Chelsea- Out Of The Shadows

[The Big Drog 1,110]

3 years of demons summed up in John Terry’s post match celebration speech ended. A spectacular victory to end a spectacular season. A record smashing season, a defining season, a season of stability and the beginning of change.

Carlo Ancelotti arrived in London from Italy a man with the reputation of being one of the best managers in Europe, though not a man to win you a league. Neutrals doubted the appointment, some going as far as to say he would only last 6 months in the Stamford Bridge hotseat, even certain sections of Chelse afans doubted the 2 time Champions League winner. Carlo Ancelotti’s cool, calming presence, his tactical noose, his man management, his faith in the players and his humility in putting the players before himself is what makes this Chelsea manager a great one. A landmark day for Chelsea as once and for all, the spectre of Jose Mourinho was wiped from Stamford Bridge by his rival Carlo Ancelotti.

Didier Drogba was finished as a player. Not in Phil Scolari’s thoughts, age and injuries taking their toll, he looked a shell of the player who once ran riot against the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal. Enjoyed a resurgence of sorts under Hiddink but still they said his days as a top flight centre forward were behind him. How wrong they were, his greatest ever season, the Premier League golden boot winner and deservedly so capped off a career defining season with a hat trick. Jamie Redknapp said it after the game, when its all said and done, Didier Drogba will be remembered with the likes of Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer, how right he is, Drogba this season led the line of the highest scoring team in Premier League history.

Frank Lampard has a horrid first half to the season, super Frank could not buy a goal from open play. The African Cup of Nations rolls around, Ancelotti switches to a 4-3-3 and suddenly the Frank Lampard of old shows up and shows up in a big way, having his greatest ever goal scoring season, Frank Lampard once again solidified his claim to being the finest central midfielder of his generation.

John Terry went through personal and public hell this season but it has ended with him on the podium raising the Premier League high above his head. Terry has come in for some stick for his on field performances and while he did go through a rocky patch around the middle of the season, Chelsea fans will tell you that for the most part he has been excellent, a pillar of stability in an ever changing back four.

Of course there were others who played a big role, Branislav Ivanovic was the undisputed best right back in the league, he stepped up to the plate this season in Bosingwa’s absense. Ashley Cole was magnificent, his best ever season in a Chelsea shirt. Alex established himself as the first choice centre back. John Obi Mikel had the unenviable task of replacing Michael Essien and he did a fine job. Florent Malouda had an all star season and became a key man in the Chelsea side. Nicolas Anelka played second fiddle to Drogba but for a man playing second fiddle he did it better than many others could.

There was blips along the way, there is likely to be changes in the Summer as Ancelotti said and there is a very good chance of big money being spent. Farewell to Belletti and Deco and potentially Carvalho, Ballack, Joe Cole, Hilario, Anelka and Ballack. Chelsea are undoubtedly the deserving champions this season and for that credit must be given to the entire squad but not least of all Carlo Ancelotti, finally embraced by the Stamford Bridge faithful today, Ancelotti has truly made Stamford Bridge his backyard.

[.Cee 50]

:goodpost: :goodpost:

[Luke 60]

Well said mate, good post.

[Rambo 1,729]

Can't see Nico leaving, and I have a feeling Joey will stay as well since Carlo insists so strongly. Excellent read however, well said.

[Blueboy 14]

Great reaction , thanks

[zolayes 14,489]

3 years of demons summed up in John Terry's post match celebration speech ended. A spectacular victory to end a spectacular season. A record smashing season, a defining season, a season of stability and the beginning of change.

Carlo Ancelotti arrived in London from Italy a man with the reputation of being one of the best managers in Europe, though not a man to win you a league. Neutrals doubted the appointment, some going as far as to say he would only last 6 months in the Stamford Bridge hotseat, even certain sections of Chelse afans doubted the 2 time Champions League winner. Carlo Ancelotti's cool, calming presence, his tactical noose, his man management, his faith in the players and his humility in putting the players before himself is what makes this Chelsea manager a great one. A landmark day for Chelsea as once and for all, the spectre of Jose Mourinho was wiped from Stamford Bridge by his rival Carlo Ancelotti.

Didier Drogba was finished as a player. Not in Phil Scolari's thoughts, age and injuries taking their toll, he looked a shell of the player who once ran riot against the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal. Enjoyed a resurgence of sorts under Hiddink but still they said his days as a top flight centre forward were behind him. How wrong they were, his greatest ever season, the Premier League golden boot winner and deservedly so capped off a career defining season with a hat trick. Jamie Redknapp said it after the game, when its all said and done, Didier Drogba will be remembered with the likes of Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer, how right he is, Drogba this season led the line of the highest scoring team in Premier League history.

Frank Lampard has a horrid first half to the season, super Frank could not buy a goal from open play. The African Cup of Nations rolls around, Ancelotti switches to a 4-3-3 and suddenly the Frank Lampard of old shows up and shows up in a big way, having his greatest ever goal scoring season, Frank Lampard once again solidified his claim to being the finest central midfielder of his generation.

John Terry went through personal and public hell this season but it has ended with him on the podium raising the Premier League high above his head. Terry has come in for some stick for his on field performances and while he did go through a rocky patch around the middle of the season, Chelsea fans will tell you that for the most part he has been excellent, a pillar of stability in an ever changing back four.

Of course there were others who played a big role, Branislav Ivanovic was the undisputed best right back in the league, he stepped up to the plate this season in Bosingwa's absense. Ashley Cole was magnificent, his best ever season in a Chelsea shirt. Alex established himself as the first choice centre back. John Obi Mikel had the unenviable task of replacing Michael Essien and he did a fine job. Florent Malouda had an all star season and became a key man in the Chelsea side. Nicolas Anelka played second fiddle to Drogba but for a man playing second fiddle he did it better than many others could.

There was blips along the way, there is likely to be changes in the Summer as Ancelotti said and there is a very good chance of big money being spent. Farewell to Belletti and Deco and potentially Carvalho, Ballack, Joe Cole, Hilario, Anelka and Ballack. Chelsea are undoubtedly the deserving champions this season and for that credit must be given to the entire squad but not least of all Carlo Ancelotti, finally embraced by the Stamford Bridge faithful today, Ancelotti has truly made Stamford Bridge his backyard.

agree an excellent summary

[HRiver 1,512]

Good post indeed.

[boshman 1,073]

[Term-X 7,891]

:goodpost: