Chelsea 2 - 1 Fullham

Another tough game, this time at home to Fulham - who'd have thought at the start of the season that Birmingham and Fulham would be tough Xmas games !!. The Drog gets to stay an extra day before going off to the African Nations so he starts alongside Kalou. Joe Cole is at the top of the diamond; Zirkov, Rickey and Ferreira come in for Ash, Alex and Bran. Kakuta is on the bench.

Within 4mins the old defensive frailties are exploited as a loose ball in the box falls to Gera who swivels and then slots home past Cech. A disastrous start for the Blues and now Fulham can sit back, crowd the centre and protect a lead. Joe Cole breaks sharply through the middle on 10mins and feeds the Drog but he shoots tamely at Schwarzer. All the pressure is coming from the Blues but Fulham are really well organised and they're closing down brilliantly. The Blues look a nervous outfit and Ballack is having "a mare" again. On the break, Fulham still look dangerous and on 33mins, Dempsey forces Cech into a good save. John Pantsil's got the measure of the Drog who's moaning and going down even more that usual. The boo's are ringing out at the Bridge and rightly so as a thoroughly disappointing the half ends 0-1. Carlo's got a lot to do and Jose, who's in the crowd today on a scouting mission, will be quietly confident.

No changes at half time and this is a big 45mins coming up as defeat today will open the door to Man U and the chasing pack. Rickey almost gifts Fulham a 2nd as he opts to chest back to Cech and lets in Zamora but luckily Cech is quick enough and stays big. The Blues are pressing and Fulham are trowing bodies into tackles and blocks. Kalou finally gets to the dead-ball line and pulls a back a cross but the shot is blocked. On 58mins Drogba hits one on the turn but its palmed away by Schwarzer for a comfortable save. Wave after wave of Chelsea attack is getting snuffed out by desperate though effective Fulham defending. Bran comes on for Ferreira in a straight swap - strange call - but after 10 more mins Carlo goes for a more attacking move by bringing on Sturridge for the Jedi with 20mins remaining. Finally a decent cross from Bran, after so many this half that couldn't even beat the 1st man, reaches the far post and the Drog heads home the equalizer. Within 2mins its 2-1 as Kalou crosses to Sturridge whose shot from a narrow angle is parried by Schwarzer but the ball bobbles in off Smalling. Straight up the other end and Fulham nearly equalize as Cech flaps at a Duff corner but the header goes just over - we just cannot defend balls into the box and Cech doesn't know whether to come or stick. Zirkov is replaced by Ash with 7mins to go as Kalou feeds Drogba but he drags his shot wide. As 4mins of added time goes up, the Drog feeds Kalou whose shot canons of the crossbar. Fulham will play worse than this and win away games but on a very nervy day the Blues scrape 3 desparate points

Come on u Blues !!!

Birminham City 0 - 0 Chelsea

After disappointing performances against Portsmouth, where we only just managed a win, and West Ham where we were lucky to get a draw, it was off to St Andrews for a tricky Boxing Day away tie against an in form Birmingham City. Sturridge starts for the injured Anelka, the Drog is making his last appearance before African Nations duty and Belletti comes in for Ballack.

Updates from my Twitter feed

• The frame of the Brum goal is still shaking from a thunderous Alex free kick but an open, even end2end 1st half ends 0-0 at St Andrews

• An hour gone and Cech saves a superb curling free kick from Larson to keep this open and enthralling encounter at 0-0

• Lamps is off and Joe Cole is on for final 10mins - big call from Carlo. Even tho Brum have been disciplined & dangerous, 3 points was a must

• Chelsea are down to 10men as Malouda is sent off for a stupid 2nd yellow card - there's 6mins of added time after an injury to Joe Hart

• So it's 2pts dropped in a game where 3 were required. This is not premiership winning form and we'll be luck to be 3rd by end Jan at this rate.

The Blues had the best of the 1st half chances, though Brum had a goal disallowed for offside in the 1st half, and Joe Hart was forced into two stunning saved from Sturridge and Lamps. Alex also crashed a 35yrd rocket of a free kick off the bar inst the bar, while Sturridge poked a good cross by the Drog just wide. The second half was more of the same with the Blues creating but failing to convert the better of the chances. It was definately 2 points dropped

Read the Sky match report is here

Now we face another difficult tie at home to Fulham on Monday - come on you Blues !!!

Chelsea 3 - 3 Everton

The Blues play hosts to Everton with Ballack coming in for the injured Essien as Jedi keeps the holding role and Joe Cole is in at the head of the diamond.

A bright start from the Blues and within 3mins a good trough ball from Ballack finds the Drog but his shot squirms wide. Everton are getting back into this and on 11mins a floated free kick from the right comes off JT's head, hits the post and then go in as it bounces off the back of Cech. Its 0-1 to Everton but their lead lasts just 5mins as Ricky dispossess Saha in the centre and feeds Lamps whose layoff releases the Drog and his superb strike levels the game. The pressure is building on Everton now and on 22mins we're ahead as a corner from Lamps is not cleared and after a few bobbles the ball breaks to Anelka who pokes home. Its 2-1 and a great response from the blues. Another Baines free kick is not dealt with on 30mins but this time Cech easily collects. The humour is coming from Jo who goes down under almost every tackle like a sack of spuds and clearly wants to be taken off. He finally gets his way in injury time but his replacement - Yakubu - the gets on the end of another goalmouth scramble, this time from an Everton long throw, and pokes an equalizer past Cech. Carlo will be fuming.

The Blues have got a lot to do in this second half and get off to a good start with the Drog and Joe Cole working early openings. The pressure pays off just before the hour mark as Drogba guides home a cushioned volley to make it 3-2 from an Ivanovich cross. Within 2mins though it's another disaster in the Blues 6 yards box as Chelsea defend a fee kick way too deep and Drogbas headed clearance bounces back in past Cech off Sahar - its 3-3. Ballack nearly restores the lead from a free kick on 75mins which draws a good save from Howard and 2 more chances that fall to Ivanovich and Cole go begging. Cole is replaced by Malouda and Chelsea continue to press but time is running out as Carlo prepares to introduce Borini for the final 3mins but it makes little difference as Ballack drags the final chance wide and the Blues drop points again.

This is a major setback (even accepting the comedy of errors) and we're left hoping that Villa can do us a favour as they take on Man U

More from Davy Knowles

I blogged earlier about Davy Knowles - a young bluesman from the Isle of Man who just seems to be rippin up the blues scene at the moment. The more I hear him the more I'm reminded of a young Rory Gallagher

Here's another clip, this time its the title cut from his latest album "Coming up for Air"

Its been a tough few weeks ...

.... for the Blues since the 0-3 thumping of Arsenal.

A game that was essentially men against boys and underlined the Blues title credentials has been followed by two draws and a defeat - albeit two of these games were a Carling Cup tie against Blackburn that ened 3-3 (but resulted in a 4-3 defeat on penalties) and a meaning less last CL game against Apoel Nicosia that ended 2-2. However, sandwiched in between was a 2-1 defeat to the premierships new moneybags - Man City - which was a far more worrying slip up as it allowed Man U to close the gap to just two points. Whilst some people will bemoan Cechs positioning for the Tevez free kick or insist that Lamps should have buried the penalty awarded in the last 10mins, the reality was that we were second best all over the part in that game and now minds have top be refocused on Saturdays home game against Everton.

The Muppets do BoRhap

Nnow this is back in full HD, it needed a posting
Enjoy

Chelsea 4 - 0 Wolves

The blues systematically dismantled a Wolves side who looked to have set their stall out to contain potential damage rather than achieve any great upset. I was tweeting from the game so rtahert than a full match report which you can get here from Sky, here are my tweets.

1. The blues are 1 up inside 5mins as Malouda cracks one home from 30yrds on the end of a quick counter attack 3:08 AM Nov 21st
2. Essien gets a 2nd as he drifts in unmarked to head home from a Malouda corner. 2-0 with 11mins on the clock 3:14 AM Nov 21st
3. Ess gets his 2nd & Chelsea's 3rd with a daisy cutter down the middle that goes right thru Hennessey in the Wolves goal. Showboat time. 3:25 AM Nov 21st
4. Cech gets down to his left to make a superb save on 39mins. The Wolves fans spend the next 6mins ole-ing every pass. Its 3-0 at half time 3:48 AM Nov 21st
5. Inevitably its 4-0 after some gr8 hold up play from Anelka the ball is laid back to Joe Cole whose shot slips in the far post 4:17 AM Nov 21st
6. The kids are on - Borini, Kakuta and Matic have replaced Kalu, Anelka and Malouda as the Blues are turning this into an exhibition 4:40 AM Nov 21st

It reallky was that easy but great to finnaly see Kakuta who looked pretty good (understatement)
Now off to Porto and the sall task of finishing top of our CL group
Come on you Blues

The blues is in good hands..

Just as Joe Bonamassa hits the mainstream so The Times ran an article this weekend on another little know blues guitar virtuoso - though this time from the Isle of Man rather than upstate New York.

Davy Knowles has been kicking around for a while now with his band Back Door Slam but he has a new line up and a new album, called Coming up for Air, produced by Peter Frampton so he may just be about to break through big style. Take a look at the performances below and tell me what you think

Davy was just 20 when 'Come Home' below was promo'd back in 2007 but even then he was displaying the vocal and guitar licks of a well seasoned blues man



Saving Myself is going to be on the new album



Finally, a cool version of Messing with the Kid which brings back memories of the late great Rory Gallagher

Joe Bonamassa

I've been boring a few people about this guy for a while now so though I'd better post something.

Most of you will know that I've long been a big Gary Moore fan (particularly some of his blues work) but I must admit that recently he's got a bit predictable so I'm really glad to have stumbled on Joe Bonamassa. With a style that's a cross between Gary and Stevie Ray Vaughn blended with as many old blues references as you can muster, Joe is a quite simply a unique and prodigious talent. Born in 1977, he's been playing guitar since the age of 5 and as a young boy played alongside BB King. Looking a bit on the geeky side and sometimes even coming across as a bit arrogant, there is no doubt that if you like blues guitar with a rock kick, you should check him out

Here's a clip form his recent Albert Hall show



and another from North Sea Jazz 2009



but if you think its all flash amps and effects then check this out from what started out as a simple CD signing event

Chelsea 5 - 0 Blackburn

After the excitement of another European night at the Bridge where Atletico Madrid took a 4-0 drubbing (though in truth we could have been 2 down withing 9 mins) its back to the domestic game for the visit of Blackburn. The "rested" Carvalho is back with Ivanovich moving to right back for Bozzy and Joe Cole replaces Deco in behind The Drog and Le Sulk. The surprise is that Belletti starts at left back rather than Zirkov for the injured Ashley Cole

Inside 30secs a cross-field ball finds Lamps who jinks into the box and lifts a ball to Joe Cole who heads wide from 8yrds - the flag stayed down and it looked a sitter. On 10mins Ballack feeds Lamps and he strikes a glorious curling shot which files just wide. It's all Chelsea at the moment and the pressure pays off with a superb counter attack on 19mis as Cole deftly collects a clearance and finds Ballack who feeds Anelka out wide and his cross is turned into his own net by Givet with Drogba closing in. Its 1-0 and the Blues are coasting. Ballack whips in a cross on 30mins which finds Lamps but his header is just wide and just 2mins later a beautiful sweeping move involving Lamps, Cole and Belletti finally releases Anelka in the box but Robinson is out quickly to close him down. Here's the danger though, as Cech comes for a long throw and misses the ball completely. Luckily it comes to nothing and play sweeps to the Blackurn end as Drogba tries on from 35yrds that forces Robinson into a fine save. Its already 11 - 1 in goal attempts but still only one nil. In the 2 added minutes Robinson saves Blackburn twice - once from a sharp JT volley and then from the resulting corner he's down again to a Drogba header.

No changes at half time but the Blues are 2 up inside 2mins, as Essien feeds Drogba and his pull back is buried by Lamps, and then 3 up 5mis later as Essien drives a swerving thunderbolt past Robinson from a good 35yrds out. On 58mins, Drogba wriggles free in the box only to be brought down by Ryan Nelsen and Lamps makes it 4-0 from the spot. This is becoming a rout as Ferrera replaces Belletti and Drogba heads home a Ballack corner to make it 5-0. New young (just 17) Dutch centre back Jeffrey Bruma replaces Carvalho on 65mins as Chelsea continue to carve Blackburn open with virtually every attack. Joe Cole comes off to a huge ovation from the Stamford Bridge faithful as he's replaced by Sturridge for the final 12mins. Chelsea are just stroking the ball around as 3mins of added time goes up on the board but this time runs down without any more goals. It end 5-0 to the mighty Blues.

Villa 2 - 1 Chelsea

Up to Villa Park for a difficult away tie following the international break. After a good 2-0 win against Liverpool (which I had to track online whilst away), its a strong predictable Blues line up with the only change being Deco in for Ballack and Essien holding.

Its an open 1st half with a reasonable penalty shout on Agbonlahor for the Villa within 10mins but its waved away. Looked like "six of one and .." but a couple of min later its 0-1 as the Drog turns neatly and cracks as a 30yrd shot that bounces in front of Brad Friedel in the Villa goal and into the net. Its open end to end stuff but 15mins later Lamps can only flick on a Villa corner and the ball carries to Dunne to head home an equalizer. Its all exciting stuff but the half ends all square.

No changes at half time but its Villa who start brightest and they're ahead from another defensive cock-up as Collins arrives completely unmarked to head home Ashley Young's corner at the far post. The Blues are pressing now to try and respond but care is needed not to leave gaps behind. Lamps is having a poor game and Villa look good on the break but chances are still falling to Chelsea however they are not being converted. First on 58mins, the Drog slides Deco in beautifully but his shot is scuffed at Friedel and then Malouda drives on straight at the keeper. Into the last 15mins and Villa should really have wrapped this up as Milner's deep cross is sent back across goal by Young olny for Carew to scoop the ball over when it was easier to score. Straight up the other end and Nicolas Anelka breaks free but his shot is low, tame and again saved by Friedel.

Chelsea throw on Ivanovich from Bozzy and then Joe Cole with less than 10mins to go - Heskey is on for Villa but the Blues still look a long way from an equalizer. There are 3 added minutes and there's a scramble in the Villa box which comes to nothing. Milner gives away a free kick in the final minute but it comes to nothing and the Blues fall to their 2nd defeat on the road. Carlo's not happy and neither are we.

Come on you Blues !!

Wigan 3 - 1 Chelsea

After home wins against Porto (1-0), Spurs (3-0) and QPR (1-0) we're off to the JJB to face Wigan with a full strength squad that has Zirkov on the bench but surprisingly no place for Joe Cole. The Jedi comes in for Ballack in a holding role and the Drog has shaken off his calf injury to start up top

Its a bright opening 10mins for the Blues with Lamps and Ess both testing Kirkland early on but its Wigan who take the lead as Bramble rises unmarked to head home from a simple N'Zogbia cross with 15mins on the clock. Thomas brings Drogba down with a clumsy challenge on the edge of the box the resulting free kick is easily gathered. Wigan are nearly two up on the half hour as Scharner is allowed a free run but his shot goes over the bar. The Blues are looking a bit leg weary and Wigan are dangerous on the break. On 37mins, Jason Scotland is clean through on goal and only a last ditch tackle from JT save the Blues but from the corner another flighted cross causes havoc in the blues defence. Fortunately Cech smothers Boyce's effort. A half that the Blues will want to forget ends 1-0 and Carlo does not look happy.

Belletti replaces the Jedi at the start of the second half and within a minute the Blues are level. Malouda weaves into the box and finds Drogba who's snap side foot squeezes between Kirklands legs. That's 1-1 but 4mins later Cech brings down Rodellega as he breaks into the box. Its a straight red, a penalty and Hilario has to rush on to face the spot kick replacing Malouda. Rodellega steps up and its 2-1 but the replays show it as a soft "Eduardo" penalty. Its end to end stuff with Wigan still having the better of the exchanges so Carlo throws on Kalou for Bosingwa with 15mins to go. Its a ballsy call but we'll see if its effective. Cole brings down N'Zogbia on the edge of the box and fortunately Rodellega's free kick is just too high. On 83mins Drogba wriggles free in the box and chips to Lamps but he heads well over. Chelsea are down to 9 men as Cole limps off and Ess fills in as temporary left back with 5mins of added time on the clock but its all over as Figueroa skips into the box and his cross/shot is slid home by Scharner. It ends 3-1 on a sorry afternoon at the JJB.

Stoke 1-2 Chelsea

Up to the Britannia for an away tie with Stoke with yet more FIFa nonsense ringing in our ears. Now we cant even recall our own players who are out on loan - its a good job FIFA are so fair minded and even handed. Anyway, to matters at hand and Carlo makes 4 changes after the exertions of international week. Out go Rickey, Ess, Deco and Anelka with Ivanovic, Jedi, on Malouda and Kalou coming in as replacements. Stoke have set up with a back 5 so I guess we can guess their tactics for the game

Chelsea start brightly and are dominating possession in the opening 15mins but Stoke are getting stuck in - there'll be a few bruises today. The first Delap throw of the match arrives on 16mins and Kalou gets booked for jumping and actually getting a head on the throw. Bit strange that one. Stoke are getting a bit more adventurous and on 30mins Cech starts to come for a pretty simple cross, changes his mind and that leaves Faye unmarked to head home. The Blues are one down yet again in a game they've been bossing. Stoke loose Sovensen to a thigh strain which makes for 8mins of stoppage time and a long ol' first half but on 48mins a beautiful through ball from Lamps find Drogba who lets the ball run and the lashes home an equalizer. The half finally ends on 56mins.

We're off an running again with no changes and within a minute we could be ahead as Lamps and Ballack combine to release the Drog but he blasts over. The opening 10mins have been played almost entirely in the Stoke half but on 56mins a Delap throw causes panic in the blues box and from the resulting corner, Cech is again undecided but finally gathers. On the hour Huth comes close from another corner and that is the trigger for more substitutions - Anelka and Essien replace Kalou and Ballack whilst Tuncay is on for Stoke. A nice interchange between the Drog and Bozzy, 10mins later, releases Lamps but his shot is blocked. Chelsea are turning up the heat as Ess fires over from the edge of the box and then on 75mins Faye throws himself at a Drogba drive. The Drog drives into the box but his shot is well parried by Simonsen. Its desperate defending from Stoke but still 1-1. Belletti replaces the Jedi for the final 10mins and the desperate Stoke defending continues will bodies diving all over the place. There's 5mins of stoppage time and Lamps breaks free on the edge of the box but Faye again dives in to block. You have to admire Stokes defending but their defence is breached with 2mins to go - Essien plays the ball in to Anelka who sidefoots back to Malouda and his shot squeezes inside the near post. It ends 1-2 to the Blues

Still 100% - Come on U Blues

FIFA give Chelsea the blues

There's been way too much written about the whole Gael Kakuta affair but if FIFA really believe that Chelsea are the only club that have pushed the boundaries of current signing rules then they are insane. You can read the BBCs view here but its hard to see how FIFA are not just singling out Chelsea because the dont have the b**ls to go after Real Madrid, Man U or whoever. Kakuta is a great prospect and, of course, Lens are not happy to have lost out on a young talent but the actions from FIFA are draconian at best and more likely to be seen as purely vindictive.

Yes there have to be rules regarding the development and movement of young talent but get the rules right first and then apply them - its not the other way round.

Chelsea will obviously appeal and the ban will probably be reduced but lets hope this injustice galvanises the team and its spirit.

Chelsea 3 - 0 Burnley

The possibility of giant killing action at the Bridge for the visit of Burnley. Carlo shuffles again and starts Ballack, Ess and Deco with Lamps staying in the hole behind the Drog and Le Sulk.

Its a frantic opening 25mins. Within 5mins Anelka picks up a great through ball from Ricky but his shot is well saved by Jensen and 2mins later he just fials to connect with a Ballack cross.With just under 10mins gone its Anelka 1-on-1 with Jensen, but he shows too much of it to the keeper saves. Its straight up the other end and McCann slips a lunge from Rickey but hits over from the edge of the box. Lamps is then caught in possession by Mears who releases Martin Paterson but he drags his shot wide from just 15yrds out. Straight back up the Burnley end and first Lamps and then Ballack are deined by last ditch tackles - wot a start and how is this still 0-0 !! Burnley are carved open again as Deco slip in Ballack but Jensen charges him down and blocks a goal bound chip. Its all Chelsea as Cole drives down the left, a cushioned header from JT falls to Lamps in the box but he hits straight at Jensen. Its calming down a bit now, still all Chelsea but need I say it; its all a bit narrow. With 2mins to go Drogba b raks to the byline and pulss the ball back to Lamps but his effort is smothered by Jensen when it looked easier to score. Finally with 46mins on the clock, the Drog drives in to the box again and this time squares to Anelka who slots home from 3yrds out. The Blues go in 1-0 at halftime - about time !!

No changes at half time and within 5mins the Blues are 2 up as Lamps chips a far post ball for Ballack to dive in and head home. Another 5mins and its 3-0 as Ash plays a cracking one-two with Lamps and races into the box to blast a shot into the top corner. Its nearly 4 as Ballack plays in Anelka but his shot bounces off the top of the crossbar. Belletti replaces Bozzzy as Ess drives forwrad and tries one from distance which flies just wide.Chelsea are cruising now. On 77mins Jensen is called on again to make 2 more saves - first from Ess and then he denies Ballack from the resulting corner - but for him it would have been 6 by now. Kalou is on for the Drog but the Blues are unstoppable. On 82 mins Ballack plays in Anelka who slots home but its ruled offside. That's Ballacks last touch as he's replaced by the Jedi for the last 8mins. Kalou breaks through with 2mins remaining and chips Jensen but his effort is cleared off the line by Mears. That's the last meaningful action of the game and it ends 3-0 at the Bridge as the Blues go top - for now

Come on U Blues

Fulham 0 - 2 Chelsea

Carlo tinkers again for the visit to Craven Cottage by resting Essien (resting after just 3 games !!!) and Deco - both are on the bench but thankfully, old man Sheva stays home. Anyway, that makes four changes from midweek with Ricky, Jedi, Mallouda and Le Sulk all starting. As the teams line up, it sounds like Fulham have the builders in as the PA booms out what sounds like a Polish folk song.

We've gone a goal down in our last 3 games and within a minute it nearly happens again as Dempsey gets free in the box but fortunately he scoops over when he really should have worked Cech. Its a pretty even opening 30mins with few real chances and way too many scrappy midfield errors. However, on 38mins a ball to Lamps breaks through to Anelka who slides in Drogba to slot past Schwarzer. Finally !! Thats how the half ends - frustrating but at least we're ahead.

No changes from the Blues as we start the 2nd half. With 5mins gone, a hit and hope finds Dempsey breaking between Ricky and Cech but thankfully Ricky heads wide for a corner. Straight up the other end and Anelka combines with Lamps again to release the Drog but the pass drags him wide and his snap shot is easily saved. Chelsea are slowly notching up a gear and with 70mins gone, Drogba plays a lovely ball over the top to Lamps but he scuffs wide. Its all Chelsea but whilst its just 0-1 anything could happen. Surely its over now as on 76mins a flowing move between Ballack and Drogba sets Anelka free one on one with Schwarzer and he slots calmly home. Carlo thinks its over as with 9mins remaining he sends on Deco to replace Lamps.

Chelsea could and have should had four today - we actually needed four to go back to the top of the league - but is still 3 wins out of 3. Come on U Blues !!

Sunderland 1 - 3 Chelsea

A tricky away tie at Sunderland and Carlo rotates the team dropping Le Sulk, Malouda and Jedi in favour of Deco, Ballack and Salomon Kalou. Ivanovic replaces Ricky but he big surprise is that Shevas on the bench - is this shades of the Tinkerman ?

Well its almost a carbon copy of Saturday as the Blues batter the Black Cats for the first 15mins yet go behind to a Daren Bent goal as he slots home after a Kenwyne Jones's shot breaks loose. The pattern continues despite the goal but Ballack, Drogba and Deco all miss good chances and again the diamond shape is making for some very congested play. On 45mins Ballack has a shot cleared off the line from a Deco corner and then Cattermole blocks a goal bound effort from Bozzy. The half ends with the Blues behind against he run of play.

No changes for the second half but its a different Chelsea as Cole and Bozzy sart bombing on from the start. Within 10mins we're level after going close with headers from Ivanovic and the Drog, Ivanovic flicks on a corner and Ballack slots home from 8yards out. Its all Chelsea now and 10mins later McCartney brings Droga down in the box and Lamps steps up to slot home the penanlty. Its 2-1 and a completely different game now. The Drog nearly makes it 3 but heads over from a superb cross from Ash but a 3rd goal comes moments later as Deco drills home a superb strike from the edge of the box. Its all Chelsea now and in quick succession Malouda, Sturridge and Sheva (yes that Sheva) join the fray replacing Kalou, Drogba and Deco respectively.

It ends 1 - 3 with the Blues absolutely dominant. Now, we've gotta stop giving teams a goal start because better teams will punish us - Come on you Blues

Chelsea 2 - 1 Hull

Footies back for real after the showpiece of the Charity Shiled last week and Hull visit the Bridge looking to be part of an opening day upset. The Mighty Blues make one change from the team that lifted the FA Cup back in May with Ricky replacing the injured Alex. Carlo sticks with the diamond so Jedi holds and Lamps sits behind the from 2 of the Drog and Le Sulk - Essien and Malouda complete the midfield. Joe Cole and new boy Zhirkov are injured - Ballack and Deco are on the bench.

Within 60sec of the start Essien breaks down the right and crosses to the Drog who blasts wide for 6yrds out - great chance and that was a big miss. The Blues have started brightly and are dominating but the diamond is making the midfield very congested - combine that with Anelka operating at a snails pace and possession keeps breaking down. JT connects with a corner on 14mins but it drifts over and straing back up our end a Boateng shot is deflected over by Cech. Despite all our possession and dominance, we're behind (how often did we do that last season) on 28mins as a high ball isn't dealt with and it drops to Hunt who calmly slots past Cech. Jedi picks up a free kick on the edge of the Hull box on 38mins and up steps Drogba who strokes the ball into the far corner for the equalizer. A sweet end to end move on 42mins releases Drogba who hits hopefully from 35yrs but its easily saved - that brings us to half time.

Ballack is on for Jedi as the second half gets underway and, as in the 1st half, the Blues could have been ahead inside a minute as Drogba finds Anelka in the box but the ball drops just behind him and the effort is snuffed out. A minute later and Lamps grazes the near post from the edge of the box. Ballack and Drogba link up on the edge of the box to release Anelka but Dawson snuffs out the danger. Chelsea are moving the ball much more quickly now and Drogba has two more clear cut chances well saved by Myhill. Its all Chelsea and Hull are struggling to get out of their own half but still the lack of width means that moves are breaking down on the edge of the box. Deco replaces Malouda on 70mins but the pattern remains the same as Hull defend doggedly and waste time everywhere they can - its 19 attempts, 9 of them on target so far, but only one goal. With 10mins left, Kalou replaces the hapless Anelka and his first touch is a header just over the bar - close but still no cigar. With 2mins of normal time remaining, a Lamps corner is headed over by Ricky and up the other end a deflection off the same guy makes Cech tip over to avoid a disaster. On 90mins, Drogba and Deco waste 2 more chances (that's 28 attempts so far) and then finally on 92mins the Drog, chips one in from an impossible angle - it was probably a cross but who cares. That's it for the day and the Blues end deserved 2-1 winners

We wont waste that many chances again will we ?? Come on u BLUES !!

Charity Shield: Chelsea 2 - 2 Man U ( Chelsea win 4 -1 on penalties )

Footie's back !! and the traditional season curtain raiser has the best 2 teams in the country over the last 5 years facing up at Wembley. Carlo has gone with a strong team but a few surprises. The new diamond is in place and Ricky partners JT with Ivanovich on the right (perhaps Alex is resting in lieu of a bid from money bags city. Jedi is in (to play behind Ess, Lamps and Malouda); presumably because Ballack is still not ready and The Drog is up front with Anelka.

First shot on target is from the Drog on 2mins bit its easily stopped by Foster. Rooney plays Berbatov through 2mins later but JT sticks out a foot to break up a good move and a minute after that Ivanovitch hits the bar from a Lamps corner. Its a lively, end to end opening 10mins which results in first blood to Man U as Nani skips inside of Ivanovich and drills home between JT and Cech. Nani and Evra are giving Ivanovitch the run around and he's booked on 13mins. Chelsea look ragged at the back with Berbatov, Rooney, Nani and Park all combining well as Cech has to make two more sharp stops. Chelseas lack of width is worrying and Carlo is up off the bench again. Ash floats a ball into the Drog who feeds Malouda but he flashes it wide when a more controlled effort was needed. Ash then gets round the back and stands up a great ball but the in rushing Essien heads over. Chelsea are well in the game now as Anelka cuts in from the left and his drive is well parried by Foster. With 2mins to go a short Nani corner finds Fletcher who draws another good save from Cech but Chelsea go straight up the other end and a Malouda cross find the Drog but Foster parries again. Thats the last meaningful action of the half.

Second half is underway and Bozzy is on for Ivanovich but its Man U who again start the sharper however on 52mins Ricky initially works the ball across to Lamps and Malouda, and when the final cross comes in, he's on hand to nod home as the ball breaks from Drogba. Its 1-1 and the Blues are on the move now. On the hour, Nani takes a tumble and is eventually replaced by Valencia quickly followed by Ballack replacing the Jedi - Essien drops to the holding role.The games contentious moment comes on 74mins as Ballack checks Evra but the ref plays advantage however the ball breaks away to Chelsea and eventually Lamps slots home off the post. Man U are furious but its 2-1 to Chelsea. Its nearly 3 as the Drog breaks through but Foster gets down sharply to his left. Man U bring on Giggs, Fabio, Scoles and Owen whilst Chelsea bring on Deco for Malouda. Evra comes flying in on Ballack to exact some revenge and gets booked for his efforts. With 8mins to go Kalou replaces Anelka and who knows what the formation is now. Carlo's prowling the technical area with 2mins on the clock and the Blues are playing keep ball. We're into added time but with the clock approaching 92mins Giggs plays in Rooney who nips the ball past Cech to make it 2 - 2 and consign the game to penalties.

The lottery is eventually settled by 2 saves from Cech and conversions from Lamps, Ballack, the Drog and Kalou. Its our first trophy of the season - Come on you Blues !!

JT Stays

The longest running and noisiest saga of the summer is finally over and so much has been written that I have little to add. Whatever finally happens with JT and his contract there is probably no doubt that he should be the highest paid player at he club given his influence. Could he have come out with his statement earlier - sure, has he been badly advised - definately, have Man City been outta line with their approaches - probably (but who hasn't). Frankly I'm just glad its all over.

BBC Report here

Zhirkov eventually signs

Finally the Zhirkov saga has come to an end and the "Russian Ronaldo" has joined the Blues

Click here for BBC report

So Chelsea eventually get one of their (lesser) targets but to my earlier posts will we actually get any of the marquee targets we're chasing. Given the state of the euro v the pound, UK tax laws and the behaviour of Real Madrid or new money boys Man City - I'm not holding my breath.

Will we actually sign anyone ?

Maybe I'm just getting a bit paranoid, but I'm starting to worry if we're actually going to sign anyone of substance in this close season.

After a largely frustrating season that was only saved by Guus and a great day at Wembley, we were all buoyed up a few weeks back with the news that Roman was going to loosen the purse strings and refresh our aging squad. As usual, when this news "leaks out" we get linked with everyone even though those money bags at Madrid and Maine Rd can completely out spend us. Anyway the list was interesting; Kaka, Pato, Villa, Ribery, Aguero and Zhirkov were all pretty mouth watering pospects along with the English contingent of Sturridge, Young and even Glenn Johnson.

Now roll the clock forward a few weeks and things don't smell so sweet. Real Madrid seem to be buying up the planet with gay abandon despite having already landed Kaka and all of a sudden Man U are flush to the tune of some £62m profit having off loaded "perma-tan" Ronaldo.

From our original list;

• Kaka has gone - though apparently we didn't bid
• Pato wants a chat with our new boss but his current one says he's "untransferable"
• Villa doesn't want to leave Spain and is already in talks with Madrid
• Ribery doesn't like the climate in the UK and would prefer Barcelona
• Aguero wants more cash as his "salary" than Gordon Brown threw at RBS

....even Zhirkov has now said he'd prefer Barcelona (so Romans had to pop over to Mother Russia for a quick word)

Now we hear that Glenn (wouldn't champions league footie be nice) Johnson has actually decided that the lure of squillions from Man City is too great - well you could buy loads of toilet seats with all that cash :-) and Sturridge would kick in a £10m compensation payment.

Worse still, the old man brigade of Gatuso and Pirlo are being talked up as wanting to be reunited with their Don Carlo - hang on, I thought we were looking to reduce the age of the squad and frankly who could they replace anyway !!

I hope I'm wrong but this does not look good.

Maybe, just maybe, there's a deal to be done with Byern involving Bosingwa that could sweenten a Ribery move - but I'm not holding my breath. Otherwise, Aguero is a possibility if the salary can be sorted and Zhirkov might happen if Roman threatens him with exile in Siberia.

Am I the only one who's worried ??

So long Guus - Ciao Carlo

The statment from Stamford Bridge this morning reads...

Ancelotti is New Chelsea Manager
Posted on: Mon 01 Jun 2009

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce that Carlo Ancelotti has agreed to become our new manager.

He has signed a three year contract and will start on July 1, 2009.

Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job. He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions.

He also had a highly successful playing career in those competitions and therefore brings unparalleled all round experience to the job.

We are sure everybody at Chelsea will give him a warm welcome and we are all looking forward to working with him.

Now Roman, about those new signings - Ribery, Zhirkov, Villa etc maybe even Tevez

Chelsea 2 - 1 Everton - 2009 FA Cup final

When John went up to lift he FA Cup - we were there, we were there



Thanks Guus - you'll be sorely missed

Chelsea 2 - 0 Blackburn

Guus puts out a full strength side (the same team that thumped Arsenal) and signs off at home with a win as the crowd chat "Guus Hiddink - we want you to stay" and "Roman, Roman sign him up".

It was a pretty open match that could have ended 6 - 2 to the Blues but a bullet header from Malouda in the first half and and a sweet low drive from Anelka in the second were the only efforts that made the score sheet. By the hour mark it had pretty much become and exhibition match and the singing - mainly from the Mathew Harding - matched the mood on pitch. But for some appalling refereeing Guus would be leading the Blues out in Rome and at Wembley and such is the warm felt between crowd and manager that midway through the second half he even got up from the dugout to acknowledge the chants and bow to the crowd.

Full time heralded the now obligatory "lap of thanks" and again the chats rang out for Guus to stay. Alas, I believe it's a futile gesture as this man has huge integrity and will no doubt honour his commitments to the Russian team. After that - who knows

Match report here from the BBC.

Arsenal 1 - 4 Chelsea

Off to the Emirates for a difficult away game particularly after the disappointment and injustice of Wednesday night. Guus opts for pretty much the same team with the only change being the Jedi in for Ballack. Somewhat surprisingly Drogba starts.

Its a torrid opening 15mins with Walcott looking very lively and the Blues seem to be still suffering from Wednesday nights exertions. Walcott plays a neat one-two with van Persie but his shot goes way over and a second attempt from a narrow angle is well saved by Cech. Its all Arsenal as Diaby connects with a Walcott cross but hits it wide. Slowly the Blues are waking up. On 20mins Ash slips in Malouda but he soots straight at Fabianski with the goal begging. We dont have to wait long for a goal though as the Drog floas a free kick into the Arsenal box and no-one rises with any conviction to challenge Alex who heads home. Its 0-1 to the Blues with 28mins on the clock. Malouda's having one of his better games and within 10mins its 0-2 as Anelka picks up the ball midway in the Arsenal half and runs unchallenged before unleashing a swerving shot from 25yrds. Its nearly 3 in added time as Malouda again sets Anelka free in the box but he shoots straight at Fabianski from 10yrds out.

The second half's underway and in less than 5mins its 0-3 as Toure stabs the ball into his own net from a cross/shot from Ashley Cole. Arsenal are having lots of possession and playing pretty football but nothing threatening so on comes Bendtner with an hour gone. Bozzy hits two chances over the bar in as many minutes before letting Bendtner have a free header on 70mins from a Sagna cross and its 1-3. Guus has seen the danger and Bozzy is replaced by Ivanovitch on 77mins. With 8mins left a goalmouth scramble sees Cech save from Silvestre whilst on his backside but its the only scare of he half as the Blues break quickly with Anelka who hits the post only for Malouda to net the rebound.

So it ends 1-4 and the Blues respond in the best possible way. In reality, after the first 15mins it was men against boys. That's 3rd place sewn up and a guaranteed Champions League birth - now, is it possible to clinch the runners up slot ?? Come on U Blues

Chelsea 1 - 1 Barcelona (Barca go through to the final on away goals)

I just cant bring myself to post a match report this morning. I'm still so angry

At the end of the match I tweeted that "11 blue heroes had been robbed by an incompetent Norwegian" and this morning I feel no better. To loose because you have been out played or out fought is one thing but to be beaten by the most inept of refereeing displays is hard to take.

Don't get me wrong, Barca are a great side and worthy finalists but despite all their possession and silky skills, they did not have a single effort on target for 90mins. Inesta's goal came in the 2nd minute of 4 added minutes of injury time and Cech had not been called upon to make a single save up to that point.

The scenes at the final whistle were disgraceful, and Uefa will surely apply harsh sanctions, but they were understandable reactions. Let's see if Uefa act on the referee as well.

Come on U Blues

West Ham 0 - 1 Chelsea

Its a strange line up for the Blues today as we go to Upon Park having essentially conceded the title on Wednesday. Thoughts have inevitably turned to the mid week semi final 1st leg at Barca as Ballack, Alex, Drogba, and Essien are all rested. Bozzy starts at left back to get some practise in case he gets the call to try and shutout Messi, Jedi is holding in front of Lamps, Belletti and Kalou with Anelka and Malouda up top. Mancienne come in at right back and Ivanovich partners JT at the back.

The opening 20mins are pretty even but the best chance falls to Dyer who's put clean through by Tristan but he shoots tamely at Cech. The game is flowing nicely with chances at both ends but nothing of any real threat or substance. With 2mins to go, West Ham get a corner and put 4 players in the 6yrd box to pressure Cech who trys to come and fails to connect - the ball falls to Tristan but his weak shot is cleared off the line by the Jedi. Again Chelsea have had all the possession but West Ham have had the best chances; the question is whether Guus will make changes once he hears that the Scousers are one up.

No changes at half time and the pattern in the opening 5mins is the same as the first with lots of Chelsea possesion but with 9mins gone Lamps gets free in the box and he chips through to Kalou who stabs home for 0-1. Ash is coming on so perhaps thats the sign that Guss has seen enough and its time for Bozzy to rest in preparation for the test that will be Lionel Messi. On 64mins, Belletti threads a great ball behind Upson for Anelka but Robert Green is quick to smother his shot. A minute later and a loverly passing move from the Blues sets Ash free on the left but his snap shot hits the bar. On 69mins, Kalou crazily pulls back Ilunga to concede a penalty however Cech saves brilliantly from Mark Noble. Ess replaces Kalou with 15mins to go so Belletti will push up. Mancienne, who's had a good game, is suffering with cramp and is replaced by Ballack with 8mins remaining as Ess slips into right back. Lamps brings down Savio for as free kick with a minute to go (...and the board goes up showing 5mins of added time) but it comes to nothing as does those extra 5mins and it ends 0-1.

A good win that keeps the premiership race mathematically alive but more importantly serves as a good run out for Tuesdays CL Semi Final against Barca - Come on U Blues

Chelsea 0 - 0 Everton

Back to the Bridge after the exertions of a successful Wembley semi final for a dress rehearsal of the FA cup final. Its the same team that started at Wembley so no rest for the victorious.

The opening 20mins are bossed by the Blues in terms of possession but the best efforts have gone to Everton. On 7mins, Cech saves from Jo with his legs and on 22 Pienaar curls one close but just wide. The same Mr Pienaar gives away a needless free kick on 27mins but Ballacks' free kick doesn't come down quickly enough, There's a good shout for an Everton penalty on 32mins when Alex leaves a lazy leg out on Baines but the ref waves away the appeals. Its now a much more even contest. With 3mins to go Malouda gives a woeful ball away to Cahill who finds Jo on the edge of the box but JT covers up the error. Baines is regularly getting in between Anelka and Ivanovich which is causing big problems down the right but a largely frustrating half ends 0-0. Guus wont be happy.

Surprisingly there are no changes at half time so the staring 11 had better improve but within 2mins Cahill gets a free header in the box - thankfully, Cech safely gathers. The Blues are starting to look sharper but the final ball is lazy; particularly from Anelka. Kalou is warming up and unsurprisingly he replaces Anelka on the hour. Ess also gets a rest as well as the Jedi also comes on pushing Ballack further forward. JT steps up to show how its done by rifling in a 35yrd drive but Howard makes the save. Yobo flattens Malouda on the edge of the box but the ref and linesman conspire to miss it completely. Chelsea are stepping up the pace in the last 20mins and a great ball from Ivanovich falls to Lamps but the shot is smothered. A minute later and Malouda's cross is headed over by Kalou. Its Maloudas last action as he's replaced by Di Santo. Its all Chelsea as we enter the last 10mins as Kalous drive is headed clear by Lescott but Everton still look lively on the break. A long hoof out of defence on 90mins finds Jo in a one on one with Cech who stoops to head away and gets a knock for his troubles as 4mins of added time goes up. Ivanovich finds the Drog who spins but his shot crashes back off the crossbar. Its the last action of a frustrating night that ends all square.

Chelsea have dropped 18 points to date at home and that explains why the premiership has been beyond us for some time now. Still, there's the Champions League and an FA cup final left to contest - Come on u Blues.

Chelsea 2 -- 1 Arsenal (FA Cup semi final)

A great day at Wembley and a result that generated the kind of response that normally comes when we win at trophy. Shame it was just a semi final (not sure that semi'sshould ever be at Wembley but that's a debate for another time

We got off to a great start when the Drog almost headded into an empty net as Fabianski came charging out but the ball was cleared off he line. Against the run of play, Theo Walcott opened the scoring on 18mins with a shot across Cech that really should have produced a save but for the deflection of Ashley Cole's hand. This set back only served only to spur on the Blues and as we took control of the half we leveled when Malouda collected a superb cross field pass from Lamps and slotted home into the far corner.

pitch so it wasn't much of a surprise when, with 6The second half was much like the first as the Blues got stronger and stronger on a dire wembleymns remaining, Drogba latched on to a looped clearance from Lamps, shook off the challenge of Silvestre, rounded the advancing Fabianski and tapped Chelsea into the FA cup final.

Massive celebrations on the Wembley west side and out on to the concourse after the game

Come on U blues

Read BBC report here

Chelsea 4 - 4 Liverpool (Chelsea win 7-5 on ag)

An incredible night at Stamford Bridge and I'm still breathless the morning after.

Having played a shambolic first half in which frankly he Blues were luck to be only 0-2 down, they came out for the second half and tore a page out of the Liverpool comeback book by leading 3-2. Goals from Drogba, a screamer of a free kick ofrom Alex and a 3rd from Lamps had looked as if they had put the tie to bed. But back came Liverpool with 10mins to go, scoring 2 goals in as many minutes as the current frailties of Peter Cech came to the fore again. That made it 3-4 and Liverpool only needed to score one more to progress but up stepped that man Lampard again to finish in the dying minutes from a sweet pull back by Anelka.

So the scousers are dumped out of the Champions league for the second year in a row at the Bridge and now there's the small mater of Barca in the Semis - who said this campaign would be easy - Come on U Blues.

Match report >> here and >> here

.... of scarcity, abundance and Prince (yet again)

You'll remember that Prince famously gave away his last album as a cover mount with the Mail On Sunday and, whilst the music bigwigs threw their hands up in horror, a few of us contemplated that the purple one really understood the new economics of scarcity and abundance - particularly after seeing him live.

Last week Prince announced that his 3 new albums - LOtUSFLOW3R, MPLSoUND and Elixer - will be sold as a triple disc set and will probably retail for less than £10 in the UK. Value indeed (even though he only sings on the first two) however consider this ... According to the Guardian, Princes other release in 2009 will be ... "21 Nights :The Prince Opus, comprising a limited edition book and iPod, has been announced with a price-tag of £1,500".

Now £1500 should buy you a one hell of a book and indeed the report claims "its a massive 280 pages, almost two feet wide, and weighing 17kg". The book documents Prince's 21-night stand at the O2 arena in 2007, interspersed with lyrics, poetry and photographs by Randee St Nicholas. A engraved iPod, pre-loaded with Prince's Indigo Nights live album and a special 40 minute film "made by Prince", documenting the O2 residency is also included in the package. Only 950 sets will be made available and one lucky "buyer" will win a flight to LA for a private Prince gig.

That's a smell over £1.4m just on the "special offer" and before any album sales

.... of scarcity and abundance or what ?

Chelsea 4 - 3 Bolton

A potentially tricky tie at home to Bolton with minds on Tuesday 2nd leg against the scousers. Guus pairs JT with Rickey to give him a run out and keeps Ivanovich at right back. Jedi comes in for Ess who we hope is just being rested.

After a bright start from Bolton the game swings firmly in our favour with Lamps, Jedi and Ballack bossing the play. On 24mins, Lamps rifles in a low free kick which Jaaskelainen is lucky to palm the ball wide. Its all Chelsea and after a few careless misses from the Drog and the denial of a stonewall penalty on 31mins following a foul on Ash, the deadlock is finally broken on 39mins. Ballack works a nice one two with Kalou on the right and then drives into the box and buries one past Jaaskelainen. Bolton are barely getting out of their half but right at the death a ball is lobbed into Kevin Davies an his snap shot flies just wide.

No changes for the Blues at half time and none needed as within 3mins Kalou is brought down on the right and the resulting free kick in driven in low by Lamps and drilled home by the Drog. its 2-0 and cruising. On 55mins Ivanovich chips in to the Drog who flicks the ball back to Lamps who volleys just wide. Bolton have hardly been out of their half in the opening 10mins. On the hour Ballack feeds lamps in the box and his cross hits Steinsson on the arm. Its a soft penalty but Lamps steps up to makes it 3-0. Boltons goal is under siege as a Kalou cross is knocked out for a corner from which Ivanovich gets a neat head on for the Drog to shoot past Jaaskelainen. That's 4-0 with 68mins gone and its rest time for Lamps and the Drog as Deco and Anelka join the fray.

Bolton substitute Andy O'Brien pulls one back a minute later after Cech fails to collect and a minute later Chris Basham connects with a Kevin Davies header and its 4-2. Surely the Blues wont throw this one away - maybe minds are turning prematurely to Tuesday night ?? But with 12mins to go its 4-3 as a route one ball splits JT and Ash and Matt Taylor heads past Cech. I know the Drog and Lamps are off but we're not playing with nine - we just look like it !! Cool heads are needed as Bolton are just hoisting balls into the Chelse box - its not pretty but its effective.With 3mins to go the ball breaks to Gardner wide on the left; he cuts in past Ballack but thankfully drives well over. A mix up in the Bolton goal and Anelka scuffs a connection but but the ball is cleared off the line. There are 4 very tense minutes of added time to come. Ballack finds Malouda on the edge of the box but his shot is well parried by Jaaskelainen. Last throw of the dice as Bolton win a corner - Cech flaps but the loose ball goes wide.

Jeez that was as bad as Wednesday was brilliant. Liverpool must be heartened by that as they need to score three - g-d I hope not. Come on U Blues.

Liverpool 1 - 3 Chelsea

They talk about big European nights at Anfield but this will go down as one that all Blues fans had hopped for but few could have expected. Guus pulls a mater stroke by dropping Ess into the holding role to shadow Gerrard (who as a result was almost invisible). Anelka is on the bench with Rickey so its a regulation 4-3-3 with the Drog up top on his own. Bosingwa is still injured so Ivanovitch comes in at right back and his presence was crucial.

It looked ominous when Torres put the scousers ahead on 6mins but the response from the Blues was nothing short of awesome as they soaked up the pressure and built our own great chances. Twice we could have leveled as Drogba wasted good chances (the best on 30mins when he lashed over a Ballack cross) before Ivanovich made Liverpool pay for a sloppy zone on their 6yard box. The half ends 1-1

The 2nd half started in much the same way as the first but slowly the Blues took control and on 62mins a corner form Lamps again exposes the Liverpool zone and Ivanovic darts in to bury a header for 1-2. Within 5mins its 1-3 as Ballack plays in Malouda, who drives in a low cross for the Drog to drive in and bury from close range.

Click for Sky report

Newcastle 0 - 2 Chelsea

Traveling so again reduced to recieving BBC text reports but this had the potential to be a trickey game at St James Park with the return of Shearer the messaia.

As it goes, it was a hard fought and well earned 0-2 win with golas from Lamps and Malouda to set things up nicely for our CL trip to Anfield on Wednesday.

Click for BBC report
Click for Sky

The ultimate try before you buy ?

People will know that I stumbled across spotify earlier this year and love it.

So I was excited to hear today that a deal has been struck between Spotify and 7 Digital that will see a 'Buy From 7Digital' option added to the right click menu inside Spotify and will cover a six million strong catalogue of tracks. Now for the iTune haters amongst us - and there are many - this is just fantastic news as 7Digital also delivers its content at ear embracing 320kbps bitrates.

But is this the ultimate try before you buy experience ?? In the past you were only able to hear a few seconds of poor quality audio before making a purchase decision on a particular track. Now you get the whole track, superb quality, arguably better performance than on your local device (see my comment on iTunes performance vs Spotify) and all this before hitting the buy button. Is this the future for other consumer items ?? What d'ya think ??

In related news, I also heard that Spotify are finalising an iPhone / iTouch solution that will be available from the app store. Will Apple really let this go out unencumbered and embarrass their belover iTunes ? Indeed, if you can get Spotify quality streamed to your device and the buy from 7Digital - why would you use the iTunes store at all ? This one will be interesting to watch.

Coldplay vs Satriani - will it ever get to court ?

I've never been a Coldplay fan. Personally I find their brand of rock very boring and derivative but you can't argue with their commercial success and yes .... lots of people out there do like them.

So I was intrigued to hear back in December last year that Joe Satriani had filed a suit for plagiarism accusing the band of ripping off his 2004 track “If I Could Fly” for their own Grammy-nominated hit “Viva La Vida.” Satriani accused Coldplay of stealing “substantial original portions” of his track.

If you're into the musical theory, then the video below covers that in great detail however you can also just listen and let your ears decide (its not the greatest quality but good enough to hear - the owner has done a pretty good job with "mashing" the 2 tracks)



Anyway, its all gone a bit quite on this one. The last big news was that Satriani's legal team were due to serve the writs on Coldplay at this years Grammys but that seems to have been and gone now.

Personally, I hate this type of thing - I remember the whole Belinda Carlisle and Bon Jovi spat in the eighties over the similarities between "you give love a bad name" and "heaven is place on earth". They're almost always unsatisfactory and show the musicians involved in a poor light. In this case however I have to feel for Joe satriani. This isn't the first time that Coldplay have been cited for plagiarism - see the list in the video above - and the amount of "lifted" material goes way beyond co-incidence.

Anyway - you decide but feel free to post comments or updates to the story.

Tottenham 1 - 0 Chelsea

Off to what used to be "3 point lane" but now is a little bit harder with Harry at the Helm. The Blues have Alex and Belletti back for the injured Rickey and Deco respectively otherwise its the team that beat City last weekend.

Its a frenetic start and with 7min on the clock as Ess plays a beautiful one/two with Anelka on the edge of the box but his shot is parried by Gomes. Spurs then drive straight up the other end but Jenas shoots just over. Spurs are pressing both ball and player and as a result Ballack has given a few sloppy balls away - cant keep doing that. Alex lets a nothing ball bounce over his head on 17mins, Keane pounces and his drive forces a good save from Cech. Anleka looses the ball in midfield on 25mins and Chorluka drives forward and finds Keane on the edge of the box but his shot is straight at Cech. With half an hour gone it looks now like Spurs have settled back into a "9 men behind the ball" shape when the Blues have possesion but they're then breaking quickly when we loose it. Belletti pulls a loose ball back to Anelka on the edge of the box but his drive is again parried by Gomes. For the second time, a long ball is allowed to bounce and it releases Mordric but fortunatley it comes to nothing. With a minute to go, the Drog is helped off after a bad clash with King but that's pretty much it for the first half.

No changes as Spurs get the 2nd half underway and they're in front with 4mins as Lennon teases down the right and squares to Mordric who fires low into the corner past Cech. Chelsea need some width - in attacking and defensive play - so no surprise that on 60mins Queresma replaces Belletti on the right. Chelsea are second best all over the pitch right now however Queresma immediately fires in a great back post cross but Lamps header is bundled past the post by Chorlukas hand but no penalty. News comes through that Man U are now 2-0 down which makes this result even more vital. A nice passage of play finds Drogba on the left but his strike is easily saved by Gomes. This is a big 20mins coming up. Jenas and Bent combine on the edge of our box but the block falls to Keane who thankfully fires over. Quarter of an hour to go and Chelsea go 4-4-2 as Malouda replaces Essien - desperate stuff now and a point would do. Another Lamps free kick finds JT's head but his goal bound connection is brilliantly saved once again Gomes. This time JT floats a diagonal ball into the box but this time the Drog heads wide. With 5mins to go, Chelsea break with Ballack but his woeful pass is rightly berated by Drogba. There's 4mins of stoppage time but it might as well be 4 hours for Chelsea as first Anelka scuffs a shot at Gomes, from the resulting corner Alex hits the bar and then Gomes saves from Malouda. Its too little too late and it ends 1-0 to Spurs.

Guss has his first defeat and a chance to pile pressure on Man U is wasted

Chelsea 1 - 0 Man City

I'm at the Rugby today - needs must and if you have to watch the egg chasers, it may as well be England V France at Twickers (.... edit the French got well and truely thumped 34-10) so just the radio and web for following the mighty Blues.

Deco comes into a 4-3-3 with Ess, Lamps and Ballack driving the midfield and Rickey is back alongside JT. Within 2mins its almost a dream start as an Anelka cross finds Deco whose shot is deflected in by Lamps but its flagged offside. Its all Chelsea and with 28mins gone, Lamps finds Ess in acres of space with a quick free kick which he shins up over Shay Given. A bit lucky but the domination deserved it. City get their first proper chance as Caicedo is found completely unmarked by Bridge but he drags his shot well wide. Ballacks having a better game for a change in an unfamiliar holding role. As the half draws to a close Anelka is clearly pulled back in the box but Onuoha but our good friend Mike Riely has another case of blue tinted myopia. In the final 10 mins, two cracking attacks come to nothing as first the Drog back heels to Ballack but his shot curls over and then Ess heads over from 12yrds out. That's it for the half though Deco hobbles off to be replaced by Belletti.

The second half gets underway much like the first with Onuoha forced into a last ditch tackel to stop the Drog doubling the lead and 5mins later, Bozzy again finds the Drog but this time Shay Given to brilliantly palms away the shot. We're starting to worry that this might be another one of those "one goal's not enough" days as Belletti hits the post with 20mins gone. We should be 5 up by now. We're in the last 15mins and the injured Drog is replaced by Malouda. Man City don't look threatening but its all a bit twitchy as we go into 3mins of added time and Lamps cracks a creamer from the edge of the box but it flys high and wide. Its the last action of the game and that's another win under the Guus man.

Come on you Blues

Juventus 2 - 2 Chelsea

Its a huge night as Chelsea take a slender 1-0 lead to the Stadio Olympico to face the return leg against Juve. The big news is that both Ess and Anelka start in place of Kalou and Malouda. So not much in the way of width but a front 2 of Drogba and Anelka with a middle 3 of Balack, Ess and Lamps in front of the Jedi looks pretty imposing -lets see. Trezeguet and Del Piero start up front for Juve.

Juve have started brightly winning 2 corners in the opening 6mins but Nedved has been stretchered off twice already and is finally replaced after 13mins. With 15mins gone Anelka is put through by the Drog and is wrongly flagged offside - he shoots wide anyway though however 3mins later the Blues are behind. A fabulous through ball from Trezuget releases Iaquinta who pulls Cech wide and dills the ball home. Ballack, who's started really poorly, looses the ball in midfield 2mins later and Del Piero hits a drive from 30yrds that is tipped over by Cech. Its all Juve now but slowly Chelsea are getting a liitle more possession and look to have weathered the storm. Inside the last 2mins of the half, its a free kick on the edge of the Juve box and Drogba cracks a ball that Buffon seems to scoop out from behind the line but the goal is amazingly not given. Justice is done a minute later though as Lamps strikes a ferocious drive against the bar and Essien is on hand to tap home. The half ends 1-1 but we have the vital away goal.

No changes in personnel at half time but there's a change in approach as the Blues start with some good crisp passing. With 53mins on the clock, its a free kick from an almost identical position but this time its straight at Buffon. Belletti is waiting to come on but while play continues Cech makes an incredible reaction save from a header from Trezeguet. Finally, Belletti replaces Essien as Juve press higher up the park and start to threaten again. Chiellini lunges in on Drogba and gets sent off as a result and then immediately after that Del Piero gets a free kick on the edge of the box which hits Belletti on the arm, Penalty to Juve that is calmly slotted away by Del Piero. Its now 2-1 to the 10 men of Juve on the night and 2-2 on aggregate but the Blues have the away goal. Calm heads needed now with 15mins to go. Chelsea are hoofing balls to Anelka but he can't hold the ball up - they need to go to the Drog. It must be over now though. Ballack feeds Bozzy down the right on 82mins and his cross is slotted home by the Drog. Juve now need to score twice in 8mins with only 10 men on the park. With 2mins of normal time remaining, Guss introduces Rickey for Alex as the clock runs down but its of little consequence as the Blues comfortably see out the final few minutes.

So we're into the last 8 and who wants money on us being paired with the Scousers again ?

Come on U Blues !!

Google flexes its considerable muscles

In a move that some would say smacks of an excessive show of strength, Google have pulled music videos from the UK version of YouTube as part of an ongoing dispute with the Performing Rights Society.

YouTube claim that the new charges from the PRS, following the expiry of the previous deal, are excessive and for their part the PRS claim that Google's actions to pull videos from YouTube came in the middle of ongoing negotiations.

Whatever the rights and wrongs here, this one looks like its gonna run for a while and, once again, the only loosers are the UK music loving consumer.

Come on - sort it out girls

Click here for the full article from The Guardian

Ashley Cole - Apoliogies 2 - 1 Goals

Entertaining commentary on Ashley Coles drunken exploits in this mornings Sky Sunday Supplement. Apparently Ashely has issued more formal apologies than he has scored goals since arriving at Chelsea.

>> Watch the video

>> Sky Sports link

Well it made me smile

Coventry 0- 2 Chelsea FA cup 1/4 final

Up to the Ricoh arena for an FA cup quarter final that Guss is taking very seriously despite the away tie with Juve on Tuesday night. Its a full strength side with Anelka and Deco still injured so the front 3 are the Drog with Maoluda and Kalou on either flank. The big news thogh is that Ricky and Ess return to the bench.

Its a bright start from the Blues and within the first 6mins a hoof up field from Cech sets Drogba through on goal but he scuffs his shot wide and then Ballack scoops a shot over the bar after some nice work from Kalou. Its all Chelsea and the reward comes on 15mins when a mistake by Scott Dann lets in the Drog who looks to have taken the ball too wide before he drills the ball home for 0-1. Coventry are really being stretched as Bozzy and Kalou combine well on the right but they are not lying down and are fighting for every ball. On 28mins Alex gives away a needless free kick which thankfully is struck high and wide - Heads up Chelsea !! Malouda is having another invisible game and when he is finally seen, he sky's the ball to waste some good possession. With 35mins gone, Westwood makes a fine save from a dipping and swerving LAmps free kick and in the last minute of the half, first Drogba and then Kalou shoot wide from the edge of the box.

Queresma is on for Kalou in the second half, presumably with Juve in mind as Malouda would have been the obvious choice to be replaced. Lots of possession in the opening 10mins but not much penetration and Coventry are coming back into this game. However a huge roar goes up on 62mins as Essien gets ready to make an appearance. he replaces the Jedi though frankly we all wanted to see the back of the ineffectual Ballack but .... Om 72 mins a hign ball into the Chelsea box results in a clash of heads between Alex and the Drog. Both go off as we defend a long throw with 9 men however from the clearance Quersma breaks forward in a lightening counter attack and finds Alex with a perfect cross and he side foots home - that's 0-2 and game over but 5mins later another quick break, this time from Malouda (yes he can do quick occasionally) releases Lamps but his shot is well saved by Westwood. Drogba makes way for Di Santo in the last few mins but it ends 0 - 2 and the Blues are on their way to a Wembley semi final.

Now the small matter of Juve on Tuesday - Come on U Blues !!

Portsmouth 0 - 1 Chelsea

Had to resort to text updates from the Beeb for this vital away game (aren't they all now) at Fratton Park. By all accounts it was a "cup tie like" affair that was not helped by storm conditions down on the south coast. Thankfully it was settled with just over 10mins to go when the Drog connected with a whipped cross from Bozzy to steer the ball past David James.

Clicke here for Skysports match report

Chelsea 2 - 1 Wigan

Down to earth with a bump after the Juventus game as we face Wigan at home. Mancienne comes in at right back for the suspended Bozzy but otherwise its Wednesdays team.

Its a really slow start from the Blues in a disappointing opening 15mins. The first clear chance of the game goes to Wigan as Scharner breaks free between Alex and Ash but his shot is screwed wide across Cech. Not good from the blues - we're clearly suffering from the midweek exertions. With 20mins on the clock Ash clears a Bramble header off the line and then JT blocks the follow up. Its all Wigan at the moment and Guss is rightly fuming. Finally a decent attacking spell when fisrt Drogba drives wide and from the resulting corner, Mikel tests Kirkland with a stinging volley from the edge of the box. That's got us going and on 25mins a lovely exchange of passes finds Lamps clear in the box, his cross is headed clear but only as far as JT who scissor kicks home a volley from the edge of the box. That's 1-0 and normal service is resumed. On 36mins Chelsea flood forward after a Wigan corner and a peach of a through ball from Kalou finds Lamps in the box but he delays his shot which is saved by Kirkland and Ballack is flagged offside when he heads the loose ball. Right on half time Drogba is fouled 25yrds out, picks himself up to take the kick, much to Ballacks displeasure, but his effort dips too late to trouble Kirkland so the half ends 1-0.

No changes at half time and Wigan start brightly again but on 50mins Lamps breaks free and slots Drogba through - his shot beats Kirkland but is cleared off the line by Bramble. Wigan wont lie down though and whilst its only 1-0 there's a nervy edge around the bridge. Ballack's done very little again and you have to think that Essien's imminent return will have to see him off. Bruce throws on Rodeaga in a move to 4-4-2 but immediately Lamps lifts a through ball for the Drog who feeds in Anelka but Bramble clears. With 15mins to go Belletti comes on for Kalou in what looks like our own version of 4-4-2 but again the Blues look like they're running out of steam. Guss makes another change with Queresma replacing Mancienne and Belletti slotting into right back but in the confusion a whipped cross from that side finds Kapo ahead of Anelka at the near post to head the equalizer. But wait for it, as the stadium announcer calls 3mins to go, Ballack heads on a hopeful hoof into the box and Lamps is on hand to head past Kirkland.

Relief all round the bridge but how many times will Lamps save our season ?

Chelsea 1 - 0 Juventus

Big Guss gets his first home game and first taste of a European night at the bridge at the same time. Its the same team that beat the Villa apart from the return of Ash at left back. The Tinkerman gets a warm welcome back which is nice to hear.

The blues start brightly, as we did against Villa, and within 5mins Bozzy tests Buffon with a left-foot drive and 4mins later the Drog heads over from a Bozzy cross. On 12 mins, Kalou wriggles and then threads a ball through to the Drog who easily slots home. It should have been 2-0 just 3mins later when the Drog head wide from a Lamps corner when hitting the target looked much easier. Its all Chelsea but Cech is called into action to save from Del Piero with 22mins on the clock however on the half hour Ash tests Buffon with a 30-yard drive. The half ends 1-0.

No changes at half time but within 5mins Camoranesi goes off with what looks like a hamstring problem injury. On 53mis, the Drog is brought downb for what looks like a nailed on penalty but the ref waves away the protests. Its much the same as the first half with lots of nice football but few clear cut chances. An hour gone and a free-kick from Del Piero tests Cech and JT has to clear the fumble. Its all getting a bit scrappy now as time runs down but with 3 mins to go Anelka nearly doubles the lead with a 20-yard effort that is just inches wide. A big scare in stoppage time as Nedved shaves the post with Cech well beaten but it ends 1 - 0 to the mighty Blues.

Wigan at home next - slightly different challenge that one - Come on u Blues

Villa 0 - 1 Chelsea

First games in charge dont get much togher than this - away to a resurgent Aston Villa but Guss goes with Anelka and the Drog but in a standard 4-3-3. No Ash through suspension so Ferreria slots in to left back.

Its a bright start and the Drog looks up for it as first Drogba and then Lamps threaten the Villa goal. Cech flaps at a Milner cross and the ball breaks to Heskey but his shot is high and wide and not too handsome. With 20mins on the clock, Lamps dances between Davies and Petrov before sliding a pass through to Anelka who lifts the ball over Friedel into the corner of the net. Its all Chelsea now and Friedel is called into action again to stop a thunderous header from JT connecting with a corner from Lamps. On 33mins a suspect freekick gives Ashley Young a chance to level things but his shot hits the bar and Heskey heads wide. The half ends 0 - 1 to the Blues.

Villa look more up for it as the second half gets underway but JT has the best chance of the opening minutes when he again connects with a corner from Lamps but Petrov clears off the line. On 54mins, Agbonlahor slips in behind Alex but Cech saves well from his cross come shot. Villa are much improved but much to O'Neils annoyance, the Blues keep slowing the game down to break up their rhythm. As the half draws to a close The Drog shoots over and a nice interchange between Bozzy and Drogba sets the defender free but Friedel saves from close range. So it ends 0 -1 to the Blues and Gus is off to a winning start. Now its just the small matter of Juventus on Wednesday.

Come on U Blues

Watford 1 - 3 Chelsea (FA Cup 6th Rnd)

Ray Wilkins takes temporary charge for this FA Cup clash and its a pretty strange line up, even for a game against Watford. Not so much he choice of Drogba and Anelka up front (with Kalou) but its a back 4 that introduces Mancienne at left back (the boy's a centre half) with Alex and Ivanovich as the central two. At least Cech is back between the sticks and there's Quersma is on the bench.

Inside 20secs Mancienne breaks forward and releases the Drog and his cross is just ahead of the on rushing Kalou. On 7mins, Lamps feeds the Drog this time and he rifles a shot that is palmed away for a corner. Its a bight start with lots of neat possession anmd 5mins later another free kick this time reaches Kalou completely unmarked as the Watford defence fail to get out as a unit but he heads behind both Ballack and the Drog. Half way through the half another Lamps free kick is palmed away by Loach in the Watford goal but thus far its all been set pieces or long range shots - there's no real penetration or anyone capable of getting round the back. As the half progresses Watford continue to grow in confidence and threaten a few times but it ends 0-0. Over to Ray to make some changes ? Doubt it

So no changes (and probably no plan B) as we start the second half. A superb long ball from Ivanovich finds the Drog on 48mins but his shot is well saved by Loach and 2mins later Lamps hits a swerving 25yrd shot just wide. An hour gone and a skewed cross from Kalou is headed back across the goal by Anelka only for Ballack to miss from 3 yrds out in even worse fashion that JT last week - pathetic. On 68mins the inevitable happens, everyone's up for our 13th corner and with people only trotting back, a lofted ball reaches Thomas Priskin who looks well offside but he runs on to chip over the advancing Cech. Wilkins' response is to take off Mikel and introduce Stoch - looks like its 4-4-2 but is it too little too late. Fortunately not, because its two Anelka goals in 80seconds; the first from from our 15th corner with and overhead kick from 5yrds out and the second being a nudged header from am Ashley Cole cross. With 8mins to go Belletti comes on to replace the hapless Ballack. On 90mins its almost all undone as Jobi McAnuff almost steers on past Cech but the Blues got straight up the other end for Anleka to squeeze home his hatrick.

Trailing with 15mins to go, it was quite an effort to turn this one around. Its Villa next week so come on U Blues !!