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2009: That was the year that was!

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Well what a year 2009 has been. We've gone from despair and desperation to FA Cup Winners, Charity Shield Winners, Champions League Group Winners 2009-10 and sit top of the Premier League 2 points clear and now our debts to Roman have been wiped out! Even still, it could be about to get so much better!

As Chelsea fans you will know following Chelsea, there will always be the highs and the low's and they have a tendancy to put us through the ringer more often than not! We've suffered at the beginning of the year under Scolari, he was then axed in a no messing about way by Roman. Guus came in, did a fantastic job and took us to FA CUP Glory! We just missed out on the Champions League final for the second season running (and we all know why!).

Guus, left us to concentrate on Russia and Carlo came in. We said goodbye to a few players and hello to some others! We started off like a train, and were cruising. Now, its time for us to experience that rocky road once more being a Chelsea fan as we haven't been playing our best!.
I am sure that there is light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope of another long run in the Champions League, another run in the FA Cup as we look to retain our trophy and most important of all, we get our hands back on that Premiership Trophy in Ancelotti's first season in charge.

With the debt being wiped out by Roman, its time to step forward into 2010 with renewed optimism. Time to take stock of 2009, the mistakes, the successes and the emotions and carry it forward into the new year.

Its time to get behind the team we follow, the team we won't have a bad word spoken about by anyone but ourselves. The team we can't wait to see at the Bridge or away at other Premiership grounds on our remaining journey's this season. The team we love and stand by through the good times and the bad.

Its time for 2010. It could be the biggest of our history, and you all have a part to play. They say that the fans can be the 12th man and its time to make our voices heard and get behind the boys as they look to stamp their authority on the Premier League and Europe come May!

So to you all I wish you a very Happy New Year for 2010. Let's hope that all our dreams come true!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!
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Stuttering Chelsea get the much needed three points!

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Chelsea 2-1 Fulham.
Well that was nervy wasn't it. Trust Chelsea to go a goal down after 4 minutes and put us through the ringer once more. To our credit we came back and played much better in the second half and deserved the win.

But again sloppy defending cost us as Zoltan Gera had time and space in the box to spin and volley the ball into the bottom corner with Cech beaten to make it one nil Fulham. How come he had so much space? Why did Konchesky have the time and space down our right hand side to measure his cross which led to the goal?.

It wasn't the best of starts and let's face it we should of been level at half time. Second half we came out and played so much better. Didier Drogba finally got on the end of a decent cross from Ivanovic to head us level with 20 mins to go and it was the least we deserved after dominating possession once more.

Once the goal went in it was all guns blazing. We had total control of the game and Fulham sat deep to defend their point but a ball into the box, found Sturridge who fired towards the far corner, Schwarzer pushed the ball away, but onto the Fulham defenders leg and the ball rebounded off of him into the bottom corner. 2-1 Chelsea and it was the least we deserved.
But again there are things that concern me and fellow Chelsea fans around me. Our defence look as though they have lost their confidence in Cech. At times he comes out for a ball and then hesitates, which in turn cause problems. When he does come to grab the ball or punch it away he isn't 100% committed to his decision and ends up making a meal of it. For example when Ballack got caught in the face as he was trying to head the ball away for a corner.

Also worrying times as our defending seems to be all over the place. We don't look confident defending set pieces and this really needs to be addressed. Its plain for all to see teams can see our weakness and attack us whereas they were much more wary of our threat we posed all over the pitch.

Carlo Ancelotti needs to work with Cech and our back four to eliminate these problems as if he doesn't its going to cost us bigtime!

But it was a win, three points and five points clear at the top again! Thank god for that!





CAREFREE & KTBFFH
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Birmingham Stalemate and Fulham Preview

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Well that was another two points dropped against Birmingham on Saturday. I thought that on our overall play we deserved to win the game if it wasn't for the outstanding display of goalkeeping by Joe Hart. Joe had the game of his life and made some great saves, but we should of taken our chances once again. I'm afraid its another case of recent weeks, where we get to the final third and look like we lose ideas.

God only knows whats gone wrong and I am sure you guys reading this are thinking the same. We were flying and playing well and scoring goals. Our form has dipped and on Saturday it was the first time in 34 games where we haven't scored this season. I was surprised with our starting eleven on Saturday. Ok we have another game today 2 days later, but was surprised to see Ballack on the bench and Carvalho along with Joe Cole.

Even still we had our chances and should of taken them.

So we come to todays game and it seems that Drogba, Kalou and Mikel will be able to play before they set off for the African Nations. I hope that we play Ballack today. I don't care what anyone says, when Ballack is in the side we have a much better balance in our midfield. Look at the Birmingham game, we didn't really feel as though we were that settled and his calming influence will be cruicial today. I predict Carvalho, Ballack and Joe Cole will come into the side today for Belletti, Malouda and Alex.
Fulham come to the Bridge on a great run of form. After their win against United and a stalemate at the Cottage on Saturday against Spurs they will look to come to the Bridge, be organised and professional and look to hit us on the break. Bobby Zamora is on form at the moment and in Damien Duff they always have a kinda threat out wide. Something happens when Zamora comes up against John Terry.. and I predict John Terry will deal with the threat of Zamora today.

Our midfield needs to be dominant today. Lampard will look to get forward today and get on the scoresheet and I am sure Drogba will look to leave for a month on a high. But again, I find myself repeating myself once again when all we are asking as Chelsea fans is to get the win today. With United and Arsenal winning on Saturday, United are only two points behind and Arsenal 4 points but with a game in hand.

We have to be up and at it today, no excuses now boys. Carlo if you don't wanna end up like another Scolari then you got sort this shit out now so we can get our title hopes back on track and take the bloody League by the scruff of the neck and put these teams to bed like we were at the beginning of the season!

Come on Chelsea get back on track once and for all and start today!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!
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Birmingham v Chelsea : Time to step up!

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How times have changed in recent weeks. A month ago we were flying high and playing well and looked formidable. A couple of niggling injuries but that was about it, and Ancelotti rotating players to keep them fresh. Now we are struggling with injuries, not playing well and to be honest in the last few games I have been saying that we will take any kind of win against sides we should be beating easily and given our form at the beginning of the season. But, something has gone wrong or something has happened in the last few weeks and today is another game where I will take any kind of win today.

What makes things worse is that after today we lose Drogba, Kalou and Mikel to the African Nations cup and Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho are one booking away from a ban!

So its important that we get the three points today in what looks like a really difficult game against a Birmingham side that are on a great run of form and flying high up the table. Credit to Alex McLeish as he has done a great job so far and no doubt Birmingham will be up for the game today bigtime.
Chelsea today will be looking to a different threat to unleash on the opposition today in Daniel Sturridge. For me he looked impressive when he came on against West Ham and his pace will pose anyone problems. Today up front with Drogba could be the time for Sturridge to get on the scoresheet and hit the ground running and take his chance with both hands. With Anelka out today and against Fulham and just Drogba about today Sturridge MUST step up.

When asked about Sturridge, Carlo Ancelotti said:

"He had a problem at the start of the season because he had some injuries and lost physical condition and also his confidence. Now he had one month to work very hard and improved his physical condition and his confidence. Against West Ham he played very well and I am sure that he will do well in the next games and the future. He is very young, 20-years-old and has a lot of quality. He could be a very good played for the future of Chelsea."

At times today I expect us to be under pressure so its important when we have the ball that we play on the strength of Drogba and the pace of Sturridge. If we can get the ball to them as much as possible then the game should be ours. What we need is an early goal to settle us down. If we get an early goal then game over. If we don't we have to be patient.

But like I said I would take any kind of win once more and we look to extend our lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points before the remaining games take place.

Come on the Chels!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!
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Merry Christmas to you all !!!!

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Merry Christmas to all of you who pop along and check out my Blog. I am very humbled and very grateful. I hope Santa brings you all everything you wish for........(Champions League Trophy....Premier League!!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CHELSEADAFT.ORG

CAREFREE & KTBFFH

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John Terry named in World Eleven

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(Quote taken from www.chelseafc.com)
John Terry has been named in the inaugural selection of the FIFA/FIFPro World XI.
It means the Chelsea captain has been chosen as one of the best 11 players of the year by over 50,000 professional football players from all over the world. The selection was unveiled during the FIFA's World Player Gala in Zurich.

The full line-up is:
Iker Casillas in goal; Daniel Alves, Nemanja Vidic, John Terry and Patrice Evra in defence; Steven Gerrard, Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield; and Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres up front.
The World Player of Year for 2009 is Lionel Messi.

That accolade was voted for by the coaches and captains of 147 national teams. Second was Cristiano Ronaldo, followed by Xavi, Kaka and then Andres Iniesta.

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Lampard keeps his nerve as we stumble once again!

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Its taken me a couple of days to digest Sunday and the conclusion I have come to is that we've done it again, blown the chance to extend our lead at the top of the Premier League and really take the title race by the scruff of the neck. I said I would be happy to take any kind of win and the three points is the most important but once more we lacked the killer instinct and let's face it we never looked like scoring if you think about it.

Credit goes to Frankie Lampard for holding his nerve to not only take the lucky pen we were given once but three times as the referee decided no one on his watch was going to enter the penalty box before Lampard strikes the ball. Fair enough, but more often than not this happens to a certain degree all the time. Deep down all of us honestly looking at the replay thought it was a lucky penalty as Upson looked to get the ball, but the way we are playing at the moment we will take that gladly.

I was surprised with our team selection for the game with no Mikel in the holding role, sacrificed for Malouda to play to the left of the diamond midfield and Lampard to the right. I personally think Ballack plays alot better in the holding role than he does anywhere else in our midfield as the play is always in front of him and he can pick his passes and read the game but it didn't really work on Sunday.

The main problem for Chelsea in recent weeks is the final third. With Anelka missing with a strain on Sunday and Kalou in, it added to our problems. We have the majority of possession in games and play our passes but whereas we had that killer instinct at the beginning of the season, it seems to be lacking and we run out of ideas and that final ball is either over-hit or given away!.

Our defence seems to be solid and not really any problems. The problems we have had seem to have been addressed but Ashley Cole should never of gone to ground in the box and given away the penalty. Silly mistake, he had no chance of getting the ball and should of stood up and guided the man away from goal. Of course West Ham score their penalty and we are 1-0. Stupid mistakes cost us and have done in the past so as for our defending we need to cut these out once and for all.

I don't really have much else to say about the game as still gutted that another chance we have had to extend our lead wasn't taken. But after all is said and done, another point ahead of United and it means we are 4 points clear at the top for Christmas. The last times we have been top of the league at Christmas, we have gone on to win the Premier League. Let's just hope that's a good omen come May.

Look back at recent weeks and the points dropped, and just imagine how far ahead we could of have been, we could of been out of sight, and thats why us Chelsea fans are happy we are four points clear but gutted cause we all know it should of been a whole lot more!!!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!

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The Christmas (Number) One! - The Chelsea Football FanCast #99 Has the boys Christmas cheer been da

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The Christmas (Number) One! - The Chelsea Football FanCast #99

Has the boys Christmas cheer been dampened as Chelsea take the penalty, again and again to salvage a point against a battling West Ham up for the London Derby?

On the Chelsea FanCast Christmas special, whilst all around them panic at only one win in six games, the FanCast team look at the 1-1 draw against the ‘Appy ‘Ammers as a hard and well earned point which extends our lead at the top of the table to four points. Obviously that’s what too much Christmas Cheer can do to you!!

Clearly Referee Mike Dean had also been over indulging in the Christmas Spirit – the 98% proof stuff – in missing obvious penalties, giving soft ones and then making Super Frank take one pen three times. Super Frank takes the plaudits for keeping his nerve under these circumstances in a more Frank like performance. No surprise to see him feature in the Man of the Match, Guinness and Celery moments – although there’s a nod to Brana Ivanovic’s reaction to Diamanti’s theatrics. More like Tantrums and Diamanti Tiara’s…

Our very own Stu gets the chant of the match award – although we have to take his word for it – but he did text us the minute he started it. All together now: 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1…..

Looking back at the midweek game against Portsmouth, the boys muse on the result being more important than the performance, which was about as sunny as Avram Grant’s features whilst receiving a luke warm reception on an otherwise cold and dank night. Monsieur Platini ‘fixes’ us up with a tie against Inter Milan in the Champions League and the return of Jose Mourinho. The boys ponder whether it will be like the return of Christmas past with Jose cast as Scrooge. At least we won’t be wearing our jinxed black and blue away kit for that one!!

In a special festive edition of “We’re out to show the world the way to Sing” we have four Chelsea classics all based on Christmas Carols. Dear Mart has some breaking news on the question posed a few weeks ago about Chelsea players, who fought in the war, as well as answers to questions on ChelTel v Norman C, the return of Jose Mourinho, and the forthcoming 100th edition of the Chelsea FanCast!

Last but by no means least Chidge has a look at the posts on the Facebook group in “You’re on CFFC” and announces a new slot for ChelTel on the show talking about Chelsea Gossip and Rumour, and also looks forward to some items in our very special 100th Chelsea FanCast next time round!

And a big thank you and a very happy Christmas to all of our listeners and Facebook members...

The Chelsea Football FanCast: The Christmas (Number) One!


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West Ham v Chelsea : Sentiments aside, another three points needed!

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This afternoon Chelsea take on West Ham in their manor with a chance to take a 6-point lead into Christmas at the top of the Premier League. Man Utd slipped up yesterday at Fulham which was a great result for us and Chelsea now have to take the initiative back once more starting this afternoon. But, as a Chelsea fan there will always be that sentiment that we are up against a living Chelsea legend of our time in Gianfranco Zola and we all want him personally to do well as he will always be loved. Today if the result goes our way, will see West Ham rock bottom of the League and the pressure on Zola and Steve Clarke will begin to grow.

Chelsea will be professional today and will look to get on the ball early, create chances and take the points and we welcome back Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho and Joe Cole to the starting line up. Thats the only changes I can see Ancelotti making. West Ham have their injury problems and will face a massive task today against a strong Chelsea side.

Frank Lampard will get the usual stick as he always does at West Ham and it wouldn't surprise me if he answers his critic's at the Boleyn Ground with a goal. We need to ensure that we defend set pieces properly again. There were signs against Portsmouth the other night that they have been working on the previous problems and we have to be focused today.

As I have said with United slipping up we have to get the points today and I firmly believe we will and again I would be happy to take a 1-0 right now!. Drogba being back up front with Anelka will be the difference as West Ham will be looking to flood the midfield so its important when they get their chance they take it.

Let's hope by 1750 GMT tonight we are sitting 6 points clear of the chasing pack with the Blue Flag flying high at the top of the league!!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Guess who in the Champions League! JOSE!

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The Champions League Draw has been made and we have drawn JOSE & INTER!!!!

I am sure that UEFA will be rubbing their hands at that one. Well, its going to be interesting because of our history with Jose which we will never forget and also because Carlo and Jose never really got on!

I really fancy us to go through! Come on Chelsea!

The remainder of the draw is as follows:

VFB Stuttgart v Barcelona
Olympiacos v Bordeaux
Inter Milan v Chelsea
Bayen Munich v Fiorentina
CSKA v Sevilla
Lyon v Real Madrid
Porto v Arsenal
AC Milan v Man United

CAREFREE & KTBFFH
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Champions League Draw : Fingers crossed

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In just over an hour the draw for the knockout stages of this season's Champions League is made in Nyon. Potentially there could be some mouth-watering ties that come out of the pot with Jose being drawn against Chelsea, or Carlo Ancelotti draw against Milan or even Milan drawn against Man United with Becks back there on loan. Whatever happens it will be squeaky bum time where I am sitting waiting for our opponents to be drawn.

This season UEFA have changed the schedule to show only two games per night over two weeks. The first leg's are scheduled for Feb 16-17 & Feb 23-24 and the return legs March 9-10 & 16-17 to maximise TV opportunities and revenue.

Whatever happens, at 11 am this morning we will know who we face come February. Fingers crossed that we get a good draw!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Chelsea 2-1 Portsmouth : JOB DONE!

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Ahead of last nights game I called for us to just win and put three points on the board after our form has stuttered in recent weeks and as United had won and were level on points with us before the game. Chelsea delivered the three points thank god and on the run of play we deserved the win.

It was no easy game as Pompey had their gameplan and stuck to it and made it difficult for us by flooding their midfield and looked to press and hassle the man on the ball and once in possession looked to feed off their one man up front.

Chelsea made changes to the side that drew against Everton last weekend. Ricardo Carvalho was rested and dropped to the bench and Alex came in for his first start after injury next to JT in our back line. Other than that the remainder of our defence was the same. Cech in goal, Ivanovic at right back and Ashley Cole at left back. Joe Cole was rested and dropped to the bench and bloody Deco came in to the side to start the game! Drogba wasn't fit after his back problem so Kalou came into the team next to Anelka.

We could of taken the lead when from a corner Ballack flicked on at the near post and Kalou (yes him again) headed over the bar from 6 yards out! We took the lead when Alex appeared down the right hand side and rode a tackle. He forced his way into the box and saw Anelka waiting 10 yards out, slid the ball to him (with a slight deflection) and Anelka tucked the ball home. 1-0 Chelsea. Pompey's best chance in the half came to Piquionne as he cut back onto his right foot just in side the box right of centre and fired a shot towards goal, Cech got down well low to his right and made the save. Pompey had another half chance as Ben-Haim (remember him) headed over after he has lost his marker Kalou in the box, from 8 yards out.

Lampard had a shot driven at goal and save by the keeper then Ashley Cole combined with Lamps down our left hand side. He played the ball into Lampard who backheeled it first time to Cole who took a touch back onto his left foot and drilled a shot hard and low towards the far post. The keeper was beaten but the ball was just inches wide.

Half time and we go in 1-0 up and looking fairly comfortable. One thing that is noticable in the first half is that the Chelsea backline when defending free kicks are playing high up the pitch to keep distance between themselves and Petr Cech. A good sign if you ask me, as it definatley needed to be addressed.

Second half starts and no changes. We are having a lot of possession without creating anything major when Portsmouth score to make it 1-1. Terry commits a foul outside the box and Andy O'Hara (minus the tissues) takes the free-kick. He hits it at the wall and deflects off Kalou's body and fizzes towards Ashley Cole's face so fast he is unable to react in time. The ball deflects off Cole straight into the path of Piquionne who blasts the ball on the bounce into the roof of the net. Cech, no chance. Can't complain about this one. No one's fault. 1-1.

So now we need a goal and a few minutes later Ivanovic warms up the keepers hands with a shot from distance, easily parried by Begovic. Ancelotti decides to make changes sooner rather than later. One change is forced upon him when Deco (who again looks a yard short of Premier League pace in midfield) picks up a knock and is replaced by Joe Cole.

Then its almost a nightmare. For some reason the wandering Alex and Terry are caught out of position in our right back position with Ivanovic further up field as Pompey break. They get past a sloppy challenge and the ball is crossed into Boateng who tries to dig the ball out of his feet, as he does thank god that Ashley Cole has come round on the cover, gets across and slides in just as Boateng lets fly and deflects the shot for a corner. What were Alex and JT doing! Out of position and all over the place.

Mikel comes off shortly afterwards for Malouda and Kalou is withdrawn for Borini. Lampard steps up shortly after and fires a short hard and low and once more Begovic gets down to his right and makes the save. Then it happens, we get the goal.

Ball is played to Ivanovic who is right on the edge of the box, defender comes across and makes a stupid tackle, Ivanovic can see it coming, flicks the ball past the defender and waits to be caught. Indeed the defender catches Ivanovic's legs and the ref gives a pen. Now, when Lampard missed against City I wondered why he chose to blast it as he normally places the ball into each of the corners of the net. So as he places the ball and steps back the same thought enters all our heads. So the ref blows the whistle and this time Lampard smacks it down the middle, keeper beaten and the ball flies into the net and bounces out again as he hit it that hard. Great pen, keeper no chance. 2-1 Chelsea.

We are now back in front and I am thinking now don't throw the three points away again! But, there wasn't really any further threat from Pompey as the second goal looks to have killed them off. Right at the death some intelligent play from the ever buzzing and keen Borini see's him nick a back pass away from Begovic, his touch past the keeper takes him away from goal and you could tell he is already thinking of his first Chelsea goal in front of the Matthew Harding, as he strikes it just wide of the far post. To be fair it deserved a goal, but the angle was decreasing all the time and he was unlucky. His time will come for sure.

Chelsea see out the final added minutes and referee blows the whistle. Chelsea 2-1 Portsmouth as Lampard gives Avram Grant a cuddle as he walks of the pitch. Now again for me at this moment in time its about the three points and thats it. Sure, there are things to worry about. For example Deco and no matter when he plays he seems to be more ineffective during games than he is effective. JT and Alex caught out of position twice in the second half, but Ancelotti will work on this.

All that matters is the Premier League record books and the entry that was made in them last night. Chelsea 2-1 Portsmouth.

JOB DONE!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!
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Chelsea v Portsmouth : Three points no matter what!

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Tonight Avram Grant returns to Stamford Bridge since his sacking from Chelsea after the Champions League final. It will be his first chance to come to the Bridge to try and claim some sort of revenge or to show Chelsea that he wasn't a flash in the pan and deserved to stay on as Manager. He said before tonights game:

"I thought I needed to continue because the team was on the way up. Every month, it was better but the owner took a decision and I have two choices – to look back or look forward."

Some will argue that he got to the final with Jose's team and another reason because of Steve Clarke and his influence over the players at the time. But you cannot take that away from him and his record at the Bridge. Avram's record at Chelsea as Manager was played 54, won 36, drawn 13, lost 5 which is not bad at all. He definatley steadied a rocky Chelsea ship at the time and will be looking to do the same at Portsmouth in very different circumstances. Michael Ballack for one has spoken of Avram and the job he has to face now and he said:

"Of course it is a totally different situation at Portsmouth. He came to Chelsea and he had fantastic players and a team that plays for the title and the Champions League title. Now he is playing at the bottom but he has experience and he can manage that situation."

Since he has taken over Portsmouth he has lost his first two games to United and Villa but picked up three points at home to Burnley and last weekend managed a draw at Sunderland. There is no doubt he will be looking at our shaky form in the last two weeks and will look to cause an upset tonight.

Chelsea need the win no matter what tonight. Tonight we welcome back Alex and Kalou into the squad and there are rumours that Ricardo Carvalho could be rested and Didier Drogba faces a late test on his back after injuring it in training yesterday.

Now after my article yesterday in response to Ian Wright and he rant about Chelsea fans having no class its a time for all of us including the boo-boys to get behind the team tonight and show them the support they have become used to at the Bridge. We need to have some patience with our game, let the boys get on the ball and do their stuff tonight and hope we get our title hopes back on track.

Avram will know the players strenghts and weakenesses and its important that we defend as a unit tonight and make sure there are no more stupid errors that cost us! Carlo Ancelotti also spoke to the press yesterday ahead of tonights game and he said:

"'No game is easy. We had the problem with Wigan, Aston Villa and Everton. Nothing is easy in this football, English football is very competitive, every team has the possibility to create a difficulty if you don't have good concentration and motivation.The teams try to play open, even against strong teams. In Italy teams defend deep, only counter-attack. In England is different, you can find teams that can come to Stamford Bridge to play open. Every game is a challenge for me, but I prepare the game like an Italian game. I look at the other team and want to find the negative aspects and positive aspects.'

We need to keep hold of the ball and look to feed Lampard / Joe Cole (if he starts) to open up the Pompey defence for the likes of Anelka and Drogba (Kalou if he doesn't pass his fitness test) to get on the end of and attack their goal.

I am not sure that Ancelotti will make too many changes to the side that started against Everton on Saturday. Dependant on Drogba's back, Kalou will be on standby and as I have said and to what has been rumoured this morning, Alex in for Cavalho but that's about it. I do have to say that Malouda is unlucky at the moment as he has been playing well apart from giving the ball away once or twice and is the man who has to make way for Joe Cole / Deco who play at the tip of diamond when Ballack and Lampard play either side. You never know tonight, Malouda could play behind the front two which would be strange..

One thing remains. I am going out on a limb here to say, I really don't care how well we play tonight. I just want three points to get back ahead of United and right now I will take a 1-0. At this busy time of the season its important to keep getting points on the board so TO ALL THE BOO-BOYS IN THE TERRACES, get behind the boys, if it takes till the 90th minute to get the points then so be it.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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"Chelsea Fans have no Class!" Ian Wright

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QUOTE TAKEN FROM THE SUN:

"WHEN my son Shaun played for Chelsea, I would go to Stamford Bridge regularly. After a while, I stopped. The amount of moaning and complaining coming from certain sections of the stands was unbelievable. I'd never heard anything like it. In the end, it got to the point when I'd just had enough of it.

My seat was near the players who were not involved. Just in front of us, there was one bloke who, win or lose, did not stop complaining. He was never happy, even with a convincing home win. Since the summer of 2004, Chelsea have played 160 matches at home and lost just three times - against Barcelona, Liverpool and Arsenal. Yet, despite this astonishing record, it does not surprise me that Chelsea's players were booed off the pitch following their 3-3 draw with Everton on Saturday.

Those fans who jeered are an absolute disgrace. They might have plenty of money but, in football terms, they have no class whatsoever. They have either forgotten where their club has come from or they have no idea about Chelsea's problems down the years. I have got mates who support Chelsea and they are disgusted and embarrassed by the New Age fans who have crawled out of the woodwork to support this now successful club.

Yet they have absolutely no sense of perspective and, like the bloke who used to sit near me, they expect the team to win every week. Many of their fans saunter to the hospitality areas in their expensive suits and fancy shoes, drink fine champagne and probably think they are too good for prawn sandwiches let alone hot dogs.

A large number of people hate Chelsea because of the way they have bought their success and, I must admit, some of the fans are not helping the club's reputation. People sing 'Where were you when you were s**t?' - and never before has a chant been more accurate.

Most Chelsea fans then argue that they have always supported the club through thick and thin but, historically, they have not been a big club. I once went to Stamford Bridge with Mark Bright in the early 1990s to watch our mate Robbie Earle play for Wimbledon. The crowd was tiny. For a Premier League game against Coventry in May 1994, the attendance at Stamford Bridge was less than 9,000. Yet all the fans turned out to pack Wembley 10 days later for the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

Chelsea are not on the best of runs by their super-high standards and the draw on Saturday was hardly the greatest of results. But they didn't lose. Petr Cech did not have a great match but he has done so well for them and does not deserve any of the criticism directed his way. Those Chelsea fans should be getting behind their team, not just whinging.

I understand that they pay good money, but surely they must be intelligent enough to realise that constant moaning does not benefit anybody"




So let me just have a look at his "point's of view" about us Chelsea fans. First of all he mentions a bloke who used to sit in front of him who would always be complaining. Now I can assure you this is NOT just Chelsea fans but happens at every football ground around the country and in all walks of life. Some people are never happy and you will always get one person, no matter what the situation who is like that!

He goes onto mention that we have only lost 3 times out of 160 matches since 2004 in all competitions which is an astonishing record. He goes onto say that some of the fans were a disgrace for booing the team at the final whistle on Saturday. Now, I was there, I have mentioned in my match report about the final goal and the sloppy defending that cost us. Fans booed because of the frustration at letting a lead and three points slip. People are making a really big deal out of it and so they should.

So us fans that go to games when we are frustrated and disappointed are supposed to sit in our sits and say nothing? Not show any emotion at all?. We see John Terry doing his nut at Villa on the pitch and its plain for all to see how frustrated he is. We see Didier Drogba and the Barcelona at home aftermath and again, frustration. Some fans decided to boo purely because they were annoyed as much as the players were, that we let the lead slip from a stupid mistake. I for one wasn't one of those who booed the team, but I can understand those that did. That's how they chose to vent their anger and frustration so fair play.

Wrighty also goes onto mention that we have no class and we forget where the club has come from and has mates who are embarrassed by the "new age" fans who have crawled out of the woodwork.  Well, any true blue Chelsea fan and not one of these new-age glory hunters will tell you we know exactly where we have come from.



We remember the days of 6-8000 fans for home games in the old Second Division watching on the benches or standing up at the right-wall of the Shed and then behind Batsey's electric fences. People older than me will remember the swinging sixties and seventies at the Bridge.

You see Wrighty, thats why we celebrate and give it the big one when we win things or when we have been successful and when we are again. Because, as true fans of Chelsea Football club we know just how quickly that can change.

When you become successful and are on a global stage you will have new fans want to come to games, tourists look to come and experience a Chelsea game while they are in London and when the club puts tickets on general sale you can't control that. I am sure that at the Arsenal they have more than their fair share of new-age fans at games and the same can be said at Man United! Its part and parcel of being a successful club.

He also goes on about how "many fans saunter to games to the hospitality area's" again, this is common place around every single ground in the Premiership. But again, he uses Chelsea fans as his target. Wrighty, like around every single club come and join us in the bars around the ground and come and see the real fans, the fans that live and breathe Chelsea then you will see where the real fanbase lies, where fans who will never forget where we are from will tell you stories from way back when..

Wrighty maybe you should check out Mark Worrall's books he has written about Chelsea (check out the links down the right hand side) and you will see that we never forget.

All I am saying as a Chelsea fan is that when you look at our squad, at our team and what we are capable of, its frustrating to see performances against the likes of Villa, Wigan, APOEL and Everton and yes we will get frustrated. But, we have the right like everyone to have an opinion. Some people may or may not like the way other people deal with their anger / frustrations but you have to accept it. If we lost a game at the Bridge and we sat and said nothing or clapped and cheered the side people would wonder why?.

Football fans can be fickle and that goes for everyone. But thats the thing, we wouldn't be the same without the game and the game wouldn't be the same without the fans. Winning and losing goes hand in hand but at the end of the day at Chelsea we all want the same thing, we want our Title back!

If there are any Chelsea fans that would like to add their opinion to this story I would love to hear your comments

CAREFREE & KTBFFH
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Carvalho for Van Nistlerooy!! No Thanks!

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Another story that is doing the rounds at the moment is the fact that Real Madrid have lost one of their key defenders in Pepe for 6 months and they are now focusing their spending power on Ricardo Carvalho after they had an offer in the summer for Alex turned down. They see Riccy as the ideal replacement to bolster their defensive line and are even looking at offering Chelsea Ruud Van Nistlerooy in exchange!.

As we all know Riccy had one eye on looking to move away from the Bridge in the summer but nothing happened and he has been part of the first team this season. For me, he is the best all round centre half in world football. His reading of the game is second to none, his awareness on the pitch and is positional play is simply world class.

If Chelsea are serious about winning back the Premier League and making a real push for Champions League glory this season then we need to keep hold of Riccy. I know last season, Hiddink rarely used him after he returned from injury but In my opinion a Chelsea defence without Carvalho around is much worse than with him there...

This one is dead in the water for me...
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Gerrard to Chelsea? Whatever!

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One of the most ridiculous stories that has come out of the Press in the last few days is this one. Its purely and simply because of the plight that Liverpool find themselves in and the threat of missing out of the top four is becoming an increasing possibility, you really have to feel for them! its gut-wrenching I know.

The article indicates that Carlo Ancelotti is ready to pounce for Gerrard as there are rumours of him being far from happy at Anfield with what is happening. The article claims that because Liverpool are in massive debt, the owners could be tempted with a massive offer from Chelsea.

To me this is ridiculous. He isn't anytime soon going to leave Liverpool and why would we want Gerrard here when he has turned us down before? The only way in which I can see it happening is if Liverpool's league form continues to free-fall and they miss out on Europe, even the Europa League positions (would be such a shame!) and he would have to be sold because of their debt problems. Missing out on the Champions League is bad enough but to miss out on that too would be a serious problem.

But, like I say, I can't see this one happening.
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Is it all going Scolari? The Chelsea Football FanCast #98 - available to download now UTC!

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Straight after the Chelsea v Everton game, the Chelsea FanCast boys assemble in Putney Station to deliver the verdict on a poor defensive performance by the Chels leaving us with no win in the last 4 games.

We had a wobble like this last year, and the boys ask: Is it all going Scolari? What is the case for the defence? Has Cech lost his mojo and should we stop panicking and recognize this as a temporary dip in form.

As well as talking about the match against Everton this afternoon, the boys discuss the limp performance in the final Champions League group game against Apoel last Tuesday. And of course we’ll be awarding our Guinness and Celery Moments, Man and Chant of the match with Ricky C, Ivanovic, Drogba and Anelka all in the mixer!

Dr Martin is back to do some more house calls in Dear Mart to answer all of your Chelsea related questions including: what makes a real Chelsea fan, what will ITV do now Liverpoo are out of the Champions League, and what was the most important event in Chelsea’s past that affected the future, and no it wasn’t a time travelling De Lorean motor car!

We’ve got an FA Cup classic song and an olden and golden terrace classic in We’re out to show the world the way to sing and as always, Chidge has a look at the best of the posts on Football FanCast and our Facebook group in “You’re on CFFC”

The Chelsea Football FanCast: Is it all going Scolari?


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Chelsea 3-3 Everton - Only ourselves to blame.

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Well that was another two points dropped yesterday in our pursuit of the Premier League title and luckily enough Villa did us a favour and beat Man United, which stretches our lead at the top of the League to three points. Again, it was a chance to increase our lead at the top but our defending from set plays cost us.

Chelsea, as predicted started the game with Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, JT, Cole, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, Joe Cole, Drogba and Anelka, apart from Essien this is our strongest side we can put on the pitch in my opinion and this side should and could of been good enough to beat Everton yesterday, but to their credit, and you have to take your hat off to them, Everton played well and deserved their slice of luck yesterday.

Their weakened side did well against our boys and worked hard and grounded out the result and they have gone home the happier of the two. Let's face it, all three goals we conceded were shockers! Two from free kicks swung into the box and one from a long throw into the box and we couldn't deal with them. Our defending up till the last couple of weeks has been solid and workmen-like but yesterday was a different story when the three lapses of concentration at the back cost us big time.

It was a pretty even opening to the game, Drogba had a chance early on and shot wide and Everton looked lively and took the lead on 12 minutes. A free kick out wide right was swung into the box by the left footed dead ball specialist Leighton Baines, Saha went up with JT and a few others to head the ball. Saha got his head to it goalwards, it deflects of JT onto the post as Cech dives to make the save, it comes back off the post, hits Cech in the back and goes in. Shocking and here we go again we are all thinking.

To their credit Chelsea came out and started to play some good stuff. It was 5 mins later that we got on level terms. The ever industrious Ricardo Carvalho burst forward to intercept the ball in midfield and won the ball, he steps forward with it, lays it off to Lampard just outside the box, who with his first touch lays the ball into Drogba's path and Drogba hits it into the top corner 1-1. Great goal and superb play from Carvalho. Around the ground the chant isn't Drogba but Carvalho as all of us fans know he played a key part in the goal.

Once we were back on level terms it was all Chelsea. Everton dug in and worked to close the space down, Chelsea were knocking the ball about and time and time again got down the right wing but Ivanovic's crosses were nothing really to shout home about.

We then get in front as a ball into the box is only half cleared by Everton, Ivanovic wins it and pokes it wide left inside the box to Anelka who almost flicks the ball into the top corner. 2-1 Chelsea and now we are looking comfortable.

Late on Lampard has a Chelsea free kick on the edge of the area as Anelka is brought down as he is running at goal. I am calling for Ballack to hit it, but Lampard steps up and smacks it straight at the wall! I wish Lamps would go back to his old ways of taking free kicks and forget the Cristiano Ronaldo way!!

Anyway, we are now into injury time and Chelsea are dominating possession. Everton have a throw in as Yakubu has just come on for the injured Jo. Ball comes into the box and again is only half cleared Baines slides in to win the ball 10 yards out. The ball deflects off Carvalho's body as he is on the floor, comes to Yakubu who spins 6 yards out and strikes it into the corner. 2-2 and shocking defending by us once more!.

Second half starts with no Chelsea changes yet and we start much better this half. We are dominating play but nothing of note on the Everton goal as yet, but that all changes in the 58th minute. Ivanovic is played in down the right and this time his perfect cross to the back post is met by Drogba on the volley eight yards out and he smashes it into the corner. 3-2 Chelsea, great finish and a great cross from Ivanovic. I notice that only one person goes to congratulate Ivanovic for his cross after the goal goes in and Drogba doesn't even acknowledge the ball from him either which is weird. Maybe words had been said at half time.

So we are now in front and knocking the ball about. We are all sitting there in cold thinking now we are in front play your football Chelsea. Someone said behind me "I had a feeling it would be 4-2" as he said that I am thinking I would be happy just to win this game now.

Within minutes Everton were back on level terms and from where I was sitting in the West Stand Lower towards the Shed End I had the perfect view of our 18-yard box. As Everton are preparing to take the free kick I can see JT ushering the back four and midfield onto the 18 yard line to hold the line there. He wants to keep the penalty area free of players so Cech and come and mop up any high balls into the box. Everyone is on the 18 yard line. Suddenly Drogba comes back into the defensive line and stands 6-yards off everybody else much deeper than were JT wants the line held. I could hear JT shouting at him to push up, but he doesn't.

Cross is floated in, Saha clocks Drogba is 6 yards deeper than anyone else and pushes onto him for the cross. As a result the ball comes high over the line held by JT, Cech is caught in two minds because he wants to come and punch but Drogba is right in front of him. Ball comes over, Drogba heads the ball away straight onto the back of Saha, as this happens Cech is caught off his line and in no-mans-land and the ball loops high over him and Ivanovic into the net. SHAMBLES 3-3.

Looking at TV replays you would think that its Cech's fault but I can assure you, if Drogba had listened to JT and push up on the 18 yard box the goal would never have happened and I stand by that. Drogba was at fault and Everton take the slice of luck they are deservedly given.

Chelsea now are on the attack as the goal has given us a kick up the arse once more. We are dominating play but still not really creating anything of note until late on. Finally we get another free kick outside the box dead centre and Ballack takes it, Howard tips it over the bar for a corner but nothing comes of it.

Chelsea make changes, Malouda on for Joe Cole but he is playing behind the front two and not down the left where he was so effective against Hibbert in the Cup Final. I would of pushed up Lampard or Ballack and played Malouda out wide.

Drogba has what looks like a cross shot that Howard tips wide for another corner but again nothing comes of it. Another change for Chelsea, Carvalho off and Belletti on. Ivanovic moves next to JT in the middle and Belletti comes in at right back. It's now wave after wave of Chelsea pressure as Everton dig in. They are still working hard to close down the space.

Final change for Chelsea, Borini on for Mikel. Two mins from time Drogba slices a shot wide when it was easier to score. Holds is head in his hands as he knows he should of done better. We are into 4 minutes of injury time and we have our last chance of the game. Another ball in, this time from Borini comes to Ballack 20 yards out, all he has to do is connect with it as we have seen him to god knows how many times for Germany and its in, but what does he do, he half slices the ball and it goes inches wide of Howards left hand post. Gutted he SHOULD of scored and made himself a hero!

Final whistle goes and its two points dropped and our first goals conceded in the League since the opening day of the season. As us fans are walking out of the ground we have the feeling of another one that has got away from us. More points dropped and am gutted once more. Everton's fans are well happy as you can hear them chanting "USA...USA" as Tim Howard has obviously gone over to clap them after the game. But, I am sure if we took the chances we had in Drogba and Ballack it would of been a different story.

But Ancelotti needs to work hard in the next couple of days on our defensive work. All three goals were set plays and let's be honest they have killed us as Everton hardly created anything else. I am 100% certain that there were words afterwards between Cech, Drogba and Terry after that third goal. Don't get me wrong, Didier does more than his fair share of defensive work for the team, but yesterday he didn't listen to JT's organisation and it cost us.

With Portsmouth coming to the Bridge on Wednesday and Avram Grant keen to take more points from us we need to get together as a team and as a unit and get our title hopes back on track. For now, it remains a frustrating time for Chelsea and their fans. Let's hope we do not slip into our traditional ways that haunted us for years over the Christmas period!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!

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Chelsea V Everton Preview: Time to buck the trend!

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Who can forget the last time we played Everton. Under much different circumstances and compared to events of the last 10 days, much happier times. Today is a chance for Chelsea to get their form back on track after a nightmare 10 days with losing on pens to Blackburn, losing away at City and then drawing at home to APOEL. As a Chelsea fan, for what we have become used to in recent years and looking at the quality of our squad, these should have been three victories we all have been watching and reading about. But, true Chelsea fans and lifelong fans know, Chelsea being Chelsea it had to happen sooner rather than later!

So with a busy Christmas period around the corner and a what looks on paper a run of games where we can stamp our authority on the Premier League once more its important that this starts today at Stamford Bridge against an Everton side who come here weakened with a whole host of injuries. Today missing from their first team will be: Tim Cahill is suspended; Joseph Yobo, Mikel Arteta, Phil Neville, Leon Osman, Phil Jagielka, James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe are injured. Sylvain Distin and Dan Gosling are doubts but former Atlético Madrid defender John Heitinga is available again.

The two biggest names missing will be Cahill and Arteta for the Toffee's and I believe David Moyes will look to do an APOEL and sit back, defend well and look to hit us on the break. But with Cahill missing it will be interesting to see if he plays Jo up front on his own or if he uses Saha or Yakubu next to him. If they go with one up front then Fellaini will more than likely be the man to get up and support the front man. But if they go with just the one up, it can also play into our hands. This will allow the already named and confirmed starters for today, Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole to get forward.

But, I really think in games at the Bridge (where we haven't conceded a goal since the opening day of the season in the League) we should focus on our game today than the opposition. Ancelotti has already named eight starters to the game today with JT and Riccy lining up in front of Petr Cech and next to Ivanovic and Ashley Cole. Mikel, Ballack and Frank Lampard are confirmed with just the one other in midfield and the front two to be confirmed.

We also have our own players out or not in contention today and they are: Alex, Kalou, Sturridge, Deco, Essien and Jose Bosingwa. So it leaves Ancelotti with a choice between Joe Cole, Malouda and Kakuta for the remaining midfield place. If he plays Malouda then Lampard will push forward and to me he is better playing slightly deeper. BUT, Malouda gives us natural width and balance down the left and has become (albeit a couple of mistakes against APOEL in the second half) one of our most consistant performers. But then again you have Joe Cole who fits naturally in behind the front two. If he plays, Lampard will play square of Ballack with Joe in front, which suits Lampard more. I can't see Kakuta starting today.

Ancelotti has to go with Drogba and Anelka today. Didier was frustrated as we all could see on the pitch in the second half the other night and will look to put that right today. Anelka will be fresh after being rested the other night so it has to be those two today. Borini will more than likely be on the bench.

Before todays game Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the game midweek against APOEL and todays game and he said:

'We didn't do a good second-half and I spoke with my players about this, nothing else. I don't need with these players to use the whip, I don't like to shout because when someone shouts at me, I don't listen. I prefer to speak. I want give respect and have respect from my players. I know very well their professionalism but we have to be every game concentrated and play with intensity, also when the result is not important like against APOEL.

We need to maintain very well our identity, and that is to help each other on the pitch and work with intensity. For this I was unhappy after the game but I saw a very good reaction in these last two days training and I think tomorrow we will do a strong match for 90 minutes.'

When asked about the game today and coming up against a weakened Everton side he said:

"Everton have had a lot of problems with injuries and for this reason they haven't had a very good season to this moment, But they have very good players, also good young players and a very good coach. They will try to play counter attack but first they will defend, so we have to play quickly and have to put pressure on to win this game. It is all in our hands." (quotes taken from chelseafc.com)

You have to say first of all he is spot on about playing with itensity. In recent games how many times have we all been sitting there thinking "we haven't even got started yet?" or " we're playing in second gear, come on Chelsea step it up!" and its been frustrating. We see our level of performance against the Arsenal and how we dominated them and imposed our football on them, to watching our performance against City and APOEL and you sit and wonder why, what's happened?

We need to come out and get on the ball early doors, get them on the back foot and play our game. Ancelotti's second important point was again spot on about playing quickly. The slow continental laboured approach works in some games in the Champions League, but not in the Premier League. Keeping possession of the ball is important, but the problem we have had in recent weeks is getting to the final third of the pitch and either holding up the ball for too long or lacking that killer pass.

We need to put this right and it will be difficult against a workman like, well-organised Everton side who will look to give little away and with Hibbert playing at centre half once more who did well for the majority of the game against Spurs last week, he will look to be biting into tackles in and around the box.

I think as much as Everton will come and set up to defend and stifle our play with a five man midfield, with just one up front to start with will play into our hands and if they don't keep Ivanovic and Cole quiet down the wings it could be a long day for the Toffee's. We just need to make sure that we keep organised ourselves if they do go a goal down as Saha / Yakubu will come on to chase the game and this is where the game will become stretched and open up.

I maybe biased, but I think with all the problems Everton have with injuries, with our injuries/players missing and the quality we can bring into replace them, we will be too strong today. Right now I will take a 1-0 but if we score early then it could be 2 or 3 today.

Prediction : Chelsea 2-0 Everton (Drogba, Lampard).

(Remember you can watch the game online here and bet on the game here)

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!!!
COME ON THE CHELS!
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A Simple Question: Deco or Joe Cole?

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For a couple of weeks now I have been going on about how Deco should be dropped for Joe Cole. I was wondering if any of you agree or if any of you want to make an argument for the case of either one.

I am sure I am not the only one that feels like this about Deco at the moment.

So the question is Who would you play? Deco or Joe Cole? It will be interesting to see the response this question gets from you the Chelsea Fans all over the world!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH
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Chelsea confirm Essien out for three to four weeks!

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Today Chelsea have confirmed the worst possible news for the short term, that Michael Essien will be out for three to four weeks after tearing his hamstring. This is sad news for Michael first of all with the African Nations cup on the horizon in January, but for us Chelsea fans its a major blow as we look to get our form back on track starting this weekend against Everton.

Despite our recent results in the last week one thing has remained and that's Essien's workrate in games. He is a man mountain and his physical presence will be missed in our midfield. With Essien there it free's up the likes of Ballack and Lampard to get on the ball and look to create. There is no doubt that Essien is Ancelotti's first choice in the holding midfield role in his 4-Diamond-2 formation. With Essien out its a chance in the next few weeks for Mikel to have a regular role in the side before he goes away to the African Nations.

We hope that we can get our act together in the next few weeks. Once the African Nations is upon us, its more players missing. With Essien out, it means he won't be in a blue shirt for two months!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH

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Chelsea 2-2 Apoel: Uninspiring again as we lose Essien!

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So we all knew that we had won the group and last nights game, Matchday 6 of the Champions League group stage could possibly of been a non-event. I still would of liked us to go out and stamp our authority on the game and the Champions League.

Ancelotti rotated the side once more to give players a game and some players a rest. Cech was rested and Ross Turnbull ( would could of done a bit better with the goals and made a good save to his left ) came into the side in goal. Ash Cole rested once more for Zhirkov (who played quite well) who made the start. Juliano Belletti ( played ok ) came in at right back next to Carvalho and John Terry who kept their places in the side.

Mikel ( who was calm and assured all game till he made a clanger at the end that cost us ) came into the starting eleven in place of Ballack. Essien kept his place. Deco and Lampard were replaced by Malouda ( who played well, but made a couple of mistakes giving the ball away ) and Joe Cole who for me was busy all game and did well.  Didier Drogba kept his place and Gael Kakuta ( who did ok but should of concentrated on his passing as he did for our second goal, rather than flicks and tricks that never came off )came in for Anelka.

So the game kicks off and you at least think with the team we have, we should take the three points but you know APOEL will sit back and look to soak up the pressure. But then what happens!, we go a goal down. Sloppy down our right hand side, JT leaves his man as he is well offside, but as the ball is played in, the flag stays down and the centre forward dinks is past Turnbull 1-0 APOEL! What a nightmare start.

It was only then that it gave us a kick up the arse and we started to play. Some of our passing was crisp as we moved the ball about the pitch well. Essien struck the equaliser with a thunderbolt that moved in the air from 25 yards. Keeper had no chance 1-1. Now we are on song and playing well.

Shortly after, Essien goes into a challenge and immediatley feels his hamstring. He has to go off and will more than likely now be out for three weeks. He has protective shorts on (what bloody good they do these days!) but it make no difference. Its a blow to lose Essien. No one can doubt his presence on the pitch. One of the most powerful players in the Premier League. This of course means Mikel will be first choice (more on that later).

Back to the game and we get our second goal with some lovely passing football. Must of been about 20 or so passes that comes together as Kakuta is played in about 35 yards out dead centre. He plays a slide rule pass inbetween the defenders for Zhirkov who gets to the byline down the left, looks up and plays the ball back square behind their covering defenders and Drogba walks onto the ball and strikes it left foot into the corner. 2-1 Chelsea and in the lead I'm thinking "let's kick on and wallop this lot".

The half comes to an end and we are now well on top. Lampard has come on for Essien and has had 3 shots in the space of ten mins and he looks like he will score tonight.

Second half and we batter APOEL tme and time again with possession but nothing comes of it at all. A couple of close efforts and a Joe Cole deflected cross that hits the top of the bar is all we can come up with which is really disappointing. Its all well and good keeping the ball and playing our pretty passes in the first two thirds of the pitch but again tonight once more, we get to the final third in the second half and struggle to create anything of note!.

I noticed that Drogba was becoming more and more frustrated in the second half. Numerous times he found space and was waiting for the killer ball but it never happened. He protested to the rest of the side and I shouting "give him the bloody ball for christ's sake!". Florent Malouda was the best player for us in the first half but drifted out of the game in the second half. At times he lost the ball or played stupid passes out wide blind without checking where the defender was and the ball was intercepted at least twice.

We just seemed to want to play in third or second gear. We are at home, in the Champions League so why play that way? Once we took a 2-1 lead we should of carried on playing the way we did towards the end of the half with killer balls into Drogba but no. We get the ball near their box and with their two banks of four defending we made things difficult for ourselves.

Then the sucker punch. Mikel has looked calm and assured and has played well all game. He is played the ball into feet just inside our half of the pitch. Rather than take a touch he looks to play the ball back to the person that passed it to him as a 1-2 but plays it to their attacker. He takes the ball on as he has a free run at goal. Zhirkov comes across to close him down, Turnbull comes out FEET FIRST AGAIN and the forward slots it under him and makes it 2-2 with just minutes to go. A classic sucker punch from a side who have sat back and looked to soak up pressure all game. Their fans go ballistic I'm thinking for f**k sake Chelsea.

Better still for APOEL, they have a chance at the death as they get in down our right hand side and overhit a cross which evades their man in the box and the ball goes out for a throw. Ref blows the whistle and we have dropped points at home in a game we should so easily have won.

A frustrating night for Chelsea and for all of us the fans. Carlo Ancelotti said after the game:

"“It was not a good evening, We did well in the first half. We go [1-0] down after six minutes, but we had a good reaction and we played with intensity. But the second half was totally different. We lost intensity. We lost concentration. We played too slowly. For this, I am not happy. We have to play 90 minutes with intensity and concentration. The result was not important, but what is important is to play our best in every game and tonight was not what we want. Their second goal was the consequence of our play. We played too soft. We had the possibility to close the game but we didn't play well and it was right that Apoel drew the game.”

So why did we, and do we in certain games lose our intensity? Is it because he is rotating players? Like I said about the Man City game, maybe we should keep the same side and keep the fluidity of our play. Think back to when Guus Hiddink took over last season and the run we went on after he took over. He hardly rotated the players at all, so much so that Carvalho and Deco never really got a look in!. Is this something Ancelotti needs to consider?

One thing is for sure, we need to get our intensity back, our act together and cut out these mistakes ahead of Everton on Saturday.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH
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Blue and White not Black and Blue! The Chelsea Football FanCast #97 Available to download now folks!

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After two unexpected defeats in one week, the grumpy old men of the Chelsea FanCast point the finger of blame at Howard Webb, missed penalties, Deco, Carletto eschewing his beanie hat and the unlucky away kit!

Even after a couple of day’s quiet reflection, the pain of defeat still rankles with the boys from the FanCast. An Ovrebo style performance from Howard Webb didn’t help against City, but missed penalties, poor team selection and subs seem to be the main cause. But was it really down to Carletto not wearing his infamous beanie hat? And how much has the ‘unlucky’ away kit contributed to 4 away defeats this season?

As well as the rant about the match the boys also award the Guinness and Celery Moments, Man and Chant of the match with Ivanovic, Ricky C, Penalty misses and Beanie hats all getting an honorable mention!

To cheer ourselves up (and the listeners!), we’ve dug up an old song aimed at Man City of the Lee, Bell and Summerbee era, and an homage to our famous Blue and White kit in “We’re Out to Show the World the Way to Sing!”

No Dr. Martin this week, so Chidge is wearing the stethoscope and stepping into the surgical shoes in “Dear Mart” to answer all of your Chelsea related questions. Questions this week include “is the away kit unlucky”, “how much has Malouda improved”, and “favourite Chelsea goal of all time”.

Finally, all the best posts and emails from Football FanCast and the Facebook group get an airing in “You’re on CFFC” including emails from our growing fan base in Hawaii, California and Portugal, not forgetting Brighton!

The Chelsea Football FanCast: Blue and white not black and blue!


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Ancelotti : Not worried about defeat...I am !!

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So following on from my report on the defeat at Eastlands yesterday and our third away defeat of the season Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press. This is what he had to say:

"We don't have any reason to be worried. We are doing well at the moment but today it was difficult because Manchester City played very well. We are top of the league and we have two more points than Manchester United so we do not need anything extra. We were disappointed with the referee, I am surprised because I consider Howard Webb to be a fantastic referee but we felt it was a handball by Richards. I did feel we deserved to draw, but we lost.

Firstly I am really surprised in his comment that we do not need anything extra?! We had the chance to stay five points clear of United and blew it. OK, we are still top and HAVE to regroup and build on our lead starting with Everton at home next week but going into the game yesterday we SHOULD of maintained our lead.

Onto the referee's performance and looking at the game again he made mistakes time and time again. Yes City fans for both sides. But come on, you have all seen the replays, Lescott's grapple on JT in the box was a definate penalty and Toure more or less did the same on Drogba. But I guess you get referee mistakes week in week out in the Premier League and yesterday this was highlighted for all to see.

Moving on and the most important thing for me about the game yesterday and our performance. How can we go from the sublime to the ridiculous yesterday. I know it maybe an over-reaction at such a short time after the game, and yes we did have our chances to level up through Drogba twice and the penalty from Lampard. We go from such a professional performance at the Emirates to lackluster yesterday and again signs of old from the likes of Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba in their reactions to ridiculous refereeing decisions. Cole walking away from the referee with his back turned (very spurs away) and Drogba moaning to the referee while Bridge was injured is signs from those two we don't wanna see. Ivanovic's reaction to the referee towards the end of the game was appaling and I think we all saw what he thought of the decision on TV last night.

All I am saying is that we should of been playing much better to not even be in these situations. Some people have questioned why he changed the side from the Arsenal game which is fair point. But I guess Joe Cole played in the week against Blackburn whereas the others were rested so thats why Deco came back into the side, but at the same time so did Ballack and he played?. Do we look at the Blackburn game and the team selection and should we of kept the same side and fluidity to ensure we remained at a consistant level of performance. If we did surely we would of been through to the Carling Cup quarter finals and had a positive result yesterday.

What was evident towards the end of the game was that City were working so hard to pressure the man on the ball, they were clinging onto the result and as I mentioned before De Jong would of thrown his body at everything. The result means so much to City and without doubt we should of matched their level of performance throughout the game. Ok, as we have said the Ref played his part but I can assure you in that dressing room their were certain players who knew their level of performance and workrate did not match Citys and thats what we need to address.

Let's hope that we can get our act together once more as we did after the Wigan and Villa defeats and get our League form back on track. With the next game on Saturday at home to Everton Ancelotti has a long wait.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH

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Manchester City 2-1 Chelsea : The one that got away

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Well got that wrong didnt I ? Don't get me wrong fair play to Man City. They worked hard and grounded out the result even though Shay Given's penalty save from Lampard's pen went along way to achieving the end result, we never took our chances and we did have some great chances!!

Lampard's pen was the main one. Lamps went for power which is different as he usually places his pens into the corners, but Given dived the right way and made the save. Ivanovic headed over from a corner, Drogba near the end of the game should of scored but shot wide and he also headed wide as we were chasing the game. There were times when City's marking and grappling JT and Drogba in the box should of been punished but on the flip side I guess it happens all the time.

But one thing remains for me and thats my issues with Deco. At times today he played the simple right ball, BUT time and time again he lost the ball, gave it away and let's face it he was bullied out of midfield. Carlo Ancelotti here is a message for you from me Chelseadaft. "TAKE DECO OUT OF THE SIDE FOR GOD SAKE AND PUT JOE COLE THERE". Even when Ancelotti made changes to the side he still kept Joe on the bench and bloody Deco stayed on!!!

We started with the same side as I predicted and started off quite well. We took the lead when a deflected shot from Ivanovic was saved on his line by Given, the ball bounced out to the edge of the box and Anelka hit it hard and low, Given got his hand to it, pushed it onto Adebayor's back and the ball rebounded off of him and into the net.. (shame that for Adebayor eh?)..

City got back into the game when a cross came over from our right hand side and Cech came out and clashed with I think it was Drogba and didn't get a clean punch to the ball. The ball comes out to SWP who drills the ball into the box (now here is the debatable point) the ball flies straight at Micah Richards who puts both arms up together and the ball hits his arms, then reflects off JT to Adebayor who slots it into the corner passed the diving Cech. Should it of been allowed? Not so sure. JT and Chelsea complained but the ref was having none of it.

Their second goal was a free kick from Tevez. Cech did an Almunia and took a step to his right and then the ball went to his left and he couldn't reach it and the ball went into the corner. JT wasn't happy with Cech and looked like he made his feelings known.

After this happened as we are chasing the game Ancelotti took off Carvalho for Belletti, Ballack was replaced by Mikel and then JT had to come off with a knock to his knee.. So Malouda came on. Ivanovic and Essien were at the back in the middle, with Belletti and Cole either side. Mikel was the holding midfielder with Malouda and Lampard either side and bloody Deco behind the front two. We tried to get the killer pass and the final ball and when we did we just couldn't put it in the net today.

Like I said though, City worked hard and pressed us, closed us down and De Jong was like a man possessed to the final whistle. Yes we lost, but based on the chances we had any honest City fan would say we possibly deserved a draw, but you still have to stick it in the net.

Its another away game and three points that has got away. GUTTED!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH
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Back to Business: Manchester City v Chelsea

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Tonight we are back in Premier League action against the richest club in World Football. Chelsea travel to Manchester to take on the pretenders at Eastlands. After our midweek disaster against Blackburn the big guns are back and will be raring to go as we look to carry on our impressive form after a fantastic performance at the Emirates.

Tonight also is the first chance for John Terry to show City just why he decided that he was never going to leave Chelsea and to show them our quality and our class. Chelsea can really put a marker down on City after they have spent heavily in the summer and if we play as we did against Arsenal then the rest of the Premier League will sit up and take notice. Alot of eyes will be on Eastlands tonight from our rivals as they may expect us to slip up against a City side that will be up for the game. We have to ensure we are too.

Frank Lampard, Ballack, Deco, Essien, Cech, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Nicolas Anelka and Ashley Cole will all return to the side today after being rested in the week, and after what happened last week they will all be up for the game.

Tonight you will see City look to hit the ball into Bellamy and Shawn Wright-Phillips so Ivanovic and Ash Cole need to be on their game. Adebayor and JT have always had a tussle whenever they come up against each other and that will be key again today. Carvalho needs to keep an eye on Tevez and make sure we keep him quiet.

For me our midfield is far superior to theirs. I predict we will start with Essien in the holding role, Ballack and Lampard either side and Deco behind Anelka and Drogba. Essien will take Ireland. Lampard and Ballack will be busy with Bellamy and Wright Phillips when we don't have the ball. The key will be how much these two from City defend when they DONT have the ball as Lamps will look to get forward so its up to SWP to track back otherwise it will leave their fullback isolated.

Gareth Barry (much overrated if you ask me) will have his hands full with Deco. But, its important that Deco plays it simple and looks to play assured killer passes and through balls to the front two rather than his poxy ficks and tricks that do us no favours. Drogba and Anelka will provide Lescott and Toure their biggest test of the season and the key to the game tonight is how they do against our two boys who are flying at the moment. If Drogba gets on top early then there is only one winner for me.

Alot is made about City and their money, after all, us Chelsea fans always have "you bought the title!" thrown at us. But people have short memories and forget that Jose came in and only added 3 players to an already established side. The basis of our side was there, moulded as a team and working hard for each other. City have thrown money at their side and expect to have instant results. Tonight we will see, when they come up against our Chelsea they know that we are strong, resilient and one of the form sides in the league, so if it doesn't go their way today, let's just see how "together" all the new recruits are going to react.

Once again, purely because of the way we are playing, the way we can play and our strength there is ONLY one winner and thats Chelsea.

Prediction. Manchester City 0-3 Chelsea.

Come on the blue boys!!!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH !

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Chelsea out of League Cup as pens do us again!!!

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Well that was unexpected wasn't it! In my preview of the game tonight I honestly couldn't see us losing the game so as Kakuta took the final pen and it was saved by Robinson I was gutted like the rest of you!. I am sitting here with a feeling of one that got away as far as the League Cup is concerned. The thing is it could of been so different if we had taken our chances and finished the game with 11 men and not 10 after Kalou had to go off injured.

But for me, its nights like tonight where questions have to be asked about the team Carlo selected, the way we played and what the hell is it with us the bloody League Cup and penalty shootouts!!

As the team was announced I thought that there would be changes to the side that beat Arsenal last Sunday. Carlo decided to make eight changes to the side and it was only Ivanovic, Joe Cole and Mikel that kept their place in the starting eleven. Cech, Ash Cole, Carvalho, Terry, Essien, Lampard, Anelka were given complete rest. Didier Drogba was put on the bench next to Bruma, Kakuta, Borini, Matic, Turnbull and Sam Hutchinson.

We started with Hilario in goal, Belletti at right back, Ferreira and Ivanovic in the middle at the back with Zhirkov at left back. Mikel kept his place in the holding role, Deco and Ballack came into the middle with Joe Cole & Malouda with Kalou up front. The formation we looked to of adopted was the Christmas tree formation 4-2-3-1 with Kalou as the lone striker. Ballack was to play sitting next to Mikel to allow Deco, Joe Cole and Malouda to get forward to support Kalou.

We conceded early and you have to say the defending was awful. Ferreira was caught out of position, Belletti slipped which allowed Chimbonda time and space to get free and slide a cross low to Kalinic who slotted home in front of Zhirkov who fell asleep and got caught on the backfoot. Despite stretching out a leg he couldn't do anything to stop Kalinic. 1-0 Blackburn.

I find myself frustrated with Kalou more and more. I know he scored our second goal which I will discuss later on but he had a great chance in the first half to pull us level from a header about eight yards out, put on a plate for him by a wonderful cross from Belletti, but once again, he miss-times his header and heads wide with just Robinson who was left standing like a statue on his line!!!. HOW MANY TIMES KALOU!!!

The play was back and forth and Ballack had a good chance on the volley coming onto a cross from the left hand side just outside the back post, but he vollyed into the side netting. Joe Cole made Robinson work with a shot hard a low down but was comfortable in the end. Blackburn had their chances but shot wide a few times. So we went in at half time 1-0 down.

It was at half time when Carlo rang the changes. Belletti, Deco and Joe Cole came off for Bruma, Drogba and Kakuta. Within minutes of the re-start a Malouda cross found Drogba in the box who held of his marker and headed into the far corner. 1-1. Again, minutes later our midfield broke up Blackburn possession and Zhirkov plays a great ball through to Kalou who after a couple of touches is one on one through on goal with Robinson. He composes himself and slots past Robinson. Within the space of 7 minutes of the restart its now Chelsea 2-1.

By now like me, you probably think game over, but to their credit Blackburn came back into the game and what a nightmare of a goal that Hilario will want to forget. Deflected cross from the right hand side loops up towards the corner of the six yard box by Hilario's near post, Kalinic makes a run and takes Hilario's eyes off the ball as he expects him to make contact with the ball. Kalinic misses it, Hilario is too late to react, the ball takes a bounce low at his feet and goes past him into the roof of the net 2-2. Nightmare!

What makes it worse is that in the second half Kalou has yet another chance to score from a header once more from close range and AGAIN he buggers it up and heads straight, this time, to Robinson from 6 yards when its easier to score!!!!. He later suffers a thigh strain and has to go off the pitch. So now we are screwed. All three subs had been made, so we are faced with approx 30 mins with 10 men.

Chelsea dig in, Hilario makes a great save, Drogba gets brought down in the box, was it a pen?.. but nothing given. Blackburn have a couple of chances but nothing of real note. So we move to Extra time. Blackburn start the better and then it happens. Zhirkov slides in, inside the box, takes the forwards legs away and the ref has no choice but to give a penalty which Benny McCarthy scores 3-2 Blackburn. Stupid tackle!!!

So as its looking more and more like we are out I am beginning to feel gutted. I know that Carlo wants to rest players for the Champs League and Premier League which is fair enough but we all thought we would go there tonight and win. On paper it was a cert. So as we look as though we are heading out I am praying for Drogba to come up with something to keep us in the game. I don't wanna go out to Blackburn for god sake!

Then it happens, it happens once every three years. Ferriera gets on the scoresheet. Cross comes over, Robinson who traditionally once a game, flaps at the ball under pressure, it comes down to Ferreira who as calm as you like from a tight angle scores with 1 minute of additional time left at the end of extra-time. Players go potty, Chelsea fans go mad and here we go, we have penalties!!!

So now I am back thinking, we are still in this. I know it ain't a real priority this season, but still, we can't lose to Blackburn!!

So penalties it is. They score their first, Hilario no chance, and Mr Reliable Ballack steps up. So you are thinking the German machine will put us level here....next! BUT HE MISSES!!! f'ing great!!!

They step again and score, Drogba scores with a "Dwight Yorke" chip down the middle as Robinson sprawls to his left hand side. They step up again and score, Malouda steps up and scores to make it 3-2 on pens after 3 each. Then Kalinic steps up and Hilario saves the pen and let's face it!, it was crap anyway!. Zhirkov steps up and scores to make it 3-3 after 4 pens each. Back on level terms with one pen each to go. Once more feeling that I would now be gutted if we let this slip. Their youngster steps up and scores, Kakuta steps up and goes for power and not placement, blasts it straight at Robinson who hasn't even dived but makes the save and they win 4-3 on pens and we are out again.

It will be a tough lesson for Kakuta maybe but I think he will be better for it. But still doesn't take away the fact that we have lost to Blackburn and yes I am gutted!!

So we all now wonder, should we of picked a stronger side? Gone for it early doors then taken the likes of Lampard off?. But then again we did have our chances KALOU!!. Even still, I know changes were made but our defending for their first two goals was a joke and we should of done better. So do we have ourselves to blame or would it of been alot different on another day?

I don't care about another day anyway as I am gutted and after seeing the draw for the semi finals and a chance to have our revenge on Villa for what they did to us the other week, its made me feel even worse! Bloody Kalou!!!!!

KTBFFH & Carefree everyone!!......
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