Chelsea FC - A Samillyroy Legacy Returns for FM13

[Direttore]

A good read, you seem to put a lot of effort in every game.
Keep it up, it's fun to follow!

 

[samillyroy]

thanks pal

 

[samillyroy]

Monterrey v. Chelsea
FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final, Yokohoma
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[TD]KEY PLAYER - HUMBERTO SUAZO (18 Apps, 15 goals)
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Anyone aware of international football will be well acquainted with this name - Humberto is a vastly experienced centre forward capable of troubling any defence and will certainly give Chelsea a hard time this evening.

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Chelsea picked 23 players to travel for this tournament, with Paulo Ferreira, George Saville and Hilario all missing out on the register list. Demba Ba will miss the competition with injury.

Monterrey have a clean bill of health ahead of this tie.

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Chelsea's first appearance in this competition sees them travel to Japan to play Mexican champions Monterrey, who boast a plethora of internationals, such as Aldo Di Negris, Humberto Suazo and Nery Castillo. Chelsea fans may be expecting the Blues to cruise through this competition but they cannot take these Mexicans lightly if they want to progress.

It's very exciting to be involved in this competition and we're desperate to be crowned Club World Champions. Monterrey are a tough team to beat, we've done our homework on them and we're looking forward to what should be an interesting tie.

 

[samillyroy]

FIFA Club World Cup Semi-Final
Nissan Stadium, Yokohoma

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Lampard returned to the team with the winning strike in this semi-final.

Chelsea reached the final of the Club World Cup with victory over Mexican side Monterrey thanks to a solitary Frank Lampard strike on the stroke of half-time. The Blues had constant pressure but wasted a number of good openings.

The Mexican side rarely troubled Cech with David Luiz exemplary against Di Nigris in defence, and Chelsea built from the back in the first half to create chances. Eden Hazard and Mata both went close with strikes from range but it was a veteran who got the winner.

Ivanovic's ball into the box went a little too long, but was collected by Hazard who dropped it to the edge of the box. No surprises who was in wait as Lampard collected, took a touch and slammed past the goalkeeper.

From there on it was plain sailing for the Blues who took a number of pot shots from distance but seemed happy to just play keep ball, they weren't troubled at all in the second half by the Mexicans.

They will play Brazillian champions Corinthians in a much anticipated final in Yokohama this weekend. The Brazilian contingent of Chelsea will certainly be eyeing that game with anticipation.

It's pleasing for us to get through to the final, and I'm delighted for Frank as it was his first game back after injury. I'm hoping that he can continue that form for us in the coming months and also in the final this weekend.

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[samillyroy]

Corinthians v. Chelsea
FIFA Club World Cup Final, Yokohoma

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - RENATO AUGUSTO (34 Apps, 10 goals)
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The former Leverkusen man returned to Corinthians in the summer and has put in some exceptional performances for the Brazillian side. His technical ability and reading of the game could be crucial as Corinthians look to upset the European champions in Japan tonight.

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Chelsea's 23 man squad trained in Japan this morning and Demba Ba returned to light training but will still miss out through his injury. He is the only player missing.

Corinthians are without Paulinho and are waiting to assess a training injury to Renato Augusto this afternoon.

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This match is highly revered in the Americas so Corinthians will be desperate to beat the European Champions. The previous winners were Barcelona who smashed Santos 4-0 in last year's competition so Chelsea have a lot to live up to. The Blues cruised past Monterrey to reach this stage but the Brazilian champions and Copa Libertadores champions present a whole different challenge. Technical brilliance and a classy forward in Guerrero, the former HSV striker, means that Chelsea will have to be at their absolute best to triumph this evening.

It's a really exciting occasion for all the fans and everyone connected to Chelsea Football Club, our first Club World Cup final, and we're determined to win. The boys have trained really hard and played well against Monterrey so it's down to us now.
I know we've lost some key games on narrow margins so we've worked as hard as possible to make sure we have every possible advantage available to us. But tommorow it's down to the boys and I'm confident they can secure us this trophy!

​THIS MATCH FEATURES LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY

 

[samillyroy]

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY - REFRESH FOR UPDATES
FIFA Club World Cup Final, Nissan Stadium, Yokohama

CORINTHIANS 0 - 2 CHELSEA

19:08: Well what an occasion this is for Chelsea fans, their first ever FIFA Club World Cup final, and they face quite a tricky opposition today. Corinthians are the Copa Libertadores champions and bolster the likes of Alexandre Pato and Renato Augusto in their ranks.

19:13: Chelsea's historic victory over Bayern Munich got them here, whilst Corinthians beat Boca Juniors over two legs to secure their entrance into this competition. It is taken very seriously over in Brazil so Chelsea will be up against highly motivated opposition.

19:20: ​The teams are out training and we're just about to hear from the manager's about their team selection for this match!

19:30: A couple of surprises coming up from both teams, with some key players missing out!

19:35: Corinthians v. Chelsea
Corinthians: Cassio, Alessandro, Chicao, Paulo Andre, Fabio Santos, Ralf, Leandro Donizete, Douglas, Danilo, Jorge Enrique, Alexandre Pato. Subs: Julio Cesar, Gil, Danilo Fernandes, Emerson, Guerrero
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, David Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Oscar, Hazard, Ramires, Torres. Subs: Turnbull, Ake, Benayoun, Moses, Cahill, Mata, Marin

19:42: So Chelsea drop the dissapointing Juan Mata and in his place comes Oscar who has been starting to make an impression in the last few games. Notably his nationality may have also favoured that selection.. Corinthians drop Guerrero to the bench and Renato Augusto is ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in training - a massive blow for the Brazilians.

19:50: The players are out on the pitch for the opening ceremonies and are now shaking hands. This should be a great contest!

20:00:

Chelsea kick off the 2012 Club World Cup final.

20:02: Injuries blighted Pato's career in Europe but he gives us a little reminder of why he was so highly rated, chesting down a Ralf through ball and testing Petr Cech early on.

20:05: Chelsea fashion their first opening as Mikel plays Hazard on but his shot fizzes just past the post.

20:12: PENALTY TO CHELSEA

20:13: GOALFLASH Corinthians 0 - 1 Chelsea (Frank Lampard)

Chelsea goal: Douglas fouls Oscar in the box and it's a clear penalty for Chelsea. Up steps Frank Lampard for his second goal of the competition to give Chelsea the lead in the final.

20:20: PENALTY TO CHELSEA

20:21: GOALFLASH Corinthians 0 - 2 Chelsea (Frank Lampard)

Chelsea goal: Oh dear, Corinthians are not best pleased as the referee points the spot once more, this time Douglas fouls Eden Hazard. It seemed fairly clear cut but on replay the Belgian may have gone down a little lightly. Up steps Lampard to slam home his second of the game.

20:30: Those goals have knocked the stuffing out of Corinthians, understandably, and Chelsea are well on top. David Luiz goes close with a flicked header as Hazard cuts back.

20:33: Oscar goes close with a low drive as Chelsea look to turn the screw and put this game well and truly to bed.

20:43: Ramires heads a Lampard cross low towards the bottom corner but its a good save from Cassio. Probably the last chance of a first half that Chelsea have dominated.

20:46: HALF TIME Corinthians 0 - 2 Chelsea

CORINTHIANS 0 - 2 CHELSEA
Chelsea have dominated proceedings and have the two goal lead their display has merited. Frank Lampard dispatched the two penalties with consumate ease and even though the second may have been a little harsh, the Brazilians can't argue with the scoreline too much.

21:00: Back underway and Chelsea are 45 minutes from being crowned World club champions.

21:09: Terry rises highest to Hazard's corner but his flicked header is just wide of the far post. Frank Lampard comes off to rapturous applause, with Victor Moses his replacement.

21:15: A chance for Corinthians as Ivanovic loses Danilo but Cech reads the danger well and comes out to smother at his feet.

21:22: Ashley Cole is free in the box but just hits his shot wide on his weaker right foot.

21:32: Substitute Emerson hits a free kick but it clips the top of the crossbar and goes over.

21:42: It looks like Corinthians have given up the ghost and their woes are compounded as Pato goes off injured. He is replaced by Jose Paulo Guerrero, but surely he won't have enough time to make a difference.

21:45: Injury time now, just 2 minutes to be played, as Fernando Torres rises highest to head an Ashley Cole cross goalwards but it just misses the far post.

21:47: FULL TIME Corinthians 0 - 2 Chelsea
That's it! Chelsea have done it, they are crowned World Club Champions this evening in Japan thanks to this routine victory over Brazilian side Corinthians. It's the stalwart Frank Lampard who did the business to settle the occasion and the group of Chelsea fans who made the long, long journey from England are celebrating wildly in the corner.

CHELSEA ARE CLUB WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS 2012

The Chelsea players mob Lampard after his second penalty which settled the final.

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Arsenal
Premier League Matchday 15

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - GERVINHO (17 Apps, 3 goals)
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Has become a crucial creative force for Arsenal this season, laying on 6 goals for his team-mates as well as grabbing three for himself. Struggled to settle in in his first season but is enjoying himself a lot more this time around.

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Chelsea return from Japan as reigning Club World Cup Champions, and suffered no new injuries in the process. Demba Ba is out and will likely miss the rest of 2012.

Arsenal are without top scorer Olivier Giroud whilst full-back Natxo Monreal also misses out.

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These two met earlier in the season in the Capital One Cup Third Round, with Chelsea coming out victorious at the Emirates on that occasion. With home advantage, many see them as favourites for this fixture but coming back from their long-haul flight from Japan at the weekend is likely to take it's toll. The manager talked about his delight at winning the Club World Cup and also his squad plans for this match.

First off I want to congratulate the boys, we put a lot of hard work into that tournament out in Japan and I thought we played excellently. Frank is a credit to himself and to get 3 goals having not played in over a month is absolutely brilliant and we're lucky to have a professional of his quality.
Today's game comes just 3 days after that journey and we're still feeling the effects of that trip but we have a big squad and I'm sure the players I pick today are capable of putting on a good display. We need to catch up on the teams that played games while we were away so the wins need to come thick and fast.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 15
Stamford Bridge, London

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Arsenal's incredible late comeback undid Chelsea's early good work.

Chelsea slumped to a draw despite leading 2-0 with 5 minutes to go as two late finishes from substitute Leonard Kweuke rescued a point for Arsenal. Tired legs were the excuse for Chelsea but it leaves them 8 points off top spot in the Premier League.

Up until that slip up, Chelsea were exemplary, playing some wonderful football and they got the lead their play deserved. After half an hour, Cahill stabbed home in a crowd of people following Mata's corner to give Chelsea the lead.

And Victor Moses twice fashioned decent opportunities before half time only to be denied by the legs of Lukasz Fabianski. The Nigerian was in fine form as he danced past the bewildered Arsenal defence time and again.

Chelsea suffered an injury to Oscar early in the second half but didn't let it affect them as his replacement Eden Hazard began to work his magic around the box. And Chelsea were 2-0 up just after the hour as captain John Terry rose to head home.

That should have been enough for victory but with 5 minutes to go, Leonard Kweuke headed in from a corner to give Arsenal a glimmer of hope.

And right at the death, Theo Walcott broke in behind the Chelsea backline and crossed for Kweuke to slot home after beating Gary Cahill to the ball to steal an unlikely point and leave Chelsea cursing their long journey to Japan.

It's a really dissapointing end to a great week but I can't let it affect us too much. For 87 minutes we were far and away the better team and we have to cling on to that. We were very good today except for two slip ups. We won't let this cost us.

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[samillyroy]

CHELSEA DRAW MIDDLESBROUGH IN THE FA CUP THIRD ROUND

Chelsea face Middlesbrough in early January in a repeat of the 1997 FA Cup Final. Middlesbrough are struggling in the Championship this season but will see this as a good opportunity for some respite.

Middlesbrough are a great team to play and we know that they will give us a good game. Tony has his team well drilled and they play good football so I would expect them to push us hard.

 

[samillyroy]

Fulham v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 16, Craven Cottage

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - DIMITAR BERBATOV (18 Apps, 8 goals)[/TD]
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The Bulgarian has returned to full flow under the guidance of Martin Jol, helping Fulham in their quest to push for a European place. Incredible technical skills allow Dimitar to make the game look incredibly easy and he can turn a game on it's head with a single stroke of genius.

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Chelsea are without Demba Ba and Oscar who will be fit for the game against Southampton but misses this match after injuring himself against Arsenal.

Fulham have a full squad to choose from.

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This local derby is not particularly fierce, but it is historically a tough fixture for Chelsea, especially at this period in the season. Two draws in their last two games has seen them drop pace in their challenge for the title so they will need to show some real steel here this afternoon against a Fulham side who are enjoying a decent season under Martin Jol.

The games are coming thick and fast but we are good enough to keep up with it. A win is vital in our quest for the league title so we cannot afford any silly mistakes like against Arsenal this time around.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 16
Craven Cottage, London

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Sidwell struck a 94th minute winner against his former club.

Chelsea suffered their first league defeat of the season away to local rivals Fulham thanks to a former player, Steve Sidwell. Victor Moses thought he'd stolen a point for Chelsea late on with his first Premier League goal but there was to be even more late drama.

Fulham worked their socks off in the first half, and Chelsea had Petr Cech to thank for the score being level, pulling off some great stops to deny both Mladen Petric and Dimitar Berbatov.

Martin Jol went with both strikers up front and it worked a treat as Chelsea's attacking players were kept out of the game by Fulham's pressing tactics. And Mladen Petric opened the scoring with a fine strike from Berbatov's knock down just after half time.

Chelsea then started to play and fashioned a few chances of their own, but their usual suspects Hazard and Torres were having very quiet games by their standrads.

And indeed it was another forward Victor Moses who levelled matters, breaking free on the right with a cross that beat everyone including Torres, before tapping home Marko Marin's reverse back into the box.

Chelsea looked to be happy with a point but in the 4th minute of time added on, Steve Sidwell collected the ball on the edge of the box and hammered home a dramatic winner - Chelsea's first Premier League defeat of the season after 16 matches.

I have to say Fulham were worthy of the win but I'm really dissapointed we couldn't hold on for at least a point. The amount of games we have had to play of late is clearly taking it's toll on the likes of Fernando and Eden and we'll be glad for a break.

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[samillyroy]

CHELSEA TO PLAY FRENCH SIDE LILLE IN 1ST KNOCKOUT ROUND OF UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
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Group G winners Chelsea will face French side Lille OSC in the 1st Knockout Round of the UEFA Champions League after the draw in Zurich, Switzerland this morning. Lille finished second in a group that featured Bayern Munich, Celtic and Valencia - no mean feat. There key players include former Chelsea man Salomon Kalou, midfielder Marvin Martin and forward Dimtri Payet.

The rest of the draw for the 1st Knockout Round of the UEFA Champions League is featured below:

Every draw at this stage in the competition is a tough one, and we are looking forward to travelling to France. Lille deserve plenty of respect because they are a good side but we fancy our chances over the two legs.

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Southampton
Premier League Matchday 17


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - RICKIE LAMBERT
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In line for an England call-up, Lambert's goals have been crucial in Southampton's meteoric rise. 10 goals already in his debut Premier League campaign is no mean feat and Chelsea will have to be on guard to stop him scoring again today.

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Demba Ba returns to full training but this game probably comes too soon for him. Oscar returns from a knock suffered against Arsenal.

Puncheon, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Steve Davis will miss out on this game, key players for the Saints.

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Chelsea have a number of games in hand on Southampton but still sit one place below them in the table. Few would have predicted even at this stage of the season that the two would be vying for position in the league. But Pochettino has done a grand job with the Saints - his free-scoring side have taken big scalps already this campaign and few think it would be out of the question to see a win here at Stamford Bridge today. Chelsea's manager was similarly cautious.

Our league form at the moment is definitely a concern and we need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. Southampton are a tough team to face but I think we need a good challenge like this at the moment to break us from this slump.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 17
Stamford Bridge, London

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Hazard's fine finish was his 4th goal of the season.

Chelsea returned to winning ways this Boxing Day with victory over Mauricio Pochettino's Southampton. In the end the score might have been greater but Eden Hazard's neat finish was enough to settle the occasion.

Chelsea came out with a point to prove after losing their last Premier League game late on to Fulham, and they were quickly out of the blocks. Their attacking trio of Benayoun, Mata and Hazard wound the Southampton defence in circles.

Torres had a number of good opportunities in the first half but his tired legs appear to be getting the best of the Spaniard at the moment, though with a bit of luck he might have beaten an inspired Boruc on another day.

Eden Hazard was the man who finally broke the deadlock, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and curling past Artur Boruc for his 4th of the campaign, and his first in two months.

From there on, Chelsea settled and simply tried to probe but Boruc pulled out some excellent saves to keep the score down to 1. In the end, Chelsea will be happy to just get the three points and move on to the next game.

A good performance and I'm delighted that we managed to hold on this week. Eden has been deserving a goal with some of his recent performances so it was fitting for him. I hope he can build on this good form.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Norwich
Premier League Matchday 18, Stamford Bridge


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - EDEN HAZARD (27 Apps, 4 goals)
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Chelsea's young Belgian starlet has been in superb form since joining from Lille OSC in the summer. Full of tricks but with an excellent footballing brain, he has been the main creative force for Chelsea and will look to give the Norwich backline a run for their money this afternoon.

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Demba Ba remains sidelined and receiving treatment though this is expected to be his last game out.

Glenn Whelan is Norwich's only missing player for this fixture.

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REVERSE FIXTURE: Norwich 0 - 1 Chelsea

In the last meeting on the opening day of the season, Chelsea stole a win thanks to Fernando Torres' goal on the stroke of half time. It wasn't a vintage Chelsea display but they ground out the victory and the Blues fans will be hoping for more of the same today.
Norwich have been enjoying a decent season under Chris Hughton and currently sit 14th in the league, but they will have one eye over their shoulder. Any kind of result against Chelsea today would be very welcome for the Canaries.

Norwich were a tough team to break down on that opening day of the season and having played so many games at the moment, I am anticipating another nervy encounter this afternoon. We played well against Southampton though and I am hoping to keep that momentum up.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 18
Stamford Bridge, London


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Hazard celebrates his second goal in as many games, but Chelsea are quickly pegged back.

A dissapointing festive season ended for Chelsea with 2 more dropped points after Andrew Surman's equaliser was enough for the Canaries. Hazard had given Chelsea the lead only for Norwich to strike right back.

Hazard picked up where he left off against Southampton, collecting and slamming home inside the box with just quarter of an hour gone. But before Chelsea had a chance to push for a second, Surman raced on to Grant Holt's flick before sliding under Petr Cech.

The Blues dominated the rest of the first half and might have gone back ahead if Lampard converted when gifted an opportunity by Bassong but he couldn't find the target.

In the second half, several changes saw Chelsea look for different avenues in order to break down Norwich but the goal was not forthcoming. Victor Moses had a great chance but saw his shot deflected over by a last ditch Jacob Butterfield tackle.

Chelsea still have two games in hand on their competitors but are now a staggering 11 points off top spot. Games like this need to be seen out if the Blues are going to challenge for the title this season.

It's not been a great month for us domestically. Out of the Capital One Cup and too many dropped points in the league leaves us with a lot to do in 2013. But I am ready for the challenge and I know that the boys are too. We will learn from this.

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[samillyroy]

DECEMBER REVIEW

A mixed month for Chelsea in many respects. Victory in the Club World Cup was marred by stuttering Premier League performances. Just one victory in five games has brought criticism to the team from the outside but the manager was keen to stress the effect of fatigue on the squad and is urging the fans to look to the future and get behind the players during this tough spell.

This was a really tough month for us in the league, but I certainly felt we deserve dmore out of the majority of those games. We have to be a little more clinical if we're going to be successful but with time I think that will come. Demba is back in the squad for this month and that could prove crucial in how next month goes. I'm urging the fans to get behind us as we get past this sticky spell.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER
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FRANK LAMPARD
Frank rejoined the squad after injury to lead us to glory in the Club World Cup for the first time in Chelsea's 107 year history. The vice-captain scored the winner against Monterrey before converting two penalties in the final to see off Corinthians.

TOP GOALSCORERS ALL COMPETITIONS
Fernando Torres (7 goals)
Ramires, Frank Lampard (6 goals)
Eden Hazard (5 goals)

JANUARY PREVIEW
January brings fresh challenges for Chelsea, with plenty of league matches coming up. Fixtures against Manchester City and Newcastle are the standout ones as well as a trip to White Hart Lane and table toppers Tottenham Hotspur. Goals will be crucial for Chelsea and they need Fernando Torres to return to form with Demba Ba joining the Senegal squad on the 19th for the African Cup of Nations. John Obi Mikel will also be joining Nigeria so squad depth is more important than ever for the Blues.

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[samillyroy]

Wigan v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 19, DW Stadium

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - FRANK LAMPARD (20 Apps, 6 goals)
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Lampard has been crucial for Chelsea this season, with some important goals but his general presence being a settling influence as they look to be more expansive up the park. They need his experience in this fixture today as they look to close the gap on the title contenders.

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Chelsea are free of injuries, but Ashley Cole's yellow card against Norwich means that he is suspended for this match.

Wigan have a number of injuries, with Nouha Dicko, James McCarthy and Emmerson Boyce all out. Paul Scharner is suspended and Maynor Figueroa and Roger Espinoza are on international duty.

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REVERSE FIXTURE: Chelsea 2 - 2 Wigan
Chelsea were held to a draw against Wigan earlier in the season despite the visitors only having two shots on target. The Blues will be hoping they are more clinical in this match today as they desperately search for a victory to get them back on track in the hunt for the title.
Wigan have a number of players missing which can only play into Chelsea's hands but with Fernando Torres looking fairly goal-shy at the moment, fans are concerned with where the goals are going to come from.

Fernando had a quiet month in December, for sure. But we all know the quality that he has and it's only a matter of time before he gets himself back on the scoresheet. Until then, there are plenty of other players capable of scoring and they have shown that all season. That's not a worry for me.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 19
DW Stadium, Wigan

[TABLE="width: 500"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]WIGAN[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]3[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Torres (66)
Oscar (71, 82)[/TD]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

Oscar scored two brilliant goals to get off the mark for Chelsea.

A rousing second half display from Chelsea got their faltering title challenge back on track, thanks to goals from Fernando Torres and young Brazilian Oscar. Wigan had no reply for Chelsea's more direct approach.

Chelsea struggled out of the blocks, their recent form perhaps hindering the side. A number of changes were made after the game against Norwich just a few days before, with Moses, Bertrand, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Romeu and Oscar all coming into the team.

And it was Moses who was most lively in the first half against his old club, tormenting full-back Ronnie Stam but too often his final ball let him down.

In the second half, Chelsea really burst out of the blocks. Playing a more direct style of football, Romeu and Lampard often looked for diagonal runs in behind the defence, and the introduction of Marko Marin really changed the game.

Ivanovic found the German in acres of space on the counter and his early ball found Torres racing through to slam home a great finish, his first goal since November.

Just minutes later it was two, Torres this time the creator laying on Oscar for a simple tap in - his first goal in English football. Oscar then scored a sublime second on the turn to cap a brilliant second half performance from Chelsea.

We've seen Oscar doing these things in training, it's just getting it out of him on the pitch, and today he really did that. He was excellent in the second half and really ran the show. We're hoping to see more of that in the near future. Credit to Fernando today as well, he was excellent. Some of the runs he was making for the midfielders were a joy to watch.

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[dufcx4xeva]

Really enjoying this story, also love the fact that torres is scoring