Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn

[DYC. 7,542]

Might as well post my ratings

Cech: 6 (Superb save in the first half but didn't have much to do)

Bosingwa: 6.5 (Energetic performance and because of him always a man on the right wing and some danger, poor crossing though)

Ivanovic: 7 (Didn't have much to do at the back but was the matchwinner with a goal and assist)

Terry: 6.5 (Loved how he came forward to help out and made a crucial tackle in the first half. Great assist too)

Cole 6 (Solid performance, got forward well but nothing special)

Essien 6.5 (Solid performance, made some great interceptions and worked well with the defenders and midfielders)

Ramires 7.5 (Great and energetic performance, brought pace in our play and got forward well. But pretty quiet in the second half, unlucky not score)

Lampard 8 (Lampard was fantastic, his passing game together with his vision was spot on and was the main reason our midfield worked so well today. His off the ball movement was great too, best man on the pitch).

Anelka 6.5 (Solid performance with good movement, still taking too long on the ball at times)

Drogba 3.5 (Terrible performance)

Malouda 6 (Okay performance, linked up well with Ash but hardly got past his man and wasn't really threatning. Played better after the 1-0)

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I agree with this. Drogba is a fucking beast when he is at it.

He needs to get his fitness back. He had beautiful chance, but he was too slow.

And maybe dropping him for a game or two would be a good idea.

Yeah he was slow, but he was sharp on that chance too. Salgado had a great game - credit where the credit is due. But until that last ditch tackle Drogba was actually doing well to hold him off, showing the strength we know he has. The idea of dropping him is also something Carlo does need to consider, dropping him for the Ipswich game meant nothing - Because it was a cup game.

But i don't agree with this.

Malouda played well, he definitly improved his performance.

Hmm. I just think he wasn't decisive enough with the ball. I don't think the winger role is for him to be honest, I see more as a second striker. Playing around the middle, gathering the ball and passing it too either the wide men or Drogba. Kind of like that whole "central winger" thing Zonal Marking did an article on. Malouda still need to improve a lot to recapture that form he showed in November.

[Madmax 9,219]

Yet another horrible performance by Drogba. He was invisible for 80 mins and then after we got 2 all of a sudden he starts popping up here and there. Terrible 'leader'.

He needs to be benched to show him his place. Too bad Carlo isn't brave enough to do it.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Carlo on squad selection

We needed to have more size. I knew Blackburn would use the long ball and set pieces and I wanted to have power in the box so Essien and Drogba started the game.. They are some of the most important players, not because they play every game. Sometimes they can stay out, this doesn't matter. They are very important even if they don't play every game. It is important for us McEachran is able to play, ready to play from the beginning and puts more competition in the squad.

Make sense about McEachran. Not about Sturridge though.

Carlo on Drogba

Last year he scored 40 goals and didn't have so many opportunities like in this moment but this is the life of the strikers. Sometimes you shoot one time and you score and sometimes you have to shoot 10 times to score.

[The Big Drog 1,110]

Id like McEachran and Sturridge to get more game time as much as the next person but we should all be a bit happier that we have picked up an important 3 points to get us back into the top four.

Also Ramires was once again fantastic, Carlo is getting a a lot of criticism here for his exclusion of Sturridge and McEachran but his inclusion of Ramires over Mikel was certainly the right move.

[Madmax 9,219]

Make sense about McEachran. Not about Sturridge though.

I'm convinced he said that stuff before the match (about giving chances to Josh and Studge) just to threaten Essien and Drogba about them being dropped.

Didn't work with Drogba though

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Also Ramires was once again fantastic, Carlo is getting a a lot of criticism here for his exclusion of Sturridge and McEachran but his inclusion of Ramires over Mikel was certainly the right move.

Actually I wanted Mikel in over Essien. But Essien played well too, so you're right. Very good point

[Madmax 9,219]

Love how LDN ignores two quotes in a row from me

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Love how LDN ignores two quotes in a row from me

I didn't ignore them, I was just about to respond.. Honest!

You're probably right about scare tactics though. I rarely believe things Carlo says now like when he said he's not interested in Pienaar - Like hell he's not .. Also benching Drogba achieves nothing - because everytime Carlo's done that, he's just been brought on in the 2nd half

[Ollie 4,400]

Caught the last hour, i thought the 2nd half was excellent and coulda been 3 or 4 easily. For once, the midfield was well passing and quickly and the forwards were moving better and linking better. Although both goals were from corners, it was a much better performance than some we've had lately. Important win.

[Styles 9,790]

Boring, slow football devoid of any creativity. We simply cannot create clear goal scoring opportunities anymore.

Our whole frontline is embarrassingly bad at the moment. Drogba has lost 2 yards of speed, Anelka is playing like a defensive midfielder and Malouda has offered nothing in an attacking sense. There seems to be no end to these three players bad form. It just goes on and on and on and Ancelotti is just happy to let it continue.

[Madmax 9,219]

^Bang on.

[eldo 868]

I already said that Malouda played better than in last few weeks.

[Madmax 9,219]

That's not saying much is it?

[eldo 868]

Still not MAlouda from last season and from the start of this.

But he and Ash were actualy able to link their play.

[Gianfranco_Z 202]

YES IVANOVIC YOU BEAUTY!!!

Was at the game today, pleased we have a solid win under our belts in the premier league. Have to give MOTM to Terry or Ivanovic, thought they were outstanding. Dissapointed Mceachran didn't start, or Sturridge for that matter, but Josh looked class when he came on again! surely he has to start soon???

[Jose M 140]

I was incredibly happy with tonights result but defiantly not convinced. Iv got one Question? If everyone one else in the World can see that Its time for Drogba to sit out a few games and let Sturridge up front. THeeeeeen why the Fuck does Sturridge of all people get a measly 5 minutes, haha actually sounds like a joke!

JOSH MUST START!!!!

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I don't even think it's about Sturridge though. We lack creativity from the middle more that anywhere. I think the inclusion of McEachran is more vital than Sturridge now.

[Jose M 140]

I seriously think we have to buy some new blood upfront soon cause anelka and Malouda look seriously off the pace. Same with Drogs But i can forgive Drogs no matter what form he's in lol. He played at WC like 1 week after he broke his arm or sumtin lol He's just getting old... Shame! But we cant buy another youth prospect, I think Sanchez would be a awsome signing its about time we have a spic in our side hahah

[Randall 315]

I am worried that Ancelotti keeps playing Josh in the holding role, he would be good playing as a deep-lying playmaker next to lampard. I really hope he doesn't ruin him.