When John went up to lift he FA Cup - we were there, we were there
Thanks Guus - you'll be sorely missed
Sunday, 31 May 2009
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
Monday, 18 May 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
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
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
Thursday, 7 May 2009
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
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
Saturday, 25 April 2009
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
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
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
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
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
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