Premier League: Arsenal 0 - 3 Chelsea... Newspaper reaction, Goal videos, Match report, Player ratings
Sunday, 29 November 09, 06:52 PM · Comments (99)
Newspaper reports
The Guardian, Kevin McCarra: "For Arsenal the future has been postponed once again. This defeat was all too familiar. It was reminiscent, for instance, of the 3-1 beating here by Manchester United in the second leg of last season's Champions League semi-final. There was a pointed resemblance, as well, to the 4-1 drubbing when Chelsea themselves last came to the Emirates in May."
Daily Telegraph, Jason Burt: "Arsenal's title hopes took a significant, possibly fatal blow as they were brushed aside by the power and threat of Chelsea which was epitomised by a frightening performance by Didier Drogba. "
The Times, Oliver Kay: "There are wins, there are conquests and then, perhaps once or twice over the course of a title-winning season, there are resounding statements that indicate that a team bear the hallmark of champions."
The Independent, Sam Wallace: "Sitting on the bench at the end of the game, having wreaked havoc on Arsenal, Didier Drogba spent the last five minutes signing autographs for the home fans. And if you think that was humiliating for Arsenal, it was nothing compared to the game itself."
Official Chelsea FC Website: "On a soggy afternoon in north London, Chelsea surrendered plenty of the ball to the home side but when it came high into our box or the shots were unleashed, Terry and Carvalho were a towering presence in recording a fifth straight league clean sheet."
The goals
41' Drogba 0-1
44' Vermaelen 0-2
86' Drogba 0-3
The build-up
Going into the game I was fairly confident this Chelsea team had the beating of Arsenal. I just had one of those feelings; we were playing too well, Arsenal are missing a few players through injury, and barring any cock-ups I saw a 2-0 or 2-1 result for us. I woke up looking forward to the game, in fact I've been looking forward to it all week, especially as our next few games are against weaker opposition. Arsenal haven't lost in the league at home since the Chelsea game in May so I thought today's game should be a good barometer as to where we are in terms of a championship winning team.
Over the past few seasons we have been able to out-muscle Arsenal, and looking at the team sheet I think I could see Ancelotti had decided to play to that strength: Ballack and Deco had made way for the faster and younger pair of Mikel and Joe Cole. Lampard also made a welcome return, but apart from that the team was as expected, with Ivanovic keeping his place while Bosingwa is injured. Personally I think he has done enough to keep that spot even when Bosingwa is fit again, and looks strong defensively and going forward in the games he has played at right-back this season.
The match
As the game kicked off Arsenal dominated the opening spell, keeping Chelsea pinned deep in their own half. Arsenal had two or three darts down the left where Arshavin was having some joy against Branners, and Terry and Carvalho had to combine to keep Eduardo from going through against Cech. Chelsea had a couple of chances as well, with Drogba wrongly called offside and Anelka getting a bit of a tug in the Arsenal box from Sagna which looked like a penalty. It was pissing it down though, so it may have been a bit of a slip from Anelka. No-one really appealed much.
After half an hour Chelsea had absorbed most of Arsenal's attacks, but Fabregas had controlled much of the game up until now and Chelsea's best route so far looked like a ball over the top or down the wings. We started to play our way into the game, with Essien and Lampard taking the ball from the back and trying to bring people into the match, but it was difficult as Arsenal kept a high line and Chelsea's back four were quite deep, meaning our space to play was in our own half. As Terry pushed up field trying to pick a pass he released Ashley Cole with a perfectly weighted through ball for Cole to square into the box. Drogba was in between two Arsenal players on the edge of the six yard box as it came in and he side footed on the volley, fading the ball into the top corner of Almunia's goal.
“Come on Chelsea! Get in! Fuck you Arsenal!”
For some reason I have begun the habit of shouting loudly at the TV when Chelsea score in a tight game, and I was at top volume today. Ashley Cole must have felt like yelling similar sentiments at the Arsenal fans who'd been booing him all game. It's hard to believe he thought he wasn't appreciated at Arsenal, isn't it?
The goal had come after Chelsea had just started to get the better of Arsenal, and straight from the restart we made sure to keep concentration and soon got a second. It was very similar to the first, but this time with Vermaalen providing the finish instead of Drogba from Cole's cross, and again the ball went straight into the same top corner. It was slightly unfortunate for Arsenal, but in truth Chelsea's directness was proving more effective than Arsenal's passing. For all the territory Arsenal enjoyed they hadn't asked enough questions and Cech only had one save to make all half.
At the beginning of the second half Arsenal predictably came out and tried to nick an early goal. After a bit of a goal mouth scramble where Chelsea defenders got in four or five last ditch tackles the ball bobbed up for Cech to catch, Eduardo fouled him and Arsenal had a goal disallowed. After this early flurry Chelsea played good controlling football, imposing their game on Arsenal. Arshavin was one of many Arsenal players starting to get frustrated and tried to bully Cech as the keeper was kicking out of hand. Silly gestures like this just seemed to reinforce Chelsea's will to win and in reply to Arshavin Drogba made sure he collected the clearance when it eventually came from Cech, laid it off to Anelka, collected it again and smashed a shot which had Almunia scrambling after a deflection off Lampard. Two thirds of the game had gone and Chelsea were coasting.
Arsenal brought on Walcott and Vela to try to inject some pace; Eduardo who was replaced had a pretty mediocre game. Ancelotti did his normal sub at the seventy minute mark, this time Deco on for Joe Cole. I don't really see what Deco adds to the team a lot of the time he comes on, and this time his contribution was to slow down a counter attack until Arsenal got back before giving the ball away. I definitely prefer a more physical, direct game that is the English style to the slower, continental build up Deco is so good at. I guess the point of a player at the top of the diamond is that he can afford to be a bit more profligate with the ball, and with the other three exerting physical dominance over this Arsenal side we kept winning the ball back in midfield. The commentary summed it up: “Are Chelsea the best team you have seen in the Premier League this season Robbie?”
“They're certainly the strongest.”
With about ten minutes left the cameras showed the first Arsenal fans leaving - I couldn't see the away fans but I could hear them asking Gallas what the score was. This was followed up by an equally loud rendition of “You are shit, You are shit, You are shit, You are shit” aimed at the Arsenal team (I usually watch the games on Sopcast and I always enjoy hearing the colourful chanting they usually edit out on Sky). The taunting seemed to act as a catalyst for Fabregas' frustration and he brought down Essien who was in the act of marauding through the Arsenal team (not for the first time in the game). Drogba placed the resulting free kick past Almunia and the victory was sown up.
The analysis
Chelsea were great, containing Arsenal, dominating the game and making the Gunners look poor. We played with quite a deep back four, which I guess isn't unusual away, but it prevented Arsenal having any space to play their passing game except in front of us, and with them playing in our half we scored the first two goals because Ashley Cole had space to run into. Our defence was magnificent as well which it hasn't always been this season, all the back four look solid. The defence relies on great concentration and positioning from the 'diamond' in front of them, and I noticed on two occasions when Arsenal had kicked off following a goal that within twenty seconds we'd won the ball back and gained a foul, allowing us to control the pace of the game and regain the initiative.
Player ratings
- Cech – 7/10 – Dealt with a few crosses comfortably, punching or catching them, but wasn't asked to do much.
- A. Cole – 9/10 – Got loads of abuse and replied with faultless defending and two assists. I hope he wasn't badly inured when he limped off near the end as he really ripped into Arsenal and provided a source of the goals yet again.
- Carvalho – 8.5/10 – Back to classic Riccy, throwing himself into tackles and making some good interceptions and blocks.
- Terry – 9/10 – Great game from JT, played a beautifully weighted pass with his left peg to help set up the first goal and made some good challenges, particularly one in the second half. I think he looks in some of the best form of his career at the moment, which is good for Chelsea and England with the World Cup coming up.
- Ivanovic – 8/10 – Soon settled into the game and looked good defensively. Maybe didn't do as much as he sometimes does going forward but I'd still pick him over Bosingwa.
- Mikel – 7/10 – Came in for Ballack and had a good game. Misplaced the odd pass though.
- Lampard – 8.5/10 – Fabregas started the game as the brightest player but Lampard and Essien soon dominated him. Some lovely passing and ball winning from Frank.
- Essien – 8/10 – Epitomising the Chelsea performance Essien wanted the ball more than Arsenal's players and used it more intelligently. Harsh to give him an eight perhaps but I thought others stood out a little bit more.
- J. Cole – 7/10 – I didn't think Joe or Deco were very effective today, but at least Joe showed his usual energy and won the ball a few times.
- Anelka – 8.5/10 – 'Le Sulk' has now won me over as he puts in a good performance week after week. He scored a vital goal on Wednesday and the way he drops off and links up with other players in the team is becoming an important feature of our play.
- Drogba – 9/10 – So good he makes Senderos cry, even when he's on the bench. My Man of the Match – he was unplayable at times and Arsenal must hate the sight of him. Scored the first, pressured Vermaalen into an own goal, and wrapped it up with a peach of a free kick.
The conclusion
This was classic Chelsea of the Abramovich era. We contained Arsenal and physically pummelled them, showing a greater will to win and some great discipline. Just take a minute and consider the size of our players: Terry, Ivanovic, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Drogba. The closest Arsenal have got to a heavyweight is Vermaalen. How can a team expect to win when the over half the opposition side is stronger and bigger than every player in their side? The only way is to play better football, but against Chelsea that is extremely difficult and Arsenal stumbled. I think we have added to the Mourinho will to win under Ancelotti with a physical dominance that we have struggled to capitilise on in previous teams containing Robben, Duff, Wright-Phillips, or, dare I say it, Makelele? I've got to wrap it up now as it's getting late, but to sum it up I thought today we steamrolled Arsenal and still had another gear to go into.
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99 Comments · Add yours
Great report BIMV.
I too have a habit of yelling at the TV when we score. And at other, less crucial junctures.
Fantastic game. My prediction was rather a 1-1 or a 2-1. I didn't get a good look at the Eduardo foul on Cech, but it was quite clear as we went in 2-0 up at half that Arsenal were cooked.
Arsenal appear to have similar problems as we did under Scolari- it was funny to watch Arsenal pass the ball around in a crescent as we defended deep. They had little in the air, and it was quite clear that they were surprised at how committed the defense was at throwing bodies in front of shots. They have been "found out" in their system the same way we were.
Wenger's post match comments were very disappointing. A stark contrast to Ancelotti who so far just oozes class. Magnanimous in victory, conciliatory in defeat, respectful of the other team. I can't imagine that anyone is even on the fence about him anymore.
He really has brought out the best in Drogba as well. It was quite clear early on that the game would hinge on Drogs, and there was a moment when Didier was hauled down and he gave the ref his "I can't believe you didn't blow the whistle" look that indicated a turning point. Either Drogba was going to flop around and sulk, or he would man up. Historically Drogba has sulked his way out of games, but today, just as he has all season, he delivered. Seeing Traore come in flying with a shoulder barge and go flying out was indicative of how unplayable Drogba is right now.
My only quibble (and this is on the newspaper ratings as well) is that Essien was rated too low. He was tireless in defense, forming a wall that didn't allow any passes through the middle, but forced them out to Cole and Ivanovic.
Joe Cole was rather poor, and I do hope we get to see Kakuta play a game in the hole. Perhaps against Watford.
Thanks Mark. Pretty much as I saw it, I can't see anything to disagree with.
I managed to catch most of the game while celebrating my birthday round a friend's place. I watched it on my iPhone, the first Chelsea game I've viewed on it since Sky introduced their new sports app. (It blows me away that I can watch live football on my PHONE. It wasn't long ago that I was excited to receive live SMS updates via my mobile.) While I was inebriated on red wine by the time of kick-off, I saw enough to convince my alcohol addled brain that it's going to take something extra special to stop us winning the league this season. I just thought we were immense. (Deco's cameo performance was disappointing, crap in fact, but he didn't really have time to get into the game. He's been pretty good this season though.)
You could sum up the Gunners' performance thus: SAME OLD ARSENAL. Pretty good in possession, some slick passing, but as soon as they reached our 18-yard line it all went pear-shaped - they never really looked like breaking us down. Surely it must drive some Gooners mad to see their players refusing to shoot when a chance to do so presents itself. The players always seem to want to play a killer pass which is often one pass too many.
As for Wenger's reaction: ever so slightly deluded. I like him and think he's a great manager, but he's kidding himself if he thinks that one (rightly) disallowed goal cost his team the game. Sam Wallace in the Independent sums it up best:
[cont...]
"It does Wenger no favours when he tries to wriggle out of what was painfully clear to everyone else at the Emirates, or at least the 20,000 or so Arsenal fans who hung around until the final whistle. He claimed that his team were denied a goal when referee Andre Marriner penalised Eduardo for kicking the ball out of Petr Cech's hands four minutes after half-time, just before Arshavin volleyed in the loose ball.
"Wenger said that decision had changed the course of the match and that Drogba had done little of note. It was wild and whirling stuff from the Arsenal manager. He would find few among his own fans who would agree, especially not the bloke who kept asking Drogba to sign his programmes. The kindest thing we can say about such an intelligent football man is that Wenger was simply traumatised by what he had seen and was temporarily incapable of facing the truth."
Anyway, time to grab a few hours sleep. No doubt I will have, in the immortal words of Withnail, a bastard behind the eyes in the morning.
7/10 for Joe Cole seems pretty generous. I'm not sure he even made enough passes or touches to warrant a rating. He has a very annoying tendency to dribble endlessly cutting back and forth with the ball with his head down. I understand that everyone likes him because he seems to have a good attitude and he is English but I dont think he deserves a start. Deco showed his class when he came in and provided much better service. Great win otherwise. Keep the Blue Flag Flying High!
Links to goals:
LINK
Mind you, its a Russian site.
Seems my links got lost in the html jungle! One more try. Hope it works.
Goal 1:
LINK
I give up - but you know where to get links from.
Back to the game - I lovvved it. Nothing gives me more pleasure than watching us thrashing arsenal. Mainly because how media echo-chamber gets into their giant young gooners' attractive football, while we have been playing equally good or better football. And they are the most snobbish of all fans I have known.
I think the only weak performances were of Joe Cole and Deco. Really disappointing. I would have loved to see ze German in, but probably the eyebrow wanted more pace. Mikel gave me few anxious moments, but was fine I guess.
Drogba's rocket was icing on the cake.
As for Arsenal, the 'young' gooners will forever remain young. And AW has proved himself to be a sore loser - even worse than the red nose. I mean, not a single sentence he managed to blurt out made any sense. I am sure he has wet dreams of Drogba pounding his ass, but refuses to accept it. He has no class whatsoever.
Correction:
"giant young gooners' attractive football," should be "giant young gooners' attractive football orgy,".
:(
A magnificently resounding drubbing.......
A few points of note:
1) Anelka is looking supreme at the moment. His link up play with the midfield and Drogba is wonderful to watch.
2) Our game showed exactly what Arsenal have been lacking for 5 years....The ability to take the few chances that come along. For all their possession, they really didn't test Cech that much.
3) Wenger's bleating is laughable.... Sure the disallowed goal could have stood on another day, but equally there could have been a penalty on Anelka in the first half and another for the rugby tackle on Terry in the second half.
4) I'm tired of the Arsenal 'kids' argument now. The average age of their side was 25, as opposed to our 28. If they ain't good enough yet, they never will be.
5)Drogba's domination of the Gooners is fantastic. It's great for strikers to have teams they love scoring against, and for DD's to be a main rival is great to watch.
6) Ashley Cole showed he is far and away the best left back in the world. Able to attack and defend, the Arsenal fans know exactly what they are missing, which is why they try and boo him with such vigour.
And a special mention to Carlo Ancelotti..... Not so much for the way he set out the side, but for the fantastic 'Beanie-Man' impression he was attempting in the driving rain..... For me the hat showed that whilst he may not have got used the English weather, he has certainly rolled up his sleeves and getting on with the job.
Well done Chelsea.....An outstanding performance against a side that have only lost 6 times at home since they moved to the Emirates.
Tat was an awesome Chelsea performance..Hats off to the team..
Anceolooti is d right man...
I see Fabregas is well on the way to being the referees new darling. Maybe because he's still a kid? The tackle (if you can all it that) that brought Essien down for DD's free-kick was a lunge from behind that went unpunished card-wise, yet we were picking up yellows for exactly the same thing. By the time he finally got booked, he should have been long gone. Wengers ridiculous rant about being unable to see (surprise surprise) why their 'goal' was disallowed was fairly laughable. Surely it was a blatant handball by Nasri to get the ball down in the first place? Not sure how that was missed by the ref and his assistant, but never mind.
Decent game. I never thought we looked completely comfortable until we got the third. The first was brilliant football from us (not that you'll hear that mentioned anywhere). The second a nice stroke of luck but when Arsenal came at us at the start of the second half, I thought we looked like we were hanging on a bit too much.
Mikel dallied too many times on the ball, taking too long when he's in possession in key areas. I was really unimpressed by Joe Cole - absolutely no ball retention, he lost it time and time again. Right up until he was replaced by Deco. Who did the same thing.
January is going to hurt, that's for sure. Mikel and Kalou we can live without. Drogba and Essien? No chance.
Essien I think we have the cover for. I'm more worried about replacing Drogba, though we haven't really given Sturridge a run and of course katkuta looks blinding (not that he is a conventional front man, rather I'd play him in a free role or in the hole). Borini has looked tidy in the few glimpses of him I have seen.
We better pray that Katkuta, Matic and Borini build upon their excellent cameos against Wolves.
shouted myself hoarse watchin the game, behaving like a strange, foul-mouthed, know-it-all groupie and exasperating my mother who looked on in dismay.i get riled up pretty easy and end up vowing to come after the ref with a matchet.some of the calls made, not made, or HALF-MADE, esp. fabregas' lunge-with-intent-to-maim challenge on essien, were suspect, but, hey, we kicked arsenal's ass at the emirates pretty gloriously!
that team performance? can you spell CHAMPIONS?! was pretty nervous about the match because we tend to fuck up a little against big-4 opposition,but now - ha ha ha! confidence, love for chelsea, hell, BELIEF, is bubbling over!!
being african (zimbabwean) i am giddy with pride at the sparkling performance from Drogaba and Essien!! yes, i love those men - dramatic sigh - and i'm nervous for january; damn AFCON; hopefully that french kid who had us almost in the shit can step up and play marvellous, and we buy some obscure brilliant honduran who'll hold things down til our african princes come back. hehe...
sunday was a solid team performance, dazzling, sublime, championship-grabbing play. yes, carlo, is bringing out the best in the team, despite my scepticism with regard to his coaching skills. even anelka (still not convinced by him, still a lil angry after his mess up in moscow) played good. JT may now be captain of my life, Lamps has still got it, glad to see Joe Cole continuing uninjured, defence was solid, the mid was good but still like Ballack over Mikel, thank jesus Cech had little to do (my confidence in him is a little wobbly).
good job, Chelsea! kiss our ass arsenal, liverpool,man u! and wehe, sir alex, time to hand over the championship trophy.
chelsea - champions 2009/2010
I listened on the radio, which always makes things sound a lot tighter than they really are (basically, it was just an uninterrupted stream of Arsenal players names as they played the ball around, followed by a Chelsea goal and one of the commentators informing us that it had been coming for a while).
So if the highlights were accurate, we looked astonishingly good. Terry is magnificent at the moment, and his pass for the first goal epitomes what I have always argued about him - that he is as comfortable on the ball as any English centre half I've seen for thirty years. I thought Terry was in terminal decline a while ago, but he is back better than ever - just as Lampard was before him.
The Drogba-Traore bounce-off was the moment of the match for me, incredible stuff. And I am loving the Anelka at the moment, I could watch him all day.
There was a telling stat in the Guardian - Traore had 59 successful passes; Ashley had 19. Which one would you rather have in your team?
Office Gooners are very honest. Yes, they missed RVP, but they know they have too many of the same sort of players, cannot vary their play enough and always want to take one more touch in front of goal. I think Wenger needs to placate them in January and show some ambition...
That's interesting about your office Gooners, Pete, and I wonder if it relates to what Greelight says above (no. 9):
"4) I'm tired of the Arsenal 'kids' argument now. The average age of their side was 25, as opposed to our 28. If they ain't good enough yet, they never will be."
I'm just wondering whether Whinger's fairly epic post-match whinge reflects a lurking fear that his whole project of developing a young team into champions just isn't going to happen. He's never been a good loser (nor was José of course) but it seems that recently he's been simply baffled/confused by the fact that his team isn't winning easily: as if he's already waved his magic wand -- Develop Young Skilful Continental Players, Instil Quick-Passing Game, Receive Fellatio From Meejah, Hey Presto!! -- and can't understand why they aren't magically beating everyone.
It would be interesting to get the views of some Gooners about whether they feel the Wenger project might turn out to be based on false principles, and whether they think he can fix it.
As for us: only saw bits of second half on my iPod but it looked impressive. This looked like the trickiest run of fixtures until quite late in the season and if we can beat Citeh away next weekend I think we're in really good shape. You can almost feel the rest of the league getting disheartened, can't you?
A word from the Pastor Bayou of the Church of Jesus, Hope of the Vaguely Insane
(Church motto – Jesus would have been handy with a rifle).
From somewhere up a mountain in Idaho.
At the start of this season, I decided that my pastoral mission was best achieved by retreating to this mountain hideout in Idaho with as much ordnance as one man could carry, there to await the inevitable destruction of the world, surrounded by my loyal and faithful believers.
I was soon surrounded by the Federal Bureau of Excitement, whose agents were intent on persuading me to give myself up and live peacefully in the nearby town of Premiership Success.
Well I’ve steadfastly refused to be carried away. But I must confess that yesterday, for the first time I looked around my collapsing, unheated cabin with it’s meagre supplies of tinned corned beef and well, more tinned corned beef, inhaled the fetid air from my unwashed body and the un-emptied bucket of piss in the corner and began to wonder. Perhaps I am wrong, maybe the days of Victory are at hand.
Them Federal boys were yelling on their bull horns. They had a bus all ready to go. Just about everyone who was left slunk away, unable to look me in the eye.
But I prayed and saw that this was the devil’s work. Raising us up only to smite us down.
So I will remain here. Despite the cold, the stench and the lice.
For though it will take a great smoting to smite us, I know deep down we will be smitten by a great and awful smote.
Happy Christmas
(very good report BIMV – I thought JC was quite busy and did a job in an unspectacular fashion. He needs game time after a long lay off.)
"The first was brilliant football from us (not that you'll hear that mentioned anywhere)."
@Fiftee
Jaimie Rednapp mentioned it, by saying that if Arsenal had scored that we would be hearing about it for days, so credit to him.
Also what made me laugh was Wenger's pre-match interview in which he stated that it wouldn't be Arsenal changing formation to nullify Chelsea it would be the other way round.
He claimed that we wouldn't play with two up front at the start of the game, which was pointed out by Andy Gray just after kick off, that we were. Arrogance on Wenger's part or just stupidity?
So here's a question, if he was our manager and we hadn't won anything for 5 years, would we be calling for his head?
I don't think you'll come across a more honest account of the game from a Gooner's perspective than Arseblogger's: LINK
---
As expected, I've got a bastard behind the eyes.
The reason Wenger went into such a preposterous rant at the end of the game (more so than usual I mean) is that he had staked so much on this game - having said before the match that his team were no longer kids and were ready to step up.
When that proved not to be the case - indeed, when his team was revealed to be not just physically weaker and tactically weaker but also technically inferior - he lost it, simple as that.
A lot of Arsenal fans are seeing this as a watershed, although to be honest they should have seen this coming after the 3-1 CL reverse to United, which was every bit as damning of Wenger's team as yesterday's performance.
I've always felt Wenger was an outstanding manager, but one who was massively fortunate to inherit George Graham's defence and it all still comes back to the fact he has never really replaced that immaculate back four.
Reply to Clive:
Come on Clive - you know our managers all get sacked long before they get to 5 years even if they have become the most successful trophy winner in the club's history [Vialli, Mourinho];-)
I think Dave Sexton was the last manager to survive more than 5 years at The Bridge.
As for the game, I'm relishing this new tradition of stuffing the Gooners by 3 goals at The Emirates each year, long may it continue.
Full marks to the Arseblogger report - summed up his side in 6 words:
"Lots of tippy-tappy, not much threat" - brilliant!
Lamps is a Blue 4 Life!
LINK
Reply to TrueBlue:
Strange considering how different their backgrounds
One has the benefit of a private education and a charmed existance within the confines of an ever more narrow, cossetted and remote elite while the other one has fought his way up from the disadvantage of going to Eton.
Possibly the best Match Report at the blog so far. Very professional and Chelsea-like Report. Some of the other reports up here sound like they've been written by West Ham or Red Scouse fans, who tend to get too much influenced by the populist media and lovers of the non-tactical and unintelligent "beautiful" game.
We absolutely smashed Arse-Anal again and Didier was the difference in a Derby/big match. His record in this London Derby is amazing - I can remember (at the top of my head) the brace which won us the Carling Cup Final, the winner in the FA Cup Semi Final and the brace at home (under Avram-Clarke) after we went 1-0 down to get us back in the title race. Now at the Emirates, another 2 goals to win us this match.
Without a doubt the best striker in world football currently. His record in big matches is, simply, the best.
F**k off Arse(ne) Wan*er and your Spanish Rent Boy "Leader". Trophyless for 6 seasons.
KTBFFH!
What a fantastic match. It was like BMW 7er vs. Suzuki Swift. The arse kids flying around the pitch whenever they hit one of the Chelsea rocks. A clear case of shipwreck for Wanker's team.
It's beyond any sense that there's actually someone who believes he can win something with a kindergarden in the so often mentioned very physical way of playing in the PL. To be an Arse fans means to be a Masochist.
Anyway, Drogba was unstoppable again. What a striker, simply great and cleary the best at the moment. Cashley was brilliant too. The booing from the Arse fans just showed their desperation and surely gave him even more drive. Ivanovic was also great with his challenges while Anelka made lovely runs and is just quick as fuck. He cleary went up in my ranks, that's for sure. Deco substitution didnt really make sense to me, would have prefered Ballack to get a few elbow's in.
Overall a great team performance, put Arse in their place and we surely looked championesque.
Oh and Fabregas is a cunt. Don't know him but he is so hateable ^^
Another fine article by Martin Samuel. He's wasted in the Daily Mail. LINK
"When [Wenger] said that Didier Drogba, scorer of two goals, did not actually do much, there were some in the room listening for sirens in the distance."
Like PeterW I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Traore 'bounce' of the Drog in the latter stages. Just about summed the game up .......... men against boys.
Not only Jamie Redknap gave us praise ......... to my surprise MoTD gave us a lot of credit too.
Job done!! Next up....... those chappies up at Eastlands that think they can buy the League.
Reply to chelseablog:
This happened only after repeated smackdown of their team. Otherwise, Arseblog is worst piece of blogging even from fanboy's standards.
Beware.
Reply to chelseablog:
I saw that earlier today Nick and meant to post the link to it, but got sidetracked by a friend who's a Utd supporter. The text message he sent contained just two words... Oh Shit!
I know it's early days, but I just think we may have oppo teams and supporters worried.
BTW, did anybody notice Anelka's beauty of a pass to A Cole which set him up for the second goal. Can't get enough of it!
Very interesting and insightful article from James Lawton on Independent - LINK
"In football we might describe it as a brilliant exertion of sudden pressure. In boxing it would be called a classic example of the old one-two combination. Arsenal's eyes were suitably glazed and for the rest of us there could only be one conclusion."
"Chelsea are not only the team everybody has to beat in all the great competitions; they are also the team that are threatening to diminish the possibility in the minds of all opponents before they step on the field."
Having Sky+ the game and then watched it back after a frankly awful El Clasico, it has taken a while to stop smiling and at times laughing.
Firstly, Wenger's deluded ramblings are stragely worrying for those of an Arsenal persuasion or just embarrassing for everyone else. If he wants to perform a Fergie or Jose-esque smokescreen by deflecting attention away from his pathetic team then try and come up with something which makes you seem a little less crazy. Saying things like Didier's sublime volley was "lucky" and that he "doesn't do much in a game" is only topped in the lunatic stakes by his interview with Geoff Shreeves after the game. Ranting about Arshavin's disallowed goal he ended up saying the following gem: "It was a Chelsea player who kicked the ball out of the keeper's hands anyway." When Sky then showed the replay of Eduardo's boot being raised up to Cech's head, you could suddenly see the men in white coats rushing in.
But the match was equally as enjoyable. I don't know about everyone else but this season feels more and more like Jose's first but with a little more style. I look forward to games now, whereas I used to dread some of them under Phil and there is simply no fear when I sit down to watch Chelsea anymore. I expect us to win everything and even bad performances, like against Porto, never make me consider a defeat. Yesterday, like most games, showed how we are always in control. Having more of the ball does not define control for all those Arsenal fans out there, instead, never being in any danger defines control in my mind. The back 4 of Ivanovic, Ricky, JT and Ash is probably the best in Europe at the moment and yesterday was a game where we wanted to display our awesome strength in defence, midfield and attack to the rest of the league. As MOTD2 put it, we simply wanted to bully them. It was a game where we showed how we can defend anything Arsenal can think of and when we want to go up through the gears and end the game we can...
...As others have pointed out, our awesome power was summed up in Traore's attempted challenge on Didier near the end of the game. Trying to push Didier off the ball with the aid of a 5 yard run-up seems like quite a logical but of defending but Didier simply swatted him away and he went flying. It was an hilarious demonstation of the gulf between the sides. And to round it all off some Arsenal fans eventually acknowledged our superiority by asking Didier to sign some stuff for them for the last 5 minutes of the game.
It was an awesome display from a simply awesome team at the moment and if we can maintain our 5 point elad at the top by the time we play Arsenal again, a week after the end of the ANC then the title is ours. After seeing the two heavyweights of Europe play out an awful game in El Clasico is it too early to say that we are simply unstoppable now?
Listening to Ancelotti being interviewed after the game, he emphasised how they’d worked on defensive discipline. They had a plan and stuck to it.
LINK
A lot of emphasis in the media is on our physicality compared to Arsenal. Those old cliches about machine like effieciency are being dusted down and demonstrate that people are now worried that the hoped for Scolari-like collapse may not be in the offing.
But it goes without saying that small quick skilful players will beat a physically bigger team if they force them out of position, exploit space behind them or take full advantage of a loss in concentration. (Drogba’s backpass that led to the disallowed goal reminded me of incidents where both Zola and J Cole have done similar things in that wide position with disastrous results. Yesterday it went our way.) But overall we minimised mistakes kept our defensive shape and were brave when we needed to be.
Of course compared to this time last year we are not in a very much different position stats wise; similar points, similar goal difference, an inversion in home and away form with the draws taken out.
But it feels different. Apart from the Manure game no-one has successfully pinned us down. Yes we’ve had some narrow squeaks and the defeats at Wigan and Villa, but it hasn’t been enough for teams to just sit in and block up the full backs. United, Liverpool and Roma showed the way last season and teams seemed to feel there was a way to win.
Now, teams will beat us but there isn’t a one size fits all way to do it. Certainly if we don’t impose ourselves, don’t move the ball quickly and precisely, get very static we will struggle. But there is more movement and purpose about what we do when in a difficult situation than last year. More belief if you like.
Add in the fear factor that other teams are starting to exhibit and we have yet to reach the stage where we’re seen as having obvious exploitable weaknesses. Injuries, loss of form etc. can change a season in no time but unlike last year there is no evidence of any erosion in team cohesion at this stage.
Ancelotti has come in and built on Hiddink’s stabilising job. I still think he wanted and lacks a Pirlo to set a tempo and long term he may want to change his midfield personnel. However he has made a good start and the players are working hard for him.
JT is constantly emphasising the need for focus as though aware how difficult it is to maintain winning consistency, but there is no doubt that Ancelotti is giving them some useful tools in achieving that.
As a fan, his calm considered manner is very reassuring. Now, being unflappable may be maddening when things go wrong and we all accuse him of not caring, I don’t know. But at the moment he exhibits none of the frazzled edges that typify Fergie and Wenger. As manager of Chelsea that may be unavoidable as pressure builds, but he seems a likeable and capable man at this juncture.
The players are taking the credit as they should but quietly the manager seems to be laying some foundations. I just hope he digs them nice and deep.
(I am now returning to my mountain hideout aware that I have displayed more belief and confidence than really befits a long term Chelsea supporter.)
Found this on a gooner blog - best summary of the entire game - LINK
Reply to Gary:
That is a work of genius. Simply the best analogy ever. As the good Lord kaiser once said, I laughed so hard I shot a kidney out of my arse.
This from a poster (Hardingboy) on a Guardian thread
"and second, we have a new fundamental unit to set alongside the metre, Newton, Planck's constant and Fergie time:
the wenger, that is the degree of purchase a keeper may have on the ball without being said to 'have it fully under control' viz if eduardo kicks the ball and it pops out of your hands, the keeper's purchase was obviously less than a wenger"
I wonder how many "Wengers" keeps the average kidney generally in place?
Reply to TrueBlue:
So, one of me, Kaiser Jonny, Blue Bayou, Mark25, Nick or Habs sound like West Ham or Red Scouse fans.
I have 3 suggestions only 2 of which are printable.
Go back and read them all again. I think you'll fnd a range of 'true-blue' views written in a contrast of styles by people who care about Chelsea and their own writing. If you're getting at praise for worthy opponents as an underlying fancy for another team then you're wrong. What sets this blog aside from ALL other football blogs is the ability for us to be realistic and objective where required. If we're good then we'll say so, if we're bad then expect a typical football fan tirade if irrationality, fickleness and sulking. If you want blind fan-wank then perhaps Kopblog or Arseblog might be more your thing.
Alternatively you could get off your arse and submit a report yourself.
*yes, I know I shouldn't bite, but I know how much effort goes into writing reports and articles designed to be interesting, funny, realistic and entertaining* Rant over
As for the game, well there's nothing I can say to match Gary's link. I would have settled for the draw, an honourable result when away to your biggest rivals, but it seems the lads think rather differently. Good because as I said once before I know nothing about football...in fact no-one knows anything about football, and so anyone calling a 3-0 win at The Emirates did it by guesswork only.
All in all a fabulous display, although the criticism of Joe and Obi seem harsh. I thought Obi looked calm and Ballack-esque for alot of the game and I think he's getting back to his best. As for Joe, well I watched him with extra diligence as I don't see the down side. He is much more energetic than Deco, works far harder for the team and was a complete pain in Arsenal's...err....arse yesterday, He draws players to him giving others room to wreak the havoc. So, maybe not sparking performances from the 2 of them but worthy of decent 7/10 marks at the least.
Essien was superb, but again the star, unsung to a degree, was Anelka. The teams who didn't buy him must be looking on in utter despair at the man who holds the ball better than anyone else, who's strength and running just gets better and better, a great passer, great tackler and a man who normally atones for any errors within seconds. Utterly world class. To be honest the other unsung hero was Ivanovic who for me should be first choice right back. He was flawless yesterday and he does it all under the media radar.
If we beat Citeh on Saturday then I think everyone will think it's over before they step on the pitch with us. I trust The Eyebrow won't allow any Big Phil/Uncle Avram complacency to take hold.
I'm an Arsenal fan. Fuck you, delete my fucking comment you prick. You should have some respect for us, we obviously controlled the game. You took your chances, ok, and you are a brilliant team who will probably win it unless we perform a miracle and go unbeaten from here on. If you look on our blogs, we have some respect for you. Fuck off all of you, WE ARE THE ARSENAL.
You wouldnt be able to sing your retarded songs that a few seconds after going 3-0 down. This is loyalty. You are just fucking glory hunters
Reply to zaparodje:
LOL
Reply to Clive:
Damn I think I've lost a kidney... I'm still laughing.
Awesome!
The combination of frothing idiocy and pained fair-mindedness hasn't been bettered here. Strangely reminiscent of Whinger -- genius manager with lapses into mad one-eyed nonsense.
Whoops, spotted some glory out on the street, must go get my air rifle.
Reply to Gary:
That made my day (which was already going pretty well anyway.)
@LTB
I have to agree with your assessment on zaparodje, that has to be the best ever rant from an opposition fan on this blog.
Funnily enough, while I was watching on my eensy weensy iPod screen, what I saw when the Arse went 3-0 down was thousands and thousands of Gooners queueing up for the exits. Still, it is a really tiny screen, so perhaps it didn't let me see the brave and loyal fans singing their brave and loyal songs.
I'm with you Clive. More like this please!
Reply to zaparodje:
Arsene, is that you?
Heh... I have watched the video 100 times by now.
Here is a better link - LINK - with correct tile, descriptions and annotations.
And that one comment from a seemingly deranged arsenal fan was like icing on the cake - similar to Drog's free kick :)
Reply to zaparodje:
I vote keep it there as a monument to the last dying vestiges of a club from yesteryear.
Yes, you are the Arsenal. We will never have that kind of class.
Reply to ChelseaTony:
Tony,
I suspect that The Eyebrow knows something about football. Mere suspicions. Otherwise, I agree with what you said.
And now, to act as if I know something about football...
I too thought Mikel did a good job. Interestingly, he had the most passes for our team (yes I know, a la Wenger, that passing often doesn't equal success) with 50 something, but he only missed 2 of them. He had the fewest missed passes on the team next to Terry, who completed every pass.
I'm less hot on Joe Cole, and I thought Deco did a marginally better job. That said, all year everyone's rating of the Hole player has been less of the type of rating we give most players, and more of a "how much did this performance approximate Maradona/Zico etc." Our hole player has a very difficult job- he gets the focus of the defense. That said, we have had quite a few games where our tip of the diamond just doesn't "rate" well, but the team result is fabulous. Something has to be going right.
I'll pay attention more in future games, but my sense right now is the tip of the diamond does a lot of the hard work- pulling defenders out of position to create space for the strikers and the fluid midfield that exploits mismatches. The problem is that the hole player will require joe cole/deco/kakuta/(Aguero?) levels of skill on the ball, and still fail to complete many passes.
The difference is, that unlike Arsenal, who play mindless cross in after mindless cross, when our hole player is successful we will have incisive passing, and quality chances. I'd rather have a few of those than a hoard of bad ones.
Think of it this way- I have yet to watch the play again, but exactly what business does Terry have making a through pass to Ashley Cole down the wing? That's quite a channel through the midfield...
So, I just watched the Drogba 1 goal again. Rather fascinating. Worth watching to see what is not happening just as much as what is happening.
As the clip starts, it is worth noting the positions of the teams. The ball has been played out from the right side and is passed back to Terry.
At this moment:
Arsenal are playing a 6-3-1. No really. They have 6 players strung across the top of the box. Eduardo marking Terry on the ball.
Chelsea are positioned in some sort of 2-1-2-1-4. Notably, Joe Cole, Essien and Ivanovic are all on the right touchline. Mikel is running back to cover Terry as he advances. Lampard is playing in the middle.
Arsenal's positioning leave them at Terry's mercy. As he drives left, he runs into the space Ashley has left, and makes a nice pass, but it is a simple 2 on 3, as the pass is a cutting through ball through the last 2. Cole is now isolated on the LB as the LM fell attempting an interception. He makes the cross as the rest of the team bears down on goal.
Arsenal are upset that they are missing RVP, or didn't have enough cutting edge, etc. Really their problem is glaring, and it is defensive structure.
For all of their talk of lack of size, did we score goals on headers? Torment them with corners? No. That goal was scored because Ancelotti's system took advantage of the space that was left as Arsenal pulled their defense out of position. They don't have men in the right places.
This is because they can't defend well one on one. This is best seen in the own goal. Simple play- from a throw-in to Anelka, he brilliantly holds the ball up, but with purpose. As the double/triple team converges on him he sneaks a great ball to Cole, who crosses.
They can't defend skillful players 1 on 1. They require help, and this always leaves gaping holes in their defense. It doesn't help that they don't hustle on D. Watch the first 2 goals, and count the number of Arsenal ball-watchers.
Evening BC
Interesting analysis of some individual situations, but, in summary, Arsenal's basic problem is that they are virtually hopeless without the ball - their constant indignant bleating about teams like Chelsea 'not playing the right way' over the years now seems to show on the pitch when they lose possession; they almost look offended. There is zero physical presence and no real 'grafter(s)' - passing teams into oblivion is fine for sticking half a dozen past technically inferior sides, but bugger all use against anyone else. They have real issues now; they are standing still and if one of the chasing pack gets their act together, the financial abyss that is the Europa Cup is waiting to swallow the Emirates whole.
Good 'conclusions' from the game article on F365; really does hit some raw nerves with the Arsenal fans - particularly scathing about Walcott's ability (or lack thereof).
I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
Following the FA Cup Draw Carlo revealed that Elton John is his favourite singer and he is looking forward to a chance to meet him when we play Watford.
So here it is, Sunday’s game through the prism of Elton and Bernie Taupin’s finest work.
The Place – Club At The End of The Street
The Opposition – White Lady White Powder
The Weather – Looks like Strange Rain
Their Fans – Sleeping With The Past
Our Fans – It Ain’t Gonna Be Easy
Chech – I Must Have Lost It On The Wind
Ivanovic – Flinstone Boy
Carvalho – Shine On Through
Terry - Stones Throw from Hurtin’
Cole A – Return To Paradise
Cole J – Made In England
Mikel Obi – Dark Diamond
Essien – This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore
Lampard – Blues Never Fade Away
Anelka – Burn Down The Mission
Drogba – The Bitch is Back
Deco – Tiny Dancer
Malouda –Ballad of a Well-Known Gun
Ferreira – Country Comfort
Ancelotti – Are You Ready For The Love or I Just Can’t Wait To Be King (take your pick)
The Result – Written In The Stars
What Now?
For Us – Step Into Christmas
For Them –Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Authors Note:- I’ve never heard half of these. No make that two thirds.
That Gooner comment deserves it's own thread, beautiful stuff.
One of the Office Gooners made the point that both our goals came when Arshavin switched flanks. He had been in front of Traore, doing nothing; then he switched with Nasri to stand in front of Sagna, doing nothing. His complete inability to do any tracking back led to the two goals. Be interested to see if this makes Wenger's analysis, which I am very much looking forward to today.
Interesting comments on Mikel too. People always say that he gives the ball away too easily, even though statistically he has incredible ball retention. Bizarre, clearly a sign of people making their mind up before they've even watched the game (see also Joe Cole is brilliant; Kalou always makes the wrong decisions).
PeteW,
Probably not aimed at me, but I stick by what I said about Mikel.
He's good with the ball, don't get me wrong, but other than centre-back, there couldn't be a worse position to be in and lose possession of the ball. There were a number of times Sunday where he simply held onto it for too long. Maybe not all his fault, there were a number of occasions where it was apparent we lacked a bit of communication (in the first half when DD, Anelka and Joe Cole broke, DD with the ball tries to pick out a difficult through-ball to Joe on the left when a much simpler option was to feed Anelka on the right. The apologetic look on DD's face (to me at least) suggested he simply didn't know he was there).
Still, it matters little. 9 points from a possible 9 against the 'challengers'. I'm certainly not getting carried away - there's every chance Wayne Bridge might put in his first meaningful appearance of the season next weekend.
But that's the beauty of this league, regardless of what most people say, there is still a huge element of uncertainty in most games. There's no way anyone with all their marbles would look at the trip to Eastlands as a given away win.
Chelsea paid agents £9.6m between 1st October 2008 and 30 September 2009.
LINK
If those fees cover only business done between those dates then the only deals I can track are Zhirkov £18m and Sturridge (undisclosed). Everything else was loan deals, of which there were quite a few.
Assuming agents aren’t getting the likes of 30% or more then do they get a cut for load deals?
If not does the £9m figure include staged payments on older deals? Do Chelsea end up paying agents just to shift players on?
It seems to be one of those half-arsed pretences at openness when really, you don’t have a clue what you’re being told. A little detail or explanation wouldn’t go amiss.
Two more questions:
Do agents or the clubs have to pay the storage costs for all the old rope?
Where do I apply for a job?
Oh and next time you hear the pundits say you can’t buy anyone decent in January with Anelka (£15m) the exception, remind them that we got Ivanovic at the same time for £9m. A vintage month no?
Reply to Fiftee:
Fiftee
Your lovely sense of pessimism/caution/reality is music to my ears. I'll disagree with the Obi stuff, but as for the rest.....well the best I can do is 'start to believe' .
My 'belief' is akin to the tentative toe-dipping one might undergo when relaxing on a Med beach, when in your heart you know in all probability that once in you'll adapt and the water will be quite warm, but that first toe causes a shiver of doubt. Still you persevere, but then the first little wave laps the nether regions where our crown jewels live....cue lots of little hops to stop the shivers and then the u-turn. Only after a while when convinced that hypothermia is highly unlikely do you dive in and wallow in the cooling balm of salt water against the heat of the sun.
Us rather more mature fans know this sensation of pessimism and skepticism rather well having been bought up at a young age in the 60's and 70' on the beaches of Bognor, Brighton , Bournemouth, Bracklesham and Blackpool when our childlike belief in Chelsea success was often dashed midway through the season, as was our belief when dad said the water was warm once you got in.
@ Pastor Bayou
Two more questions:
Do agents or the clubs have to pay the storage costs for all the old rope?
Where do I apply for a job?
Oh and next time you hear the pundits say you can’t buy anyone decent in January with Anelka (£15m) the exception, remind them that we got Ivanovic at the same time for £9m. A vintage month no?
Yes, old Uncle Avram (for it was he in charge) did seem to know something....unless it wasn't him playing swap the brown paper bag with those lovely agents.
@Fiftee/CT:
"Oh and next time you hear the pundits say you can’t buy anyone decent in January with Anelka (£15m) the exception, remind them that we got Ivanovic at the same time for £9m. A vintage month no?
Yes, old Uncle Avram (for it was he in charge) did seem to know something....unless it wasn't him playing swap the brown paper bag with those lovely agents"
- except, as I think I pointed out when our transfer ban was lifted, Anelka had a mediocre first half season managing only 2 goals while Ivanovic didn't get a single first team appearance until the So-So One arrived.
So don't try to buy in January as a short-term measure seems to be the lesson?
Reply to blueboydave:
Good Point BBD. I was trying to point out that we have been fotunate in getting 2 good players not 1 as is the oft repeated mantra. But you're right that getting a player in January doesn't give you instant impact.
btw Wenger has apparently been having terrible nightmares since Sunday. He dreams of swimming towards a pyramid while being chased by crocodiles. It seems he's in "de nile".
sorry
In many ways it is nice to be basking in that Media Love we’re getting at the moment. And we should be grateful, particularly to those who deal in considered, thoughtful analysis. But given our unpopularity with the press (there are honourable exceptions) this is one gift horse whose teeth bear very close examination. At times it seems that the reaction to Sunday is more about putting the boot into Wenger and his team. Particularly as we are discussed in terms more applicable to a Boat Race crew than a football team (height and weight and little else).
Suddenly we are an unbeatable, unstoppable force with journos battling to outdo each other in hyperbole. Shouldn’t it be Chelsea fans doing the ridiculous over-reacting and winding up of Goonerdom?
But they build you up to knock you down.
According to John Ley in the Torygraph we are going to win every PL game between now and the 30th of January. We will score 26 goals in 9 games, conceding only 1, away against Fulham. Then on the 30th of January we will lose 1-0 at Burnley (it’s not the Burnley bit that concerns me btw.)
LINK
Steady now John. Let’s not get carried away.
I see a few muppets having a go at King Joey. Muppets!!!!! Carlito is rating 9/10 at the moment but playing King Joe in Frank's position and vice v. (as well as picking Le Suck)is a massive cock up. JT's perf. was splendid btw.
@BlueBayou: I came here to post exactly that. And also that our players/coach should just not start "catch us if you can" rhetoric.
Moffat is back. This week keeps getting better and better.
Reply to Gary:
Yep, worried by the platitudes coming from players on the 'catch us if you can' front.
I've never recovered from John Dempsey giving an interview in The Sun, circa 1973, predicting a treble for Chelsea in a year in which of course we won absolutely zilch. A situation that was to continue for another 24 years. In fact I've blamed that interview for incurring the wrath of the Humility Council of The Football Gods and placing a curse upon our club that would affect our footballing success and our very existence when Killer Ken came along. After all he would genuinely try the God's patience. Of course the curse would be lifted in light of new evidence being presented to The Football Gods Parole Board, along with a genuine sense of remorse,in which they set us free on a restricted success licence based on Cups alone. When they were then challenged by their nemesis, the Finance Gods. they had no option but to allow us a full success licence. Which of course could be rescinded if the 2 sets ever agree and The Finance Gods decide to desert us (as they did with Dirty Leeds)
In other words, just get the players to shut up, concentrate on each games as it comes etc etc (insert hackneyed cliches ad infinitum.....) and get on with winning the bloody league again.
Reply to BlueBayou:
From The Independent a little light on how we spent so much on agents.
Yes, it really is that easy and you can sleep knowing you are doing those young men a service.
"Nevertheless, Chelsea spent the vast majority of their agents' fees on renegotiating contracts for existing players including Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, Ashley Cole, Michael Essien, Michael Mancienne, Salomon Kalou, Alex and John Terry, although it is not clear whether the captain used an agent. Frank Lampard's new deal was agreed in the summer of last year and it is likely some of the fee to his agent Steve Kutner would have been included in these figures."
So bearing in mind they
"......do good work for their players. Ask many players if they are happy with their deals, the support and advice they get, and the practical assistance they receive in running every aspect of their lives, and they'll tell you they're happy. At least half of them will. "
If you really want to help people, forget about helping the undeserving poor who hate Social Workers anyway and become an agent where you'll feel far more appreciated 'cause after all in a voacational role like that it's never about the money it's about the lurv.
A propos of Mancienne (well, his name sounds French), mentioned in passing above, I wonder how his agent is dealing with his continuing role in the unfolding disaster of Wolves's season? I gather last Sat McCarthy switched him to RB instead of his more usual LB, and then took him off at half time.
Whereas Di Santo is by all accounts doing reasonably well amid the Blackburn hurly-burly.
And Miro Stoch will be a starter at the World Cup.
Obi: I assume he earned his start based on that very sturdy performance against Porto. He can't get the ball away as easily as Maka could (can anyone, bar the no. 10-type geniuses like Xavi and Iniesta?) But when I'm watching him in home games he always seems to keep possession in the tackle.
I suspect we'll miss him quite a bit during the ACON. Though I gather Nigeria aren't particularly strong at the mo.
Reply to BlueBayou:
Can we all agree to refer to Deco as "Tiny Dancer" from now on?
Reply to limetreebower:
LTB,
Nigeria aren't exactly the benchmark of African football as they once were, but, they are surely still a force to be reckoned with. They have one of the top Strikers in African football in Martins, a very decent looking defense and a sturdy midfield.
Their only issue is their lack of creativity in Midfield since Okocha retired
Reply to KaiserJonny_II:
I think we are basically in agreement. I was just looking at what that lack of physical presence translates to.
There seems to be a mantra in English Football of being "physical". That somehow that will lead to success.
Nevermind that physicality is really what teams like Bolton and Stoke use to get by. Undoubtedly, a certain amount of physicality is required to overcome these sides, but if you are just more physical- you are at most a better Bolton.
Funny then, that many who lament Arsenal's current situation see the lack of size as a problem. Meanwhile, the current FIFA "Pretty Football" belt holders Barca don't have very much size at all. Maybe Puyol... except actually he is 5'10". Yet they cope fine. Or, look at our resident Man-Beast Essien. He weighs... actually he weighs 190lbs at 5'10". I take it back. He's a beast.
So- exactly KJII- Arsenal can't tackle. Their lack of tackling ability leads them to the situations I described- overloading one side, or double teaming to regain the ball.
This is why they miss Ashley Cole more than they know.
Turning it around, I have a hard time coming up with names on Chelsea of players who can't tackle. The back 4 are excellent. Mikel, Ballack and Essien are great. Lamps has shown great tackling ability this season (he didn't have as much responsibility before). Nico and Drogs can regain the ball.
We are left with perhaps a handful of players- most of whom I'd say I'm not even sure that they can't tackle, only that I don't know if they can. Malouda, J Cole, Deco, Kalou. So far Kakuta. That's it- and they are only question marks, not no's.
For all the pretty football, surprising that Arsenal are lacking in basic fundamentals. That's why there is no Plan B- they don't have the ability to do anything else.
Malouda isn't a great tackler, but he's an excellent defensive player and very rarely lets people get away from him.
I think we are really seeing the value of good coaching this season after two years of total neglect.
Watching United last season, the only thing that really impressed me about them was their organisation, particularly the way Park and Giggs/Rooney would quickly drop into midfield when defending and head up front when attacking: they went very quickly from 4-5-1 to 4-2-4.
It's largely what brought about their string of clean sheets.
We seem to have that back this year, as was seen very clearly against Arsenal, particularly when contrasted with the Gooners, who had very little tactical discipline from their midfielders. (they also have some very average midfielders in Rosicky, Nasri and Walcott.)
The thing I was noticing this morning is the massive improvement in our home form. That's what cost us titles in our last three years - i'm sure we dropped more points at home than any of our rivals, and certainly many more than United. This year we have played three of our four biggest rivals at home – Spurs, Liverpool and United - and taken nine points; last year we had played all four of our biggest rivals by this stage of the season and only taken two points. Maintaining that form is absolutely vital and could be the key to success.
Reply to PeteW:
Interesting point, Pete, and why I think we should get Mancienne away from Wolves ASAP - they look a complete shambles defensively every time I catch part or all of their games and I don't see how he can be learning anything, other than how not to do it and poor habits.
Time will tell if your comment is reinforced by Uncle Avram's success [or rather lack of] at installing any organisation at Pompey.
I totally agree with regard our home form being the key to our success.
If I recall correctly, in our second season under JM we only dropped two points at home with a 1-1 against Charlton. I also remember at 1-1 Crespo was through on goal, and was incorrectly called offside.
LTB,
Do you know much about how Stoch is getting on this season?
Hopefully we'll see more of Kakuta (in a footballing sense, obviously) tonight, maybe with a couple of the other kids. The one thing that stands out (maybe that should be doesn't) about the current crop of youngsters on the verge of the first team is the complete lack of height. Bearing in mind how much we prosper with the battering ram style of DD, I guess this is where Di Santo will fit in, with the guile of Stoch / Kakuta / Borini to complement him.
That bit in the Telegraph about our next 10 games is the sort of sensationalist, let's get carried away and hex Chelsea nonsense that ensures I stay as grounded, pessimistic and all rounded boring as I am.
I'd give my little toe for it to happen though....
Reply to PeteW:
Life isn't really long enough, but I did waste some of it reading comment columns and blogs the other day, as you do when you've just won a big game 3-0.
I stumbled across some gooners debating why they had lost. It was our superb "transitioning" that set us apart according to one them.
"Transitioning" methinks?
Just what you describe Pete. How quick and organised you are in those moments between gaining or losing possession. Dfence to attack and vice-versa
I hope to see plenty of use of this exciting new (to me anyway)word in the next match report.
On R5 live on Monday night, in amongst general chat about Ancelotti there was a brief discussion about what the experience of Bruno DeMichelis at the Milan Lab is bringing to Chelsea.
It was interesting and one key point was the management of long term injury. The example of Drogba was quoted. One of his knees is at a stage where no further operations will help. The plan is to monitor the cycle of pain and swelling and for Drogba to play and train according to this observable and predictable cycle. I would bet that Carvalho, after his recent problems is looked at in the same way. There is a very detailed focus on each player and schedules developed accordingly.
It’s too early to tell but it will be interesting to see whether we get more out of players over the long term as a result.
You’d think it has to be a factor in Drogba’s improved state of mind. Chronic injury must affect a player, particularly if they feel that there is no solution other than injections and playing through the pain, with an inevitable loss of form. To feel there is a plan built around accommodating the problem must have made a difference.
One worry given Ashley Coles’ form this season, is what seem like a string of niggling injuries problems suggest a long-term or deep seated problem (other than the fragrant Cheryl). I hope they get to the bottom of that one sharpish. Though as we saw with Carvalho, sometimes only rest seems to do it.
@ Fiftee --
Havn't heard anything in detail about Stoch, although, disturbingly for those of us who are England fans, Twente are top of the Eredivisie and apparently playing well. Gulp. I do know that Stoch starts every game for them as well as for Slovakia, when fit.
Interesting quotes from The Eyebrow in today's Grauniad regarding Kakuta and other youngsters, along the lines that they're good enough to play in the first team already: they just aren't ready to compete in 90 mins of a League game. Just a question of strength and stamina, basically: very sensible. He also said that it wasn't up to him how long it would take any of them to break into the first team; it was up to them.
Those "You can stick your Ancelotti up your arse" chants from the end of last season ring more than a little hollow, don't they?
Off the subject a bit. What a lovely little 9 minute archive bit of footage this is
LINK
Oft quoted as the greatest team ever, and for me the best international team ever assembled to this day, but watch for some comical defending when Italy score. That Rivelino chap had a shot on him, and as for that Pele geezer...did he amount to much?
Reply to Fiftee:
Sturridge - he's about the same build as DD....maybe one day he'll develop that way?
Sturridge = the new Casiraghi. Shirley.
He lives in the treatment room now, doesn't he? Missing again tonight through injury.
But, hands up, I had forgotten we had him. Which probably isn't good for us or him that he's been forgotten.
Though one bloke in Norfolk forgetting he's around is probably unlikely to concern him a great deal, it has to be said.
Reply to Fiftee:
Cheer up Fiftee mate, Delia was back on the box last night with festive recipes. Surely that has to put a smile on the faces of you Norfolk folk. ;-)
More loveliness from the press. This time about Ancelotti.
I can't help but think that if you've sat there and watched your team, possibly the best in Europe at the time piss away a 3 goal lead in the CL final and then, despite further domination lose on penalties, their aint much left in sporting terms to be thrown at you.
So if anyone knows that a kick in the goolies could be just around the corner it's him.
I bet he's very careful with the half time teamtalk now as well.
LINK
btw Fiftee, just thinking out loud but as our Norfolk correspondent will you take it personally if I don't have Turkey at Christmas? You know I'm just thinking maybe goose for a change? But you do goose as well up there don't you. That's fine then.
Ohh dear it is 2:2 now.....
Is anyone watching the game online? I can't find it anywhere.
Reply to be_champions:
NO streams at all, mate! :-( Simply do not exist :-(
Fuck we are 3:2 down!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is only radio translation
LINK
We are one man down Kalou got injured and three subs were made.
Reply to be_champions:
First Wednesday evening I've had free for a while and I haven't managed to watch much footie at all. No pictures from Ewood Park (the Guardian isn't even doing text commentary, which says something about the Carling Cup). Tried to watch the City v. Arsenal match on my iPhone but Sky's servers are playing up. Bloody infuriating. And currently we're losing.
I'll post the usual links to match reports etc. later. If anyone finds videos of the goals, leave a link in the comments.
There are highlights on BBC 1 at 11:25 p.m.
3:3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paolo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Penalties... Oh dear!!!
Ze German missed penalty , what the f....
Reply to Blue_MikeL:
Ja, hit the post apparently.
ohhhhh Kakuta ....................
Help! Whats going on??
Oh dear. Carlo hasn't changed our fortunes in penalty shoot-outs.
Still, we can concentrate on the treble now. (Sorry, Tony and Fiftee. :)
I hope Big Sam's heart held out...
Reply to mike12:
We just lost on penalties 4-3. Ballack hit the post, and then Kakuta had his saved at the end. Ugh.
Carling Cup - all very 'meh', really.
Some odd choices by Carlo tonight; starting with a team not quite strong enough to win, nor filled with youngsters to offer the patented Arsene Wenger "they're just nippers" excuse. Strange substitutions too - didn't really want to see Drogba on with a big away game at the weekend either. Still managed to put up a fight with 10 men and were in there at the end though.
Hopefully a lesson learned; definitely a little light up front without Drogs and Anelka which subsequently leads me to conclude that whilst lifting the first trophy of the season would be nice, missing out on a two-legged semi-final in January when we least need extra games is no bad thing at all.
Reply to KaiserJonny_II:
Hear hear. Every word a good 'un sir.
At least our coach isn't showing signs of insanity like Wenger....no handshake to Sparky and comments about having 'no professional courtesy', arguing on the touchline with Sparky. Add that to the utterly surreal post match comments on Sunday, alongside a very suspect demeanourb these days and it looks to me like Wenger is heading for the cushioned cell/straitjacket combo so popular around the Bedlam region of South London.
Firstly, we have to bin this third kit. Defeats to Wigan and Villa and now a draw (yep, Jose's blurred definition of defeat lives on) to Blackburn. And it looks shocking.
But I agree that the team was a little strange tonight. The likes of Cole and Deco certainly let themselves down (as did Kalou with two pathetic headers) but the bench did look promising for the believers in youth or worrying for those looking for some heavyweight help when we're struggling. I did like the way Carlo performed a risky yet entirely correct clean sweep of subs at HT and Didier showed what could be done with some first team power. But our defence was poor tonight without JT or Ashley and as soon as a German misses a pen you know something's wrong.
But it's exactly what we needed in some ways. Our squad can't wait for complacency to engulf them and after tonight Carlo will demand a battering of City on Saturday. Anything else and it's crisis time!
A number of things that concerned me that other people have touched upon:
I think starting Ferreira at centre back was a minor mistake. If he were fit, Alex would have started this game and I have a feeling that this match would have been a completely different story. I understand Carlo resting JT because we'd be a little stuffed if he gets injured with Alex and Ricky so frail at the moment, but he should have started Bruma, a specialist centre back, from the off.
The three subs at half-time seemed genius at first but the potential flaw was obvious, especially in a cup tie away from home against a physical team like Blackburn. Ferreira to right back needed doing, as did bringing Drogs on, but taking Joe and Deco off at the same time was suicidal. No doubt that either would have taken a penalty instead of Kakuta had they been on the pitch.
All in all, I'm disappointed that we're out of the competition but the positives are obvious - Carlo won't make three subs so early again in a hurry, and we won't have to play two more matches in January when we'll be relying on Nico to get our goals again. Here's hoping that Di Santo fills in Drogba's role with a few goals.
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