Premier League: Stoke City 0 - 2 Chelsea
Saturday, 27 September 08, 05:40 PM · Comments (21)
Match reports
The Observer, Duncan Castles: "Who would have thought the Premier League's first Brazilian boss would relish an encounter like this? Long-ball, body-bruising Stoke City the weekend before a Champions League away trip should be a recipe for calamity, yet Luiz Felipe Scolari saw it as a joyful challenge to his old Gaucho scrapper's spirit."
Sunday Times, John Aizlewood: "Chelsea’s week of heading practice might have been in vain, but they had done other homework. From first to last, they out-Stoked Stoke, eschewing width on the Premier League’s narrowest, most long-throw-friendly pitch and, seeing if the clothes of the underdog fitted, they harassed and harried their hosts."
Sunday Telegraph, Patrick Barclay: "Chelsea can cope with just about anything the Premier League can throw at them. Or not, as the case may be. Here, though Stoke lacked the hurling prowess of Rory Delap, it was a proper contest for a 24-minute period between the advent of Ricardo Fuller, the newcomers’ most exciting feature even when he is suffering from the after-effects of a virus, and the aspiring champions’ second goal, scored by the substitute Nicolas Anelka."
Independent on Sunday, Steve Tongue: "Another lesson in reality for a Premier League newcomer. Against a team missing Deco and Joe Cole, Stoke City kept out Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, only to find a £16 million right-back scoring one goal and making another. Jose Bosingwa, much the best of the many expensive players Chelsea have signed in that position, was on the mark for the first time since joining from Porto and after a brave rally by Tony Pulis's side he created a goal for Nicolas Anelka, a £15m substitute."
Official Chelsea FC Website, Andy Jones: "Ultimately, it hadn't been entirely pretty, but the mission was accomplished as three points were acquired and taken back to SW6."
(One of Stoke's long balls arrives in Chelsea's penalty area. Photo courtesy of Mark.)
The goals
37' Bosingwa 0-177' Anelka 0-2
The good
- Three points. Our first league game against Stoke City in twenty seasons ended as most expected it would, in a hard-fought victory. The feared threat from Rory Delap's increasingly notorious throw-ins didn't materialise after he failed a late fitness test with a tweaked hamstring. The Potters' decision to narrow the dimensions of their pitch in an effort to maximise his menace proved in vain.
- The performance. While it wasn't anything special, it was a better display than we managed against Wigan at the JJB Stadium. We controlled the play for extended periods with some slick passing and clever movement, particularly in the first half and at the start of the second, and we didn't allow Stoke to bully us. The Potters' physical game was never really going to be a problem, though - there are very few, if any, sides capable of out muscling us. In this regard, Jose Mourinho's spirit lives on in the current team. Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen kept the score respectable with some sharp saves, and their only real threat came from Mamady Sidibe, who proved quite a handful for Alex and John Terry. That said, Stoke offered hardly a danger until well into the second half.
- Jose Bosingwa. A constant threat, and at the heart of everything good about our attacking play. Scored his first goal for the club after some great build-up work from Kalou and Lampard (Petr Cech's quick throw sparked the attack), and supplied the cross which eventually fell to Nicolas Anelka, who put the result beyond doubt.
- Frank Lampard. Another good performance. The only thing lacking was a goal; on another day he could have scored at least two. But his all round play and beautifully floated pass to Bosingwa made up for his uncharacteristic profligacy.
- The Stoke fans. I admit that it's hard to gauge the atmosphere at a match when watching it via a somewhat sketchy Internet stream, but on this occasion there was little doubt that the Potters lived up to their reputation. The Chelsea fans seemed to give as good as they got, though.
The bad
- The middle period of the second half. We played some great football just after the break, but the introduction of Ricardo Fuller in the 53rd minute changed the game. Stoke manager Tony Pulis also gave his players a bit more freedom, and for about 25 minutes they caused us quite a few problems, so much so that I was getting a bit nervous. Felipe Scolari decided enough was enough and countered Pulis's change of tactics with Juliano Belletti, who replaced a tired Didier Drogba. Three minutes later, Anelka put the match beyond doubt. Credit to Pulis and his team for making a game of it in the second half.
Player ratings
- Petr Cech: Didn't have to put into action his 'plan' for dealing with Delap's aerial threat, therefore had very little of note to do. Made a couple of great throws of his own, one of which led to the first goal - 7/10.
- Ashley Cole - Another energetic performance. Together with Bosingwa, he kept Stoke's midfielders busy which allowed Ballack and Lampard to pull the strings - 8/10.
- John Terry - Copes better against teams who play a long-ball game, but still managed to get roughed up by Sidibe on a couple of occasions - 7/10.
- Alex - Coped with everything Stoke threw and kicked at him. Terry's lucky to have two good defenders to play alongside him - 7.5/10.
- Jose Bosingwa - Some fine attacking full-back play. Scored his first goal and made the second. My Man of the Match - 8.5/10.
- Jon Obi Mikel - Calm, composed, no rash tackles. His goal line clearance in the second half was the closest Stoke came to scoring - 7.5/10.
- Michael Ballack - While he managed to misplace at least five passes, he was at the heart of all the good attacking moves, particularly in the first half - 7.5/10.
- Frank Lampard - The only thing missing was a goal - 8/10.
- Salomon Kalou - Started really well, but picked up a knock early in the first half and didn't make it out for the second - 7/10.
- Florent Malouda - No longer looks like a liability now that his confidence has returned. Unlucky to come up against a keeper in good form, otherwise he would have scored his third goal in less than a fortnight - 7.5/10.
- Didier Drogba - Lacked match fitness but still managed to show us that he's much better than Anelka, who is going to struggle to get back into the starting eleven if Drogba remains fit and focused. Forced a good reaction save out of Sorensen in the first half - 7/10.
- Nicolas Anelka (sub) - Came on at half time in place of Kalou. Wasted a great opportunity before scoring the goal which sealed Stoke's fate. I really don't think he cares enough, though. Scolari had this to say in midweek when talking about Drogba's return to fitness and what it means for Anelka: "Any player who's here for themselves needs to go somewhere else." Are Anelka's days numbered? - 7/10.
- Juliano Belletti (sub) - Came on in place of a tiring Drogba and steadied the ship. Stoke were threatening to get back into the match before his introduction - 7/10.
- Paulo Ferreira (sub) - Not enough time - 6/10.
Man of the Match
For scoring his first goal for the club, and for his overall contribution to some splendid attacking play, I'm giving it to Jose Bosingwa. Midfielder of the Match goes to Frank Lampard (he deserves a mention here for being awesome).
Final thoughts
Overall, pretty good. It's winning these potentially awkward matches that will regain us the Premier League title. We're top of the table on goal difference from Liverpool, who failed to score in their match against Stoke at Anfield last weekend. Arsenal could have returned to the top this evening, but they lost 2-1 at home to Hull (ha, ha, ha).
This was our sixth consecutive away win, and we're unbeaten in the Premier League since losing to Arsenal at the Emirates last December.
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21 Comments · Add yours
its a good win, its definitely a good win. compare it with the fact that our Arsenal lost. its awesome. Bosingwa was fantastic. our rightback nightmares is well solved once and for all.
Great review NICK
I've never seen so many Stoke fans so excited about a game in my life as i have at work this morning..kids AND adults..it was great! We had our fair share of London boys & girls in our store as well asking for directions for the Brit..all i wanted was the Chelsea coach to pull up outside & ask for directions!! lol..
Seriously though..fantastic game & fab day out..my Ma thoroughly loved it, bless her.
Well done Chels for a well deserved win but also well done Stoke for putting up a proud fight..sorry guys, but on this occasion i can't say a bad word. Stoke City are a proud team with a lot of heart & commitment and MOST people in S-0-T are proud of them getting into the Prem this season..we don't know if it will last..but one thing is for DEF...today will be talked about for years to come..
@ MARK
I have a half season ticket for Stoke that allows me to go to all home games..(even though i can't make it to a lot of them!) and no..i don't have a pic of my work uniform..it's blue check though, if that's good enough for you ;))
Good, free-flowing game. My only quibble with the player ratings is Drogba. He looked bad to me all game. He must have given away 6 or 7 passes, and he was out-muscled and out-hustled most of the game. Sure, he is coming back from injury. But he looks a like a different player from his 2006-07 self.
Good result to me.On Tuesday our boys will be travelling to Transylvania,the land of count Dracula.To avoid coming back home with two pores hanging at the side of their necks,the boys should carry their crosses and holy water.Its going to be a holy battle,and I pray we send those Vamps back to hell.The Vamps are fully confident you know,after sucking the blood of the Romans in the eternal city last two weeks.But I guess those Romans were pagans[Julian the Apostate descendants may be] thats why they were easily feasted upon by the Vamps.We are no pagans.We were christianized years ago by St.Gregory the Great and St.Augustine.Even got some martyrs blood[Thomos More,John e.t.c] spilled in our land.Armed with their[the martyrs]intercession,we should come out of Dracula's land victorios.
Bosingwa's goal typifies the new Chelsea style of play under Scolari. The goal was well worked from our midfield with the right back making those darting runs in behind the opposition's defence which was a trademark of a typical Brazillian team.
Lolli, you mean you never had your CFC shirt on at work yesterday??? TUT, shame on you
Good game and another three points I still do not want to give my opinion neither on our style and manager, but it seems we finally have got both!!!
Agree with your assessment Nick apart from Drogba where @3. Chris seems closer to the mark.
Slightly worrying
1. We dominated the first half. It was almost 100% possession but we were only up 1-0. We need to take more advantage of our domination.
2. We did our best to throw it away during 20 minutes in the 2nd half.
3. Drogba. His presence was almost as if he'd actually left in the summer. I know he's coming back from injury so he's got the old cliche of a honeymoon period but if I was on honeymoon for this long and still not getting any action I'd be getting worried.
4. Anelka. Stats will show he scored but he was given his goal and otherwise he was truly useless, a fact not lost on the away support who gave him stick at any opportunity. When Anelka and Drogba were on together we were effectively playing without forwards but our performance picked up as soon as Drogba was replaced by Belletti.
On a positive note
1. Bosingwa
2. Mikel - becoming the player we always hoped he would be
3. Malouda - everyone's favourite target for abuse but he played a positive game and showed commitment
4. Our style of play and once more I'm enjoying watching our football. I know it's early days and the proof of the pudding is in the trophies but does anyone miss Jose?
5. Support, from both fans generating a great atmosphere. Even the stewards were really helpful, laying out the Chelsea flags on the tarmac behind the goal. At some grounds the stewards seem intent on antagonising the away support but not here, so either all residents of Stoke are good natured or Lolli put in a special word. Talking of which @ Lolli 2 "a half season ticket for Stoke that allows you to go to all home games" sounds more like a full season ticket to me?
@ Chaka 4 -- Presumably all we have to do when we visit Transylvania is load up the team with all our French players (promote Kakuta from the reserves etc.) and then let the waft of garlic repel the home team.
@ 6. THE BEAR
Unfortunately..CFC shirts aren't compulsory where i work....Ha! Ha! Would've been nice though!! ;)
@ MARK
Does it? I just know it cost me £180.00 and that allows me to go to all 11 home games..situated in the Boothen End also!! I won't be able to make it to a lot of the games because of work..but will try to see as many as i can.
@Lolli - there are 19 home games?
@ MARK..
Oh yeah..sorry :S
I'm suffering with a bad hangover today and can't stop throwing up..got hot sweats also..will have to go back to bed!!
Im still in the opinion that Anelka needs to play alongside Drogba and form a formidable partnership with him. Now one knows how well the both of them can gel together but apparently our recent coaches dont want to give them that opportunity! If you dont try or is afraid to try, how would you know if it works well or not?!
Great result against a stubborn team - but we do seem toothless upfront. Hopefully Drogba will find his form, but god forbid we have seen the best of him and age has crept up on him. His touch was awful as was his positioning. Whenever we seemed to get the ball wide ready for a cross he was nowhere to be seen.
I mentioned it before - we are really short upfront - please can we buy a good young striker in january - not a 30+ interim solution that we seem fond of doing. What the hell is our scout what's his name doing to justify our struggle to capture him from spurs.
Here's hoping that TSSO has got some ideas of people to bring in.
Bring on the Vamps - will be tough but confident of a result.
@ 15 Jang
Didn't we have spells in a couple of games last season when Drogba & Anelka played up front in a 4-4-2, home v the Arse and away at Newcastle?
Both times that formation was dynamite, and I agree with you that it should be tried again.
Good solid performance, against a side that will be difficult to breakdown, whoever they play.
Drogba looked lacking in practice, but he will be fine once he gets fully fit again. I think those slagging him off on here are mad..... having watching Anelka for the last few weeks, surely you don't want a return to him. I don't think playing both of them will be as effective as people think, and worse than that it will mean leaving out one of the midfielders, whom have been totally dominant throughout this season so far.
Bosingwa looked very good again, but we have never had a problem with attacking right backs.... The problem is finding one that can defend.
When a certain french left back first arrived from Monaco he was a lightweight, now he's one of the tougher fullbacks in the prem. One summer of working out (following poor form and the sting of rejection from his national side) to make sure he could cope with the physical side.
A little bit of gym-work for Bosingwa and we won't have to worry about people nudging him off tthe he ball.
As for Drogba, I fear we probably won't see him 100% from hereon in because he's on the decline and has been for a while. Less mobility, less workrate, although even at 85% the man's is still more than handy.
Enjoyed watching the game although got a little frustrated in the second half when we failed to score the second and Stoke got a run on. Full credit to the Potters for their commitment and the excellent crowd atmosphere.
I think some of you are being a little harsh on Drogba. This was his first league start and clearly his injury and lack of preseason is hampering his match fitness. There were times he hustled for the ball really well and his first touch for that earlier chance which Sorenson saved was classic Drogba. Yes his touch and passing at times was ordinary but Ze German suffered from that as well. He will come good in the next month or so as his match fitness returns particularly as Anelka is no substitute for Drogba so TSSO will play Drogba as much as possible. Like Jang I would like to see Anelka alongside Drogba but that will now be dependent on whether the likes of Kalou and Cole are playing.
Bosingwa was outstanding as was Lampard. Cole looks hungry and runs like a gazelle ALL DAY. Malouda is looking sharper every game. He was unlucky not to score in the second half. Kalou also looked sharp until he picked up that knock.. Any news on that injury ? Will be a shame if he can't play for a while.
All in all I couldn't be happier with Chelsea's start to the season. Top of the table GD of 9 still 6 points clear of Man USA and we won our first games convincingly in the Carling Cup and CL. But most of all it looks like the team are back to enjoying their football again and TSSO's game plan is certainly exciting to watch at times and we haven't lost that steel that Mourinho brought to the side.
Roll on Cluj on Wed and Villa on Sunday.
KTBFFH
@20
Playing Drogba + Anelka means we would have to sacrifice a midfielder in the form of Kalou(winger), Joe or Ballack. Midfield strength or fearsome forwards? It depends on LFS's structure of the Chelsea team. Sad to say, i think we will only see Drogelka when we are chasing a game, not to start a game unless theres too much injury to field our 5 men midfield touch wood.