Mata makes his mark as Chelsea cruise in the Cup

[BlueLion. 21,491]

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 200^th 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…

[DDA 9,957]

What the flip... how did you write this soo quickly. Are you one one of those clever people who can do a rubix cube in under a minute ???

[zolayes 14,489]

What the flip... how did you write this soo quickly. Are you one one of those clever people who can do a rubix cube in under a minute ???

He only writes when we're winning ,,, he only writes ,,,, // hopes he writes a lot more ,,,,,,,,

[Barbara 15,149]

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.

another amazing article, Lex, as always a pleasure to read. But this part made me laugh and I can't stop now.

ITA with your opinion in the issue - and in everything else for that matter.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Thanks for reading, everyone