Breaking News: Carling Cup Draw

The Carling Cup draw has just been made and we have been drawn against Blackburn
away which is a result!!

Utd v Spurs Portsmouth v Villa
Manchester City v Arsenal

Great draw for us!

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Bolton v Chelsea : Preview

We travel to the Reebok today looking to get our away form back on track as Chelsea take on Bolton for the second time in 4 days. Chelsea ran riot at the Bridge on Wednesday in the League Cup but today is going to be alot different with key players back for both sides so expect a much different kind of game.

Now it's clear to all of us that there is no problem with our form at home as we have won all 9 games this season and only conceeded against Hull in the first game. Its our stuttering away form that is the problem and Carlo Ancelotti knows that we must improve and get it back on track starting today.

Expect to see changes today with players who were rested featuring. I expect to see Cech back in goal, JT and Carvalho back in for Alex and Ivanovic. It would be nice to see Ferreira get a start at left back today but with the nature of Bolton's play at home Ancelotti may look to Ivanovic to play at right back to bolster the back line against the ariel threat that Bolton will pose.

In our midfield expect Essien and Lampard to come back into the side next to Ballack and hopefully Joe Cole playing behind Anelka and Drogba.

For me, its important that we keep winning games. We have had chances to build on the lead we have at the top of the table and have let them slip. If we get a win today and build from there we can get some breathing space and kick on. A win is a win and its in games like these that a 1-0 is good enough and anything else is a bonus.

Coming into the game today the managers have said:

Ancelotti:

"We played the last three games very well, and Saturday can be another kind of match. We have to be ready to play a different match, it will be a different game on Saturday, but we're ready to play a different game.”

Megson:

""We have got to play at a tempo that suits us because [on Wednesday] Chelsea dictated that tempo - they dictated absolutely everything, from minute one to 90...We have to give ourselves a better chance"

So come on Chels! get the win and let's get our away form back on track!

(Dont forget you can bet on Chelsea here or watch the game on line here)

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Chelsea 4-0 Bolton League Cup

Chelsea cruised to victory last night as they beat Bolton 4-0. Goals from Kalou (yes he scored again), Malouda, Deco and Drogba sealed an easy win as Chelsea progress to the League Cup quarter finals. To be honest it could of been a hat full and apart from the odd attack on goal (which Hilario will remember from the game more than anything) it was pretty much one sided.

As reported yesterday, Ancelotti took the unusual approach of naming his side well in advance so we knew that it would be a changed side, but thankfully this didn't affect that fluidity of the side whatsoever. The big guns were either on the bench or rested completley which included more than likely our whole starting back five (Cech, Bosingwa, Cole, Terry, Carvalho). We lined up with Ferriera at left back (who set up the opening goal a header from 6 yards for Kalou), Belletti right back, Ivanovic and Alex.

They didn't looked troubled at all to be honest. Bolton got in down our left hand side and a cross that evaded everyone fell to Matt Taylor who fired his shot in as Hilario came rushing out and the ball hit him right in the face. He had to come off as a result which gave first team experience to Ross Turnbull.

Our midfield was good as usual. No Lampard, Essien, Zhirkov or Mikel. Ballack was captain for the night and had Deco, Malouda and Joe Cole around him. It just goes to show the strength in depth that we really have this season. The midfield took control of the game Malouda scored the second after a lucky deflection fell at his feet 8 yards out and he slotted it home. Joe Cole was involved in our 3rd and 4th goals. The third is was his cross that Drogba (on for Sturridge who did well but will be dissappointed not to of put at least one away) missed and it came to Deco, who took one touch to set himself and drilled the ball into the bottom corner. Keeper no chance and pleasing to see him score and celebrate with the boys afterwards.

It was Joe Cole's cross met by Drogba who all over the back of his marker headed in at the far post to score Chelsea's fourth on the night and 13th goal in the last three games at the Bridge. It was a purely one sided display and we all expect to see different on Saturday. Kevin Davies who I pointed out to be a danger was involved at all.

So we look to the draw this Saturday at noon on SkySports Soccer Saturday to see where our fate lies in the competition. The team's through to the draw and their draw numbers are as follows:

1/ Arsenal
2/ Aston Villa
3/ Blackburn Rovers
4/ Chelsea
5/ Manchester City
6/ Manchester United
7/ Portsmouth
8/ Spurs.

I really don't mind who we get as our squad is strong. Some sides are playing their kids or reserves as they want to give their first team and rest, we are rotating the squad to keep players fresh and still look like the force that I believe we will become this season.

Then again, Blackburn or Portsmouth at home would be nice!!

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Favourite Posts link added

As you can see there are many posts about all sorts of stories on my Chelsea fans blog. So I have created a page you can access at the tabs menu top and bottom of the site that will take you to links of my favourite ones so far.

Click "Favourite posts" to take you straight there!

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Chelsea V Bolton : Preview

Carlo Ancelotti has decided to name his starting 11 way ahead of the game tonight which is unusual and he has also taken the step of giving complete rest to John Terry, Petr Cech and Nicolas Anelka whereas Frank Lampard, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba will be on the bench. He said before tonight's game:

"If I have the possibility to give rest to all the players who also have to play in their national teams, it is better,' 'In this moment Terry and Anelka are in a very good condition and we want to maintain this condition.
They want to play every game but in the season, for them and for the team, it is better sometimes to rest. It depends on injuries but if we have a squad without injury, you can give the players some rest"
'This is the difference from 20 years ago when I played,'That was work, work, work, every day, every day - then fatigue! 'Now the system has changed because you have to work hard with intensity but also it is important to give the players rest to prevent injury. This is our way. We used this in Milan but also in Chelsea this has been the idea in the last few years. When I arrived here I found a very good situation about this.'

There again is a start for Joe Cole, Deco returns as Ballack keeps his place. Its a return to the starting eleven for forgotten man Paulo Ferriera and also Alex makes a start. Kalou comes back in up front and will start next to Daniel Sturridge.

You could say that its been a frustrating time for Sturridge since his arrival at the Bridge and we haven't really seen that much of him. But with Didier, Anelka and now Kalou scoring goals its a chance tonight to impress and a chance that he has to take to show all of us fans exactly what he can do. I know that there are some fans out there that aren't fans of Sturridge at all, but he is confident in his own ability, can use both feet and has pace to burn. So let's hope he shows what he can do tonight against a determined and organised Bolton side who will make it hard tonight.


The starting 11 tonight are:

Hilario
Ferreira
Belletti
Alex
Ivanovic
Ballack
Deco
Malouda
Joe Cole
Kalou
Sturridge

Subs: Turnbull, Bruma, Matic, Essien, Lampard, Borini and Drogba.

Its still a strong side we are putting out tonight. The midfield to me looks to have a nice balance. Its not certain if we will continue with the 4-diamond-2 formation or if it will be a flat 4-4-2. The key will be where Joe Cole starts the game as Deco is back in the side. For me Joe needs to play in the hole behind the front two. Ballack will play the holding role and its important that he gets on the ball and creates from there, Malouda will provide width on the left and as long as Kalou can stay onside we should have enough about us to create chances.

The strength in depth we have is second to none in the Premier League. If you think added to that not involved in the squad at all as mentioned before is JT and Anelka and added to that the injured players in Ashley Cole, Bosingwa and Zhirkov the future looks bright for Chelsea.

Bolton will come to the Bridge tonight with more or less their first team out tonight. In Kevin Davies, Alex and Ivanovic will have their hands full. Bolton always seem to give us a game at the Bridge and let's hope we can buck the trend. We need to keep an eye on Taylor aswell as he seems to get on the scoresheet alot from midfield.

As long as we get on the ball and pop it about and keep it away from Davies up front we should be fine. With 9 goals and two clean sheets in the last two games let's hope we bring our form into tonights game and make it through to the quarter finals!.

Come on the Chels!

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Sam Allardyce warns Chelsea about Swine Flu

Worrying news that has come from the weekend is the emergance of Swine Flu within the ranks of the Blackburn Squad and staff. Of course they were at the Bridge on Saturday and some of their players missed the 5-0 thrashing, but Sam Allardyce has warned Chelsea that a Swine Flue outbreak is inevitable at the Bridge!

Allardyce said: "It is one of the most infectious viruses we have had. You don't know where it has come from but they are not going to stop it are they?" However, it was his comments about the effects at Chelsea which were likely to cause the most alarm.

At one point Allardyce said that Joe Cole and Frank Lampard might have picked up the virus from his players. "There is no doubt about that," Allardyce responded when asked if he thought his team had now passed the strain on to Carlo Ancelotti's men. (Quote: Telegraph.co.uk)

At the moment the club haven't reported any such cases of Swine flu or players suffering with Swine Flu symptoms. Let's hope it stays that way!

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Joe Cole - The key to our success?

So Carlo Ancelotti has called him "A Genius!" and the more I think about it, Joe Cole could be our key to success as we look to do well on all fronts this season!. Its been a long hard battle for Joe Cole since his injury away at Southend. A long road to recovery, but he has worked hard, kept himself in good nick and he more than anyone is hungry for first team football.

As the season has gone on since August, and Carlo's 4-diamond-2 formation has come to fruition, there has been debate on TV, in the stands and in pubs and workplaces across the country as to who is best suited to play in the "hole" at the point of the diamond behind the front two?.

Lampard has featured there, but to me doesn't seem to have the same impact on games as he likes to arrive from deeper in the midfield. Deco has played there and has been pretty much the same apart from the odd game.

No doubt, with the squad depth we have at Chelsea maybe questions have been asked if you would put Ballack there or Kalou?. But the key to the Diamond has been sitting under Carlo's nose for the last 4 months and the answer quite simply is Joe Cole.

He longs to play there, he is effective out wide and can influence games from there but we have already seen the vision, the flicks and tricks and the impact and influence he can have there in just the one game on Saturday. The reception he received from the crowd and from Ancelotti goes to show that finally has Ancelotti found the diamond within the diamond he has been looking for.

When asked post match on Saturday Carlo said:

""I was very impressed with him. Joe is a very important player for us. He has fantastic quality in midfield. He is a genius. He's a great professional. After 10 months out it's not easy Joe to play like he did. I'm happy for him."

Joe has alot more on his mind after returning from Injury with forcing his way into the starting eleven week in week out and then into Capello's thinking for the World Cup this summer. Also at the end of the season Joe's contract expires at Chelsea and with the other key players at the club being tied up on new deals its important that Chelsea get their act together and get him signed long term.

But I do believe that Joe is that spark we lack at times when it comes to the crunch. At times when we have needed something extra, someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck and pull something special out of the bag to take the three points, and playing behind the front two is right up his street.

I can see good times this season at Chelsea and mark my words. Joe Cole will be like the best signing of the season come May!

Just remember, "He's here, he's there, he's f*&%ing everywhere! Joey Cole, Joey Cole"!

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Chelsea 5-0 Blackburn

Guess who's back!! Premier League managers beware! He's back on the goal trail!

Saturday was a fantastic performance as Chelsea beat Blackburn 5-0 and let's be honest it could of been 9 or 10!. In a hugely one sided affair Chelsea took control of the League once more and moved two points clear of Utd after they had their nightmare at Anfield.

As Chelsea took to the field I have previously stated that it was a must win game and sure enough we demonstrated once more our class and dominance of football that will have alot of pen pushers and Managers taking notice. To be fair Blackburn didn't do themselves any favours whatsoever and their tactics off flooding the midfield with just Roberts up front fell apart once we took the lead.

Anelka played in down the left channel by Ballack and his first time cross into the box had Drogba busting a gut to get on the end of it, surrounded by three panicking defenders, he did enough to force Givet into an error and he slid the ball into the bottom corner. He was trying to clear the danger for a corner, but do we care? NO!. 1-0 Chelsea (Givet OG).

Once we had scored Blackburn sat deeper and deeper. This played into our hands with Joe Cole making his first start in the Premier League for 9 months, playing in his publically preferred position just behind the front two and having a field day! We should of scored two at the end of the half including a JT volley (very Wigan esque last season) saved in great style by Robinson.

The second half was waive after waive of Chelsea. Drogba and Anelka were always hungry, the ball was being played about with ease and it took just 18 second half minutes to bury Blackburn. Lampard scored a great effort low into the left hand corner from outside the box, Essien the same (even though Robinson should of done better). Drogba was caught in the box, Lampard stepped up and struck the pen home and Drogba scored a header from a well taken Ballack corner on 63 mins and it was game over.

Joe Cole came off to a standing ovation and a bear hug from Ancelotti on 77 mins and it was great to see the reaction from the crowd and the Manager. Joe had been outstanding and his return to fitness will be another major boost to our midfield. He adds something different to Deco and Lampard playing there. His tricks and vision for a pass is second to none and there were already signs of his link-up play which will create anyone problems.

Ballack once again added that balance in midfield and we look so much better when he plays. Essien did his job and got on the scoresheet. Belletti and Ivanovic were rarely troubled to be honest in for Cole and Bosingwa.

It was nice to Bruma getting an appearance as he replaced Carvalho with just over 20 mins to go. That will do his confidence the world of good and he can kick on from there.

Key for me though on Saturday and throughout the season so far is the form of Drogba, Anelka and Lampard. Once again they showed they are right on their game and with Lampard back scoring goals aswell as the other two it can only be good for Chelsea. Ok so Lamps has taken some stick in recent weeks because of his 10 goal scoring drought. But people forget his overall contribution to games.

Its 3 much needed points for Chelsea. We sit 2 points clear at the top of the League. Not bad at all eh?

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We’ve got our Lampard back! The Chelsea Football FanCast 92 available to download now!

The boys celebrate the return to form of Super Frankie Lampard and Joe Cole in the ‘sausage roll’ in an awesome 5-0 thumping of Blackburn Rovers.

In an fantastic display by the Chels, the boys are fulsome in their praise of Joe Cole – back to his best in the ‘sausage roll’ - and Super Frankie Lampard back on goal scoring form with 3 goals in a week.

It is good to see Chelsea burying a team when clearly on top, not bad for the goal difference too! All in all a great team performance!

A unanimous decision for this week’s Man of the Match and Guinness moment but lots of contenders for Chant of the Match thanks to a sterling effort by the Chelsea Choir, in particular with a nod to the anniversary of Matthew Harding’s untimely death. In a match where Blackburn where so poor JT had to resort to tackling Super Frank – dare we award him the Celery moment?

Earlier this week, Chidge, Ross, Chel Tel and Chris were all at the match against Athletico Madrid, but more important we were in the Malt House before that. We discuss a rather drunken evening toasting the ‘Immortal Memory of Nelson’ in the show, as well as revealing the truth behind the Bear on Athletico Madrid’s badge.

It’s a case of “Normans, Normans give us a song” in “We’re out to show the world the way to sing” and “Tales from the Shed” is back with a special tale from Chris featuring “Angry Keith”.

And if that wasn’t enough for you lot, the Chelsea FanCast’s resident Football Therapist Dr Martin gives us another free session of Chelsea counseling in Dear Mart. Questions on Chelsea’s match against the New York Cosmos in 1978 and the game against a team from Luxemburg in 1971 featuring a one armed player and one with glasses sellotaped to his head are answered.

Finally Chidge has a look at the best of the posts on our Facebook group in “You’re on CFFC”

The Chelsea Football FanCast: I heard the news today oh boy, we scored 5 goals v Blackburn Lancashire!!!



Click the Icon to take you straight to the Fancast

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Chelsea V Blackburn Rovers : Preview

Today Chelsea take on Blackburn at the Bridge in the early evening kick off at 1730. Let's hope that we follow on from the better performance against Atletico in the week and collect a much needed three points after the slip up last week at Villa.

Chelsea go into the game with three players confirmed out injured. Bosingwa, Zhirkov and Mikel will be missing today but the likes of Joe Cole are pushing for a start, his first in 9 months in the Premier League since he was injured away at Southend in the FA Cup last season.

You would have feel that there wouldn't be alot of changes to the side today after the game in midweek, but we have Malouda, Drogba and Joe Cole waiting in the wings so it will be interesting to see if Drogba comes back in for Kalou (which I think he will do!) and if Joe or Malouda come in for Deco or Ballack.

The good thing about the game for us is that Frank is back on the scoresheet after midweek and he will look to kick on from there and it will be no surprise if he bags another today.

Blackburn come into todays game after their 3-2 win over Burnley at home last week and will be looking to make the game difficult today as their will look to play to their strengths. Sam Allardyce has already gone on record saying "There is no point in trying to match Chelsea as you will be punished!" He has a point. They will have to make a change to the side last week with our boy DiSanto making way as part of the loan agreement between Chelsea and Blackburn is that he is not allowed to feature against us.

He didn't exactly say the right thing in the week either by saying that he wanted Blackburn to win as they "pay his wages" which I thought was very strange as surely we still pay a part? Anyway, he want onto add that he "Doesn't want to come back to Chelsea and sit on the bench, would rather play first team football at Blackburn!". Well its a case of you will have to with Didier gone to the African Nations.

Anyway, getting back to the game and I expect it to be tight and cagey maybe for the opening period. We just need to make sure no silly mistakes at set pieces as we all know Allardyce works on them as considers them key in any game. As long as we are disciplined and tight at the back (Carvalho back in for Ivanovic) we should be able to impose our game on them which will see us with three points.

I can see Lampard on the scoresheet today along with Didier and you never know a goalscoring cameo for Joe Cole would be nice. Either way, with United playing the Scousers tomorrow, its a must win game to take us 2 points clear at the top of the League!

Come on the Chels!

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Chelsea 4-0 Atletico Madrid - Thats more like it!

Last night at the Bridge, Chelsea beat Atletico Madrid 4-0 with two goals from Kalou, one from Lampard (his first since August - 11 games) and an own goal. Kalou has picked up most of the press this morning for the brace he scored and some of you will say quite rightly so, but he still missed a sitter, dived too late to tap home his hat-trick from cross six yards out, headed wide and was caught offside (as he does more than anyone in the history of the game) on numerous occasions.

Atletico came to the Bridge stating that there were not scared to come and play to win and Forlan nearly put them in front with a low header in front of the near post that Cech caught comfortably on his line. Aguero who we have been tipped as being interested in should of done better more than once in the game, with a tame shot wide in the first half and hesitating in the second half that enabled John Terry to get back and make a tackle with Cech off his line too, where an early shot could of put us in trouble.

Chelsea, with Ballack back in the side and our midfield looking much more balanced as a result, started to play their football in the second part of the first half and a slick passing move involving Essien, Deco and Ballack led to the ball being side footed 10 yards out for Kalou to slide home with just the keeper to beat and he put it wide! By this point we were looking good and our another slick move this time down the left opened the scoring. Lampard played in Ashley Cole who's first time cross was slotted home passed the diving keeper at his feet by Kalou and it was 1-0 Chelsea.

Second half was more of the same as far as Chelsea were concerned. Anelka rattled the crossbar early doors. But we got our second and pretty much killed off the game when a corner was floated in from the left and Kalou rose above the defender to head into the corner, keeper no chance and it was 2-0 Chelsea.

We got our third when Lampard was played the ball outside the left edge of the box and he looked up and stuck the ball hard and low into the bottom left hand corner of the net 3-0 Chelsea and Lampards first goal in 11 games. Lampard has also now gone above Jimmy Greave's in the all-time Chelsea goalscorers list to 5th place. Which we all continue to say is fantatic for a midfielder.

Our fourth came from a free kick wide right swung into the box by the left footed Malouda and the poor Atletico defender tried to clear it, it came off the top of his dead and into the net 4-0 and a flattering score for Chelsea, or was it? Sure enough we had more than enough chances, so did they. But our passing was crisp with Lampard looking somewhere near his best, Ballack slotting back in and sureing up the midfield and Anelka looking hungry as usual.

It was only when I read this article that it got me thinking. The quote that got me thinking the most was this one:

"Let me tell you, I have seen us get outplayed before, but never this badly. Chelsea marked the shit out of each and every one of our players, and some of their flashy football was stuff that we see from the likes of Barca. Chelsea didn’t play “boring” as they are usually accused of doing; in comparison to us, they played football from another world while we were playing with a team from earth."

I mean did we really play football "from another" world? At times maybe (the Kalou sitter) but like all of us watching the game we know we can still play alot better and consistantly too!. Just imagine if we had taken 90% of our chances! What would the storyline of been then!

But, all in all it was a great result. A much better performance and the perfect pick me up from the defeat at Villa. Bring on Blackburn.

(Check out the featured video top right hand side of my site for highlights of this game and the goals)

Carefree!

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Chelsea v Atletico Madrid - Preview

Tonight Chelsea v Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge is a chance for Chelsea to take a massive step towards qualification for the next stages of the Champions League. With two wins from two already and six points, tonight is a chance to establish some distance from the other teams in the group with one foot in the next round.

Chelsea coming off the back of a defeat away to Villa last week will look to improve their performace and get things back on track and tonight is a great opportunity to do that. But like most teams in the Champions League who come to the Bridge barring Barcelona, they will look to shut up shop and make us break them down.

Tonight Chelsea are without Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba who serves the last of his 3 match ban. Chelsea look to welcome back Michael Ballack and Branislav Ivanovic back into the squad ahead of tonights game.

Ballack has spoken of the fallout from the Villa game ahead of tonight in particular John Terry's reaction to the second goal. He said:

"John's reaction on the pitch showed that he takes a big responsibility not just for himself but for the team," said Ballack. "He was really disappointed when we conceded the second goal.

"That's what you need, emotions like that, to make sure it doesn't happen again. We speak with each other. We have no problem criticising each other in the dressing room. A good team with strong players has to do this."

Carlo Ancelotti has said about the game:

"Atletico have not started the season well, but they have a very good quality. In attack they have Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan who are dangerous strikers. We have to pay attention to this.

"Aguero has fantastic quality and he can resolve the match with his quality. They're a good team but, at this moment, they haven't found a good disposition tactically on the pitch.

"I think that Atletico has a possibility to return to playing well because they have a lot of quality. Now, at this moment, for them it's not easy because Porto have also made a good start.

"It's a very important game. Not only to get back to winning ways after Aston Villa, but to stay top of the group and move to nine points. This will make the next three games in the group easier."

No doubt if we get the win tonight then it will make the remaining games easier in the group. With Drogba back too we should go on and top the group. But as we all know Chelsea are Chelsea and we all know it could go horribly wrong.

The key for me is that the players have spoken out to each other about the mess this season in defending set plays. Its important that they have the freedom to do this and let's hope the issues we obviously have are put to bed. Again, like most sides we will face this season Atletico will be more worried about the threat we pose than us of them, but we have to remain stready at the back as Forlan and Aguero are a menace to any back four in Europe.

Forlan has also spoken out before the game in somewhat of a surprising statement. He said:

“They lost at the weekend, but, for me, they are the best team in the Premier League. With the arrival of Ancelotti, he has made them stronger in defence and more dangerous going forward.

“Ancelotti has really motivated players like Drogba, Ballack and Anelka. The absence of Drogba for the Champions League makes it difficult for them and is good for us.

“But we are prepared for Stamford Bridge and we know we can cause an upset and hopefully I can score. I always get a reaction from the English supporters but that only inspires me.”

“Every time I play an English club in the Champions League, after my time at Manchester United, I feel it’s like a personal vindication for me.

“After the defeat against Argentina, it would be beautiful for me to win in London and this game could be decisive for us.

“Atletico Madrid are not playing well in La Liga and we know that this game is so important for us in the Champions League.”

Better than United? Well of course as a Chelsea fan and true blue I have to agree!  But its games like tonight where Chelsea can show the rest of Europe that we are there to be beaten in this competition right till the death. We have established our pedigree in recent seasons and its about time we played to our maximum potential and lay down a marker so Europe sits up and takes notice!

Prediction : Believe it or not I am going for a clean sheet (after Villa !) and a 2-0 to the Blues!

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Villa : The Aftermarth!

Well, its has taken me a couple of days to write about the bad result on Saturday for a couple of reasons. First of all have had a busy weekend (sorting out new house etc) but because I wanted to sit back and get my thoughts together and have time to read through the mountains of stories that were bound to errupt about Chelsea losing away from home again this season! Well I say again, but its only been two defeats! However, its the manner of the two defeats and the goals conceeded that is the cause for concern.

6 of the 8 goals we have conceeded this season are from set-pieces. Whereas we were so strong defending set plays its seems its all gone to pot in recent weeks. The article on extrafootie's website focuses more on JT's reaction that the game and I guess that have a point to be fair. They say:

"It seems Mr Chelsea himself John Terry is not at all happy with matters in West London, and this could be of major concern to boss Carlo Ancelotti.The Blues captain showed his disgust at the conclusion of yesterday's clash with Aston Villa, which saw Chelsea slump to their second away defeat in succession. Terry, 28, whose commitment to the cause at Stamford Bridge has never been in question, was visibly distraught as he trudged off the field of play and into the sanction of the away team dressing room - not quite kicking and screaming, but not far off it.

Yet again, he witnessed his team spurn a host of chances in front of goal, that left them empty handed on their return to West London. It's the type of form that is unlikely to bring silverware to the club, but if past events at the club are anything to go by then Ancelotti's job mightn't be as safe as was once thought.

Turn the clock back a year and Luiz Felipe Scolari was at the helm at Stamford Bridge. He too started impressively before a string of away defeats led to his eventual sacking. In his post-mortem press conference he talked of the influence that players like John Terry have at the club, and judging by the tough tackling stopper's latest outburst, he is far from impressed with life at Chelsea currently.

It must be noted that two away defeats on the bounce is no crisis, but Terry's extreme reaction seemed to reveal that there are other problems bubbling under the surface. Only time will tell if Ancelotti is able to work in harmony with the likes of Terry - who, given past events clearly holds sway not only on the pitch but off it too. One thing is clear however: if results don't improve, then there will be only one man who will take the blame. No prizes for guessing just who that'll be"

Like most of you I was surprised at JT's reaction but in a good way as It shows for all to see that its been someone's job to pick up the man and they let the team down. It shows his frustration but all of ours as we see Collins glide through the air unmarked to pounce and put them 2-1 up. Some people have said it was comical seeing JT like that! But mark my words someone got a bollocking once they were back in that changing room!

Martin O'Neills post match interview was interesting to hear. He said:

'I don't think Chelsea ever get the credit they deserve for being brilliant,' he said. 'This was a setback for them - brilliant for us, mind you - but they are really strong.

'Be careful about making assessments just on one game. Drogba and Frank Lampard have been around for a number of years, Michael Essien is as strong a player as you will see. They are really good.

'If you are asking me now, I don't think there is a massive difference from that side that won those titles to this. They play to a pattern, they can manipulate it and, with 20 minutes left out there, they were going for everything. While it was 2-1, they were just going for us.

'Do I see any sign of them ageing? Absolutely not. Not at all. Not one jot of it. I really don't see that criticism at all. I wonder where that came from? The fact they have lost twice now doesn't put them out of the race. I genuinely believe the team that finishes in front of them will win it.'

Its true that once we were 2-1 down we had our chances and should of taken at least one of the one-on-ones we had so you could say we were unlucky, but defending set plays like that, you don't deserve to win games. If we get these sorted out then we have a chance. Like O'Neil says, he believes anyone who finishes above us this season will win it, so there is a long way to go.

Petr Cech is confident about the situation as he has said:

"We gave United a chance to get in front of us and it is three points dropped unnecessarily,” the Czech Republic international goalkeeper said. "But there is still a long way to go.

"I think it is better to lose one game and win one than draw twice. We haven't got a problem playing away from home. It is unfortunate and we have to reflect on it, but we can repair the damage."

Let's bloody hope so starting with Weds night and Saturday against Blackburn.

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Time to focus on Villa

Here we go back with the Premier League and a trip to Villa Park for the early kick off. The same game last season, Guus Hiddink's first as Manager of Chelsea ignited the spark that set up our fantastic end of season run in. This time its different as we sit top of the league and we will be looking to extend our advantage in a game that is no easy three pointer!.

Villa are well organised, will look to play with width and possess the constant threat of pace up front with Agbonlahor on fire in recent weeks. Martin O'Neil relishes these games and went on record to say that anyone who finishes above Chelsea will win the league this season. He know's its not an easy game as we nicked a tightly contested 1-0 win there last season with Anelka scoring after good work from Lampard.

Today will be all about how we set up for me. There is no question that Villa will play with the two wingers Milner and Young, However the question will be will they play 5 across the middle or play two up front with Carew supporting Agbonlahor.

Will Carlo stick with the 4-diamond-2 formation or will be look to counter the Villa threat on the wings?. Ballack is out of the game so Deco should keep his place but will Joe Cole come in to the side or will it be Mikel?.

Its also about time that Frank got on the scoresheet and today will be perfect if he did. For me he shouldn't be at the head of the diamond, that should be left to Joe Cole or Deco so let's hope this is the case today. Lampard playing slightly deeper will look to made his customary late surges into the box and he could be key today.

With Didier and Anelka both scoring goals Villa will be more worried about the threat we pose today that us of them. We need to make sure that we take the game to Villa, put them on the back foot and impose our passing game on them. The saying "make the ball do the work" will be just as important today, keep Villa chasing the ball around the pitch to tire them out and then we hit them.

Another big, must win game today. Let's hope we continue to improve from the Liverpool game and make sure there isn't another slip up like the other week. Come 3pm this afternoon we can be sitting 5 points clear at the top of the table!

Come on the Chels!!

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"Terry is a little bit my darling!" Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti back in Italy during the international break, has provided the pen pushers with some ammunition with some comments he has made to a popular Italian TV Show.

Carlo was on the same show that Jose' had compared himself to "Jesus" and when asked about it Carlo said:
"I don't know the special one, and if he thinks he is Jesus, I am certainly not one of his disciples!"
As you can imagine this stoked the fires between the two once more and I am sure Jose will have his say once more shortly. The two are not the best of friends and this all dates back to last season when the two went head to head in Milan and the Italian League.

When asked about England, Carlo said: "The first press conference was difficult, I did a crash course for a week in Holland and now I speak English all day. In England the players call you "Boss" and I don't like it much to tell you the truth. We can say that Terry is a little bit my darling!"

Its good to hear that Carlo is settling in well and has taken to JT. Let's hope that the relationship between the two remains positive and can lead us to glory in May!

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Alex follows the trend and signs a new deal!

Another player who has committed his long term future to Chelsea is centre back Alex.

Alex follows Kalou in the last couple of days in signing a new deal. The statement on the official website stated as follows:

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Alex has signed a new four-year contract.It has been a good week for the player who as well as completing the new deal, resumed full training at Cobham having recovered from a groin operation.'I am very happy to start again to train and feel no pain, and to sign for four more years,' the 27-year-old told the Chelsea website. 'It was easy to decide to sign and now I hope to get back to playing well. My condition now is so-so. I think in two more weeks I am 100 per cent and can play without a problem.'

"As well as returning to play for Chelsea and contesting for a first team place, Alex is also eyeing a return to the Brazil side, his nation having qualified for the World Cup Finals under the coaching of Dunga. 'I hope now to start to play in the Chelsea games and play very well. He [Dunga] has spoken to me and said: "I am happy to see you playing again. I hope you start to play well and I will call you to play in the national team again." 'To go back into the national team is important to me. Also the Chelsea team started very well this season, is at the top, and this season to win the Premier League is important to me. Now I want to play.'

Carlo Ancelotti has yet to manage Alex in a Chelsea game but is well-versed in the Brazilian's ability. His AC Milan side contested a tight Champions League semi-final in 2005 when Alex was at the heart of the PSV Eindhoven defence. Ancelotti welcomed the news of the player's new contract, saying:

'I am very happy that Alex has signed a new contract with the club. He is just returning from injury and surgery but he is a player I know well. 'I am familiar with all of his fantastic qualities, so I am delighted he will be with us for another four years.'

Alex, who has made 80 Chelsea appearances, scoring seven goals since signing in 2007, is the second player to commit to a new contract this week following Salomon Kalou yesterday (Monday).

For me Alex was one of our most consistant players at the end of last season and played a massive part in our run in and FA Cup Victory. It will be interesting to see what happens at the Bridge once he is fully fit. But today is good news again and shows that the club is taking the UEFA threat seriously and maintaining stability and continuity with the squad for the rest of this season and in the future.

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Site Announcement

You may or may not have noticed but I have upgraded my website to its own domain from chelseadaft.blogspot.com to www.chelseadaft.org. So please update your bookmarks etc. If you continue to use the blogspot address you will be automatically redirected to the correct address. I am not sure how long this process will be available for so if you can please update your bookmarks!

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Kalou's new deal

Chelsea have confirmed yesterday on the club website that Salomon Kalou has signed a new contract at the club.The statement read:

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Salomon Kalou has signed a new three-year contract.

In committing to Chelsea, the 24-year-old joins his compatriot Didier Drogba plus John Terry, Ashley Cole, John Mikel Obi, Florent Malouda, Hilario and Michael Mancienne in agreeing new deals since the end of last season.

'I am very pleased that Salomon has signed a new contract with us as he is an important player for this club,' says Carlo Ancelotti.

'He is always well motivated and works hard at his game at all times. Because of this, I am sure that Salomon will become an even more important player for Chelsea in the future.'

Kalou is in his fourth year at Stamford Bridge and has 93 starts and 66 sub appearances, scoring 31 goals. During that time he became an international and at the weekend was part of the Ivory Coast side that qualified for what will be his first World Cup Finals.

This is another step by the club to ensure the future of our current players with the UEFA ban we face. Kalou isn't the most consistant players at the club and can be more than frustrating at times, but with the players around him, as he will get older, let's hope he reaches his peak at the Bridge and will become a huge asset at the club.

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I'm back! What the hell's been going on!!!

So two weeks ago I set off to Florida on holiday with the blue boys flying high on top of the league following eight straight wins this season. With the next two trips to Wigan and Apoel next I didn't even think about checking the scores every five mins as I thought like the rest of you it would be a breeze!. What the hell happened!.

I come back to us losing to Wigan, with Cech off and Ashley injured. Malouda speaking of a half-time row at Wigan in the dressing room, scraping a 1-0 in Cyprus, Beating Liverpool 2-0 thank god and now Ancelotti talking of either retiring or loving to take the reigns at Roma!!... Have I been gone that long?!!

I was near Orlando (about an hour away) and there was no sign of Premiership Football. So relying on my mobile internet connection you can imagine my surprise when I checked out the score and saw we lost! I have just read the Wigan match report here on cfcnet and by the sounds of it we never got started. I have just seen the goals on youtube and my god what happened to our defending and what was Cech thinking by sticking out his leg (knowing that JT would of covered hin on the line) and bringing down Hugo whatever his name is, giving away a penalty and getting sent off. Along with Ashley Cole being injured when we were 2-1 down and having to play the remainder of the game with 9 men. I seriously could not believe it.

We had been playing so well, smooth and dominating games and but for a couple of chances we had in the game it seemed as though Wigan were the ones with the unbeaten record. The fact that Bramble was totally unmarked for the first goal was a real surprise as we had looked comfortable all season. The pen I have already spoken about and I guess the third goal (with 9 men) was a sickner as Scharner tapped in unmarked but again thats down to the fact that we were two men short. The only positive is Drogba scored again to maintain his goals to game ratio this season.

I had thought at the time that maybe it was just an off day for us but it seems that this one was a real bad day at the office and let's hope there are no more of those this season. So I managed to get onto the mobile internet to see that Man Utd were top on goal difference. As you can imagine I had the ump as I walked around Universal Studios!!!!

So moving onto the Champions League game in Cyprus and another game I felt that we had to win. For me at the moment in the group stages a win is a win no matter how you play and the sooner you qualify the better. So I couldn't care less if we scraped a 1-0 win before the game and thankfully we did. I read the match report and quotes from Frank Lampard here and like I said, a win is a win. Am slightly concerned that we managed just two shots on target but with most sides playing with two banks of four against us and saying "come break us down" it was never going to be a walk in the park. A good goal from Anelka sealed it and was nice to see Belletti being effective down the wing to set up the goal. So although we have been slated in the press for this game we sit comfortable at the top of the group with 6 points and two wins from two.

Now the big one for all of us these days was going to be Liverpool. Believe it or not I was at a baseball game at the same time Chelsea were playing the scousers and was checking my phone for updates at the time. Was watching the Tampa Bay Rays against the Yankies (Yankies won) and it was about as exciting as watching paint dry as the Rays had already won the series winning the two previous games!. It just so happened when confirmation of Anelka's goal came through on my phone I gave it a big "Get in!" just as the crowd went quiet and again when confirmation of Malouda's second late on came through. Someone in the crowd asked me how Manchester got on..... I was not impressed!

But again for me at the moment the way we play comes second fiddle for me as at the moment its all about picking up points as teams around us drop them. Looking at the match report here it seemed as though it was well deserved and Gerrard and Torres were kept well and truly quiet. Drogba was effective again creating both goals and showing his strength but again it seems his play acting come into play once more and JT had to have "another word" with him about it during the game! Just get on with the game and prove you are the best in the world in your position for god sake!

Like I have said though, its another three points and with United losing it puts us top once more. Reading another report here its nice to see Didier talking the good talk at the moment and let's hope it continues. So all in all I am still wondering where it all went wrong at Wigan, that its taken us a week to sort ourselves out by scraping a win in Cyprus and still being able to put one over the enemy last weekend. Let's hope that the international break will give Carlo time to sort out any issues in time for Villa away this Saturday which was the game that set the ball rolling for our outstanind end to last season.

Come on Chelsea!

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Scousers Scuppered! – The Chelsea Football FanCast 90 - available to download now!!

Scousers Scuppered! – The Chelsea Football FanCast 90

The boys are in buoyant mood after Chelsea’s victory against the red menace. All the key moments from a hard fought win are discussed by Chidge, Mart, Chel Tel, the Blues Brothers and special guest from the USA, Michael Roban.

Ashley Cole and Michael Essien take the plaudits in a typically attritional victory against arch rivals Liverpool, and the boys are delighted at the dent the Chels have given to Liverpool’s title hopes. Have you ever seen Gerrard win the league? Have we F**k!!

In a game where so many of the players gave 100% to, it’s difficult to award a Man of the Match but we do with a little help from the audience. Guinness and Celery moments and Chant of the Match all prove a little easier, and the effort from the 12th man is rightly praised in getting right back at the Scousers at the merest hint of a chant from the away end.

Special guest Michael Roban – the official LA correspondent of the Chelsea FanCast - and Chidge discuss their sporting and drinking marathon of the weekend which also took in a hilarious and old school football game at Brentford and the Rugby at Harlequins. All rounded off with a special birthday cake complete with Rocket and Champagne for Michael during the show!

In “We’re Out to Show the World the Way to Sing”, the Blues Brothers give us the most appropriate song to sing on a day when we put Liverpool further away from their pipe dream of the Premier League title. As Rolf Harris might say, can you guess what it is yet?

A fully recovered and fighting fit Mart gives us all the answers you want, and some that you don’t in another packed edition of “Dear Mart”, including old Gate 13 songs, the Italian impact, and friendly and not so friendly fans. Finally, Chidge wades through the Facebook posts in “You’re on CFFC”

The Chelsea Football FanCast: Have you ever seen Gerrard win the league? Have we F**k!!!

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