsenkirchen. Replacing the left full-back Ryan Bertrand has showed great form during the match against Cardiff in the weekend and is ready to take the big responsibility in the Champions League match as well. André Schürrle on the other hand joined the group and is expected to be selected. Expected lineups Schalke: 4-2-3-1 Hildebrand Uchida – Höwedes – Santana – Aogo Neustädter – Goretzka Meyer – Boateng – Draxler Szalai Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 Cech Ivanovic – Luiz – Terry – Bertrand Ramires – Lampard Schürrle – Oscar – Hazard Eto'o Match Facts § Chelsea and Schalke had only met twice in their history, in the group stage of the 2007/08 UCL season. At the occasion Chelsea won at home (2x0) and drew in German territory (0x0) § Schalke and Barcelona are the only two teams yet to concede a goal in Champions League this season § In Germany, Schalke’s European record against English teams is W3, D2, L2 while Chelsea's record in Germany is W1, D3, L4 § Jose Mourinho has lost all six of his European matches against German oppositions in Germany § Schalke are unbeaten in their last 13 CL group stage matches. § Schalke have scored in each of their last 11 CL games. § Schalke's last away game in London ended in a 2-0 win a Arsenal. § Chelsea have only won one of the last 7 CL matches in Germany (1-0 vs Stuttgart in 20040. § Schalke's 4 CL goals this season have came on the second half. § Daxler have scored two and assisted one of Schalke's 4 goals in the CL this season. § Eden Hazard has never scored in the CL in 13 games. § Chelsea have only failed to scored once in their last 22 CL matches (3-0 vs Juve). Match Odds Provided by SkyBet Schalke 04: 19/10 Draw: 23/10 Chelsea: 11/8 Coverage TV: Belgium: Belgacom 11+ Canada: Sportsnet India: Ten HD Middle East: Al Jazeera UK: Sky Sports 2 United States: Fox Soccer For additional regions, please check here Internet: Streams are likely to be provided in the live match thread. In addition to that Talk Chelsea will provide live match commentary on its Twitter account. Click here to view the article

Jason, do you have Chelsea vs German teams European away record, or somewhere I could find that info, sweetie? Thanks

absolutely brilliant, Sherry! I'm going to link it in my match preview, because really, there was little left to say (and that's a compliment of the highest order, not a complaint). I do think though that Eto'o has the ability to harass the back-line, but if Mourinho keeps up the rotation in the striker position, Torres will be given the chance. I would rather if he did not, as Torres was absolutely forgettable against Cardiff and it seems like the injury broke the progression he's been making this season. We shall see it. I'm just curious about what would be Schalke's weaknesses - as I couldn't really find any in the analysis and I fully expect them to have one when they'll probably miss 7 players from what's considered their starting eleven, although one of those is Papadopoulos - who's been injured for nearly one year, I guess - and as such, properly replaced by the team.

Data summary: First Half – please discount 55 seconds from the time stamp below01:09 - Terry wins aerial duel in defense. Terry 401:52 - Ivanovic makes a successful transition to attack01:52 - Eto’o un-marks himself as Chelsea passes the ball around trying to find space. Eto'o special rating 402:54 - Willian concedes a turn over. Willian -403:14 - Bertrand intercepts ball in defense. Bertrand 503:24 - Ivanovic makes unsuccessful transition to attack and concedes a turnover. Ivanovic -303:31 - Willian, Eto'o and Mata press the opposition leading to Chelsea winning a throw-in. Team work 504:09 - Ivanovic wins aerial duel in the midfield. Ivanovic 105:05 - Terry clears the ball from the edge of the box. Terry 405:17 - Hazard transition to the attack05:19 - Eto'o movement to receive the ball behind the defense. Eto'o special rating 405:44 - Luiz unsuccessful transition to the attack05:48 - Lampard interception in the attack. Lampard 306:16 - Ivanovic successful tackle in defense. Ivanovic 506:26 - Willian + Bertrand combo to transition to attack06:26 - Bertrand long pass to Eto'o. Eto'o movement behind the defense line. Bertrand 5, Eto'o special rating 406:30 - Eto'o takes on opponents, passing by two and then drawing a foul near the edge of the box. Eto'o special rating 507:22 - Ramires poor pass in the attack concedes a turnover. Ramires -308:06 - Ivanovic unsuccessful transition to attack08:22 - Bertrand interception [followed by incomplete pass]. Bertrand 108:29 - Mata and Lampard high press in the midfield leads opposition to concede throw-in. Team work 409:19 - Ivanovic incomplete pass in the attack. Ivanovic -309:24 - Eto'o presses two opponents leading to a turnover by opposition. Eto'o 4; Eto'o special rating 509:33 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Bertrand 409:33 - Eto'o movement to receive the ball behind the defense lines. Eto'o special rating 509:39 - Eto'o precise cross for Mata who fluffs the chance. Eto'o 5, Mata -5, Eto'o special rating 509:45 - Ivanovic has the rebound, but finishes poorly. Ivanovic -210:27 - Sloppy defending by Luiz concedes a goal. Luiz -511:44 - Luiz successful transition to attack. Eto'o good movement, but poor pass. Eto'o special rating -311:51 - Eto'o successful tackle in the attack. Eto'o 4; Eto'o special rating 512:02 - Luiz unsuccessful transition to attack13:03 - Luiz unsuccessful transition to attack. Luiz -313:14 - Lampard poor pass in the defense concedes a turnover. Lampard -413:38 - Mata successful transition to attack14:06 - Ivanovic successful transition to attack. Willing poor ball control concedes a turnover. Willian -314:18 - Luiz interception inside the box. Luiz 214:28 - Mata successful transition to attack14:30 - Bertrand movement in the flank and good pass for Eto'o at the edge of the box. Bertrand 3, Eto'o special rating 414:39 - Mata incomplete pass in the attack concedes a turnover. Mata -314:48 - Willian presses high in the pitch leading the opponent to concede a throw-in. Willian 315:06 - Bertrand carries the ball to make successful transition to attack and passes to Eto'o positioned behind the defense line. Eto'o special rating 415:11 - Eto'o dribbles and passes through two opponents, entering the box, but is blocked in the cross. Eto'o special rating 415:50 - Mata successful cross into the box for Ivanovic. Mata 216:20 - Terry anticipates the opponent and recovers possession in the defense. Terry 416:55 - Luiz successful transition to attack17:02 - Luiz successful transition to attack17:10 - Mata unsuccessful transition to attack17:12 - Willian presses the opponent and regains possession in the attack. Willian 317:50 - Good corner kick by Mata and Terry almost scores. Mata 5, Terry 218:22 - Terry wins aerial duel in the defense. Terry 318:31 - Willian successful transition to attack18:35 - Bertrand links up with Hazard19:18 - Eto'o presents himself to receive the ball when Chelsea can’t find space and links up beautifully for Willian in the right flank. Eto'o special rating 419:35 - Mata poor pass in the attack. Mata -119:41 - Ramires presses in the attack, near the corner and leads to a bad pass by opposition recovering the ball. Ramires 419:49 - Ivanovic successful transition to attack19:25 - Dangerous foul by Terry near the edge of the box. Terry -321:05 - Brilliant save by Cech from the free-kick while the defense allows opponent to be poorly marked in the box. Team work -4, Cech 522:15 - Quick counter-attack set-up by Ivanovic and led by Willian that ends with unsuccessful cross by Mata. Team work and team chemistry 5. Ivanovic 4, Willian 523:45 - Willian and Hazard press the opponents in the defense field, delaying their attack attempt by conceding a throw-in. Team work 324:04 - Willian and Mata set up a counter-attack. Mata 3, Willian 424:40 - Willian anticipates opponent in the midfield recovering possession. Willian 325:18 - Luiz + Ivanovic combo successful transition to attack, but Hazard has poor first touch. Hazard -325:44 - Terrible cross by Ivanovic. -426:53 - Lampard clears the ball in the edge of the box with a header. Lampard 327:00 - Luiz interception. Luiz 227:04 - Lampard successful transition to attack27:08 - Hazard + Bertrand linkup play in the attack28:28 - Defense allows opposition players to win four headers inside the box in a row. Team work -429:13 - Terry successful transition to attack29:15 - Hazard + Bertrand linkup play in the attack30:12 - Hazard penetration into the box. Hazard 230:35 - Bertrand wins aerial duel in midfield. Bertrand 230:40 - Bertrand anticipation in the midfield. Bertrand 330:52 - Bad ball control by Lampard in the midfield concedes a turnover. Lampard -331:23 - Lampard wins aerial duel in defense. Lampard 331:28 - Double pivot presses in the midfield, recovers possession and starts counter-attack. Ramires 3, Lampard 531:33 - Eto'o presents himself for counter-attack, but can’t reach the ball. Eto'o special rating 332:13 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Bertrand + Hazard linkup in the attack32:20 - Quick one touch passes exchange in the attack between Hazard, Lampard, and Mata. Team work and chemistry 5. Mata, 4; Lampard, Hazard 532:43 - Hazard creates good chance for Mata who’s blocked by opponent in the shot. Hazard 5, Mata 432:57 - Eto'o anticipates the goalkeeper, stealing the ball and passing to Hazard who assists Eto'o. Eto'o has poor ball control, but Hazard scores. Eto'o 5, Eto'o -4, Hazard 5, Eto'o special rating 534:55 - Terry successful transition to attack35:42 - Luiz + Lampard + Bertrand successful combo transition to attack36:02 - Mata successful transition to attack36:13 - Willian finds Eto'o inside the box, but the cross is blocked. Willian 4, Eto'o 4, Eto'o special rating 537:20 - Luiz successful transition to attack37:30 - Terry + Ramires successful transition to attack38:25 - Luiz successful and smart transition to attack. Luiz 4, Eto'o 2, Eto'o special rating 438:31 - Willian presses the opponent in the attack regaining possession through a throw-in. Willian 338:48 - Eto'o good movement inside the box, but Mata’s pass doesn’t reach him. Eto'o special rating 5, Mata -139:05 - Terry unsuccessful transition to attack40:01 - Lampard successful transition to attack40:29 - Luiz successful transition to attack40:41 - Luiz interception in the midfield. Luiz 440:47 - Mata is tackled and concedes possession in the attack. Mata -241:41 - Luiz clears the ball away from the box with a header. Luiz 341:51 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Bertrand + Hazard linkup in the attack41:55 - Interesting pass exchange in the attack between Willian and Hazard. Bertrand helps Willian and he crosses to Ramires who’s blocked by the opponent. Team work and chemistry 5. Willian, Hazard 5; Bertrand, Ramires 442:45 - Terry wins aerial duel. Lampard wins aerial duel. Terry 3, Lampard 242:55 - Ramires poor transition to attack. Ramires -244:26 - Hazard passes by two opponents before shooting to the goal. Hazard 345:11 - Willian wins an aerial duel in midfield and sets up the counter-attack. Willian 4 Second-Half – no discount in time stamp45:22 - Poor passing by Willian in the final third. Willian -345:56 - Ramires anticipates an opponent in midfield and recovers possession. Ramires 446:00 - Mata is dispossessed in the midfield. Mata -246:13 - Mata presses opponent who has poor ball control. Mata 247:00 - Bertrand successful transition to attack. Eto'o well positioned behind the line. Eto'o special rating 347:13 - Eto'o shot on target. Eto'o special rating 448:38 - Ivanovic successful transition to attack48:48 - Luiz poor passing concedes turnover in the attack; unsuccessful transition. Luiz -349:25 - Willian successful transition to attack; sloppy pass by Ivanovic in the attack. Ivanovic -350:35 - Eto'o clears corner kick with a header. Eto'o 3.50:56 - Cech clears the ball from the box in a corner kick. Cech 451:30 - Terry successful transition to attack. Terry 351:39 - Eto'o deep ball to Hazard inside the box and good cross by him. Eto'o special rating 5; Eto'o 4, Hazard 552:36 - Good cross by Hazard, but Mata mis-hits it. Hazard 5, Mata -253:40 - Bertrand successful transition to attack54:28 - Eto'o crosses the ball into the box. Eto'o special rating 454:39 - Terry successful transition to attack with a long pass. Terry 354:50 - Terry + Bertrand successful transition to attack54:55 - Eto'o dribbles his way into the box, but is blocked. Eto'o special rating 356:27 - Ramires unsuccessful transition to attack56:42 - Luiz interception recovers ball possession in defense. Luiz 456:46 - Sloppy first touch by Ramires concedes turnover in midfield. Ramires -457:03 - Terry clears cross in the box with a header. Terry 457:30 - Hazard + Mata successful transition to attack59:20 - Eto'o successful tackle inside defensive box. Eto'o 459:42 - Ivanovic wins aerial duel in midfield. Ivanovic 460:17 - Bertrand carries the ball into the attack in successful transition64:40 - Sloppy ball control by Torres concedes a turnover. Torres -364:48 - Lampard + Eto'o pressing. Eto'o successful tackle recovers possession in the attack. Eto'o special rating 4; Eto'o 465:45 - Oscar links up with Hazard who assists Eto'o who scores. Team work and chemistry 5. Oscar 4, Hazard and Eto'o 5. Eto'o special rating 567:22 - Terry incomplete pass in defense. Terry -367:28 - Lampard + Hazard press the opponent and Hazard intercepts the ball. Lampard and Hazard 470:58 - Cech unsuccessful transition to attack71:24 - Luiz blocks cross inside the box. Luiz 471:29 - Willian incomplete pass. Willian -471:36 - Terry clears cross inside the box. Terry 471:40 - Hazard makes transition to attack and sets up counter-attack. Hazard carries the ball and passes to Torres at the edge of the box, but the shot is blocked. Team work 4. Hazard 5, Torres 374:12 - Ivanovic loses aerial duel inside the defending box. Ivanovic -374:22 - Great save by Cech. Cech 575:36 - Luiz clears long pass in the defense with a header. Luiz 276:31 - Ramires intercepts the ball in the defense. Ramires 376:43 - Terry intercepts the ball at the edge of the box. Terry 376:48 - Willian carries the ball and makes successful transition to attack76:58 - Torres concedes a turnover in the attack. Torres -377:15 - Ramires intercepts the ball in the attack. Oscar receives it and scores a screamer. Ramires and Oscar 578:55 - Lampard clears corner-kick with a header. Lampard 479:00 - Oscar tackles the opponent successfully and sets up counter-attack with Hazard who assists Willian, but his shot is saved by the keeper. Team chemistry 5. Oscar 5 and Hazard 5, Willian 379:39 - Oscar finds Hazard inside the box. Oscar 381:20 - Ramires intercepts the ball in the midfield and links the counter-attack. Successful transition to attack. Ramires 481:31 - Lampard successful transition to attack and linkup play with Hazard, who passes by the opponents and scores. Lampard and Hazard 582:40 - Ramires is tackled by opponent in the defensive field and loses possession. Ramires -283:15 - Cech clears a corner-kick. Cech 483:17 - Willian takes the rebound and links the counter-attack with Oscar, but Lampard’s pass is incomplete. Willian 4, Oscar 2, Lampard -384:00 - Ivanovic wins aerial duel inside the box, clearing a cross. Ivanovic 484:20 - Willian blocks a cross, after Azpilicueta concedes a turnover. Azpilicueta -3, Willian 384:37 - Terry clears a cross inside the box. Terry 385:30 - Terry makes an interception. Terry 385:37 - Lampard + Oscar press an opponent, Oscar successfully tackles him and Hazard links the counter attack with the rebound. Oscar links up with Torres, but a foul by Oscar is called. Team work 5. Lampard and Hazard 4, Oscar and Torres 586:21 - Azpilicueta clears a cross with a header. Azpilicueta 487:32 - Lampard anticipates the opponent and recovers possession. Lampard 388:00 - Lampard unsuccessful transition to attack concedes a turnover. Lampard -288:23 - Clearance by Terry inside the box. Terry 388:37 - Clearance by Terry inside the box. Terry 389:38 - Luiz successful long pass to set the counter attack. Luiz 391:21 - Terry holds a cross into the box. Cech 391:30 - Oscar + Hazard successful transition to attack92:44 - Azpilicueta intercepts a ball at the edge of the box. Azpilicueta 492:48 - Azpilicueta successful tackle at the edge of the box. Azpilicueta 4

@, @CHOULO19, @, added the new I Got The Blues article in the proper section. It needs proof-read. I'm going to post my preview for Schalke today (Monday). @The Skipper, if you have anything to add about Schalke players or tactics and want to contribute with me, please, send me a PM, mate.

I Got the Blues Chelsea 4 x 1 Cardiff City – English Premier League Following Chelsea's victory at home against Cardiff City the contextualized stats showed that the team progressed in the transitions to attack, finally had one of their strikers to score after a very busy match by Samuel Eto'o and showed that Hazard is finally continuing from where he stopped last season, being the player with the highest score. It’s the first time an attacker is the best rated player since this analysis started three matches ago. Against Steaua Bucaresti and Norwich David Luiz was the player with the biggest scored, followed by other defensive players such as John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic or Ramires. With a 63 positive score, Hazard got the second for an attacker in the three matches showcased so far[Oscar got 67 against Steaua]. It should be mentioned though that the defenders had considerable dips in their final positive scores compared to matches against Steaua and Norwich [Luiz 104, 61, 28; Ivanovic 72, 50, 18; Terry 45, 54, 49], offering less stability against Cardiff. Despite the sloppy defending on the goal conceded, Luiz still was the second best defender in positive contributions [behind only Terry] while Ivanovic was the worst. Juan Mata and Fernando Torres had forgettable matches, taking part in few plays and making too many mistakes. Ryan Bertrand, on the other hand, proved to be more than a viable alternative for the left full back, showing consistency and offering options to the attack and beating Cole at all possible stats in both matches the titular played. Following the detailed stats and analysis to the match. This week we feature four specials: Cole vs. Bertrand; Eto'o’s performance as a striker, Luiz casual defending and we carry on analyzing attack transitions. PLAYERS RATES total amount of contributions (amount of positive/negative contributions); +rate; -rate § Petr Cech: 4 (4, 0); +16, -0 § Branislav Ivanovic: 11 (5, 6); +18; -18 § David Luiz: 12 (9, 3); +28; -11 § John Terry: 17 (15, 2); +49; -6 § Ryan Bertrand: 8 (8, 0); +27; -0 § Ramires: 11 (7, 4); +27; -11 § Frank Lampard: 15 (11, 4); +41; -12 § Juan Mata: 13 (6, 7); +20; -16 § Willian: 16 (12, 4); +44; -14 § Eden Hazard: 15 (14, 1); +63; -3 § Samuel Eto'o: 12 (11, 1); +44; -4 § Oscar: 6 (6,00); +24, -0 § Fernando Torres: 4 (2, 2); +8; -6 § Cesar Azpilicueta: 4 (3, 1); +12; -3 TEAM CHEMISTRY § Six plays showcased, all of which positive, summing a total score of 30. TEAM WORK § Eleven plays were showcased – nine of which positively. Total rates: 41 and -8. INDIVIDUAL HIGHLIGHTS § Hazard has the best positive score (63) presenting himself to link up plays more often than seen before this season. Another positive change in the Belgian’s game is the shots on goal, three this match, all of which on target, resulting in two goals. Before the match the attacking midfielder talked to the club’s official website saying he needed to find a way to get passed the double marking he’s been receiving on Premier League and with that in mind Hazard was a man in a mission. He went for dribbles and takes-on, adding pace and acceleration to the match, especially in the second half. § Terry took Luiz’s position as the most reliable and efficient defender in the team having contributed more than any other player to the match (17) and also having the second highest positive score (49). § Willian and Eto'o also contributed a lot to the match, the Brazilian 16 times and the Cameroonian 12 times. Both were constant presences in the attack, but also helped the defense tackling, clearing up crosses in the box and intercepting balls. Willian was particularly good in the second half when Cardiff offered Chelsea counter-attack chances. More often than not the counter-attack passed through the Brazilian’s feet. ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS § What’s the Mata? The Spaniard had more negative than positive contributions in the match (6, 7), although when he appeared he was better rated than when he detracted (+20, -16). The fact remains that Mata is still to have a high level performance this season [although he’s played well in previous matches against Tottenhan, Steua and Norwich] despite having now played four consecutive matches in the starting eleven. The player showed clear progress in the work-rate and defensive responsibilities, but Mata is yet to step up into a match for the Blues in the season. Starting six matches and coming as a sub twice since Mourinho has taken over Chelsea, Mata has only one assist and is yet to score. § Make your pick. Ivanovic had ups and downs during the match, having six negative contributions to five positive and having the same total score for both (+18 and -18). His substitute Azpilicueta had three positive and one negative contribution and maybe it’s time for Mourinho give the Serbian a well-deserved rest as Ivanovic starts to oscillate too much. § Reliable. Oscar continues to backup Mourinho’s confidence on him. Coming in at the 58 mark, the Brazilian started the play for Eto'o’s goal, finding Hazard at the edge of the box, who then assisted the Cameroonian and a few minutes later Oscar scored a goal of his own. Breaking down his six contributions to the match, in addition to one goal and actively contributing to another, he took part of three counter-attacks and found Hazard inside the box in a perfect pass for the Belgian. § Time for a break? Ramires carried on his descending curve into the match, showing that his double duties this season after he was recalled for Brazil’s NT may be taking a toll on his fitness. In the match against Steaua, Ramires had 18 contributions, only one of which negative (5%). In the following match against Norwich he had 17, seven of which negative (41%). In the match against Cardiff he only took part of play 11 times, 4 of which negative (36%). SPECIAL STATS & ANALYSES § Bertrand x Cole attack contribution. Ashley Cole has been showcased in Chelsea's last match [against Norwich] as the player with worst contribution to the team and his displays this season have been irregular, alternating good and bad moments. Because of a back injury Cole wasn’t selected and Bertrand proved to be useful and trustworthy. The Englishman had eight contributions in the match, all of which positive. In addition to that he made ten transitions to attack [all of which successfully] and linked up play in the attack eleven times – most of which with Hazard, but also finding Eto'o running down the opposition defenders at the edge of the box repeatedly. Defensively the full back was also flawless and depending on how long Cole takes to recover from the pain in the back he might have to fight his way back into the starting XI. § David Luiz’s casual defending. Luiz’s presentation offered a field day for English press who seems always so eager to criticize the Brazilian international. His casual and sloppy actions during Cardiff’s goal and a couple of other mistakes – showing distraction and sloppiness – eclipsed his good contributions to the match [which surpassed his negative considerably]. It’s questionable though, how much the player was tired after crossing the world twice in the time span of ten days, playing twice for Brazil NT and playing 90 minutes on his return to Chelsea. Still this kind of casual play has been showed by the Brazilian during his Chelsea career from the start, although it happens less and less often. Such occurrences justify partially the apprehension and lack of trust on him from fans and football media. He could use a rest after a couple of tiring weeks, but will Mourinho want to risk a change for such an important away match against Schalke 04? Or giving Luiz a rest became a blessing in disguise? § Attack transitions – visible and tangible improvement. A comparison between in transitions to attack done by defenders (center-backs + goalkeepers) vs. full backs + midfielders in the matches against Norwich and Cardiff shows that there’s little variation in the accuracy by both sectors. Against Norwich defenders were successful in 66,6% of their attempts to build attacking plays, while full-backs and midfielders were successful in 85% of their attempts. Against Cardiff the numbers are respectively 64,7% and 86%, showing minimal variation. The numbers prove that full-backs and midfielders are 31% more accurate on building attack and counter-attacks than the defenders are and therefore should be responsible for most transitions in the team. While against Norwich the team didn’t reach the target, using the better players for the job in only 43,3% of their transitions, the performance against Cardiff was more than satisfactory as Chelsea used their full-backs and midfielders in 71,6% of their transitions to attack. With only 12 bad transitions out of 60, the team proved to be effective in 80% of their attempts to build-up attacking plays while against Norwich they had 75% of success rate. § Eto'o blossoming. Eto'o movement, dribbles and takes-on were showcased and given special rating as a way to evaluate how useful and how hard the striker worked in the match he finally started the count for Chelsea's strikers in the Premier League. Every time Eto'o’s movement proved to be useful to teammates distributing theplay or when he unmarked himself fromCardiff’s tight defense, he received a special rating to evaluate his work as a striker [his contributions on defense weren’t count in this special feature]. As a result in addition to Eto'o’s 12 contributions in the match, the Cameroonian took part of attacking plays 16 times (15 positive, one negative). His total special rate was an incredible 100 score where his movement, linkup play, chances created and assists were assessed. The goal scored was the perfect – and fair – payoff for all hard work done by Eto'o throughout the match. I Got the Blues is an analysis that contextualizes statistics. The feature rates players’ individual contribution – positive and negative – in all relevant aspects of the match. As an attempt to identify players’ and tactics’ weaknesses and strengths, negative and positive contributions are rated separately instead of being deduced from one another. Rates vary from 1 to 5 [positively or negatively] and are given to players individually. The same stat [for example an interception] can be given different rates depending on its importance in the match. Team work and team chemistry are rated as a way to assess the team’s evolution and Mourinho’s work. One of the biggest differences between the stats provided in this feature and usual stats is that contributions that don’t produce real impact during the match whether positively or negatively are completely disregarded. Many times dry stats count the player’s touch in the ball producing tackles, interceptions, takes-on, chances created numbers regardless of what followed said touch, creating misleading stats. In this feature those actions will only be rated if they are 1) purposeful; 2) effective [positively or negatively]; 3) consequential. The objective is to provide stats that really tell the players’ history in the match. For attack transitions readers should consider it as the final pass or movement that will make the ball move [and stay] in the attacking half or final third. Most transitions aren't rated, only showcased because normally this is just another pass in the match and rating them would be counter-productive. Every week a special analysis is done, showcasing different aspects of the game that are normally overlooked. Suggestions about the special stats & analyses section can be requested by PM or in the post-match threads – as long as the author is mentioned in the post. Click here to view article.

to be honest Cole has done the same in the two previous matches (I remember seeing him doing that while I was scouting them), but you do have a valid point about Ryan dragging opponents with him. The problem starts when we decide to actually pass him the ball - as imo he's really limited linking up and crossing, but he can drag defenders and he can pass backward. If Cole can carry his attitude from the last two games he played, Hazard will benefit a lot not only from him dragging opponents like Ryan did, but a slightly better linkup. But it does feel a shame that we have two amazing LW in Eden and André and not a great LFB to keep up with them. Ryan was decent though - which is much better than I expect from him. He seems to be progressing.

the same people are in the pics AP is selling and dude I can't photoshop my name, let alone someone's face... the guy with the glasses is simply covering the boy mourinho sat by. (in this first pic, Mourinho is pulling the Abramovich face, lol) did you guys read it? now if that really crossed Mourinho's mind, the word genius falls short. edit: here I found the pic - is by gettyimages http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=jose+mourinho&assetType=image&ep=2 puta, not putana

he's very, very, incredibly poor with the ball on his feet, he doesn't know what to do with it and I'm not even talking about only crosses. Defensively he's good though. but forget about any link up with the LW because he's below criticism with the ball.

I feel like if he starts scoring goals like the one he did today and carries on with the linkup he'll be the most useful striker we could use now. Chelsea doesn't (or won't) play a striker as a target-man - something most strikers like Falcão, Cavani, Suarez normally play (and something Lukaku also favors). We need the guys who take opportunities, like van Persie, Lewa and if Eto'o starts doing that for us (something Torres can still offer if he continues his recent improvement curve), it may work just fine. I feel like this is what we require the most from our strikers, to linkup, and take those chances. Eto'o has two advantages over Torres imo: strength - I feel Eto'o is better for physical matches (although Ba is better than both on that - and only that), and dribbling/taking-on - although this one not because Eto'o is great on that (he is at most decent at this point in his career), but because Torres is terrible. So if he isn't bad physically, if he can pass by opponents decently, all we need him now is to remember his clinical finishing and net some of those few opportunities we create for our strikers. If Torres carries on from his form in the past 2-3 games before today's, I think we'll end up the season with a decent amount of goals scored by our strikers.

as clearly showed in some comments in this very thread, you don't need to go to FB. I fail to see how Luiz 'continuously' fails us as said by others here. I see him being flawless in many consecutive matches and no f**** being given here (let alone in social medias and English media) and when he does an individual mistake (like today) or when he's part of a collective mistake (like Everton) he's crucified as if he was the worst CB ever. There are some things that I simply give up. Expect people making sense of Luiz and valuing him for what he is (an amazing defender - albeit one that can definitely improve) is one of those.

I feel an exaggeration in the bold part. There's more than enough space for both in the team and Oscar isn't fit for some kind of matches (like today's imo) while Mata is. I felt like he contributed more with the quick pass for Hazard to assist Eto'o in the second goal, than he did with his goal. Don't take me wrong, that third goal was very important because I felt we were starting to flirt with conceding again and once Oscar scored the third it seemed the team relaxed and we were able to play our game (although Cardiff also felt the blow and lost their building/growing momentum). But Oscar didn't do much other those two (very important) plays. When the lineup came up I complained about it because I felt if there was someone that needed to be sacrificed between all three Brazilian that traveled to Korea and China, that was Oscar. Luiz was very tired (as visibly shown) and Ramires too (actually I feel like Mourinho needs to give Ramires a rest, he was already slightly tired - and slower - against Norwich; add a long trip and minutes played - where he ran like a crazy because he knows his position in the WC squad isn't 100% safe yet - and he's in desperate need to be rested, but how can we rest him when we have an important UCL away match coming and then City? The perfect match - and needed - match for him to rest was today's). Oscar would have given Mata and Hazard some familiarity I felt we missed in the first half. Willian wasn't bad and I'm happy he played 90 minutes today, but I felt like we would need Oscar in this match and my twitter feed is a testament to that before (and during) the match. I would have started Oscar and brought Willian either on HT or at 60'. Anyway, I feel like Oscar changed the scoreline for us today, even if I don't feel he's changed much the game itself. Can't deny his energy and the space he creates for us dragging defenders out of their place though. It works particularly well when we have two strikers like we had today shortly. Maybe Mourinho should explore it better in the training sessions and ask Oscar to do it more often by approaching Hazard - who's always double-marked - to link up and drag defenders with him. Sometimes I feel we don't properly explore this about Oscar's positioning and movement in the pitch. It could help create space for us in matches like today.

yes, he did, but still 2 of those chances were set pieces (corners), and the other three were two casual passes to the side (a casual pass received by Luiz who carried the ball a bit and then shot way out of the box, then another casual pass to Hazard in the flank, where Hazard received near the sideline, carried the ball 6-8 meters inside, passing by a couple of opponents and then shot to the goal) and a cross for Ivanovic behind the penalty area . His other stats were 0 take ons, 0 tackles, 0 interceptions, only 41 passes (34 completed). Hazard in comparison had 55 passes (45 completed). Looking closely to the chances created stats they showed me exactly what Mata did for us: almost nothing. And it really felt like he contributed very little - and I guess anyone who's watched the match can say that. So why bring meaningless stats when we couldn't highlight one single play by him in the 60 or whatever minutes he played? Because all of us watched the same match and all of us would have a hard time remembering anything good play he did during the match because he contributed very little. And enlighten me in those increase of tempo, Jason, because I just scouted the match and I really couldn't find them in the first half very often and when I did they involved mainly Eto'o and Hazard. I just defended him in the match's thread saying I don't expect him to have such a pivotal role as he had last season because the team isn't built around him anymore and he was overplayed then. But then we see a match where his contributions even in the third final were nothing but shy, but people still talk about his vision and his work when we don't have space when he did nothing about it. We didn't have space today, we needed him to create it for us, still I felt like who did that better was Eto'o and Hazard and somehow we come to Mata's thread and he's highlighted for misleading stats and contributions he didn't have are attributed to him. Talk about living off of reputation... I agree with whoever said we need him to improve in matches like this. If Mata can't be effective against defenses that park the bus and can't be lethal in counter-attack unless the first pass is his, which kind of matches are we expecting him to solve for us with the splitting passes we know he can create like no one else in the team? We need him in matches like today's much more than we need Oscar exactly because Oscar doesn't have his vision and creativity... Oscar is better for a different kind of match imo and against stronger (and more offensive) opposition. Matches like today are the exact kind of match I expect Mata to shine. He didn't though, not even close and there's nothing wrong admitting that. And just so we're clear, I don't think Oscar shone either, although his contribution was vital for us starting the play for the second goal and scoring (a lucky goal) in a very important moment when I felt like we were closer to conceding than scoring.

I think we have to put things into perspective. Last season the alternative was Moses or even Marin and a still far from top Torres. Oscar was struggling to adapt and so was Eden to a certain extent. So we had one spectacular player - fully adapted and on top of his form - and it obviously makes it easier for any other player to link up with him. This season we have great talent and a huge upgrade from Moses/Marin to Schürrle/Willian/KDB. So while I don't take away of how great Mata+Hazard was last year we can't establish (imo) that they're the best partner for each other when conditions are completely different this season and when we have better talents in the team than we did last season. On top of their form, who wouldn't link up well with a player of Mata's caliber when he's also on his best? I think Mata is the one that could benefit the most from Oscar's rise, from Schürrle/Willian/KDB arrivals because those guys are top quality and they make his work easier, as well as they offer him more options. Also it's very positive for the team to be less dependable in one single player like we were dependable of Mata last year. Some might think the overloaded season didn't take a toll on him, but I disagree. It started with the injury he picked during pre-season and it passes through his difficulty to find his best form. He's been given more than enough chances to regain form since that Swindon match. He's been playing all matches ever since if I'm not wrong (I guess he came as a sub in one of them, but my memory may be failing me). He's got a good streak of matches and while he's improved, I feel like he isn't even 70% of the player he was last year and I ask myself how realistic is it for us to expect that player season in and out. He was overplayed, the whole team at some point was built around him and we exhausted him. Should we do it again? I for one don't want the team to be built around any of our players, but around a style or a philosophy. I'd rather Mata to play 80-85% of what he played last year for us, and also have Schurrle, Willian, Kevin, Oscar and Eden playing in high level and adapting to whoever are the other two attackers playing with them. In summary I'd rather have the team collectively playing better and relying less in one single player - no matter who that player is - than have what we had last year (which was special in its own way). I don't think the double task Mourinho required from Mata (and everyone else) by pressing high, pressing with intensity through the whole match and moving behind to defend has damaged Mata's game that much. I think we may be expecting something that came out of a sacrifice, an outstanding year and tactics that won't be employed anymore (building the team around him). All in all we don't need Mata to play like that if the team as a unit plays better, but I think he can still bring his level up a couple of notches, as well as the team as an unit. Considering all this I think the Mata-Hazard partnership currently is overrated. It wasn't overrated last year at all and we don't need Mata to have Hazard by his side for him to play well the same way we don't need Hazard for Mata to play well - as we shouldn't. Expecting Mata to do the same is asking him to sacrifice himself again (with the too high amount of matches and amount of action during the matches) and we may be wearing him off even more as I can't really dissociate his 'worse' form now from how much we demanded from him last season and the toll it took on him. (again a ridiculously long post, lol, sorry).

which other striker did it? (Ronaldo - fattie - did in Brazil a couple of years go) It comes with experience, being cheeky and taking the chance. Perfect move through and through. Now this thread is funny it's like 1/3 posts of people supporting Eto'o; 1/3 of people badmouthing Torres and 1/3 butthurt about Torres. I mean I wanted both of our strikers to score today. One of them did, great, now bring more of that please, to any of them. Also I can't see any striker in the world that would score for Chelsea nearly every match or give us a feeling of starting 1x0 because of how we play...

he can make some funny faces, and by the looks of it, one would think Eva was the one to replace him in the dugout. She looks like she could kill someone with only a look. I want his Oscar's goal celebration in gifs! Did anyone see it?

if you run out of awesomeness I'll be right behind you it may take a while as you are way ahead, but I'm right there

59 points without bonus points. I have Ramsey, Ozil, Giroud and Suarez in my team. not bad, not bad...

Off to an Irish pub!!!!! If I don't learn how to drink today, I never will (I totes won't, but the company is very good ) Should I try the Erdinger or Hofbräu thing?