Premier League: Chelsea 2 - 1 Manchester United

I missed Anelka in my ratings so I've asked Nick to add it in for me. Sorry all, but I must have seen of a few live brain cells yesterday with that amount of Guinness.

Fantastic report. You're absolutely right, yesterday was all about the joy of the moment, and -- for those of us lucky enough to be able to support the team in person -- the reason we keep turning up. Everything from the fans, the team, the manager (his mumbling dopey calmness acting as the *perfect* foil to the hysterical ranting of Sir Purplenose), the weather, the rivalry, the performance, the pattern of the game, the plots and subplots (who'll be England captain? is Drogba actually clinically mad? should Germans rule the world after all? did Purplenose stuff up his selection gamble? will the unbeaten home run come to an end?) ... everything added up to the perfect experience.

Putting on Bayou Blue's deerstalker of cold hard reason, you have to ask yourself:

-- will it make any difference to who win the League? Probably not;

-- how much energy did that first half cost us? The team looked knackered for the second 45, and we have a big game on Wednesday;

-- are the players motivating themselves? Does anyone have the big personalities under control?

Incidentally, I mislaid my own lucky pants (they predate the Abramovich era -- personally I hold them responsible for his arrival). Nice that they work even when I'm not wearing them.

(the Drogba v. Ballack thing was *definitely* not a stunt. I had a good view of Drogs's arm-wrestle with Stevie Clarke, and he was not far from the edge of reason. He's reminding me more and more of Gallas.)

What a great game - aprt from Riccy's bad back pass that almost cost us.

I have to say all the players were great today: HOWEVER!!!

1) Can no-one in our team take corners? All the corners were terrible!!
2) When will we ever score from a corner again? I can't remeber the last time we did. Under the TSO we were lethal at set-pieces
3) Paulo's crossing was terrible.

We really need to work on these points next season. Also - I do think we are a bit toothless upfront. Without the Drog - and our long ball strategy we don't really have a the ability to slice through teams.

Not being one to put a downer on a great game - I just fell that we still have a long way to go in terms of making a genuinley solid team that whose foundations are not just team spirit and hard graft.

If the Drogs leaves - this will leave AG quite a problem.

Also - very annoyed that Spurs snapped up Luka Modric - he would have been ideal. Here's hoping we buy Richards, Aguero and maybe even Kaka!!

Well done lads - a great victory and here's hoping that Manu slip up.

Finally - all the best to you Frank - our thoughts our with you and your family during these testing times.

God bless Roman's Blue Army

'By some distance our best display of the season, a perfect display of skill, passion and POWER football that killed Manchester United from the first minute. Play like this every week and we’d destroy anyone. Let’s hope we play similarly against Liverpool because we’ll win… and win convincingly.'

After the game, I had a lengthy conversation with my Man United supporting friend back at home who denied that our win was a 'glorious victory' and wondered why I support a 'team of cheats' like Chelsea. For one, I think we can admit when we have been fairly outclassed, even if Fergie did drop a bollock by turning up for a draw.

At the time, I believed the win was more scrappy and so agreed with him about 'the glorious victory', especially with the two last minute goal clearances, but in hindsight, I believe I'm entitled to feel pleased. The section I've quoted says it all really - the spirit shown by the players was fantastic. We required a performance and everyone delivered. Let's hope we keep it up!

Avram confounds his critics again. I'm starting to think he deserves another season... What does everyone else think?

About time TONY, where have you been for God's sake?! LOL only kidding!! x

Fab review of a fab day. I'm still on a high after my visit to Stamford Bridge yesterday and i KNEW the boys wouldn't let us down..they outplayed, outmanouvered and outclassed Man Ure by MILES..I was blubbing like a baby when the guys were holding up the number 8 shirt in honour of Mrs Lamps and crying again at the end of the game! I couldn't help myself but i don't care..i'm just so happy!!

As J.T said, you get so tired and fed up hearing how Chelsea can't play as well as Arsenal or Man U, yet we were a class above any of them yesterday. The lads shown that when they buckle down and put their minds to it, they can beat ANYBODY. I noticed Horse Face and Fat Boy were anonymous during the game..that was expected. They never show up against the bigger teams. They were invisible as TONY said, bet they'll resurface when they play Wigan though because i can see them dropping further points against the Spammers. As someone mentioned last night, they always struggle against them. Fingers crossed that they f**k up big time..What did McFergie, Fat Boy, Hargreaves, Duck Bill et al all say earlier this week? "we'll go to S Bridge and slaughter them. We may as well claim the Prem while we're there". Arrogant bastards!! As i've said before to my Man Ure supporting friends and family, "overconfidence is more often than not a weakness" and i was proved right on that yesterday, much to my joy and their despair as they handed over my betting winnings..well, a bet's a bet right? LOL

I'm STILL confident the Prem will be Blue, have been all season.
I just want to see the expression on everyone's face. Especially McFergie. Even Ginger Knob McClaren has jumped on the back of the Red Devil Glory Bandwagon today. Don't think i've heard one pundit or Reporter on TV yet saying the Chels will do it.

They're all seem to talk about us like we're this sub standard football team. That IF we do get to the last game and claim the title BACK

that we were just lucky on the day..
*sorry pressed "send" and hadn't finished! Have now though!

Now did I, or did I not, first mention Foinavon weeks ago? It can happen!

Having said that, I could just spice up your no doubt already over-active imaginations by pointing out that (unless I've done my sums wrong, which is entirely possible), if you and United lose your next two games and Arsenal win all theirs ...

Nah, couldn't happen.

Yesterday I thought you were great, although I still think Kalou is crap (but Nani was much much worse). A gift from SAF, though, in a way ... had he not stuffed up his team selection, you might not have built up such an impressive head of steam. And impressive it was.

Thank you for keeping the season interesting!

I did toy with putting the corners into the bad, but I didn't really want anything in the report to undermine the overall display of power and passion. I believe Arseblog have labelled Ferguson as Demento. I think I see their point.

I watched this live and in prime time down-under, and it was deserving of the billing. The best match of the season and a magnificent result.

A real roller-coaster of a ride that was utterly enthralling right to the very end.

I didn't even really mind that my son's under 11's were soundly beaten this morning, although the coach, a dour Scotsman, apparently didn't share my dispassion!

KTBFFH.

Great report Tony - hope you feel better soon!!!!

Agree with every word - although it would have been nice if you would have said one nice word about AG - just one !!!!LOL

oh well an exciting two weeks ahead - yeah!!!!!!!!!!

German v. Dutchman from penalty spot - surely never in doubt? Yes, I was hiding too ;-)

Nice one Tony - your marks and the ones I did for the Observer are broadly similar; Joe Cole the only substantial difference as I just got far too pissed off with his crap set pieces. Great reaction effort that hit the post/bar though.

Essien was good - Liverpool will struggle to deal with him on that form, but he does need to sort the final ball and his shooting. He'd have got an extra mark had I seen his reaction to the Ballack / Drogba handbags though...

Fergie is maybe a bit too desperate for Europe - he underestimated us and Grant (maybe we should all continue writing him off...!); no Tevez or Ronaldo to start when he surely knows that Rooney often struggles without their support up front? Odd. Withdrawing Anderson, who looked one of their few vaguely credible threats, for O'Shea at 1-1 was surprising too. He took a big risk yesterday and blew it - their reaction to the next week will be interesting, to say the least.

The best thing about us - we looked like 2004-2006 Chelsea again, in terms of belief and spirit; when we've conceded and gone level / behind this season we've often appeared nervous and unable to right the wrong, but not yesterday. Great reaction to their equaliser and didn't let the performance levels drop for the rest of the game. Not quite the goalmouth action we spent £30m on Sheva for, but the clearance might prove to be his most valuable contribution yet.

Grant made some good calls yesterday - our pressing high up in the first half and the subs did the trick nicely; he was undoubtedly over-promoted but having got himself into the job (and probably having the knowledge that he won't get one as good again), he clearly has the motivation to keep himself there by hook or by crook. And if it produces days and results like yesterday then that's fine by me; whether it is fine by Roman (conspicuously absent again) and co. is another matter.

More of the same from both fans, management and players on Wednesday please!

Great win. Keeps the title race open until the last day of the season. What is the feeling amongst Chelsea fans - will you win the title? I hope so!

I have to say, this is a brilliant review. You pretty much said everything I had to say, which leaves me with little to write...haha

This was, by a mile, our best performance of the season. Like you said, it was the perfect display of skill, passion and power football I've ever seen us play. It was amazing. Truly amazing.

Everybody was oustanding. Drogba was a little bit off at times but still had a good game. Terry was immaculate and Carvalho, well, eventhough he made that absolute horror show of a pass, I still think he had a very good game. Essien, as always, was the machine in midfield. He never stopped running for the cause. Kalou and Joe Cole were very enterprising, lacked that final ball at times but still caused the United defence a whole lot of problems. Mikel was, like you've already mentioned, very cool on the ball, his passing spot on.

And Ballack. Wow. He was just crazy today! His best game for Chelsea by a million miles. A superb header and showed immense composure when taking the penalty. Absolutely mind blowing. Ashley Cole had the game of his life. Cleared of the line and kept Nani and Ronaldo quiet. Sheva clearing off the was the icing on the cake? Haha! Who'd have thunk it?

Who cares about the title? Im just so glad we won. And this is revenge for the unfair defeat at Old Trafford. I want us push United hard and give them sleepless nights. And Fergie should just shut up. He's such a sore loser. God, he just makes me laugh.

Liverpool up next and seriously, if we play anywhere near to how we played today against them, we will beat them. And I'm sick of all this trash talking from Benitez about Drogba and Gerrard about the Bridge. Actions speak louder than words, hello? I just hope we shut their asses up. I'm confident we can beat them and reach the final. I think we will reach the final. Hopefully..

KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH

SedentaryDave; not heard that one, even from the most optimisitic of Arsenal fans!

Next Saturday, we shall mostly be in a claret and blue mood on here...

Have we all misjudged Grant? Is he turning a corner?

Are the players having one last swansong before they depart for pastures new and playing at their top level inspite of grant?

Who knows, all i know is that ze german is fooking excellent and my obsession with him is becoming unhealthy!

My entry for the Turner Prize

Metaphorical Re-enactment of a Great Sporting Moment (Black and White Video on 30 seconds loop).

In a spare white space the spotlight picks out a wooden structure consisting of 2 steps. On the upper one lies a plain white piece of dinner service.

A figure enters the space, striding with a straight back and teutonic set to the jaw towards the steps. The figure has a large appendage consisting of 2 large egg shaped spheres in a pillow sack affixed to the groin area.

Suddenly another figure enters and appears to empty a bucket of grass cuttings over the first.

This however does not interrupt the journy to the steps. The teutonic figure pauses at the lowest step, ascends and confidently steps onto the plate.

Ladies and Gentleman I thank you.

Inspired by JD's comment in the Verdict section of the Observer Sport (no you don't get any of the prize money just the fame of being a Muse)


Good Report TG. Bit like the performance yesterday. We've had to wait a long time but definitley worth it. Wish I'd been there.... but you know when the creation of great art is your life.............

@ Blue Bayou - stunning entry mate, stunning.

@TG Your too kind

In my sleepless search for perfection I am changing the plate to a blue one, because it should of course be Delftware (thanks again to JD for reminding me of the keepers nationality)

Most excitement I've experienced watching a match in a long while and one that truly made me envy those of you that were there at the Bridge. The urgency from the start soon got rid of my apprehension as I realised the boys were well up for this one, and the crowd sounded like a true twelfth man. Awesome display from Herr Ballack, this is who we knew he could be, textbook header from Drogba's intelligent cross, and absolute cool that makes me think FIFA should change the penalty shoot-out rule to having one player take all five penalties =)

As JD said above some of the flavour of the 04-06 vintage was evident in this performance and I hope we get more of the same on Wednesday. When they play with this much spirit it doesn't seem such an urgent task to find a new leader, if this level can be maintained the notion of it being purely the the players' pride and professionalism will give way to a respect for achievement and credit where it's due.

Fan from india...following this blog and Chelsea for over two years...and i've got to say i'm a fan of tony...amazing post man...and for once it was nice to celebrate in front of manu fans here...for once their ego shattered....keep the blue flag flying high!!!

I <3(HEART) CHELSEA!!!!! YEAAAH!!! I m so,so,very,very happy that chelsea won!!And i think i m in love!! Yea,who cares about man u f.c. they just suck as they are,anyway! Think they're way too perfect? Think,again! Nobody's perfect though but,they deserved it! I didn't like to sum to most of their fans too anyway,loud talking saying that they 're undefeatable or whatsoever..yeahh ryte..n now look at the mess that they had made up! Undefeatable their sh*t,alryte! I like chelsea better. For me its an average team although i m new to them.They sumtyme lose,draw n win.But mostly,got lots of winning rather than losing nor drawing,which's very good,frankly speaking.Stay modesty then,u'll be love.Don't behave 1 like man u f.c. team.They are alots of rude ppl over there.And i don't like it.And another thing,they also like to look down on other team f.c. plus more.Remember,that they're not perfect no matter how good they think they are.But still they yet,can be defeated.Shame on 'em!I m proud being a blue fan where lose,draw or winning is an OK part of me.And if i m a man u fan,i m so full of shame having the stupid,ugly,disgusting,undefeatable-for-nothing team which have no winning but whining too,at any time! HAHAHA!(sorry,man u so-called fan!XP!!) I have no hating to other f.c. team eventhough they n their fans hate us,but,MOSTLY,MOST TO THE UTMOST..I LOATHE MANCHESTER UNITED MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD!!!!! U HEARD!!! It doesnt make u perfect either being into that man u lousy muthaf*cker team!Man U are getting horrible n terrible!(whoops,sorry,again!) And i m just glad i m not their fan!Once again,i m proud to say!HAHAHAHAHA!=) PEACE,2 DA BLUES TEAM & FAN!! To Avram Grant n the blue team,please don't be too,underpressure. And makesure u guys do a lots of relaxation,ok?^^ U guys had already try ur best n please,yes please,try to improve much more better okay in the field(any field,home or away),ok,guys?Ur international fans will always be with u.Please we love u so,so,very,very much,here.PEACE,again.(^3^)~kiss-kiss!!(with all my heart!!)^-^

Great report Tony. Particularly liked the player rating for Frank – classy touch!

A lot is being made of Fergie’s team selection. Tevez and Scholes don’t start every game so they were only one man down and he came on second half so United are clearly a one man team. All players lose form or get injured so United’s position is extremely fragile.

Just a few more good points to add

1. Wayne Rooney’s injury – let’s hope his groin injury is serious enough to impact United’s run in but not too serious to stop him pleasuring Coleen when she returns from her shagging in Miami (according to the Matthew Harding end)

2. Drogba’s pain threshold has clearly improved since he was able to play the full match with Vidic’s tooth embedded in his knee cap although it did make him a bit testy with Ballack. A post match visit to the dentist resolved the problem although I understand Drogba did enquire if he could leave the tooth in and have a diamond embedded, to add a touch of class.

3 Lady steward – for staying on her feet despite an over the top tackle from Rio. Maybe she could visit Cobham and give Drogba a few lessons.

4. Groundsmen – I was surprised to see the hand mowers so soon after the final whistle and I’d have thought a mower with a seat would be better and quicker. But Man Ure could even take our groundsmen and left the field beaten for a second time.

5. Avram – clearly our performance was due to Avram wearing a light blue shirt instead of the normal black. There will be plenty of time in the summer to debate who should be manager, so I don’t want to open that hornets nest, but even murderers on death row get more compassion than Avram receives from the press and Chelsea fans. Well done Avram for getting us back to the same number of points as the leaders.

If there is one defender in this world who can stop Ronaldo 1v1, it has to be Cashley. He made Ronaldo looked ordinary yesterday and his goal line clearance was classic Ashley Cole.

Agree with you on Drogba. Even though he falls too easily and likes to moan, he's a tough bull to handle. Ask Silvestre and Brown if they want to play against him week in week out. They will say HELL NO! Just his presense alone unsettled the United backline with his pace and power. Thats what Didier is all about.

Apart from a horrendous back pass from Carvalho, i thought we played a near perfect game by our own standards. Yes, it wasnt the most impressive game on the eye technically, but it showed the world that will, determination and power win you matches too.

Like your comment on Ferreira until Lahm come. LOL. I think our new right back has got to be between these 3 players: Dani Alves, Phillip Lahm and Jose Bosingwa. Richards is tied to City so he wont come unless the management decides that they have to make the transfer happen.

All in all, please keep up the good work lads. KTBFFH!

Great game!

Watched it at a pub in Hamburg. Last ten minutes of the game some stupid HSV supporters tried to switch the channel in order to watch a live game of the lame german bundesliga. Got a bit rough though I kept hold of the remote. To watch Ballack fooling the dutch tulip planter was totally worth the pain.

I dont want to keep hopes too high for PL but Manure looks peaky - no nerves, no class before, during or after the game. In contrast it feels like our boys - aside from DD - have renewed their great team spirit over the tragic loss of Lamps. Just an estimation from afar. What do you guys think?

By the way - even the bundesliga fans stopped fighting to laugh at Brown and Van der Sar frantically trying to confuse a german national prior to a penalty.

Wonderful report Tony and comments from all you guys who were there. I know what you mean about getting old as well. I actually got tearful reading that bit about arriving on the Fulham Road and feeling the tension in the air. Oh god! The memories. So many times turning up feeling we just weren't quite as good as those bigger teams from the North West, so many times rising to it and beating them off the park. I only hope we have enough of the right stuff for Wednesday night.

On a secondary point, and not wishing to be sacrilegious at this difficult time for Lamps, but doesn't Ballack play better when asked to lead the team and control the game like that? I mean when Lamps plays it's very much Lamp's midfield with Ballack a supporting player. I think Essien too plays better with more responsibility. It's not anything against Lamps - god knows, he's won so many games for us and probably would have played a huge role yesterday - just that somehow we've got to get the German and the man from Ghana playing like that every week.

@Blueeyes

even the bundesliga fans stopped fighting to laugh at Brown and Van der Sar frantically trying to confuse a german national prior to a penalty

Superb :-)

Great report Tony and I'd agree best atmosphere at The Bridge this season - though perhaps we can discuss "best ever" another time because I was reminded in the programme that deadline for voting in Player of the Year is very soon [May 7th]and I'm struggling to decide.

So many of our best players have had long term injuries and/or ACN disrupt their season that no on lays obvious claim to consistent outstanding performance throughout the season - only Joe Cole and Kalou have even managed to play 75% of all games and they're both frustratingly up and down.

Carvalho and Essien have done sterling jobs but both were better last season. I'm even thinking you could make a case for ze German even though he didn't kick a ball till end of December - he held the midfield together through January and February while Lampard and Essien were both out and has scored crucial goals not only yesterday but in last 2 knock-out rounds of Champions League.

I guess I might end up just plumping for Lampard both in recognition of another 18 goals from midfield despite missing 2 months of the season and as a sympathy vote for his loss.

How is everyone else deciding?

the best game by far...mebbe after the barca games last season have i seen the players soooo badly wanting the win....n it shows that we are still the best club in england by faar...ok manutd have a gud team...bt take ronaldo n rooney out...n they wud surely wobble....however ...even without lamps, ballack, drogs, essien for some part or another in the season..we have managed to cling on there...n now we can finally give it one last push..mind u..the newcastle game is sumthing im worrried abt...coz if we do get thru to moscow...i dont knw wat it will do to our league title chances...i loved essiens reaction when drogs n ballack had a go at one another...summed it up gr8 didnt he...bt i just hope drogs leaves at the end of the season...i knw hes a gr8 asset...bt with anelka sheva kalou n pizarro backed up by joe lamps ballack and of course essien...i dont see why we cant play the style of football roman wants...u were right...drogs now reminds me of gallas...once the heart isnt here...then he shud leave..he ll join TSO when he gets his next assignment...n plllllzzzz grant...dont sell sheva...i still think hes got it in him..cant u see it with owen again...he just needs some match time...n well...i gotta respect him for not having publicly mouhted against chelsea ever..hes all class...n we all knw...class is permanent...form is just temporary....go chelsea....n to manutd....we shall see u in moscow again...cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@ BBD - on the basis of my season ratings then it's Riccy for. The press can rave about Vidic as much as they like, but for me Riccy is the best centre back in the world at the moment.

I may be a grumpy old man,and I may get flamed for this, but bloody hell I hate text speak!

As far as the game it's all been said, and nothing useful to add as per usual.

@ BBD - on the basis of my season ratings then it's Riccy for. The press can rave about Vidic as much as they like, but for me Riccy is the best centre back in the world at the moment.

@ Subhro - I think I speak for everyone reading the blog but it would be good if you could avoid using text speak. Your point on Sheva is interesting though. If Drogba's departure is imminent then I do think we'll need another striker (David villa please), but an Anelka/Sheva strike force intrigues me, especially if Sheva can shake of the injury malaise he seems to be surrounded by. I've said it a few times but I do think he has the potential to finish his career in a Sparky type role and not as an out and out striker. His ball skills and control are still a joy to behold.

I've watched the game again today in full and nothing has changed my views. it seems Ballack as MoTM is pretty universal, but I can't state just how brilliant Ashley Cole was yesterday. TSO made some dodgy buys, but he got this one right and Ashley is inlucky not to have got my MoTM. Although Riccy played a hospital pass for their equaliser, the fault lay with Ferreira for playing a quick free kick when it wasn't necessary. It's obvious now that Riccy was shouting at Ferreira not to do that. Had i seen that then I would have docked a point off of Paolo.

Watching it back also confirms that for me, and many neutrals I've spoken to that this was the best game in the PL between any of the big guns this year. High quality, power football and it's easy to see why us and Manure are battling for top spot. I still think it's too late for us now, but as others have pointed out weirder things have happened.

I went straight to the pub after getting home (as some may have noticed from my 'socially relaxed' comments last night!) and lo and behold as I stood outside in the spring sunshine with my pre-Guinness warm up stretch pint of Magners the first person I saw was a young lad with his girlfriend. Wearing a Manure shirt! A gift from above i thought, and despite his best efforts I started to chat to him. I'll say no more than the fact that to call him 'disappointed' would be a rather large understatement.

A few days to lower the blood pressure before the nailbiting of Wednesday. Good to see Rafa field his strongest side yesterday. i thought that was against PL rules, but either way I hope it fucking backfires big time and that we use the momentum of yesterday to steamroller them, if we didn't empty the batteries too much yesterday.

Have to say I agree with Tony; Carvalho edges player of the season for me. Joe Cole too inconsistent and no-one else has really stood out. Lamps very consistent after coming back from his injury, Mikel has quietly gone about his business very effectively but the Riccy gets my vote.

DannyB - Interesting points about Lampard / Ballack; if ze German was a few years younger and suffered with less niggling injuries he'd be ahead, but until this season, Lamps ability to rack up 50 plus games and the number of goals / assists he gets means he has rightly been in pole position. Wish we'd had them both together for longer as I do believe they can work together, and very effectively too.

Got to agree. Ric is head and shoulders above the rest.

It's Ricci v Lamps for me too. Would be good for lamps to get it as a gesture of sympathy from supporters - and it is justified considering his goals and consistent performances. But Ricci has really proved his value this season, having to hold the back line through the famous tough period earlier in the year when JT was out and our African brothers missing. Some absolutely vital defensive displays there. Can't decide. Think lamps will get the popular vote, so will probably go for Ricci to balance it out.

It's a fair point you make about Liverpool Tony and their ability for the last four seasons to be resting all their key players before such a huge game. It would be good if UEFA only allowed the top two teams to be in the CL, that in itself would eliminate Liverpool ever playing in the competition again.

Another vote here for Riccy. And hopefully if we give him the Player of the Year, he realise how much he's loved and respected and sign another contract! Interesting looking at league appearances in the programme yesterday. Including yesterday's game, out of 36 games, only Joe and Ashley have not missed starting at least 10 games. We've not had a settled side all season. Even Ben Haim has started 10 games. Really enjoyed the game yesterday, but not quite sure it's worth raving about in terms of quality of both sides as much as some above, for that I'd like us to beat their first XI - whatever that is - as hopefully we'll find out and see in Moscow. I think now that Essien's back to his best, the Essien - Ballack - Obi midfield does look very balanced and I like to see it again on Wednesday.

Yet another vote for Riccy (and I already voted, before yesterday's game). Defenders don't get the recognition often enough. The Player of the Year thing trots out the same names all the time -- Gerrard, Ronaldo, Lampard, plus whoever scored lots of goals (Torres, Adebayor). But all season long Riccy has been in amazing form, and he's the player whose absence you noticed most when he had to miss games. One tackle of his yesterday on Nani had the whole stadium jumping to its collective feet.

The Liverpoo things is weird. Mad Rafa rests his three or four good players every few games at the beginning of the season. Because of that, by the time the end of the season rolls around they are their usual fifteen to thirty points behind the leaders, and out of most of the cups. So what was the point of resting them at the beginning?

Maybe (and I mean this seriously) he knows his squad basically isn't good enough to keep up with the top clubs, so he has to keep people fresh and just hope they're still in one competition at the end of the season, giving them a chance to fluke some silverware.

Lurv-er-lee.

Words cannot describe how delighted I am. I mean, it's more than 24 hours on so I've gotten over the initial giddiness, but yesterday was one of the most exciting matches of the season. And even our usual critics didn't slag us off for being boring.

Michael Ballack wins at life. His first goal was brilliant bullet header and his second - the penalty - where he showed the sort of coolness that our countryman have lacked too often - were both exquisite. Especially the latter, when all the Utd players were trying to harass him; the German didn't bat an eyelid. He scored magnificently.

Didier Drogba, the BBC might think you're a pantomime king and I know that you're leaving us in the Summer, but it's performances like your one yesterday that cement why you will be remembered as a Chelsea legend.

JT, Ash and Paulo, you were all very good. Riccy, that poor backpass that led to Shrek's goal - never do that to me ever again. You worked really hard for the rest of the match to try and redeem yourself, though, and we did win, so you're forgiven. (And did you see how distraught he looked? omg, I love him so much. Just wanted to hug him.)

Joey Cole, Salo, JO Mikel, you all played your little socks off. Hugs and kisses all around.

Essa, words cannot even begin to describe how much I love you. You're a star.

Petr Cech, your saves were brilliant. There weren't actually all that many to make, but you were good.

Andriy Shevchenko - a defending God - who woulda thunk it?

And perhaps one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen displayed - the Chelsea players holding up a no.8 shirt dedicated to Frank's mum. That was so sweet. So beautiful. If anyone wants the pictures to revel in, here -
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LINK%20boys/Michael_Ballack_821059.jpg

Rio Ferdinand demonstrated such great "leadership" at the end when he was whinging and picking a fight with Mikel and kicking a female steward. John Terry showed the true meaning of leader. He should be England captain, damnit!!

Tina Ronaldo lol. Missing a penalty midweek, then coming on in this match to pick fights with our players and roll around on the floor. He tried to dive within 10 seconds of coming onto the pitch. At least Drogba waits for players to touch him before falling. Ashley Cole had him in his pocket all the while he was on the pitch, and Ronaldo's only valuable contribution from Manchester Utd's point of view was not getting booked for diving.

Wayne Rooney is so fat. Edwin van der Snore dived a bit.

Stonewall pen. I remember a similar penalty being awarded to Utd in the Utd-Arsenal against Gallas, when all Utd fans were crying out that it was the "most blatant penalty in the world." Well, yesterday's one was very similar, yet for some reason it was "dubious." Balls.

When Drogba and Ballack had that little tiff over who was gonna take the free-kick, I was worried it was gonna escalate into one of those Bendtner - Adebayor moments. But it didn't last, thank God. I do think Toady should have a word though.

Sir Alice Ferguson is an embarrassment to the human race. Apart from masticating like a little runt (MOTD showed that he picked up a piece of gum off the floor - and ate it. classy) and whinging that his team should have had a penalty (for what? Carrick's acrobatic backflip-dive?), he has no worth whatsoever. His team played for a draw, and that totally backfired because we were the better team. Time he and his bitch CQ accepted it instead of blaming the whole planet + his dog.

Interesting that ManUre hadn't gotten a penalty against them in the Premiership this season before yesterday's match. They should have had lots against them by now.

West Ham and Wigan, oh hai. Please beat Utd? Thanks!

As a side note, I'm really proud of Chelsea for setting about their business and beating Everton following that completely morale-deflating draw with Wigan. If we hadn't turned it up against Everton, yesterday's result - however delightful, would have been for nothing.

Good review as always. This game was probably one of the best football matches I have ever seen. Before this game I had some respect for McFergie but I completely lost it after seeing him moan about the penalty, he really is lacking a bit of class. As for Drogba I really think we should let him go at the end of the season, thank him for all he's done for us but let him go. To me he seems like the type that you need to baby all the time unless you want his to throw a tantrum.

LTB, Totally agree about Senor Tubby hes mad when it comes to resting players its a shame that they always get easy teams in the early KO stages of the CL (Round of 16/Quarter Final) and whenever they do face a decent team the decisions always seem to go their way eg Stevie Shitheads penalty at Anfield, Im confident of us going to Moscow because of Riises OG (OH WHAT A FINISH LOL), It would take a bad performence for us to get KOd by the scum on wednesday, Im hoping for a 2-0 win with goals from Drogba and Ze German who is back to his best KTBFFH

Great review, Just wondering do any of you think that Snoop Drog would stay if we won the UCL/EPL double?

If we win the CL then RA should give Riccy, JT, Lamps, Essien and Ze German lifetime contracts, Who agrees?

To both your last comments, no and me. :)

As the Melbourne branch of the Chelsea Supporters Club, all 15 of us, gathered for a pre-match curry (gotta love the 9-45pm kick offs), I think it is fair to say that I don't think anyone expected a performance like that.

The main football pub here in Melbourne (Charles Dickens, Collins St.... if anyone cares to join the flock)just happens to be run by a Manc. He has been a laugh in the past, often providing celery to hurl at Gooners and Scousers, but it was fairly clear he wouldn't be providing vegetables ( other than Wes and Rio) this evening.

I have always felt a tad uneasy about the need to sing at a television screen when the action is actually around 15,000 miles away, but tonight was not the night to be cot. The 50-75 Plastic Mancs were treated to the full Chelsea repetoire of songs, even if we did find it necessary to start singing 'Ten Men' at about 5...... Purely an exercize in saving the vocal chords, for what was sure to be a long night ahead.

From the outset it was clear that we were bang up for it, but as time ticked towards the break, It was beginning to concern me that for all our possession, we had not made the breakthrough.

And then, as the official held high the board indicating an extra 4 minutes, 2 warriors that clearly don't have much time for each other put aside their differences. The chipped cross was sublime in it's accuracy, but has their ever been a better header of the ball than 'Ze German'! As much as Frank Lampard does for Chelsea, Ballack provides a steely determination that Lamps doesn't possess.

The displaying of the 'Pat Lampard - RIP' shirt should put beyond any doubt the fact that this team are united and well and truely over the difficult post Mourinho time. For me, our MoM was undoubtedly Pat Lampard...... There is no other explanation for why this Chelsea side, one which I barely recognised from the one that has turned up week after week, producing tepid performances, chose our biggest game of the season so far to show up. This one was for Frank and his family.

It has to be said though that I completely missed the 'shirt' moment at the first viewing, as I was busy leading a chorus of ' Let's go ..kin mental' and the TV screen had been somewhat obscured by a mass of arms and legs.

Half time conversations were a little nervy, mostly due to our complete inability to hold onto a lead all season and the fact that we knew it would be nigh on impossible to reproduce the first half performance. And with ales replenished, our worst fears were realised with Utd clearly having received the 'tea-cup' treatment at half time.

Still though, the storm was weathered for a while, until possibly the most reliable man on the field, Lord Percy, inexplicably decided to provide a through ball so sublime even a short fat scouser on one leg would have been able to score..... And unfortunately Wayne Rooney did!

We absorbed the assorted barbs of the Utd fans, who clearly had not enjoyed our rendition of songs and wanted to let us know. Undetered, the goal seemed to bring us and Chelsea back to life and as time moved on, it was clear that if a winner was going to come, it would be for Chelsea.

Not sure if it was the alcohol, or the wonderful performance, but I don't recall getting that horrible sick feeling in the pit of my stomach (that came later, much to the annoyance of the missus!) that comes with being so near, yet so far. It didn't do much for my confidence when Ballack and Drogba decided that now would be a good time to fight over the ball. the Bison's response in covering his head said it all. To his credit DD almost backed up his faith in his own ability as another bottle of Heineken soiled the pub carpet!

Avram's decision to replace Ferriera with Anelka meant that Stevie Clarke had clearly told him this game was going to be important, and required intervention. And when Essien, in his right back - cum - right wing role curled a cross into the box, could it have been any sweeter when it was the 'Tottenham reject' that handballed. Not sure how Fergie could have seen the incident.... Even the TV cameraman didn't manage to get it on the screen!

The antics of Brown, Silvestre and Van Der Sar were laughable and the despatching of the all into the net was never in doubt.... German reliability.... Vorsprung Derk Technik.... Have some of that!

Still a while left to go though, enough time for the much maligned Ashley Cole and Shevchenko to repay a huge slice of their massive wages by kicking off the line not once, but twice in 2 minutes.

And then it was over...... For me the moment of the night was Avram rising from the bench 'Rocky' style, arms aloft and screaming to the sky with his eyes closed. The Undertaker had achieved what many thought was impossible and we had beaten the ' Best United Team Ever'.

And as the plastics scuttled out to a chorus of ' We can see you sneaking out', a group of scousers turned up for their game which was to be shown next. For their trouble they were treated to almost an hour's worth of the 'John Arne Riise' song as we watched tem slump to a 2-0 deficit, even Mickael Forssell getting in on the celebrations.

So the dream is still on.... Dare to Dream boys!! Despite rumours of our impending implosion, there is still the chance that this could be the best season ever!

Fuck..... Just realised that took me 3/4 of an hour!! I should have been off to work 20 mins ago!!

My vote for player of the year would also go to Riccy, he's been very consistent and pure class. I was thinking if Nick (who does a great job on the site) could perhaps give us a facility where we could vote on such things like this rather than people writing their preferences. That way we can get an instant snapshot of opinions rather than read through each post.

was tubby warming up the team for next weds or....

25 Pepe Reina
4 Sami Hyypia
3 Steve Finnan
37 Martin Skrtel
6 John Arne Riise
16 Jermaine Pennant
11 Yossi Benayoun
1 Lucas Leiva
47 Damien Plessis
15 Peter Crouch
10 Andriy Voronin

would like to hear from bolton/fulham/reading supporters

i see you'd made that point already greenlight. well, as Romans would put it, repetita iuvant

@ Tony Glover

Fantastic Match Report - Loved every word of it, much like I loved every moment of that game. Your comparison of Ballack with a perfect robot is SPOT ON !! My sentiments exactly. I was on the verge of passing out with anxiety and just rifled that ball home.

@ LIMETREEBLOWER

Hilarious insights - the match was indeed the world in 90 mins (plus stoppage time) - I hope you find the pants.

@ True Blue

You probably know this better than I do, these are Drogba's last few dances in Blue - I did not mind their little fracas - makes it easier to see him part with the club. As far as tactics are concerned, his departure might change the entire complexion of the way we play.

@ Peregrine

This was, without a shadow of a doubt, the team's best performance under AG - to be honest, I have no idea if he should be given an extended run. He seems to emote very little and I think that is a key to success (e.g. Ballack prior to the penalty)

@ LOLLIPOP

I have 48 comments above me, I don't care if I have to write - "WE PLAYED GREAT STUFF" 48 times - cause we did. I thought the arses had style, lo and behold, Chelsea raised the bar to whole new level, way above the little ones.

@ SEDENTARYDAVE

So you do exist, eh? A gooner who can appreciate good football and give people their due when they deserve it - RARITY. Chances are, you have nothing to do with the losers 'le-grove'. Sad lot, they are.

@ Jonathan Dyer

You work for The Observer?? Neat. WE WON !!

@ Everyone else

WE WON !! WE PLAYED SOME AWESOME STUFF !! I want TWO pieces of silverware !! GO BLUES !!

One of the rare few, half decent, Manc fans admitted - as they say it in my country's language - "maar di hamari" - roughly translated as - boots in the hindquarters !! (Blue ones, might I add)

PFA Awards are so stupid, They ONLY nominate players from Chelsea IF we dominate the league from start to finish which we definetly HAVENT done this season but still they are totally biased they always give the awards mainly to the players who play for the team thats top of the league (Man-Ure), Id love to see us win the double of UCL and Premier League maybe then they would be able to give our players some respect, Rio Turdinand has been better than Riccy? Stevie Shithead only looks good because of all the SHIT around him and half of his goals are from the penalty spot, Lampsy deserves that WAY more than the dirty scouser,
You cant really argue that Tina Ronaldo is in there but Ashley Young over Joe Cole? I can only think something is wrong with these awards

CLIVE, Totally agree about player of the year, Maybe you guys could do a poll or something like that would be cool, KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH!!!

oh you're back! i was wondering where you'd gone to. i was beginning to get worried when you didn't post the match report yesterday. :)

great reporting, if a bit sappy -- ha! but you are forgiven, this was after all the best game of the season. why oh why can't they play like this every time?

that drogba-ballack row seemed to be real, to me. didier is losing it. what better way to justify leaving the club? sad.

go blues!!!

It was wonderful. I thought Obi especially had a magnificent game. Let's revel in it until Wednesday, beat the piss out of Liverpool and, for the first time ever, yell at the top of our lungs, "COME ON YOU HAMMERS!"

The Sun is reporting that up to 8 united players might be charged for the extra activities after the match. Here's to hoping a few of them get suspended for about the next two games.

This article from the Sun i think is a just commentary over what happen. LINK United's behavior was truly appaling. People have been saying that Chelsea do not deserve to be champions based on the way they've been playing, well based this display of sportsmanship United certainly do not deserve anything.

A couple of corrections:
- The tribute to Frank's mum can hardly be assigned to Ballack seeing as the whole team set off for the bench to get the shirt while Ballack was celebrating in front of the WAGs. In fact he only just managed to catch up with the rest of the team before the ref decided he'd had enough of all that.
- Second, Cole can't have had Ronaldo in his pocket seeing as Ronaldo replaced Rooney and played almost exclusively in the middle.
- Third, while it was definitely our most important win of the season it was far from the best. We probably warranted an 8/10, but United only warranted a 5/10 because they were utter crap - mainly attributable to Fergie's cowardly approach to the entire game (and the Barca game last week). They may have played well in many games this season, but they've been crap for weeks and if they don't win the league it'll be because they simply don't deserve to. And, by definition, we will.

All that said, yes, if we play as well on Wednesday we certainly will beat Liverpool and then I'll have the problem of rustling up the best part of a grand to go to Moscow. I'm looking forward to it and not looking forward to it. I'm already skint. Anyone have a cheaper route to Moscow than the £900 minimum Chelsea Travel will be asking? I need to know, just in case we do the unimaginable.

First, what a fantastic game to watch even through the TV, the atmosphere was electric and everyone at the ground should be proud on the way you supported the team. Can't disagree with the player ratings and for the second game running I watched Man U be humbled, but for Ricci's brain freeze they would not have scored. Goal line clearances don't count as that is good defending !

On the Drogba/Ballack incident it definitely wasn't planned unless Steve Clarke was in on the ruse. Strange how JT didn't get involved on the touch line when Drogba was being 'controlled' by Steve C. I am not complaining too much as it was fantastic to see some real passion from the team. I reckon the handbags was started because Ballack looked like he stole an earlier free kick from Drogba. Dorgba was clearly placing the ball how he liked it and as he stepped back Ballack stepped in and took the free kick - DD did not look happy then so I reckon he was having his say with the second free kick from similar position.

With that aside my faith in the team's ability to play passionate and skillful football has returned and I can't wait for Wednesday to see if we can repeat the treatment on Loserpool.

Man U might just sneak the Prem but if they get through against Barca then we shall give them a right going over in Moscow after the performance on Saturday.

Suddenly despite all our sour faces a few weeks ago the future looks bright for another week at least. I am still skeptical about AG's real influence on the result and the team but right now I don't care. I believe this was the players playing for pride and for Frank.. we just need to carry that passion into the remaining 4 games of the season.

KTBFFH

After reading the Greenlight report from Aus it made me realise how many posters here are overseas fans. Maybe Nick should add another field "Country" when we make a posting so we know other posters location / timezone. @Clive - Personally I'm willing to accept Devon is in England.

I was in New York a couple of years back and there was a game on. I managed to find the Chelsea pub and the atmosphere was great. All the walls adorned with Chelsea posters and flags with New Yorkers and ex pats in their replica shirts. Greenlights report brought the memories flooding back.

Interesting that no Chelsea players made the PFA Team of the Season......

I am not saying that we deserve any, but it will make them look incredibly stupid if we happen to win either the League or end up European Champs!

Perhaps Avram will be Manager of The Year!

few words from croatia on modric:

he went to spurs because his owner/manager got the most pesos from them. period. he didn't go there because of the negative immage grant has in europe as some have suggested here. actually, grant has a pretty good immage here, and watching the game on croatian tv, sans usual english commentary about grants "uncertain future" and "unconvincing performance" was really refreshing. actually<, after the liverpool game, our national team managre, one slaven bilic, devoted a full couple of minutes to that issue, defining that treatment of AG in english press as "not normal".

i am really pissed for us not landing luka modric, though. he's a great player.

as for the rest of the season - we're close but not there yet. i do believe we can take both trophies. well done boys.

and remember - shevchenko still has some unfinished bussines with liverpool to settle- since istanbul.

KTBFFH!

We can only make up for the lost of Modric with other players.

Being the eternal pessimist, I like to look at everything with a negative vibe.

I thought it was an exceptional result. Beating Man USA with 9 men is some achievement. Tony, I'm not sure if the black stuff somehow clouded your recollection of the game, or my particular Sky box showed a different match but Joe Cole and Kalou were nigh-on anonymous. Deployed as the wide men in a three pronged attack, you'd hope that they were the better deliverers of crosses / set pieces / passes in the team. Well, you'd be very wrong. If any young players wondered what it may be like to witness ludicrously over-paid footballers doing bugger all for their team and disappearing up their own arses, then this was an A* tutorial.
Every corner Cole took was met at the near post by a ManUSA player. Mind you, he was able to make at least 2 passes to players in blue.
Unlike Kalou. Saloman does need some fine-tuning, and no doubt will prove to be an asset, but at the moment we seem to be stuck with someone who beats his marker by lucky deflections and dodgy bobbles more than true skill. As for 'passes', they seem nothing more than a feeble attempt at offering his foot to the ball in the hope that it may just deflect to someone in blue.

Everyone's allowed the odd error, so I'm happy to give Riccy his only one of the season. Admittedly not helped by Paulo's absurd decision to rush the free-kick, why he just passed without looking is the sort of thing that occurs when I play football. And not what you'd expect from the best defender in the league.

No doubt all the AG doubters (that'll be me amongst others) will be ridiculed for doubting someone with such awesome managerial abilities. So what. It proves nothing. He's won nothing yet, one swallow and all that.....

His substitutions were better than they've been for ages, but I was slightly puzzled by the one he was about to make before the penalty. Having withdrawn a right back in Paulo to chase the 3 points once they'd scored, Belletti was stripped and ready to come on. Who's a right back. Weird, but then the German legend ripped the net off and Maka was sent on the shore things up, so thats bye-the-bye anyway.

On the subject of Ballack - who was awesome - I can only wonder how things would have been had we had him 3 or 4 years ago.

The row he and DD had was a bit petty (I dont think it was planned). Which is fine on the pitch, as he stated after the game, but the protestations from DD towards Steve Clarke were disgraceful. No place for that Didier. You may think you're the main man, but that was unnecessary to say the least. The sort of thing that wont be missed should you depart in the summer.

And that's pretty much it. Mathematically still in it, but I cant see Fergie dropping another Ballack when it comes to team selection. The closest title race in years will, probably, be won on goal difference. Interesting to hear on Saturday we only have 2 players who've started more than 20 games this season. Given a fully fit squad, makes you wonder what might have been......

@ Sid. Pedantville must be a lonely place these days. At the ground it appeard he had lifted the shirt for Pat Lampard, but when I watched the rerun yesterday having submitted the review I saw which group of players it was. You see Sid, at the ground I was too busy celebrating the goal to notice the detail. Having said that what Ballack said in the post match interview about Pat and Frank yet again showed his class and intelligence, so the comment stands and refers to that.

On your second point of pedantry - Cole had a fantastic game and deserves the credit for that. He kept a few United players quiet and showed why TSO rated him so highly. he has consistently shown that he is a match for Ronaldo and I'm struggling to find anyone else who is.

On your third point - if this wasn't the best then what was? Man City? I think you'll find the players and every other pundit would say that this victory eclipses any walkover against sides such as City. To call United poor discredits our players who from the kick off set out to dominate and control a very good, if not full strength United team. Do you think Fergie wanted to lose or draw that game? He might be a miserable old scrote and for sure he is a bad loser, a trait I admire, but with his record in football and his experience the one word you can't level at him is 'cowardly'. He put out a team that could easily have done us, and no doubt he had an eye on Tuesday night. Do you blame him?

Sorry Sid, that was our best performance for maybe two seasons let alone just this one.

Sappy? I think you'll find my reviews tend to be fairly even handed and I'm often criticized for being too harsh on the team. When they play like they did on Saturday then they deserve the bouquets and not the brickbats. Happy mate, not sappy.

@Clive - Personally I’m willing to accept Devon is in England.

I have to disagree, anyway I live next door in Somerset and rarely venture into Devon in fear of falling off the edge of the world. I always knew I should have paid more attention in Geography lessons at school.

Wow, Sid (56), and I thought I was a gloomy contrarian bugger.

The only performance I can think of that matched this was the Carling semi-final home leg against Everton, where, funnily enough, we won 2-1 with a very late goal. The thrashings of Man Citeh and Derby and so forth weren't remotely comparable: teams that let us walk all over them in midfield don't get good performances out of us. Utd were poor on Saturday, but they didn't roll over: we had to work hard to keep them pinned back, and they kept their defence organised throughout (particularly noticeable when Hargreaves came on at right back). When we hung around on the ball for too long they got it off us (Kalou), and when our midfielders were out of position they broke forward pretty fast. But both those things happened very rarely. There was no sign at all of that panicky defending with huge gaps in front of our own box that we've seen so very very often this year against all sorts of teams, including Huddersfield and Olympiakos.

What was really noticeable was how familiar our bad patch was (first 15 mins of the second half). Sleepy tempo, always running backwards as the opposition passed it out from the back, no movement in front of the man in possession in front of the back four, plus the all-too-familiar mishit passes and hopeful punts Drogwards. That's what we've had to get used to recently. Put that next to our first 45 minutes and I think the contrast speaks for itself.

For the last half hour both teams just looked exhausted. Essien's freshness stood out.

@ Fifty -- yes, your Sky box needs adjusting. Both Kalou and Cole were excellent on the whole. Yes, the embarrassing corners keep coming -- it's been a defining feature this season -- and yes, Kalou gets pushed off the ball when he takes two defenders on, he's nothing like as strong as Drogs; but both of them linked quickly and accurately with the midfield three, especially Obi, and both of them contributed massively to the relentless speed with which we kept coming deep into theor territory in the first half. The more I think about it the more crucial those first five minutes seem: they'd set up to defend, control the game and play for a draw, and they were utterly overrun before they knew what was going on. Our attacking wingers deserve a lot of credit for that.

I see the 'teams behaving badly' bandwagon is rolling into town, courtesy of the normally excellent 5 Live. Now I know 5 Live is moving to Manchester soon, but surely it's a bit early to be courting the locals with 'London lout' accusations?

BTW, was it just me or did Rio look like one of those barking mad asylum inmates as he walked off the pitch at the end. He seemed to be having an attack of Tourettes with himself, barely acknowledging any of our players or his own. This comes not long after he thought Mikel Obi should be hit for presumably being on the pitch and then kicking Owen Hargreaves when he was on the floor. At first I thought the kick on Hargreaves was playful banter...but watch it again and Rio seems genuinely angry.

He'd be a perfect England captain. Maybe Martin Johnson could sign him up now?

If José was manager of Barca, he'd be turning the screw so tight now that Sir Purplenose's head might actually explode. Ah, the memories.

Some snippets for you from the BBC football gossip section....


Chelsea manager Avram Grant is demanding showdown talks over his future at the club. (Daily Star)

Grant has no idea whether he will be at Chelsea next season - at least according to his wife Tzofit, who is a TV presenter in Israel. She said: "I've learned something important in the last year - not to make plans." (The Sun)


Chelsea's hopes of landing Kaka increased when AC Milan admitted they were ready to sell him for £55m. (Daily Mirror)

Dinesh, I ain't a relatively well balanced gooner. I am a relatively well balanced hammer. Is that worse or better?

Anyway, I will start accepting good luck wishes for our next game now.

On the whole Ferdinand behaving like some sort of rabid wild animal, looking like he'll rip ALan Wiley's head off, shoving Maka and the Chelsea boys, trying to kick a wall but missing and kicking a female member of staff (seriously, what the f*ck is that all about ??). This is the bloke who's apparently going to be made England captain because other candidates can't control themselves and behave.

Do me a favour...

60. biggs · 7:44 AM · 28th April
"he went to spurs because his owner/manager got the most pesos from them. period. he didn’t go there because of the negative immage grant has in europe"....
Well Biggs maybe in Croatia only, just read the european press and I mean the bigger football leagues , France (L'Equipe), Spain( La Marca,El As, Mundo Deportivo)or Italy (Corriere dello Sport), Portugal ( O Jogo, A Bola), read and they all have an analysis of an english premier. game, and I havent heard on TV or read yet in any of the sports papers a decent word about him. In fact the word incompetent and amateurish comes in most papers and in the TV5 channel (Italy) the word "scemo" and "stronzo" is a constant. So if Modric didnt come to Cheslea and went to spuds, I dont think it was the price tag, the local papers are saying he signed fopr £15/£16KK maybe something different occured like higher wages, or maybe looking at the chelsea's midfield compared to Spuds' one. Modric would find it far more difficult to play or to be named then with Spuds..........
or......... looking at Anelka since arriving at Chelsea from Bolton, has not really impressed that much.
Although Modric is potentially a very good player, he only can get better with better managers, and you will see that spuds will buy more very good players from abroad again, hardly because of Spuds achievements in Europe or the EPL.
Biggs top players join top managers, top players want to play for top managers and motivators NOT psychologist.
Just notice Ramos doing in Spuds what Rafa did in Liverpool, Torres comes to mind.
In my opinion the only way top players will arrive in Chelsea, if AG stays as manager, is if the salary can not be refused.

@ 70 Fifty - couldn't agree more re Ferdinand and his mad dogs who I thought showed what nonsense PurpleNose's recent claims of "respect for referees" from his team were - though I've just heard that well-known a***hole Graham Poll on Five Live saying he thought the ManUre players protests to the ref during the game were "acceptable". Is this what you heard there earlier Tony(@66)?

Might well be that Modric felt (and probably correctly) he'd get more first team football at Spurs - did see a suggestion that the fee rises with appearances etc. so I'd guess the club were keen on that ; general mumblings in the press suggest that Ramos only wants to keep a handful of his current squad and anyway - it's not like we're short of midfielders at present, is it?

In terms of signing players, it is down to the club to make their position clear on Grant at the earliest possible opportunity - we can't go into the close season with them hedging their bets. Giving the bloke a 4 year deal and then within 6 months being unable to answer questions about his future is at best amatuerish, given that he has also surely exceeded their expectations thus far - the time to sh*t or get off the pot is rapidly approaching.

Really enjoyed the game yesterday, but not quite sure it’s worth raving about in terms of quality of both sides as much as some above, for that I’d like us to beat their first XI

@37 Stephen
With regard your point on their first eleven, when you look at the team selection they only left out two guaranteed first team starters, that's Ronaldo and Evra. The players that were selected have rotated off and on most of the season, Tevez Scholes and Giggs spring to mind.

And if you look at our selection only Lampard was missing, so in reality both teams were virtually at full strength, I think desire from us, and some negative tactics along with the squeaky bum syndrome played their part and did for them.

Fergie came for a point, no question, but he definitely underestimated us - the Anderson / O'Shea substitution was the one that really surprised me given that he was looking like one of their few credible threats and how dominant we were.

Very interesting to see how he plays things tomorrow - they could be missing Rooney and Vidic and one away goal would see them getting very twitchy; if they lost their rags on Saturday, wait until Deco starts falling over with every slight breeze, Marquez is digging away at the ribs and ankles of any United player within touching distance and they are pulling their usual subtle fouls that (very successfully) break play up and frustrate the opposition.

Cool heads will be needed, and they appear to be in short supply up at OT right now...

whatever happens from now on is just a bonus. my season is up and i'm happy. grant out though.

marquez is suspended but puyol is back.

marquez is suspended but puyol is back

same difference in respect of the United players' ribs and ankles :-)

More serialisation of all things Liverpoo for your reading guys and gals. Admittedly they may have a certain point with regard the Mancs, but the overall tone is one of everyman and his dog are out to get me. I was going to put another quote in from our "man of the people" Fat Scouser, but he came up with a rather tasteless joke with regard Pat Lampard and Didier Drogba which just shows how low they really are.

Anyway here's more extracts from Planet Paranoia...

"Spot on. Injustice has once again reared its ugly head and stuck its tongue out at a bemused Liver bird. Masch gets the book thrown at him because he plays for the worlds best Football club at Cold Twatford for the very first time, and he just cannot control himself at the injustice of every single decision going the mancs way.

Then, after being kicked and elbowed from pillar to post by the dirty fucking manc venom, Torres complains to the ref………..and gets booked. This is to much for Masch to bear, and he flips his lid…………next time he plays for LFC there, he will know he has to ACCEPT all the descisions going thier way, because as sure as a bear shits in the woods, it aint gonna change!

The way the Chavs and Mancs behaved at Scumford Bridge at the weekend is an absolute disgrace, Mancs players getting involved in a punch up with security staff. Where is their example to the youngsters, they are a bunch of tossers.

7 pens awarded to the Mancs, ONE given against (in the prem) all season, yet fuck face just cant help himself can he? Moaning cunt.

We all know that LFC players never behave in the dispicible manner of the Mancs or the Chavs, we have honest decent players, we are a truely great football club in every sense of the word.

For all the injustices that LFC have had to face, an herculean effort is required on Wednesday evening to put this right.

I want Barcelona to put the Mancs out, not because I am frightened about facing them (we would have a 50/50 chance of beating them with a european ref in charge) but because of the security aspect involved. The potential for violence on the streets of Moscow would be enormous, and the Russian police would not be able to cope, no police force would. We could end up being banned from europe for years.

You get what you deserve in this life, and if Man.Utd and Chelsea were to get what they deserve, we would indeed get an LFC v Barcelona Final in May. Both in the name of justice, and for a wonderful spectical for the fooball world, without the fear of it kicking off in the streets of Moscow. Liverpool v Barcelona…… a final to cherish. Come on you Redmen, please make it happen!

Comment by steve the red

We all know that LFC players never behave in the dispicible manner of the Mancs or the Chavs, we have honest decent players, we are a truely great football club in every sense of the word.

It was at this point I had to take a stiff drink and receive some oxygen in order to regain my composure.

It was at this point I had to take a stiff drink and receive some oxygen in order to regain my composure.

You got further than me Jonathan :-)

@ Clive 79

I remember reading an article some months ago where the writer commented that the continental sports media are bemused by the way the english media, and by extension the fans, always couch their views of sport in moral terms, where the winner shouldn't be the best practitioners or indeed the team/individual that actually wins (sometimes against the odds and because of luck or other factors) but those perceived to be entitled to win.

This entitlement is dependent on filtering any number of criteria through your personal moral prism and therefore varies enormously depending on through what and by whom the filtering is done.

But the general principle is always the same.

For the life of me I can't see where they got that idea.

@Blue Bayou

Very true - although I do vaguely recall Berlusconi coming up with a few ideas for the Champions League not so long ago which contained some very small print with clever legal wording saying that Italian teams that played in red and black that were owned by handsome tycoons called Silvio didn't have to go through the tedious business of qualifying for the KO stages of the competition.

(OK, I exaggerate, but it was genuinely something like all previous winners shouldn't have to dirty their boots in the earlier stages because it was insulting to them or something...)

I personally think we should win it this year as it's our bloody turn now, surely?

I'm finding the moral outrage of English football supporters increasingly irritating. Drogba seems to have become public enemy number one again, some people even saying he 'looked like' he was about to dive when he kneed Vidic. Jesus, the bloke called for a stretcher straight away, what more do they want.

@ BB (82) -- true enough. A related phenomenon is the way we try and explain our loathing of other teams in moral terms (I hate them because they cheat/dive/whinge/spend too much money/don't spend enough money/it's not fair/whatever).

Me, I hate Man U because I just hates 'em. It's a prejudice. Prejudices are supposed to be irrational. I would hate them if their manager was Ghandi. If they go out tomorrow because of a manifest injustice, I'll be even happier. If Barca cheat and foul their way to victory I will feel a warm glow inside. I even recognise that some of the Man U players are fairly classy -- Giggs, ummm ... Giggs ... well there must be some others, anyway -- but I still despise them all.

what more do they want

execution, public flogging, points deduction.

The prevailing moral superiority always seems to come from those who are currently less succesful than those they throw the accusations at. Funny that.

'Where is their example to the youngsters, they are a bunch of tossers.'

I mean, take this scouser of Clives. Now, United were pretty poorly behaved on Saturday and we've had more than our fair share of moments but didn't Carragher once throw a coin at supporters? WHERE IS THE EXAMPLE TO YOUNGSTERS! No Chelsea player would ever do that. I'm outraged, it's outrageous, my rage is out. etc

How do they keep it up?

I blame Alan Green of course.

On a related topic I must disagree with TG 66 in that I've always found 5 Live to have a northern bias (hence my referring to them as Northern Professional Club radio)and to be particularly good at moral outrage(usually vastly exaggerated) no matter what the sport, though when it comes to Chelsea they excel themselves. The moments after the game against Liverpool a case in point. I exempt the summarisers from this (apart from Chris Waddle) as they generally try to be fair.

Yes, I know in my dark cave here in the Tora Bora mountains gnawing on the perceived slights of the western media a man can start to become paranoid and neurotic, but I don't think I'm imagining it.

The great Jimmy Armfield, a gent, who despite his Leeds connection I have a lot of time for, when interviewed on R4 about his PFA merit award this morning referred to Saturday's game as between the 'Big Two'.

I suggest he doesn't go out alone in Liverpool or Highbury for a while.

The summarisers always sound rather embarrassed by the moralistic crap that comes out of Alan Green's mouth.

Having spoken to Graham Taylor, I can vouch that he doesn't give a shit about that sort of nonsense, he just wants to talk about football.

True about Graham Taylor - his enthusiasm for football in general always comes through when you hear him speak. Unpopular view it may be, but I think David Pleat seems to be cut from similar cloth.

@Tony

Great review

The hang Drogba cry pisses me off. He might be lumbering baby giraffe on ice, or auditioning for the lead part in the remake of Platoon, but the knee into Vidic was an accident plain and simple, and as soon as it happened he was calling for play to stop so that Vidic could get attention.

But that's not a good story is it?

@Alex

Is this all not too interesting?

I can not help myself but laugh...it is all too funny out here...

I think the moral standpoint mainly comes from the Liverpoo fans and sometimes the Arse fans. After all Liverpoo seem to have some divine right to win everything, it all goes back to their domination of English football in the 70's and 80's as we continually get reminded in their lyrics to one of our songs.

They seem to have forgotten how moral their fans were when they got English teams banned from Europe for five years. That's the problem with history it's written by the victors.

TAKE THAT YOU MANC SCUM!!!!

I mean, take this scouser of Clives.

@Peter
He's not mine I disowned him a long time ago :-)

Tony - why a 9.75 and not a 10 for ze german.

Great review aside from that - because that bit is bollocks - i mean you cannot be serious - dude come on. *said ala John McEnroe*

Have you all seen Fergie moaning about the incident in the telegraph and guardian today?

Very furny

Viva la Grant - not an egit but a genius.

i have seen lamps should be back for liverpool - anyone else think this is a bad idea - i mean we play the best game ever - why change it and in all seriousness is his head going to be in the right place after everything that has happened?!

Think Lamps is training but not sure he will play; Would certainly be inclined to leave him out until he's got himself sorted - doubt the funeral will happen until later this week.

My more or less impartial impression of Drogba - just from seeing him on TV, you understand - is that, apart from these sudden attacks of falling down sickness, he's a good guy. Certainly more likeable than a lot of professional footballers. Have I got that completely wrong?

What the hell is going on with Ivanovic? Hes been training with the squad for months now and we still havent seen anything of him, Anyone know why?

@ JD

My thoughts as well. I had a boss at work who, when spotting an employee in trouble, would walk over and quietly speak in their ear "Fuck off home, your no good to me whilst this is going on". He was old school and couldn't bring himself to publicly be seen to care...but in his own way he actually did care...he just dressed it up in work rhetoric. I think AG should do the same to Frank. Until Pat is buried the real grieving process can't start properly...a well documented example of the 'change curve' as we call it. I'd rather he stayed with his family and then came back when mentally ready.

@ Munkeyfeet - 'Ze German' came damn close to a perfect 10, but the minute I start dishing them out it'll be like dishing out smarties so the perfect score remains enigmatically unachieved. The sight of him standing in that Teutonic pose of assurance prior to the penalty will live long in the memory.

Just driven home listening to Northern Professional Club Radio, and they're still going on about the players in Saturdays game and referring to it as the behaviour of the Chelsea and Man Utd players! Exactly what did our players do wrong? We had 3 bookings during the game, one of which was for the heinous crime of shirt removal, just about the most pathetic, peurile, juvenile rule ever conjured up by any organisation. Having said that it's just about the expected level of lawmaking one might expect from a bunch of brain-dead, right wing, old, wrinkled, pompous, blazer wearing fuckwits called the FA. Sure, some tempers flared, but they always will in a game of such importance and a sport of unparalleled passion. It's what sets football aside from the arse banditry of rugby and the innate snobbery of cricket. And don't talk to me about hitball (Tennis) which is a fucking huge waste of time and is by some mile the dullest 'sport' ever invented.

Compared to the previous duopolic encounters between Arse and Manure, this game was about as violent as a Dale Winton fan club meeting so to say I'm disappointed with 5 Live is a bit like saying Arthur Scargill was disappointed with Margaret Thatcher.

And yes, I am in a grumpy mood today. The fact that yet again my lottery numbers have failed to transform me into a multi-millionaire, meaning my existence as a wage slave continues is a constant thorn in my side.

#101

Ivanovic came to Chelsea in January being unfit, injured and not ready to play for us. He is trying to adapt to our club and the English game behind the scenes, doing some personal training and playing in reserve games. I expect to see him fit for the new season.

83. Jonathan Dyer · 3:38 PM · 28th April

I do vaguely recall Berlusconi coming up with ....saying that Italian teams that played in red and black that were owned by handsome tycoons called Silvio didn’t have to go through the tedious business of qualifying for the KO stages of the competition.
(OK, I exaggerate..)


JD i'm afraid you're not exaggerating at all. he had said that even before the CL began back in, say, 1990? and it was not that different. Not sure about the "handsome" bit though

I would be surprised if Frank plays on Wednesday, the fact that he's training just means he's trying to get some normality back to his life, and I think the club are allowing that little bit of leeway for him. As Tony said the real grieving will start later on and he's got the five stages of it to get through with no real time limit.

Whatever he may think about wanting to play, it would be a mistake for the club to let that happen.

the match is extremely fantastic, it is an awaiting victory. despite all critics that stamford bridge wil collapse... whao... it's just wonderful. chelsea is just too much. kudoes 2 u guys!!!!!!!!!!!!1

@ SedentaryDave (100) [and may the gods of fortune smile upon West Ham, by the way, at least for the next seven days] -- I would take a braver man than I to try and understand what goes on in the Drogba noggin. I think he's not a bad guy at all, but I think he has the emotional stability of a toddler. Everything seems to be magnified a hudred times for him. Clearly he took José's departure harder than anyone else. Best think of him as the anti-Ballack: volcanic and febrile, as opposed to icy Teutonic focus.

His ability to drive opposing fans, and sometimes players, into frothing madness is one of his great assets though.

Well, well, well, if some reports are to believed, it looks like Grant is feeling the same heat he helped push on to Jose! Even his wife admits it. I guess the old saying still rings true. " what goes around comes around" or put another way he might enjoy from the old testament. "you reap what you sow"!

On the match, did anyone notice how greedy, selfish Joe Cole was? Even when Grant puts on Anelka and has two up front he fails to pass to either of them and is still acting like a front man! that fact he was trying to his credit is of no use if it helps to lose a game.!! i fear he has beleived his own hype and is reverting back to his old ways as has been mentioned on here already. Does he not realise he's a winger and should be creating for the strikers? And Kalou! this has been going on too long now. Why oh why does he do a Robbyn and stay on the ball far too long and not pass, eventually getting taken off the ball ,time after time.!?

Great game
Grate review Tony. Bit forgiving though understandably so! But I would say Drogba is getting more and more out of order and could be very annoying not just for the opposition. And no way should get away with sticking his finger in SC’s face. He has to be shown his place, I think!!!
Only one thing – we desperately need to get somebody who can cross the ball. At the moment we have only Bellety to do that and Drogba but Bellety does not play every game and Drogba is needed to meet crosses not make them. I think Paolo had not the best of games and was rightly substituted, I dare to say that it was him and not RC who started the panic by needlessly quick free kick.
Ok what else…ah let Tottenham have Modrich (or whatever the name is), we will have Kaka thank you very much.

Bring on the v****a face Rafa!

LINK

Footage of the bust up with the ground staff......

Now,I always view these things with my blue spectacles on, but to me it looks like Evra runs 20 yards towards the Chelsea staff, rather than the Chelsea boys approaching them.

He does get a smack on the nose for his trouble, but perhaps next time he will 'jog on' rather than get involved in a row with blokes bigger than him.

@ TG 102

Spot on with your NPCR comment.

All of the Utd players look guilty to me, it justs shows these rich footballers feel they can attack poor gardeners and get away with it. I feel a seven point deduction coming their way, and Evra made to eat at greasy spoon restaurants for the next 6 months, that'll teach those French people to mock our cuisine.

Is it the pits?

Speaking as someone whose fashion sense can be described as 'Looking like a sack of sh*t tied up queer,' I may not be best placed to comment.

However this picture tells you all you need to know about Saturday's game.

LINK

With cameras tracing your every move a managers choice of shirt on a warm day is key.

Was it Tacitus or Suetonius who said. "Usquequaque vultus ut ala vestri gubernatio." (Always look to the armpits of your leaders)

Anticipating a warm day Fergie opted for a defensive white.

AG abandoned the safety of his usual black and opted for a daring blue. Perhaps he was gambling on his Middle Eastern background giving him the advantage in the heat over Fergie's upbringing in the dreech drizzly wilds of Scotland.

Whatever, it was an audacious and attacking move indicative of a change of mindset.

Look no dark stain on the pits. A triumph.

Saturday's game in a nutshell.

@ Blue Bayou

Impressive detective work, mate. Can it be that Avram really is the 'Ice Man', whilst Fergie does a passable impression of a pressure cooker about to explode?

@ Sedentary Dave

Good to have you on the site mate... Sensible comment from fans of other sides is always welcome here. For me Drogba is both the most brilliant, and most frustrating centre forward in the game. I think he cares deeply about putting on a great performance every week, however I am yet to work out whether that performance is for the benefit of Chelsea, or the benefit of Didier Drogba. Good luck for the weekend, I for one will be 'blowing bubbles'.

Frank shouldn't play he should be in the dugout and possibly on the bench to provide further motivation to the team to win (not that they should need anymore). Essien, Ballack and Mikel were awesome on Saturday and Frank just needs to be involved with the team and maybe come on with 10 minutes to go to receive a warm cheer from his fans.

Looking at the highlights again last night I am even more convinced that the pressure has got to Man U and they have already cracked. When their leaders on the pitch throw a wobblying like Fergieshand did and then they start fighting with our ground staff and finally Sir Purpleface starts using such big words as diabolical in his post match rant... then they are in trouble.

Can't wait to watch the two games this week.

@98. Munkeyfeet · 5:26 PM · 28th April
"Viva la Grant - not an egit but a genius."
agenius my arse, as a fan I shit nore tactical NOUS and football knowledge than that pathetic clueless manager.
LUCK yes LUCK has never deserted him, the only factor that chelsea missed in the last 2 years.
This "back stabbed scum" thru a fantastic squad inherited form a manager that need not, psychologists, 2nd manager in charge,etc etc, however taking advantage of a fantastic man called Steve Clark, has managed to be where chelsea is.
All the achievements has been in spite of the toad, rather than because of the amphibious. The man is useless, lets give him another season with "his own players" though I doubt it will be more than 50% of his own, the guy is useless, so i dont believe he will bring any world class players.
I will be praying for chelsea to win , as I prayed when the "cup winners' cup" was won against a brilliant team, not valencias at their decline, rosenberghs, olympiakos, feners etc until a decent team came along, and again LUCK played the most factor, not agaisnt a brilliant lot of players, but to read the an absolutely, extremelly mediocre manager to bask in the glory, hmmmmmmm thats beyond my taking.
so guys , thank ypou for your blog, I enjoyed but I am out, go back to the spanish, portugfuese, french and italian blogs.
I thank you for allowing me to log in and wish you the very best guys.
However I think the best times I enjoyed with Chelsea was under JM reign, WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT, brilliant players, brilliant management, but POOR board, but one maust look after ones pocket.
Bey guys all the best.

Marco - irony my dear chap!

Come back Marco -- we can have the bloggers' battle of the "I Told You Sos" on May 4th (or May 23rd), but no need to give up quite so early!

Blimey Marco..... You have been watching Didier rather too closely lately.... His drama queen tendancies seem to be showing through!

I wouldn't be jumping off just yet mate, I still think this season has some way still to go.

Drogba's definitely a good guy when you factor out the diving. The anti-Ballack is the perfect description. In the Guardian, that scanky little manc Daniel Taylor called Drogba 'deplorable', but I don't get the angst. He kicked one dude in the face and immediately called for a stretcher and then had a rumble with Ballack over a free kick, tried to make up afterrwards, but the Iceman was having none of it even when Clarkie got involved. But it was no big deal, just a bit of passion.

I'm sure they had a big kiss and cuddle in the bath afterwards.

Talking of which, did you see the nips on Ballack? Crikey, scoring better than sex indeed.

Enough homoeroticism, or Sedentary Dave will summon fellow Hammer Russell Brand.

As for all the Alan Green moralism - what do they want, football played by a bunch of Little Lord Fauntleroys and robots? Give me humanity, spite, passion, lose disgracefully every now and then, why not.

If good behaviour is so important to you go and watch the rugby with 1,200 other inbred public schoolboys.

I don't know what formation or tactics Sir Alex will adopt for Saturday, but they ought to run through this one just in case.....

LINK

First post here, have been enjoying the wit and humour for some time though. Apart from a Chelsea match which is up there with the best of them, I did have a few laughs to ease the tension on the way through:

Avram Grant bellowing after the first goal and then seeming to think, "Hey, I'm a grown man, I shouldn't be doing this."

Fergie doing the geriatric soft shoe shuffle and almost falling over the non-Ricaro Bridge seats after Rooney's goal

Steve Clarke's index finger management skills (must remember that one!)

Best of all, the hush in the pub as the overwhelming MU clientel look at shots of Makalele getting ready to go on. At that moment they (and I!) knew we had it!

>Jose (no 94)
Its quite funny indeed...I just read their comments (those of the chief priests and acolytes) and laf...

Now Marco can not even wait to see the end of the script...he fears the WORST!, that AG might win something at the end of this season and gain some credibility...

I'll call AG (lafs) and ask him to go for a tummy-tuck once the season ends, and to also do the facials (including trimming the jowls and the bags around his eyes)...maybe that would endear him more to some of the old rascals here (who CLAIM to have seen it all in over 30-50 years of supporting the club

Hope and anxiety has enslaved me...cant seem to put my mind on anything other than the match 2moro (and manure vs hammers by the wkend)...good thing i'm on vacation now cos i'm sure i'd be anything but productive in the office...If the guys are hungry enough like they were against united, we'll do the scousers in the 1st half...

>Lolli...
Waiting for your call on the match...hope u see us winning (there's something between you and predictions in the recent weeks)

Still hoping we'd do the core double this season

Always Blue!

General concensus seems to be that Frank won't play tomorrow, which is a good thing, I think.

Evra is now claiming he was called a "f*cking immigrant". It took 48 hours until after the incident to get stories of a "grave insult". 72 hours after and it's apparently "f*cking immigrant". If that was what was said, then out with the bloke that said it and sharpish. But one can't help thinking something is amiss here...

And Fergie is questioning why the lawnmowers were out. Expert groundsman as well as sore loser, it seems.

Come on Barca (never thought I'd hear myself say that)...

I rate this 2nd leg tie the most important of the 3 in this 10 day period. We could have beaten Man U and not win the title. Whereas in the CL, everyone is on level ground. We came through 2 difficult test in the past 7 days. Now its the final few hurdles with tommorows particularly taller by 5cm. Jump pass it and we will make history in the club's first ever CL final.

Momentum is with us. We need to keep a cool head and play like how we did against Man U on Saturday. So come on you Blues!