Chelsea 2-4 Man City: Ancelotti WAKE UP!!

I would like to start this post and report to say personally Well done to Roberto Mancini and his Man City side. The reason why, they played to their strengths and used WIDTH!!!. I know we had two players sent off, I know they scored their fourth when we were down to 9 men but the danger signs were there long before in the second half. Why oh why does Carlo Ancelotti persist with playing Anelka out wide.

This is now two massive games running Ancelotti, you have made the same mistakes and its BOLLOCKS!

The first half was a non event with a few half chances until the goal. A great goal because of simply the vision from Joe Cole to spot Lampard, play a slide rule pass (because that's what he has in his locker) to Frank and to be fair he took it well. So we are sitting at one nil and looking comfortable and City haven't really shown much to pose us any problems.

But then it happened. I can't stand Tevez as he just annoys me, but credit where credit is due, if you play him he will give you 100% without question. He bagged the goal but we contributed to it in a big way. First off all Mikel should of cleared the header away or at least be told he had time and space to bring the ball down and lay it off. BUT it seems as though he didn't get the call, he heads it back over the top of our defence and Tevez squares up against Terry and Carvalho. I'm thinking they will deal with that, but did they fuck. Tevez gets passed JT and now we have a problem. Carvalho comes across on the cover but Tevez is in the box and a half hearted challenge doesn't stop Tevez from mis-hitting the ball towards goal. Hilario is caught out and reacts too late, gets a hand to it but the ball goes in and its 1-1 at half time.

Second half was about City and their strenghts, look at the second goal. Ball played out wide to Craig Bellemy who took it well but keeper should of saved it. The penalty was a stupid one to give away but no complaints and their fourth was a counter attack 5-3 and they played to their strengths, out wide to Wright-Phillips who takes it into the box and plays across goal for Bellemy to slide home coming in from the other wing. Lampard wrapped up the scoring from the spot and the game finished 2-4. Ballack and Belletti sent off. Belletti no complaints. Ballack pure frustration and a stupid tackle to make being booked already!.

But its Carlo's decisions that still amaze me. I said in my report of the Inter Milan game that Anelka can't play out wide but he still plays him there. Even when he makes changes they are wrong. Joe Cole off once more WRONG. Sturridge on and played wide right of the three man attack when he is obviously one footed on his left side WRONG. Anelka staying on the pitch and playing wide left and Sturridge on the right WRONG. He didn't even switch them round!.

We needed width on the left and Joe Cole to stay on and create down the right. Kalou or even Malouda pushed up on the left would of done to prise City open. But we continue to play Anelka who has no intention of taking his player on down the line!.

Our strength to me anyway is getting the ball down and playing it wide and getting crosses in the box for Drogba or Lampard, Ballack arriving late in the box. When we play the way we are playing we have no options to do that and our play becomes stagnent in the middle of the pitch. We lose ideas and don't seem to have that extra option that we do have with people playing out wide. That is our strength so why do we not play that way for fuck sake!

City played well. Kept it tight at the back and when we did break their defensive line Given was commanding in goal. But again they played to their strengths. The knew they had pace out wide and used the ball everytime to get it wide for Bellemy who to his credit was a pain in the arse all game. With Tevez working up front and the two options wide they will always pose a counter attacking threat as this was their strength today and we got found out.

Its obvious to me that the whole Terry v Bridge and Ashley Cole situations away from the pitch have taken a toll on the side. The fact we have lost Ashley Cole, Cech and most importantly Essien haven't helped. Roman if you are reading this, get down that training ground this week and sort this shit out!. We are still lucky to be a point ahead in the title race, but with the way we are playing lately we won't win it.

City, I wish you luck for the race to fourth place. Some people don't like teams that have rich owners that throw money at a side, as we know. When you have a manager who knows the strengths of the side and can come to the Bridge and get the result you just have, then fair play to you!.  You can buy loads of players but they still need to go a job and today you did and we didn't simple as that.

Alot of people this week have made a point about Jose's Chelsea and how he would get a lead and then make changes to see games out. But at least he knew our strengths and played to them and got the result. This is something Ancelotti needs to look at seriously over the next couple of days.

Let's hope this shit today is the biggest wake up call to ALL at Chelsea and we sort this out NOW before its too late and our season slips away from us because at the moment, we are playing shit!.

Good luck City!

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Chelsea V Man City : Let the football do the talking

Chelsea take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tomorrow in a game that has been overshadowed by the John Terry v Wayne Bridge story that has dominated the press in recent weeks . Its a shame really as because of Bridge's statement yesterday, it has only hightened tension of the situation and the public feeling towards John Terry. So much so I couldn't help but notice this post in particular on the Man Ure fan website yesterday!. Talk about blow it up out of all proportion!.

Anyway, let's forget the continued bollocks thats being spouted off by certain quarters of the press and other fans and let's concentrate on the game in hand!

This is no easy game for both sides. This is massive for City and new manager Mancini is under pressure already bigtime. With Viera and Adebayor suspended two of their big guns won't be around tomorrow, but that annoying git Tevez will be. We will have to be on our guard, but I can't really see City coming to attack us tomorrow as their away record is dreadful. This post on a Citeh blog goes to show their optimism at the moment LOL!. He has predicted a 3-0 win for Chelsea and I think he could be right!

Chelsea on the other hand come into the game off the back of a somewhat disappointing performance against Inter in the week. With United playing in the week and winning they have clawed the gap back to a single point, so its important we get three points tomorrow and maintain the four point cushion we had as of last weekend after our result against Wolves .

I hope that we can shake off midweek and put in the kind of level of performance we expect and have come accustomed to at Stamford Bridge this season. I would like to see Ancelotti revert to the free scoring 4-3-3 formation . But I can't see Anelka being rested for Joe Cole.

One thing is for sure, with Ashley Cole and Petr Cech out we need to be strong defensively as a unit. I predict Ferreira will come in at left back with Malouda pushing forward into midfield. Didier will continue up front, its whether or not Anelka plays next to him or wide of him. Kalou, after his performance in the week, deserves a start but I can't see him or Joe Cole getting the nod in front of Anelka and Malouda. If he plays wide, Anelka needs to buck his ideas up for sure.

One thing is for sure about tomorrow. Every time JT and Bridge get the ball the camera's will be fixed and waiting for something to happen, which it more than likely won't. Let's hope the distraction from that  is Lampard or Drogba scoring a couple to get revenge for the defeat back in December .

Let's hope we play well, put more pressure on Mancini and we restore our four point lead!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Breaking News: Wayne Bridge Unavailable for selection for England

Wayne Bridge has released a statement this morning in light of the situation that occured with JT in recent weeks. He has made himself unavailable for England selection and wished the team well in the World Cup.

"I have thought long and hard about my position in the England football team in the light of the reporting and events over the last few weeks. It has always been an honour to play for England. However, after careful thought I believe my position in the squad is now untenable and potentially divisive. Sadly therefore I feel for the sake of the team and in order to avoid what will be inevitable distractions, I have decided not to put myself forward for selection. I have today informed the management of this decision. I wish the team all the very best in South Africa."

Is this Bridge cutting his nose off to spite his face? Should he really turn his back on his country?

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Inter Milan 2-1 Chelsea: A good or bad result?

On paper coming away from giuseppe meazza in the 1st leg in Italy with an away goal losing 2-1 isn't such a bad result. Dominating possession, having over twice the amount of attempts on goal than they did, restricting Inter to just a couple of chances sand being denied a stone-wall penalty sounds like a good performance without the luck you need in this competition. So why have I woken up this morning still feeling as though I can't decide if its a good or bad result.

The Goals.



1-0. Milito.
Sloppy to say the least. As pointed out earlier this week in my Video analysis Milito likes to make a run across the back four to create space for himself. He prefers to get the ball on the left of the box and cut back inside onto his right foot. I said it was a danger and I was sorry to say I was right. But its really sloppy because if you watch the video, Eto'o comes deep to get the ball and Riccy Carvalho follow's him, he gets sucked out of position and as a result JT is caught out one on one for the goal.





1-1 Kalou.
Fantastic play by Ivanovic and a well taken goal from Kalou. As stated their back four drop deep when their midfield gets caught out. Watch Thiago Motto number 8, he has no intention of tracking back with intent to close Ivanovic down. As a result Ivanovic is allowed to bring the ball forward from inside his own half and across the back four before laying the ball off to Kalou.





2-1 Cambiasso.
Now this is the one where no one has picked up on. Look at the photo at the top of this post and Ivanovic's face. Now watch the goal again. Cambiasso has a stroke of luck as his first effort smacks Ivanovic straight between the legs. Ivanovic is bent over in pain and as the ball comes back to Cambiasso and he hits it, Ivanovic doesn't make a proper block because he is still in pain so makes a half hearted attempt to block the shot. The ball goes through him and into the corner. Good strike you have to say, but we were unlucky that Ivanovic couldn't get there to make a proper challenge/block to the second attempt.

Player Performances.

I was surprised, probably like most of you, when I saw that Malouda would be playing at left back and Kalou was brought into the side. I thought that Joe Cole would of maybe got a run. But to his credit Kalou played well. Malouda was a revelation down our left hand side but wasn't really tested at the back until Balotelli came on. Ivanovic also had a great game down the right.

JT and Riccy, apart from the first goal were calm and assured and restricted Eto'o to one mis-hit he should of punished us with but nothing more and Milito to nothing after he scored his goal.

I thought Didier did ok, started off well but drifted out of the game as Lucio played like a man possessed. Maybe the physical marking and attention of Walter Samuel got to him at times as he did drift out of the game.

Lampard wasn't his usual self, probably because of the Viral infection he was sufffering with. Did have one chance though from a pull back by Anelka and the keeper made the save.

Anelka was awful. Again he can't play where Ancelotti is asking him to and it became very evident last night. Alot of the time in the game he wanted to bring the ball back inside, into a crowded midfield and our possession broke down. Gesturing with his arms being frustrated for most of the game.

I thought that Mikel and Ballack were solid throughout and played well. Wesley Sneijder and Stankovic hardly featured in the second half for Inter which says alot for the way our midfield played.

The Managers.

Jose got it tactically sound last night by playing his 4-3-1-2 formation. The 3 in midfield had no intention of getting forward much during the game but remained as a wall in front of their back four. Milto and Eto'o dragged JT and Riccy all over the place in the first half which allowed Sneijder to run into the space. Jose's substitutions to change the formation around early in the second half to go with a 4-3-3 and then to change back to a 4-5-1 stifled us and saw out the game.

Carlo's decision to go with Kalou was justified as he played the best I have seen him play in a while. He scored and should of had the clearest of penalties you will ever see given but was denied. He did however get it wrong when he brought Kalou off for Sturridge?. Should of been Anelka for Joe Cole. Its not Sturridge's fault at all but did not have any impact of the game whereas Joe Cole could of provided us with natural width.

Our formation looked like a 4-3-3 which would of posed Inter problems as they struggled to cope when we did get it wide. Ivanovic and Malouda had loads of time and space which we should of utilised more often rather than keep playing through the middle all the time. With Inter's three man midfield in front of their back four, our formation of 4-3-2-1 played into their hands. Anelka suffered big time and I don't remember seeing him attack Zanetti much down the wing. Anelka's pace from a standing start would of caused old man Zanetti all sorts of problems but it never happened. So Carlo got this one wrong.

Overall.

It is a good resullt purely because of the away goal. Once more I have every confidence that we will score at the Bridge in three weeks time. Jose will come to the Bridge and look to shut up shop and hit us on the counter attack. Did you notice there wasn't any counter attacking football last night? Do you remember a side counter attacking the other? Jose will set them up to once more stifle our passing game.

I am wondering about the result and have asked the question is it really or is it a bad result? I say a bad result as I know that our passing could of been so much better. We should of had a blatent penalty. It was disappointing that we didn't really create enough chances and our formation was wrong. We suffered a mjor blow in losing Cech to injury but Hilario had nothing to do when he came on so we weren't in any real trouble during he game at all. Two goals conceded a sloppy one and a unlucky one but as Jose said "That's Champions League football".

So I have to say overall I am pleased with the away goal but disappointed about the result. Its going to be hard to break them down at the Bridge, but remember a 1-0 will see us through!.

Chelsea(4-3-2-1): Cech (Hilario 60); Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry (c), Malouda; Ballack, Mikel, Lampard; Anelka, Kalou (Sturridge 77); Drogba.

Scorer Kalou 50.
Booked Kalou 22

Inter (4-3-1-2): Cesar; Maicon, Samuel, Lucio, Zanetti; Motta (Balotelli 57), Cambiasso, Stankovic (Muntari 83); Sneijder; Milito, Eto'o (Pandev 67).

Scorers Milito 2, Cambiasso 54.
Booked: Motta 8, Milito 22.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Inter Milan v Chelsea: The game we thought we'd never see and the world will be watching. My Preview.

Who would of thought a couple of years ago as we had just retained the Premiership Trophy we would be where we are today facing the "Special One" in the knockout stages of the the Worlds Biggest Club Competition. That's football I guess but if you ask any Chelsea fan deep down in their hearts, they will tell you its the game they wanted to avoid. Some of you may find it strange to be reading this but, the statement is from a sentimental stand point alone.

Jose Mourinho is and will always be a legend at Chelsea and I believe tonight and in a couple of weeks time in the return leg at Stamford Bridge he will receive the response from the fans he deserves. He is forever in ours and the players hearts without question, BUT, there is a job to do tonight.

I firmly believe Chelsea will get the job done no question, we WILL score at the San Siro tonight its a question of remaining water tight at the back and working hard defensively in Midfield and thats where the difference is in both teams and I will tell you why.

Ahead of the game tonight I sat and studied Inter Milan under Jose and their strenghts and weaknesses over the last 8 or so games and I put together this video to explain the main danger for us tonight but their defensive frailties and take a look for yourselves.



Of course Didier Drogba will be a HUGE influence in the game tonight as he always seems to be this season. He is approaching his best ever tally of goals in a Chelsea shirt this season and he is playing well. Didier will rattle their back four tonight and especially if as expected, he is directly up against Walter Samuel and Lucio. Samuel's discpline is suspect to say the least and tonight he will face THE test against Drogba.

But, as per my video the Inter Milan weakness is their midfield. This is where we can be and hope to be dominant tonight. You will see I put together a few examples of how their midfield like to get forward, but also get caught out of position. They miss the late run into the box Lampard-esq and get caught ball watching. The like to play narrow and rely on their full backs in Maicon and Cordoba to get forward. But the one thing that took my by surprise was the space their seems to always be behind their Midfield and in front of their back four. This is somewhere we can exploit tonight and can have a devastating effect on the game even in the first leg tonight.

With their Defence exposed by a lack of men tracking back when they have lost the ball, their Defence drops off and allows the opposition to move the ball forward and attack them. When they do decide to challenge the man with the ball they seem to leave their marking duties and at times throw two men at the same ball and this is where we can create more chances to score.

Inter are expected to line up with their three across the middle with Jose to decide betweeen Cambiaso, Zanetti, Motta, Stankovic or Muntari with Wesley Sneijder in front of them in the hole. Inter rely alot on Sneijder to create that killer pass or from dead ball situations so he will need to be watched. But, without the ball he isn't going to bust a gut to get back, and under pressure he is nowhere near as effective. We need to ensure he isn't given the time and space to play his passes and cause us problems.

With Mikel in front of the back four he provides stability and a reassurance on the ball. Lampard and Ballack have the perfect balance and are both work-horses in midfield and this is the biggest difference in the game. These two, with Mikel will work hard to defend, remain solid and can play abit too and Inter do not have anyone in the same mold as either of these two.

With Malouda and Anelka wide, we can attack their lack of natural width. Maicon likes to get forward and so Malouda will have to work hard but when he has the ball he can cause Maicon problems. Anelka can keep Cordoba busy so I believe he Cordoba, who is not attack minded anyway, will resist the temptation to get forward.

Inter rely heavily on Milito take make runs across the back four and down the channels. We have to watch him as he is on form and scoring goals, but as he plays to the left of Eto'o he will be up against the best in Carvalho and we need to make sure Riccy puts him in his pocket tonight. JT as always will need to have a strong game against Eto'o who to me anyway, doesn't seem to be the player he once was.

If we remain solid defensively and our Midfield without the ball work hard I can't see Inter Milan causing us too many problems from open play. Of course set pieces have let us down this season so we need to ensure we counter Inter's threat in the air from the likes of Lucio and Samuel when they come up for corners. No stupid or silly free kicks should be given away anywhere around our box as Sneijder can punish you.

TEAM NEWS:
Jose Mourinho will make a decision today whether or not to include Goalkeeper Julio Cesar after a recent car accident. He also has a decision to make on whether to employ Zanetti into the midfield from left back and bring in Ivan Cordoba to fill the void. Inter Milan are expected to line up in a 4-3-1-2 formation with Wesley Sneijder in the hole behind Milito and Eto'o.

Carlo Ancelotti welcomes back Frank Lampard, Alex and Belletti to the squad tonight with no recognised left back available for selection as Paolo Ferriera wasn't registered for the competition (great decison there eh!). Chelsea have Zhirkov, Essien, Deco and Bosingwa unavailable.

Carlo will select from:
Cech, Turnbull, Hilario, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Alex, Bruma, Belletti, Mikel, Ballack, Lampard, J Cole, Malouda, Kakuta, Kalou, Sturridge, Anelka, Borini, Drogba.

RECENT FORM:
Inter Milan have been disappointing of late. They have drawn their last 3 league games on the spin and have shown a real lack of discipline with two defenders sent off in the first half at the weekend.

Chelsea come into the game with two victories against Cardiff and Wolves after the disappointing defeat at Everton.

PRE MATCH INTERVIEWS:
In a strange twist to normal pre match proceedings in the Champions League both Managers held their Press conferences at the same time, Carlo at the San Siro and Jose Mourinho at his training base a few miles away.

Jose Mourinho spoke ahead of the game, he said:

'I know Chelsea well, That doesn't mean it is easier, sometimes it is more difficult because when you know so much about a team, if you don't make a selection with information, if you don't decide what is the real information you need and don't give the right information to your new players about your old players, you can get in trouble. I played with Chelsea against Porto the next year after I left Porto and it was my team, my players. I knew everything about them and it was not easy. Chelsea won one game and we lost one.

'I think Carlo Ancelotti knows Inter very well. He has worked all his life in Italian football, he has played against Inter dozens of times. I think he knows everything about our players, I don't think it is an advantage. We could see two quality matches, I never remember seeing Chelsea play for 0-0 and I would be disappointed if my experienced players don't give a good match, but sometimes in football the quality of the players on the pitch doesn't correspond to the quality of the game. Inter are the same. It's a game which could be 180 minutes, but it may even be 30 minutes more.'

Carlo Ancelotti said:

"I think we are focused and will be on Wednesday on this important game, We will not change our motivation for this game, whatever happens outside our dressing room. I will respect Inter Milan like I always have in the past, We respect them, but to beat them we need to play at 100 per cent. But if they want to beat us they will also have to play at 100 per cent."

When asked about our problem left back area he said:

"It is a problem, We are missing two very important players but Belletti is back in training and doing well. We will find a solution but Ashley and Yuri are to be missed."

He was also questioned about the importance of Didier Drogba tonight and responded by saying:

"Didier is a very important player for us and has scored 25 goals this season, He is in a good moment but we cannot focus on one individual to win the game. We need to play well as a team."

John Terry spoke ahead of the game, he reiterates the players desire to get the job done. He said:

"I'm on a mission and nothing is going to distract me," a resolute Terry told The Sun. I'm responding by doing what I've always done - by looking straight ahead. I've got broad shoulders and nobody's going to knock me out of my stride. I want to win the Champions League and Premier League for Chelsea and help win the World Cup for England. I'm not ashamed to say it, I wouldn't be John Terry if I felt any differently."

"Jose was an inspiration to us all at Stamford Bridge and I truly value his friendship, It's going to be a sensational tie between two great teams but when I stick on the shirt tonight I'll be focused on one thing only - playing and winning for Chelsea. It's the way I play the game and the way I always will".

"There's a shirt on my wall at home - the shirt I wore when I missed that penalty against Manchester United in the Champions League final. It's there as a daily reminder to me of what I'm striving for. I won't rest until it's replaced by a winner's shirt - that's my pledge to every Chelsea fan who has stood by me and still believes in me as a player and as their club's captain. They have been brilliant, their support has been overwhelming and I desperately want to give them the glory they deserve. We may be playing the Special One, but those fans are the real special ones."

Terry went onto to speak about Jose and Carlo. He said:
 
"He is the Special One, Jose was the first one who referred to us as 'his' players. He brought us together with that. After Roman Abramovich took over the club, we were unpopular to say the least. People on the outside accused us of just trying to buy success. Mourinho was an overnight success with the players. When he arrived we were a nearly team. We'd finished as Premier League runners- up and not really got there. But he made a team out of a bunch of individuals and didn't care whether people liked us".

"Jose gave us that mentality of 'us against the rest' and it helped bind us together. He would always ask after our families, our kids - but he also kept that distance. Jose said once that you don't have to be the best team and you can still win the Champions League. In the last four or five years, we have found that out. We have been the better team yet still got knocked out. It reminds me of a World Cup, where you need that little bit of luck on your side to come away with the glory".

"Knowing how thorough he was at Chelsea, he'll have done his homework but he also knows us well enough. We're not exactly strangers. Carlo does the same. He's a great man manager but there's a line and you don't cross it. It's very much the boss and us but it's what we respond to and Carlo's a great boss. Carlo is determined to win this game. He too has a great reputation in the Champions League - as a player and a manager"

"It's not Carlo's team we are playing but it's his backyard at the San Siro. I want to go back there too and win it for Chelsea - no matter how special Jose is to me and Chelsea fans."

Its a rallying call to the players and to the fans about tonight and the will to win this competition that will be heard by the whole of Europe. A call that will no doubt be heard tonight by those 11 men that take to the field in what is the biggest game of the round and the one that everyone has been looking forward to since the draw was made.

One thing is for sure, Jose knows Chelsea and apart from Ivanovic and Anelka, knows our players and he will make sure his side are well aware of the threat posed by us. Inter Milan will be more worried about us than I believe we are about them. As that draw was made you can imagine there were gasps heard all around Italy as no one wants to play an English side in the knockout stages at the moment.

I predict WE WILL score at the San Siro tonight without question. The question is can Inter break us down?. Didier Drogba and our midfield to be well on top tonight and they WILL be the difference. Right now I will take a 1-1 but am very confident we will come away from the San Siro with a lead to take to Stamford Bridge.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE! COME ON THE CHELS!

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Inter Milan v Chelsea : The Managers (short clip)

Here is a short video of the two managers speaking before tomorrow nights game.

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Inter Milan v Chelsea - More build up

Here are some of the reports on the net leading up to tomorrows game:

Jose Reveals Sub Standard Blues

Jose questions whether Chelsea are a strong team

Inter desperare to stop the rot against Chelsea

No love as Jose aims to knock Chelsea out of Europe

Ancelotti, No problem with Jose (Monday)

Inter training sessions updated

Jose's domestic ban

Alex, Belletti and Lampard fly out with squad of 20

All of Italy will cheer Chelsea: Ancelotti

Cech understands Jose's mind games

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Video Analysis of Inter Milan's Strength and Weakness

I have decided to do something a little bit different in preparation for our game at the San Siro tomorrow. I have studied the last 8 or so games that Inter Milan have played and have come up with what I believe is their strength but more importantly their weakness.



Strengths:

• Milito's movement, Pace and Finishing
• Quick on the counter attack
• Get men forward to support front men down wings via full backs and midfield
• Have height in numbers for set plays

Weaknesses:

• Midfield plays too narrow
• If lose possession, Midfield caught out of position
• Midfield not too keen on tracking back when lose the ball
• Midfield also do not pick up the late run into the box (Lampard)
• Defence get caught ball watching too many times
• Defence drop deep when being attacked to edge of own box
• When being attacked on the break, lose their markers as get sucked to the ball
• Naive at corners. Again defenders leave markers to go for same ball and challenge
• Defenders lack discipline.

Let me know what you think and spread the word!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Normal service has been resumed! The Chelsea Football FanCast #106 Download it now!

Chidge, AKA ‘The Guvnor' is back from his trip to California to assume complete control over the Chelsea FanCast, and is brought back down to earth by a none too convincing victory over Wolves. But then a win is a win, and getting wins when playing poorly is Championship form.

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GATE 17 FEBRUARY UPDATE BULLETIN

THE LEAGUE ... OUR BREAD AND BUTTER

Chelsea travel to Milan topping the Premier League by 4 points courtesy of an easy win over Wolves and thanks to Everton's impressive defeat of Manchester United. Carlo if you're reading this ... how about signing Jack Rodwell in the summer?

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE we're having a laugh.

Internationale at the San Siro

Jose has already started the war of words ... but I fancy Didier will silence him. We're all booked up on the trip, can't wait. Pogue Mahone’s Irish Pub is where you might find the good old boys. It's on Via Salmini, near to Porta Romana station. Just one word of warning though, take the metro to the ground and not the tram. Take the linea rossa (red line) MM1 towards Molino Dorino and alight at Lotto ... it's a 20 minute easy walk to the San Siro and not as bad as the jaunt to Three Point Lane from Seven Sisters. If you take the tram it will take you to the home end of the ground which might not be where you want to be given the reputation of the Italian OB.

see you at the game

cfcuk FANZINE NEW ISSUE ... 107

cfcuk 107 ... is on sale now pick up a copy at the next Blues match you attend it's only £1 ... Hurry Up!

CHELSEA FOOTBALL FANZINE book

The best of cfcuk, featuring extracts from the first 100 issues of Chelsea's most popular fanzine which has been on the streets since 1999 will be published by Gate 17 in August.

Check out the cover in the photo section, it features legendary fanzine seller Harry Moss. Harry, aged 95, was a regular fixture on the Fulham Road up until the end of last season and is threatening to make a comeback in the Spring ...

FA Cup Round 5

Having beaten Cardiff City 4-1, The Blues will now play either Manchester City or Stoke City in the quarterfinals at Stamford Bridge.

JOKE OF THE MONTH

This one is down to might mate Jamie Gray's boy, Ben aged 6 who attended his first Blues match against Cardiff City the other week. 'Who are you? Who are you?' he was fascinated by this particular Cardiff chant so much so that he started singing it himself and pointing at the Welshmen. 'Why are you singing that?' asked his grandad Doug ... 'because I don't know who they are' came the reply ... Proper funny Ben and proper Chels!

GATE 17 SUPPORTER OF THE MONTH ... January

Chelsea Daft

You'll find him here on Facebook. CD is so devoted to the famous CFC that he has set up a website http://www.facebook.com/l/31f94;www.chelseadaft.org which is well worth a look. Featuring the best in Chelsea blogs and up to the minute info on the Club the chelseadaft website is all CDs own work for which he receives no pay ... it's a True Blue love thing ... and this makes him deserving of the accolade 'Gate 17 supporter of the month'.

GATE 17 base ball caps

superb quality, low profile baseball caps now available. Finished in blue and embroidered
G A T E 1 7
stamford bridge
check out the photo section for more details.

Now available to order at £9.99 with free UK postage at http://www.facebook.com/l/31f94;overlandandsea.net or of course from the cfcuk stall on matchdays.

CHELSEA GATE 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL
updated 22/02/2010

Prize pool update. A signed Nicolas Anelka shirt is now up for grabs alongside shirts signed by John Terry and Petr Cech. The winner will get to choose ...

the current leader board is as follows :

1       gate_17_casuals michelle brand  1567
2       Essiential Bison        Scott Reaves     1561
3       Estudiantes Kebab       mark worrall     1549
4       Spalding Smails Michael Dutter   1539
5       Blue Knight Riders      Vatsal Lapacia 1525

CHELSEA HERE CHELSEA THERE ... the DVD

If you enjoyed reading Chelsea Here Chelsea There, a DVD is now available which features 30 minutes of highlights from the 1-1 draw with Arsenal which the book is based around. In glorious grainy low definition you can now marvel at King Kerry's goal, Dale Jasper's near miss and the 25,000 Chels packed inside Highbury. Also on the DVD is 30 minutes worth of the epic 4-4 league cup tie with Sheffield Wednesday from the same season plus a few other tasty morsels ... you will only be able to get this DVD from the cfcuk stall on match-days ... price £5

Also available from the stall we still have a small number of Kerry Dixon signed copies of Chelsea Here Chelsea There left not forgetting the 3 for £20 book deal across all titles.

http://www.facebook.com/l/31f94;HTTP://WWW.OVERLANDANDSEA.NET

If you can't make the games, signed copies of all titles are available at http://www.facebook.com/l/31f94;www.overlandandsea.net ... postage is free in the UK

If you like what we do here ... don't forget to invite your Chelsea Facebook friend's to join the Chelsea Gate 17 group ...

GO EASY
STEP LIGHTLY
CAREFREE

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Ahead of this week I give you THE Jose tribute by Carefree Chris

Ahead of all the hype that has started already. Ahead of the war of words. Ahead of the game us Chelsea fans three years ago never ever thought we would come up against. I present to you simply the best Tribute to Jose Mourinho's wonderful time at Chelsea provided by CarefreeChris.com.

The best manager (up till now) we have ever had!

CC_Jose Mourinho - Special [2007]
by joseINC

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Wolves 0-2 Chelsea: We take our chance and go four clear!

By 3pm on Saturday Chelsea took to the field knowing that a win could extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

It was by no means our best peformance of the season and continued the problems we seem to be having away at the moment. Didier Drogba will take most of the column pages in the press after the result and to a point he should as he scored in both halves with two goals (off different styles) to take his goal tally to 25 for the season. But Petr Cech made some outstanding saves, stood firm and played just as important role in the win.

Chelsea made two changes to the team that lined up against Cardiff last weekend . With Lampard out, Anelka came back into the side and Joe Cole moved into midfield. Also (probably with Inter in mind this week) Ivanovic came in for Riccy Carvalho.
Wolves flooded their midfield, played with a deep defensive line and to their credit, made it very difficult for Chelsea during the game. Chelsea struggled to create any real clear cut chances in the game (which is worrying) without Frank Lampard.

In fact it was Wolves who created good opportunities during the first half. Kevin Doyle up front casued problems as Wolves played counter attacking football and Cech had to make a save twice to deny him. But, it was Chelsea who took the lead with the best passing move of the game. The ball was played out to Zhirkov, who in turn played a one two with Michael Ballack on the edge of the box (left side) and the undervalued (in my opinion) Ballack played a deft touch to play Zhirkov in behind the defensive line. Zhirkov looked up and drilled a cross across the 6 yard box and at the back post Drogba slid in and scored to make it 1-0.

In the second half, Wolves came out and took the game to Chelsea once more. Again, they created good chances and it was only because Cech stood up and held firm that we kept it a 1-0. Cech was forced into saves by Guedioura, Foley and Guedioura again. We were under pressure and on the back foot, but once more Drogba proved the difference.

A long goal kick down field found Drogba who turned his man 30 yards out and nodded the ball away from the defender. For the life of me I will never know why but Hahnemann came off his line and Drogba played the ball round him on the edge of the box and slid the ball home to make it 2-0.

You have to feel that once that second goal goes in its game over. Wolves spirit was broken and despite some pressure from Wolves and a half chance from a long throw Chelsea saw the game out and got the win.

After the game Ancelotti said:
"This is a big win for us after the United result. We have 11 games to play and four points is a nice gap to have but we must stay focused, nothing is decided. This was a very difficult match for us, it was difficult to play football but we stayed focused and were ready to fight for a fantastic result.

After the Manchester United result, it improved our strength and our confidence and we know it would be an important moment to win, we did it. Didier is doing very well, not just because of his goals but because of his leadership with his team-mates. His work rate is very good. But, Petr was man of the match because he saved the result for us when it was 1-0 and then he produced an excellent assist for our second goal. It was a great performance from those two and a fantastic victory".

Some people are saying it was a Mourinho-esq performance. Credit to Ancelotti and the team for getting the job done and credit to Wolves for the way they played. If they continue to play like they have been they should be safe and sound come May.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Chelsea V Wolves: Three points a must!!

This afternoon Chelsea take on Wolves away in what will be no easy game as Carlo Ancelotti had to contend with a squad to choose from with Seven players out. With one eye on Inter Milan in the week Carlo has a decision to make. Does he field his best available eleven or does he hold back and play a weakened side that he still believes will get the job done and three points?.

To me he has to play the strongest side available. With United playing Everton in what is another potential banana skin we have to capitalise once more and make sure we get the points. When you are top of the league all we need to do is concentrate on how we play and make sure we win our games and let the others worry about us. So today whatever team plays, we need to be professional, determined and show the rest of the League even though we have some injuries to contend with, we are still the force to contend with this season.

Today out of contention for the game is Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Alex, Deco, Belletti, Essien and Bosingwa.

The good news is that JT is back and will partner Riccy Carvalho at the back. With both Frank and Deco out Joe Cole surely will have another chance in midfield and this time needs to prove his worth to Ancelotti. Malouda has to play too and I would like to see Carlo revert to the 4-Diamond-2 for today and play both Anelka and Drogba through the middle. I am saying this as its more of a balanced side with Anelka in the middle as I keep banging on about how ineffective he his out wide.

I predict (and have of course am known to of been wrong) that we will line up today with the following side in a 4-Diamond-2 formation:

Cech,
Ivanovic
Carvalho,
Terry,
Zhirkov,
Mikel
Ballack,
Malouda,
Joe Cole,
Anelka,
Drogba.

The main problem/concern I have at the moment is our left back position. We are really going to miss Ashley Cole down that left hand side. Zhirkov to me seems to want to get forward all the time and does ok defensively. For me, I would still play Ferreira every week. You never know Carlo may deploy Paulo there today as we all know he plays that role for the Portuguese national side, and being an away game he may opt for the more solid Ferriera.

Despite the players missing its still a strong side of quality and should get the job done. Marcus Hahnemann has aready stated ahead of today that he is fearing a backlash after our defeat at Everton, added to that we have the recent events at Chelsea. I wouldn't be surprised to be honest. The team will be together for sure and I hope have a new togetherness after the meeting with the club. JT will want to put on a performance today after somewhat of a weird one against Everton.

Carlo Ancelotti said ahead of the game:

'It will be a very difficult match because Wolves improved their performance in the last games, they did fantastic against Liverpool and Tottenham and we have to pay attention and do our best, 'I think nothing else, we have to stay focused on this game. We will arrive in very difficult matches, starting tomorrow against Wolves and every game is very important, so to the end of the season we have 90 days. It depends [on] us what will happen at the end of the season. If we do very well we can have a good result at the end of the season"

Mick McCarthy said:

"We got slapped at Stamford Bridge, we never scratched the surface with our performance, We had a good chance after five or six minutes but once they scored it was game over. It won't be like that this time. We have done o-k against the bigger sides even if we ended up getting beat by them. But the chances we had against Arsenal, if we had managed to take our chance it was a different game. Manchester City at home - again, score when we were playing well and it's a different game. Against Liverpool we played really well, Spurs we played well. So if we can play in that manner and as well as that, but take an opportunity when it presents itself, then who knows? There may be an upset."

Wolves: Hahnemann, Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Foley, Henry, Guedioura, Jones, Jarvis, Doyle. Substitutes (from): Elokobi, Milijas, Hennessey, Vokes, Ebanks-Blake, Mujangi, Maierhofer, Castillo.

Injured/unavailable: Edwards, Keogh, Kightly (all ankle), Mancienne (ineligible under loan rules), Ward (knee)

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Turnbull, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, Ballack, J Cole, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Sturridge, Kalou, Borini, Ferreira, Zhirkov, Kakuta, Mikel, Bruma, Matic.

Injured: Alex, Belletti, Bosingwa, Deco & Essien (all knee), A Cole (ankle), Lampard (virus)

I am biased of course but can't see us letting this slip today after everything that has happened. I can see us winning the game and of course would like to see us score a few, but with Chelsea being Chelsea you never know. So I am going for a Joe Cole 1-0 win!.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE! COME ON THE CHELS!

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Chelsea Team Meeting - Players given the Clubs Stance at last!

At last the club have taken and made a stand with the players in light of all the attention the club has received for the wrong reasons in the press lately.

Carlo Ancelotti spoke of the team meeting and he said:

"I don't read the papers because my language is not so good but I know very well what happened. I said I am not interested in the private life, if it is not involving the professional life, We had a meeting this week with the players, it was a good meeting with Ron Gourlay and we explained to them what is to be the behaviour of the players in this club. Now they know very well what they have to do, how to behave when they have a shirt of Chelsea.

'We are interested to protect the image of this club. Not only the players and manager but all the staff, all the people who work in this club have to protect the image of the club. The image of the club is one of the most important things we want to carry forward and the players and staff know very well what they have to do. It was a private meeting and I don't like to speak about this, but the most important thing was that in the club everybody has to pay attention to protect the image of the club.

There were all the players, and so Ron spoke for the club, for the owner, and the players listened.'

At last its good to hear that they are doing something about it as all we have seen and heard is a constant and consistant battering of Chelsea's reputation by the Press and let's face it they always jump at the chance to have a pop when it comes to us!

We all look at the players off the pitch with their riches and the lifestyle they have due to their individual fame and fortunes. Everyone has an opinion about the money they earn, the fame that comes with it and what they get up to. 

I have said before and will say again, I don't really care about what the players do in their personal lives away from the pitch as firstly its none of my business and secondly what they want to do is down to them. But you have to, like the club has done this week, draw the line as when it begins to affect the image of the club thats where the problems begin. 

I'll tell you one thing, there are two people who have sat back and watched the drama unfold in the last couple of weeks and have loved the distraction and effect it has caused. Mr Ferguson and Mr Mourinho will no doubt look to capitalise on the situation at the Bridge. We've already lost at Everton  and Jose is already cranking up the heat before the big game at the San Siro. 

Its time, and based on the comment above from Carlo that they have, to get together, close ranks and re group. To pull together and get focused back on Football cause at the end of the day its the main reason why we care about our club. No player is bigger than the club so they need to get back focused on what could be the biggest season in our history so far. 

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Daily News: Jose/Wolves/JT/Lampard/Ashley Cole

Todays Daily Bits & Pieces across the Media and the Net!

More from Jose!
Well today more reports are coming out about interviews with Jose Mourinho in addition to what I have already posted about on here but this time Jose is talking about Roman Ambramovich and the "grave mistakes" he has made since he left.

Sky Pundit Andy Gray has had his say on Carlo Ancelotti and the fact that Jose "remains the special one"

Pre Wolves.Ahead of tomorrow's game Marcus Hahnemann has warned his Wolves team mates to expect "a backlash" when Chelsea come to town!

Again in advance of the game tomorrow Chelsea welcome back John Terry to the fold after his break from football for the last few days (and we all know why !)

A blow ahead of the game for Chelsea (whether it will be true or not is another thing) but Frank Lampard looks like he will miss tomorrow's game due to a virus!. Is that with Inter in mind ?

(My match preview will follow later ahead of the game tomorrow)

Ashley Cole


Major coverage this morning has been about an attempted Burglary at Ash's house .
Of course the coverage of Ash's personal "affairs " carries on today with someone named in relation to his "reported" extra curricular activities.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Aliens over the Bridge? That explains it!

I was reading this report on Sky News website about previous MOD secret files declassified and sightings of UFO's around Stamford Bridge in between the years 1994-2000 and to me this has explained a hell of alot.

This lot must have stolen Chris Sutton's shooting boots, Sucked out Winston Bogarde's will to play first team football and used some Alien mind trick's on our management at the time to sign Ambrosetti and Sasa Jokanovic.

Nuff said really!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE (wherever in the Universe you may be!)

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Sir Alex eyeing up Joe Cole!?

I am reading all over the press and the net this morning that Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be looking at Joe Cole as an ideal replacement for Ryan Giggs at United!.

Its no secret that Joe Cole's contract talks seem to of (according to the press anyway) hit a stumbling block on his reported wage demands to be on a par with the clubs second tier earners. If no contract can be reached then Joe will be a free agent in the summer.

Bruce Buck has said previously that he is a "Big Fan"of Joe and that the club is in discussions with his agent and hope to have the situation resolved soon. Carlo Ancelotti, even though unable to guarantee Joe first team football week-in-week-out has said that he is an important player at Chelsea so the signs from the club are good.

Granted, Joe has not been anywhere near his best since he has returned from injury and last weekend against Cardiff he probably had the worst game in a Chelsea shirt. But, his natural ability and his class will show through again once more as Joe looks to cement his place in the Chelsea side under Ancelotti and for England in the World Cup this summer.


The problem is, Carlo Ancelotti will be aware of his talent and ability but so far hasn't really seen Joe produce the goods on the pitch in front of him so as a Chelsea fan you do have to be slightly worried. 


With the lure of Sir Alex Ferguson and possible first team football week in week out we need to nip this in the bud asap.

If Chelsea are to maintain their standards in domestic and european football then Joe has to be a mainstay as far as I am concerned. Joe has age on his side and with the likes of Ballack, Lampard etc coming into the twight of their career's in a few season's we simply have to keep hold of Joe.

The problem is with Joe being a free agent in the summer United won't have to pay a transfer fee so the wages probably wouldn't be a stumbling block (unless the Glazier's take out more money from their coffers!) so if Joe sticks to his guns and his reported £120,000 per week wage demands then it could be a very real possibility.

But at the end of the day, Joe is a Chelsea Fan, Chelsea love Joe Cole and let's hope an agreement can be reached asap for the good of Chelsea and for their continued success in the future.

"He's here!, he's there!, he's everywhere _ _ _ _ _ _ _ where! Joey Cole! Joey Cole!"

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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Jose's at it already! But does he have a point?

Ahead of our Champions League tie with Inter Milan at the San Siro a week tomorrow Jose's is being Jose' and has started to stoke the fires ahead of the tie. This of course is to be expected and let's face it we all want to hear what he has to say when it comes to his press conferences.

He said:
"You should have stuck with me if you wanted to win more titles. Chelsea have suffered in the last two years, and it's no coincidence that their decline happened after I left. We had a unique relationship as a manager, players and fans, and when you break that, it's not easy to fix. They've had a lot of coaches since and maybe some didn't have the mentality for the club. Maybe they tried to change too much of what we put in place. I knew there was no time for a long-term plan with the owner they have at Stamford Bridge. You must win the title in your first season or say bye-bye. I gave them what they needed but I always knew it wasn't a job that would last forever. Maybe they would've been better off sticking with me than changing manager when they did."

Its got me thinking straight away that he has a point and Jose is right. At the end of the day he was sacked as Roman craved for attacking winning football. Jose provided that in our first season and to a degree in our second season but it was the third season / beginning of the fourth that was his downfall as Jose liked us to kill games off and hold onto a 1-0 or 2-0 win. 


I always remember at the time thinking we should really go for broke and murder these teams 3 maybe 4-0 like we did in the first season. We didn't and played in a cautious style at times and that cost him his job. 


But if you look at it and the way it has all panned out you have to ask the question, "Would we of won more titles?". I believe we would of done. Granted at times it wasn't pretty but Jose has always had a winning formula which he has taken onto Inter (Ok Milan have never really recovered from the scandal that rocked them a few years ago and Inter have gone from strength to strength) but the mentality he installs in his players inspires them and has taken them to the title once more in his first season and he is sitting clear at the top of Serie A in his second season. 


Look at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. He inherited a strong team that were defensively solid and worked from that base through the midfield and attack. He won the league a few times with that formula but since then as the likes of Pires, Henry, Ljungberg have left he hasn't been close to the same success. He has opted more so (to me anyway) on flooding his midfield with technically gifted and attack minded players. Players with craft and flair and despite what we say out loud they do play fantastic football against the lesser sides in the League and in the Champions League. When it comes to the crunch they take a beating like they have in the last few weeks from United and ourselves. 


Jose always made sure we had a strong base to work from. Look at his back five in the first two seasons. It was Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry and Bridge. They hardly changed apart from Del Horno in the second season but we had a strong basis. Jose knew that if our attacks broke down he could rely on our defence to do the job. So if he went a goal up or two he would make sure we stayed strong and didn't slip up at the back. He made sure we were solid throughout the side and maintained our shape and maybe our performances did suffer, but we still won games and trophies. 


Let's face it we all know that Avram Grant did a good job when he came in to pick up the pieces. Scolari just didn't cut it and it wasn't really till Hiddink came into town that we started to play the way Roman has craved. 


So in answer to Jose's statement I agree, I think we would of won more titles. But we are now back on track under Ancelotti. Ok he is far more reserved that Jose is but it seems for the majority of the time so far he has got the job done and we are scoring goals but imagine where we could of been if Jose had stayed!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!

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JT flies home as Ashley's up to no good!

No sooner do we hope that all the fuss that has surrounded John Terry dies down, we are now faced with more and more reports of another Chelsea player in "trouble at home!". Now I have said that its none of my business and anyone else's when it comes to players and their personal lives but seriously Ash what are you playing at?.

Not only have you scored an Own Goal in the past and somehow survived it with Cheryl on your shoulder but to do it again, you must be crazy!.

So once more the Chelsea image is taking a serious battering along with Cole more than likely. Why can't you people just concentrate on football when its coming to the crunch and the most important time of the season building up to the World Cup in the summer!

Get a grip people !

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Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff: The Second half was the difference!

Chelsea 4-1 Cardiff. FA Cup Fifth Round Stamford Bridge.

For a second there it looked a bit ropey in the first half, but we came out second half and Cardiff had no answer. We scored three and won 4-1 but at half time it was a very different story.

At half time people around me inside the stand having their usual pie and a pint (myself included) were complaining that we had started well but seem to then take our foot off the gas so to speak. I have to give alot of credit to Cardiff for the way they played in the first half of the game. Jay Bothroyd up front had a fantastic half of football and played the best I have ever seen someone from the lower leagues when they come to the Bridge. He was the target man with the goalscoring Chopra playing off of him.

It didn't help half way through the first half when Alex was booked. Alex was playing next to Riccy at the back and as a resuly Bothroyd had alot his own way. He held the ball up, won his headers and outplayed those two. He even had a header 6 yards out back to goal and fortunatley for us he just glanced the header on into Hilario's hands.

We took the lead as early as the 3rd minute. Mikel picked up the ball and saw Drogba make a curved run across the back four. Mikel played a long ball over the top for Drogba. He ran onto it and with the keeper stuck to his 8 yard box, he had time and space to pick his shot and on the volley put it low into the corner to give us a 1-0 lead.

At the point like alot of fans I was thinking this will now be a cricket score. But, like I said, Cardiff got hold of the ball and had as much of the ball as we did. They knocked the ball about and created some problems. Their goal was disappointing, a cross into the box and Chopra with one other next to him had time to glance his header into the net unchallenged. More than likely because of being wary of the threat Bothroyd was posing.

Hilario had previously been called into action a short time before the goal when another free header in our box was heading for the top corner, Hilario sprung himself high to his left and palmed the ball away for a corner. He was playing in goal as Cech had been rested. Our back four was Zhrikov, Carvalho, Alex and Ferreira and were put under needless pressure in the first half but thats credit to Cardiff.

The formation we had adopted with Ballack, Lampard and Mikel in the middle and Joe Cole and Sturridge supporting Drogba wasn't working because Joe Cole was having a shocker. Don't get me wrong I am one of Joe Cole's biggest fans but everything he tried to do wasn't coming off at all. He kept losing the ball or giving it away and was no surprise to see him taken off at half time. Sturridge did quite well but wasn't as effective as he was in the second half.

So we go in at half time 1-1 and to be fair it was a fair reflection of the way the first half had panned out. Kalou came in for Joe Cole second half and we looked like a different side. We got on the ball, we were knocking it about like we are used to and in the end Cardiff could cope with our constant movement and possession. Drogba floated a ball over the top for Ballack to finish calmly passed the keeper to make it 2-1 after five mins of the second half.

Then later in the half Drogba and Sturridge combined and with some sloppy defending the ball broke to the unmarked Sturridge 12 yards out and he slotted the ball under the keeper to make it 3-1. It was game over and we killed the game dead when Paulo Ferriera crossed for Kalou to head home a difficult header into the corner to make to 4-1.

Our second half performance was much better, we played with more intensity and that was the difference in the second half. But you have to question why on earth it took 45 minutes and a subsequent rollocking at half time for the boys to get going?. Especially after the defeat in midweek. But a win is a win the press have focused on the "lesson" we gave Cardiff yesterday but for everyone that was there we all know that it was a very different story in the first half!

(The FA Cup draw has been made tonight and we have drawn Man City or Stoke at home in the next round. Who'd of thought it eh after all the goings on surrounding JT. a Mr Bridge will be licking his lips at that no one doubt! You've got to get passed them first!)

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!

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Up for the Cup! - The Chelsea Football FanCast #105

 
With Chelsea safely through to the FA Cup quarter finals, the Chelsea Fancast team look forward to the draw. Chidge is otherwise engaged with family duties, so Dr. Martin fronts the show once again. Chelsea’s defeat by Everton at Goodison in midweek leaves them still top of the league, but not really ‘aving a laugh.

Poor defending at Everton followed by four goals by different scorers against Cardiff represent a week of mixed fortunes for Chelsea. Both matches are discussed, and the Man of the Match and Chant of the Match, Guinness and Celery Moments are awarded.

In “We’re out to show the world the way to sing!”, Stu takes the lead once more in a rousing old favourite extolling the merits of West London in contrast to those in the North of the capital.
We look at the latest Chelsea gossip: the unfortunate injury to Ashley Cole, FA Cup and League prospects and say farewell to goalkeeper Petar Borota who sadly passed away this week.

Dr. Martin answers your questions on Chelsea-supporting celebrities, our favourite fixtures and Arsene Wenger’s mental condition in “Dear Mart”. In "You're on CFFC" we read messages from listeners on progress with the new Rio Ferdinand song which was suggested in #104 and an inspirational rant for Chelsea to win the League.

The Chelsea Football FanCast: Up for the Cup!

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Chelsea V Cardiff preview

Well in just over 3 hours we kick off the next round of the FA Cup against Cardiff at the Bridge in the early kick off. With Arsenal, Liverpool and United all out of the competition we are clear favourites to win it again this season. Once more Carlo Ancelotti has named his side well ahead of kick off and its another indication of how seriously we are taking this competition. But Carlo has given some players a break.

As you know by now JT has been given some time off so he won't feature today. Ashley Cole has also been added to the injury list of Deco, Belletti, Bosingwa and Essien in the last few days and is out for a while. With no other injury concerns Carlo has decided to rest certain players for the game today. Petr Cech and Anelka are given complete rest. Branislav Ivanovic is moved to the bench along with Malouda.

The starting eleven is as follows:

Hilario in goal, defenders are Ferreira, Alex, Carvalho and Zhirkov. Midfielders Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, and strikers Sturridge, Joe Cole and Drogba.

Subs:  Turnbull, Bruma, Ivanovic, Malouda, Matic, Borini and Kalou.'



Ahead of the game Carlo said:

"It is a very important competition that they won last year, and we have a great opportunity to go forward, We know very well Cardiff will come to do their best, they have a good team, a lot of passion around them, so we have to pay attention and come back to win after the defeat against Everton. Totally different because in Italy the Italian Cup is not interesting. It is not interesting for anybody, the players, the fans, the stadiums are empty, it is different.' The FA Cup is a fantastic opportunity for all the teams to play their best, they are followed by a lot of passion around them and have fantastic strikers who scored a lot of goals in the Championship - we have to pay attention."

It's nice to see how important the FA Cup is to Chelsea and Carlo Ancelotti. With our defeat the other day fresh in our minds its an important opportunity to shake the cobwebs off and get that out of our system with a professional performance against a dangerous side today.

But all in all we have the quality and on paper should win this one comfortably. I am happy that he has brought Ballack back into the midfield next to Lampard and Mikel and those three will look to dictate the game. With Didier up front leading the line and Sturridge and Joe Cole supporting him then we should get the win. But hey, this is Chelsea and this is the FA Cup and I wouldn't be surprised if we make it difficult for ourselves!.

Chelsea to win 3-0 (maybe after a struggle) : Drogba, Lampard, Sturridge.

COME ON THE CHELS!

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Massive Blow as Ash is out for three months!

Devastating news for all Chelsea fans yesterday was the news confirmed by Chelsea on the official site when they announced that Ashley Cole has suffered a fracture to his left ankle and will be out for three months!.

This is a massive blow to us as he has been one of our best and most consistant players this season. So it now leaves Ancelotti with the option of Zhirkov or Ferreira to cover for most of the remainder of the season. Tomorrow's cup game will be an ideal opportunity to have a look at them both for the position in the League. It all depends on the formation Ancelotti wants to stick with and whether or not he wants the full backs to continue to get forward. If he does then he has to go for Zhirkov.

Listening to the press now they are saying that Ashley Cole could be out of the World Cup as in just over three months Fabio Capello will name his initial England Squad. I am sure with the facilities we have at Cobham and Chelsea that everyone will do what they can to get Ash back playing.

Good luck Ash and I wish you well with your recovery!

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!

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Fan Focus: Ben Sewell

ABOUT YOU:

Your name?
Ben Sewell

Your age?
17

How many years you have followed Chelsea?
As long as i can remember.

Whats the best part about being a Chelsea Fan?
Having the best supporters in the land.

Whats your match day routine?
Get up around 9am, Watch Soccer AM, Leave about 11am for a 40 Minute drive. Get to the Hand & Flower around 1, Head into the Bridge about 2/2.30. Sit in the Shed, Gate 6 :)

THE GAMES:

Whats your favourite game ever?
Bolton 0-2 Chelsea, Best day of my Life.

Whats the best game you have ever been to?
Chelsea 4-4(7-5) Liverpool - Champions League Semi Final.

Whats the best atmosphere you've witnessed?
Cant Think... Mmmm.. I'd say Charity Shield this year, Not in the ground at The Globe :) CELERRRRRY!!!

Whats the worse atmosphere?
The Worst atmosphere in the world, Wigan. 12 men and a dog.

Whats your favourite away ground and why?
Wembley, Cos its our Second Home.

Where do you sit at Chelsea?
Shed Lower, Gate 6

If you could sit anywhere else in the ground where would it be?
North Stand , Gate 11, Row R. To be precised

THE PLAYERS:

Who is your favourite player?
Easy... JT.

Who is your least favourite player?
Gallas. Don't need to say anymore do i?

Name you top 3 all-time players
JT, Zola, Wise

Name your top 3 worst ever players?
Bogarde, Ambrosetti and Ben-Haim.

Who's the top 5 signings Chelsea ever made?
Essien, Drogba, Lampard, If(FreeTransfer's count) Poyet, Zola

Who's the top 5 worst Signings ever?
Ben-Haim, Maniche, Shevchenko, Ambrosetti, Go on then.. Kalou.

If you could, who would you sign that is yet to play for Chelsea?
Fernando Torres, Simple.

Who would you re-sign if you could?
The little Italian. Number 25.

Player to watch this season?
Borini, When given his chance.

MOMENT:

Name your favourite Chelsea Moment ever (it could be anything to do with Chelsea)
Mmm, Thats a hard one... There's been too many..

I'd say when JT, Lifted the trophy for the first time and then the second time.
 

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!

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Terry flies off after a worrying comment from Ancelotti

So John Terry today begins his time off from football to get his personal life and the situation he has found himself in sorted out in Dubai. Now I have said from day one since the story broke that what he does off the pitch is his business and all I care about is what he does for Chelsea on the pitch for those 90 mins.

Now the press and the media will focus and analyise JT and the goals and make a right meal of it and blame everything on him and the goings on rather than simple mistakes. But like I have said in my report from last night how many times do you see JT misjudge the flight of a high ball and jump under it with no pressure being put on him by the opposing forward jumping with him?.

It was only after the game when Ray Wilkins confirmed that JT will take a leave of absence and what he said that maybe got me thinking. Wilkins said:

"They just had a little chat, John and Carlo, and decided that would be the best for all concerned".

What does he mean "all concerned?". There is no question that the pressure and intense media speculation about John Terry has surely taken some toll on JT's personal life and god knows how he has dealt with whats happened. Don't forget added to that he also had the England Armband taken away from him by Fabio Cappelo. Like I have said before I am not saying what he did in his personal life was right or wrong as its not my business.

The fact that Ancelotti has said for "all concerned" and the mistake last night for the second goal tells me that maybe he needs to get his head in the right place and thats why he is off to save his marriage. We will never know for definate the situation with the second goal last night but he will be made as a scapegoat by the press.

I want to clarify that I mean no disrespect to JT and will always be 100% behind him as he is our captain. Its just a shame that its come to this but I respect what he needs to do and what he is about to do and we can't blame him for wanting to do the right thing. Its just disappointing that its affecting our football on the pitch as he won't be leading us out against Cardiff.

Good luck JT and hope to have you back asap!.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH!

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Everton 2-1 Chelsea: You got it wrong Ancelotti as Saha does us twice!

Trust Chelsea eh?. For those of you who have followed the Chels your whole lives and have "blue-blood" it will come as no surprise that we let another one slip yesterday and blew another chance to extend our lead at the top of the Premier League.

As per my match preview I could see the game would be difficult as it always is against David Moyes' well organised and disciplined side. I did not forsee however that Carlo Ancelotti would drop Michael Ballack in favour of Yuri Zhirkov.

I still can't understand it now to be honest. Ballack provides a good balance with Lampard in midfield playing just in front of the midfield anchor man. Ballack has by now a wealth of experience in playing the big games so i will never get my head around that decision. No disrespect to Zhirkov, but we knew Everton would smother the midfield with their 4 across the middle and Cahill in the gap just behind Louis Saha, so why would you change your midfield from the strongest and most settled you have?.

Ancelotti's hand was forced in regards to our formation when Joe Cole picked up a knock in his knee (not that one, the other one) and had to be rested and Deco and Alex were both rested with knocks and a stiff back so the back five was unchanged from the Arsenal game. Ancelotti went with the Christmas Tree 4-3-2-1 formation with Malouda and Anelka supporting Drogba and Lampard, Mikel and Zhirkov across the middle.

Everton made their two changes to the team that lost at Liverpool at the weekend with Arteta coming in for Felliani and Bilyaletdinov coming in for the suspended Pienaar.

Early doors it there wasn't really much to report as both teams worked to try and get a foot-hold in the game. We scored after a long ball (route one stuff) was played upto Drogba who flicked the ball on, Malouda beat the defender and scored passed Howard to put is 1-0 up. We have other chances in the first half but nothing more than half chances until Drogba gets into the box down the left hand side and looks up and flicks the ball back square to what looks like Ashley Cole's run. The ineffective Anelka takes it off his foot and shoots wide whereas Ash is in a better position to score!.

Everyone today ( I haven't seen or read them yet) will more than likely focus on John Terry and the two goals that Saha scored and the fact that he now has been given time off. The first goal was once more sloppy defending from a set piece and but for the fact it was 6 yards closer to the near post it was an almost identical goal to the one we conceeded against Hull this time last week. Its obvious Everton have a goal threat so we should of dealt with it. Saha got in front of JT, the ball just beat Lampard at the near post and Saha put it away and credit to him. Great header, Cech no chance once more and we were 1-1.

Then Carvalho gives away a penalty against the (you have to say) really impressive Landon Donovan. I knew it looked like not alot of contact but you should never make those sort of challenges inside the box these days. Credit to Cech as he saved the penalty from Saha.

The second Everton goal is a joke. When does John Terry ever misjudge the flight of a high ball forward? I can't remember the last time he did before last night. He jumps under it, Saha controls it and lashes a shot with the outside of his left foot, the ball swings away to the far post and through Cech's hands into the corner. Should Cech of done better? Maybe, but should never of been in that position.

So we are 2-1 down. What makes it worse for me is that five minutes previous, Ashley Cole takes a knock from a 50-50 challenge so Ballack NOW comes on with 20 minutes to go. Zhirkov is moved the left back. Now we start to dominate. Everton dig in as we create half chance after half chance and a Drogba header that comes back off the crossbar. We have a better balance, we are now much more dominant but just can't break Everton down.

You have to hand it to Everton. Everyone in football knows how good a manager David Moyes is and how hard his teams work against you. Thats four points they have taken off of us this season and full credit to them. Their work rate last night was immense. The gave us little time on the ball and always put the man on the ball under pressure. They created their own chances in the game too and with Louis Saha up front and the way he is playing he is just as important to them as Drogba is to us. He always gives us a hard game and we should know to expect it. Let's face it, if it wasn't for Cech it could of been worse (the penalty). They deserved the win last night and good luck to them for the rest of the season. Landon Donovan has been a major reason for the upturn in their fortunes and he is always a threat on the ball.

Ray Wilkins said after the game:

"'When you come to a place like Everton their work rate is such that they make it extremely difficult for you, They are never going to lie down and they came back at us in a really strong fashion. Looking at the whole game they probably just deserved to nick it but well done to our lads as well because in the end we really came back and had a go.You have to give Everton a lot of credit for the way they played, They certainly worked extremely hard, didn't give us a lot of time on the ball, and when you're working against that then it's going to be a difficult evening. Perhaps we lacked a touch of intensity but apart from that our football was good and we just couldn't pull it off in the end.'

David Moyes said:

'It was a perfect result, it just shows the way we have been playing in the last few months. Teams know when they play Everton they are always going to have a game. Chelsea didn't come into it with any complacency. We had to hang in for 20 minutes when I thought Chelsea were fantastic by interchanging positions, making it very hard to get close to them, Zhirkov and Lampard in particular. But when we got to one each, everybody in the ground grew, everyone felt better and in the second half the players turned the screw, we smothered Chelsea with every opportunity. The players did a great job.'

With Saha, Pienaar, Donovan and Cahill they will always cause you problems and we should of learn't from the 3-3 earlier in the season but obviously didn't. Let's hope that Everton can cause the other sides around us the same problems. So if any of you Toffee's are reading this fair play.

Now as for us. Thats 1 win in the last 7 away games so something is obviously wrong when we play away from the Bridge. Its not secret that set-pieces have cost us before and will more than likely cost us again before the season is out. Wilkins also said about the fact that "we would love to be running away ten points clear at the top but that was never going to happen" to which I ask the question "why not?" if you had sorted out our performances away and our defending of set pieces we bloody could be!!

Let's hope we can shake this one out of our system before Cardiff at the weekend!.

Chelsea(4-3-2-1):Cech; Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry (c), A Cole (Ballack 56); Lampard, Mikel (Sturridge 76), Zhirkov; Anelka (Kalou 66), Malouda; Drogba.

Scorers Malouda 16,
Booked Mikel 62, Malouda 90+4.


Everton (4-4-1-1): Howard; Neville (c), Heitinga, Distin, Baines; Donovan, Osman, Arteta (Rodwell 74, Bilyaletdinov (Gosling 85); Cahill; Saha (Senderos 90+3).

Scorer Saha 34, 75.
Booked Donovan 64.

CAREFREE & KTBFFH! (or at least try to for a couple of days!)

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