Chelsea FC - A Samillyroy Legacy Returns for FM13

[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Liverpool
Premier League Matchday 26, Stamford Bridge


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - FABIO BORINI (34 Apps, 17 goals)
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A former Chelsea reserve player, Borini has risen through the ranks to become a full Italian international. Lethal in front of goal with excellent movement, he will give Chelsea some real problems this afternoon if they don't keep tabs on him.

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[TD]TEAM NEWS
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Chelsea remain without a recognised striker, Fernando Torres is injured and Demba Ba on ACON duty with John Obi Mikel. Branislav Ivanovic remains sidelined.

Liverpool will be without talisman Luis Suarez, a crucial blow for them while Jordan Henderson and Jamie Carragher are also injured. Oussama Assaidi is on ACON duty for Liverpool.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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REVERSE FIXTURE Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea
Chelsea took the lead the last time these two sides met and dominated affairs but were caught out by Luis Suarez just after the break. With the Uruguayan out for this match, Chelsea stand a chance but are left short by the fact they have no striker available to them. Islam Feruz is being mentioned as a player who could stand in for Chelsea but the most likely option is that Victor Moses starts up front once more, despite a poor showing against Sunderland in the last match.

We are desperately short on attacking options at the moment which is a concern, so I'm hoping our midfield players can chip in and help take the burden off whoever starts up front. Islam is in the squad for this match but he's a young lad - it might be damaging to his development to throw him in at this stage.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League MAtchday 26
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Mata (32)
Ramires (36)
Cole (90)[/TD]
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Ramires celebrates his goal with the first goalscorer, Juan Mata

Chelsea hit back at their critics this evening with a top display against Champions League chasing Liverpool, hitting them for three thanks to a wonderful team performance.

Juan Mata has been coming back to his best in recent matches and he gave Chelsea the lead, collecting Oscar's excellent disguised pass before slotting past Pepe Reina.

Minutes later, Chelsea were two goals up as Mata laid in Ramires who slid past Pepe Reina for his seventh goal of the season. His purposeful running was key to everything Chelsea did in this game and it just got better in the second half.

Liverpool looked woefully short of ideas, but the midfield pairing of Ramires and Romeu broke up every attack from Liverpool and then played the ball up for the creative genius of Oscar, Mata and Hazard.

Chelsea even had the liberty of missing a penalty, when Hazard was tripped by Jose Enrique. Ashley Cole stepped up and dragged his shot woefully wide, but was given another opportunity in injury time when Coates handballed. Cole stepped up again and this time slotted home for his fourth of the year.

A great win for Chelsea who move back into the Champions League places and are just 5 points off top spot.

This shows just how good a team we are when we are at our best, and we had a number of second string players out today - ****, we had a schoolboy up front! If we can take this confidence into the Manchester United game then this title bid is not over yet.

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[cfc12345]

Some good results team needs to be abit more consistent if they want to win the league hopefully they can mprove that!

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Manchester United
Premier League Matchday 27, Stamford Bridge


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - ROBIN VAN PERSIE (32 Apps, 24 goals)
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The Dutchman has continued his excellent form throughout the season and is the main reason the Red Devils currently top the Barclays Premier League. Missed out the last time these two teams met but will be keen to make up for that this afternoon.

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Chelsea welcome Demba Ba back after Senegal exited the African Cup of Nations but John Obi Mikel remains on duty. John Terry and Fernando Torres are both sidelined, whilst Ivanovic has returned to training but is doubtful.

United are without Danny Welbeck but otherwise have a full squad to choose from.

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REVERSE FIXTURE Man United 0 - 1 Chelsea
When these two last met, Chelsea led the way in the Barclays Premier League and sealed victory thanks to a solitary Frank Lampard strike. United are now 8 points ahead of Chelsea in the league table and could put the final nail in the coffin of Chelsea's title challenge with victory this evening. Chelsea's manager is keen to ensure that doesn't happen.

Listen we're not going to give up on the league until its mathematically impossible but it's clear that this game is massive for us. If we don't beat them today then it leaves us with a **** of a lot to do in the last 11 matches so we have to really go for it this afternoon. I've no doubt that we're good enough to get 3 points though.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 27
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]Ba (45)
Cahill (68)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Rooney (76)[/TD]
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Gary Cahill rose highest to head home Juan Mata's corner, giving Chelsea a priceless win.

Chelsea completed a double over Manchester United, breathing new life into their title bid. Chelsea played some excellent football and dominated for the first hour, getting the lead their play deserved. Rooney's goal made it a nervy ending but the Blues held on.

In the first half, Chelsea made life extremely difficult for Manchester United, with full backs Cole and Azpilicueta exceptional in pinning United in.

But United had the first opportunity when Van Persie was tripped by Romeu just insisde the penalty area. Rooney stepped up to put United ahead, but saw his spot kick saved brilliantly by Petr Cech

Chelsea took their opportunity to seize the initiative and eventually got the breakthrough when Demba Ba, back from African Cup of Nations duty just in time for this game, collected Mata's past and buried underneath a despairing David De Gea.

Demba Ba was then substituted in the second half, having not played a Premier League game since early October. But Chelsea continued to cause all the problems and doubled their advantage when Gary Cahill nipped in at the near post to flick Mata's corner in.

Rooney then got one back when he headed Patrice Evra's early cross into the top corner and United continued to probe but to no avail, as Chelsea move to just 5 points from top spot.

I'm absolutely delighted because we were far and away the better team, in fact we were the only one in it for well over an hour so this is perfect for us. Demba was excellent in the first half but we brought him off as a precaution. Sadly Ramires and Cahill both picked up knocks and could be out for a few matches, but that doesn't take the shine off a great victory.

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[samillyroy]

CHELSEA DRAW TOTTENHAM IN FA CUP 5TH ROUND

Last season's semi-final will get a replay this weekend when Chelsea travel to White Hart Lane for the tie of the round. Having seen off Hull via a replay last night, it was finally decided who Chelsea's opponents would be and it's clear the manager is excited by the tie.

Every opposition is going to be tough, and it's great to get a derby. We would have liked to play it at home for sure but it should be a cracking game and I'm desperate to get through to the quarter-finals.

 

[samillyroy]

Lille OSC v. Chelsea
UEFA Champions League, 1st Knockout Round, 1st Leg, Grand Stade Lille Metropole

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - EDEN HAZARD (38 Apps, 6 goals)
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View attachment 321752View attachment 321753
Eden Hazard has lit up the Premier League since joining from Lille in the summer, racking up 6 goals and 12 assists for the Blues. All eyes will be on him tonight though as he faces his former club for the first time. The Chelsea boss will be hoping that emotion does not get the better of him, but he is expected to get a warm reception.

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Chelsea have both Demba Ba and John Obi Mikel back from the African Cup of Nations, but have fresh injury problems. Torres is a long term absentee, but Gary Cahill and Ramires have joined that list this week, while John Terry and Juan Mata are doubts.

Lille on the other hand have no injury worries.

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The Champions League is back! This is an interesting tie, on the face of it Chelsea are the clear favourites, but with a number of injury worries and a big match against Tottenham just days away, it could just be closer than people think. What is clear is that Lille need a good result tonight if they are to stand any chance in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. The French side are currently 3rd in Ligue 1 and are decent goalscorers but defensively suspect.

It's good to get back into the European football and this should be a good encounter. We have a number of injury worries but I have a plan for this game. Lille are a good side and will look to exploit our tiredness following the United game but I'm confident we can get by.

 

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Round, 1st Leg
Grand Stade Lille Metropole, Lille

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[TD="align: center"]LILLE OSC[/TD]
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Moses (78)[/TD]
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Moses' late equaliser gives Chelsea a slender advantage going into the second leg.

A patched up Chelsea side left it late to grab an equaliser in France but Victor Moses scored what could prove to be a vital goal in this tie. Lille thought they'd done enough to secure victory but now go into the second leg behind on away goals.

Chelsea looked leggy following the big game against Manchester United at the weekend, and it was Lille who did the early pressing, forcing Cech into a few good saves.

The defensive partnership of David Luiz and Ivanovic was somewhat untested before tonight and was at fault for Tulio Di Melo's goal as both got caught in two minds allowing the striker to nip in and head the bouncing ball over Petr Cech.

But Chelsea replied shortly after as the excellent Eden Hazard lofted a ball over for Demba Ba to chase, and taking it in his stride he slid coolly under the onrushing keeper for his second goal since his return.

In the second half, Ba once again made way for Ryan Bertrand, as Victor Moses went up front but it was Lille who grabbed the next goal as Balmont dispossessed Romeu and slammed home to the delight of the home fans.

Lille looked in control until a mistake from Mavuba was closed down by the excellent Bertrand who then crossed for substitute Moses to score a potentially pivotal goal in this tie.

It wasn't our best performance by any stretch but it's most important that we got the two away goals which gives us a great advantage going back to Stamford Bridge. Full credit to Victor, he's had a great season.

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[cfc12345]

Great win against Utd get in

 

[samillyroy]

Tottenham v. Chelsea
FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser, Fifth Round, White Hart Lane

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - AARON LENNON (35 Apps, 8 goals)
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Speedy winger has been excellent for Spurs this season, laying on goals in the double figures and getting on the scoresheet plenty himself. Will cause Chelsea problems out wide in this cup tie.

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Ahead of the international break, both teams have a couple of fresh injury problems. Chelsea remain without Fernando Torres and Ramires, their two top goalscorers. Frank Lampard picked up a knock against Lille and will miss this game.

Tottenham are without top goalscorer Jermaine Defoe and winger Gareth Bale, whilst Tom Huddlestone, Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Naughton are the latest additions to the injury list.

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This is a real cup tie, the kind of match that every player wants to be involved in. Sadly for the spectacle, there are a few key players missing for both teams, but that shouldn't stop this being a cracker of a game. With Chelsea looking down and out in the league and the Champions League something of a long shot, the FA Cup remains their best chance of silverware once more this season and they will be keen to extend their unbeaten run in it. Tottenham are looking for revenge though after that controversial semi-final in last season's competition. Drama is guaranteed for this one.

This is the tie that everyone wanted, we were secretly hoping Spurs beat Hull in that replay. Everyone loves a good derby match and if we want to go all the way we've got to beat the best teams. That's what we're looking today!

 

[samillyroy]

indeed, two great results in the league couple of injuries later and we're back in the thick of it again, but looking forward to this game against tottenham!!

 

[samillyroy]

FA Cup Fifth Round
White Hart Lane, London

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Demba Ba's cool finish rescued a replay for Chelsea at White Hart Lane

Demba Ba's strike in the second half was enough to earn Chelsea a replay in this FA Cup clash at White Hart Lane. Toivonen had given Tottenham the lead and Lloris was putting on another fine display but the Senegalese scored his 3rd in 3 games to save the Blues.

It took just quarter of an hour for Tottenham to break the deadlock and must have left Chelsea fans fearing the worst. Azpilicueta challenged the marauding Perotti but the ball swept through for Toivonen who slammed past Cech.

Chelsea were infuriated but pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Once again they found Lloris in fine form, a keeper they hadn't managed to beat in 180 previous minutes.

But in the second half they found a way past him when Cole challenged Walker deep in Tottenham territory and swept the ball across for Ba to slam home, to the delight of the travelling away crowd.

From then on, it only appeared to be going one way but Chelsea were denied by mixture of woodwork and goalkeeper to ensure that this game will be replayed at Stamford Bridge later this month.

I felt we could have won it at the end there with David Luiz's header but it wasn't to be. We have to be happy with a replay and I'm sure we can beat them at home.

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[samillyroy]

Swansea v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 28, Liberty Stadium


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - DEMBA BA (16 goals, 6 goals)
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View attachment 321772
Demba Ba has returned from the African Cup of Nations in inspired form, guiding Chelsea to victory over United and rescuing them against Lille and Tottenham. The big striker is looking to keep his place with the imminent return of Fernando Torres, and will look to bolster his claim this afternoon.

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Fernando Torres is back in training but is doubtful, but Marko Marin injured himself in training this week. Ramires also misses this match.


Rory Donnelly, Pablo Hernandez, Kyle Bartley and Itay Shechter are all out for Swansea.

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REVERSE FIXTURE Chelsea 0 - 0 Swansea
Chelsea were frustrated by their Welsh opposition the last time these sides met, but they will be hoping to get past them this time around. Swansea are doing okay, in 15th place in the league but with Chelsea's recent form they shouldn't prove too much of an obstacle if Chelsea can reach top form.

We have to follow up those two excellent league results with a bit of consistency if we want to keep up our challenge on the Premier League title. These sort of matches are vital for Champions to win.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 28
Liberty Stadium, Swansea

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Routledge (31)
Ki (48)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Ba (83)[/TD]
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Michu set the way for a famous Swansea victory at the Liberty Stadium.

Chelsea suffered defeat at the hands of Swansea this afternoon with a really poor display. Three goals either side of half time condemned Chelsea who were far from their best, Paulo Ferreira attracting the majority of criticism.

With 4 games coming up in the space of 7 days, Illyroy made the decision to rest the likes of Azpilicueta and Lampard, but the team barely showed up for the first half as Swansea piled attack upon attack on Cech's goal.

They finally got their reward when Michu collected in the box and fired a stunning strike past Cech. Routledge doubled that lead moments later when he struck Lamah's cross home at the back post.

Chelsea hadn't learned their lesson and minutes after the interval Ki Sung-Yeung chested down and slammed home for 3-0 to the delight of the home crowd.

Even then, Chelsea didn't turn up and barely registered a shot on goal. Demba Ba grabbed a consolation with a header with 5 minutes to go but it did nothing to mask a really poor performance.

I'm really disgusted with that display because we showed absolutely no commitment and didn't even make a game of it. There will be changes after this game, make no mistake.

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[samillyroy]

West Ham United v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 29, Upton Park


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - FRANK LAMPARD (31 Apps, 6 goals)
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Frank has a habit of scoring in this fixture and Chelsea will be hoping that happens today. Just the 6 goals in what could be his last season is something that he would like to change. No time like the present!

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Just Marko Marin out for Chelsea.

West Ham are without Mark Noble and winger Ricardo Vaz Te

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REVERSE FIXTURE Chelsea 2 - 1 West Ham
Chelsea played much of this match with 9 men, but still managed to come out victorious thanks to excellent strikes from Fernando Torres. Fernando returns to the starting line up this evening and they will be hoping he gets back to his best just in time, with the Tottenham game and Lille fixture on the horizon.

I fully expect a response after that dismal display against Swansea on Tuesday. It's the first time I have felt let down by a performance so this is an opportunity for the boys to repay the fans.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 29
Upton Park, London

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[TD="align: center"]Benayoun (45)
Luiz (57)
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David Luiz's header completed a turnaround from Chelsea.

Chelsea bounced back from defeat against Swansea to beat rivals West Ham, but they had to come from behind to do it. Lampard conceded a penalty in the first half, but Benayoun, Luiz and Cahill replied for Chelsea to send them 3rd in the league.

The first half started poorly for Chelsea, already in a bad moment following the 3-1 hammering from Swansea 2 days previous. Lampard brought down Chamakh with a reckless tackle and Taylor stepped up to score.

West Ham, 19th in the league, dominated for the rest of the second half with Ivanovic suffering a torrid time at the hands of Matty Jarvis. But they were stung on the brink of half time when Benayoun skipped past his defender brilliantly before slotting home.

Chelsea grew in confidence and started to fashion plenty of openings. They took the lead through a corner with David Luiz heading home Oscar's brilliant delivery.

And Cahill doubled their advantage with a finish off his own when Oscar turned and crossed in on the right hand edge of the box. A good result for Chelsea which goes some way to making up for that poor display against Swansea.

What I wanted was a response and I Got that from the boys today. I though Benni and Oscar were exceptional and we need to build on this.

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[samillyroy]

FEBRUARY REVIEW

February was a tough month for Chelsea, starting with excellent victories over Manchester United and Liverpool, a dissapointing defeat to Swansea followed by a heartening performance against rivals West Ham. Sandwiched in between that was good performances away to Lille and Tottenham, leaving the Blues in the hunt for 3 trophies. March is a big month now as we enter the business end of the season, and it starts with that replay against Tottenham.

We have to look back on this month with some pride because we had a lot of work on to get back in the title race at all after a dissapointing December and January. But we were excellent against United and Liverpool and but for that display against West Ham it would have been a wonderful month. Now we're getting into "squeeky *** time", so we need to have everyone firing on all cylinders

PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY
View attachment 321809
DEMBA BA
Came back from the ACON and scored in four consecutive games to seal a win against United, and help us to draws against Lille and Tottenham. Hopefully his form continues from now until the end of the season.

TOP GOALSCORERS ALL COMPETITIONS
Fernando Torres (10 goals)
Demba Ba, Ramires (7 goals)
Eden Hazard, Victor Moses, Frank Lampard (6 goals)

OSCAR VOTED BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE YOUNG PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Oscar has had an excellent start to 2013 and has become a key player for the Blues. Long may this form continue.

MARCH PREVIEW

​March brings with it the FA Cup 5th Round Replay, as well as important Premier League fixtures and the second leg of the first knockout round of the Champions League. There's a lot to look forward to as we reach the business stage of the season.
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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Tottenham
FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser, Fifth Round Replay

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - AARON LENNON (38 Apps, 8 goals)[/TD]
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Will be vital for Spurs again in this match, although Ashley Cole kept him quiet in the match at White Hart Lane. Tottenham will be looking for more from him this time round.

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Marko Marin is injured for Chelsea, but Demba Ba also picked up a knock against West Ham and will miss out.


Gareth Bale is a long term absentee for Spurs, as is Kyle Naughton. Sandro is suspended for this match and will have to sit it out.

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Chelsea probably edged the first match and will probably be annoyed to have to take this match to a replay. For the neutral it's a delight as the game gave us as much as we were expecting, with plenty of verve and passion on display from the players as you'd imagine for such a tense derby cup tie. Who will make it through to the Quarter-Finals where Leeds United await the victor?

This is a great opportunity for us to repay the fans for their support this season. We were the better team in the first game and I really think that we can go that one step further and knock Spurs out tonight.

 

[samillyroy]

FA Cup Fifth Round Replay
Stamford Bridge, London

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Hazard scored the goal that sets up a quarter-final against old rivals, Leeds United

Chelsea finally saw off Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge thanks to a fine finish from Eden Hazard. Chelsea were on top throughout and barely let Tottenham in the game, so the Belgian's finish was just reward for a top display.

The Blues picked up where they left off at White Hart Lane, with Torres starting up front and causing torment to the Spurs backline.

But it was Eden Hazard who broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time, collecting Cole's cut back and slotting under the keeper with his left foot.

Cue wild celebrations at Stamford Bridge as the away section of the Shed End went deathly silent. Hazard's strike seemed to knock the stuffing out of Tottenham and sensing defeat they retreated into themselves.

Their only real chance in the second half was a free header for Adebayor from Sigurdsson's free kick which the Togan striker really should have done better with. In the end, it was a deserved win for Chelsea who march on into the quarter-finals.

One game away from Wembley now, and this was fully deserved. We were excellent in the first game and again today. Credit goes to the players and to Eden for a fantastic finish, but now we have to focus on the second leg against Lille on Wednesday.

View attachment 321819

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Lille OSC
UEFA Champions League, 1st Knockout Round, 2nd Leg, Stamford Bridge

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - NOLAN ROUX (37 Apps, 16 goals)
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View attachment 321820
16 goals this season puts Roux up there with the top goalscorers in Ligue 1, with some calling for a call-up to the French international squad. Pacy and with a good finish, Roux will be a danger to Chelsea this evening.

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Chelsea are without Marko Marin whilst Demba Ba is a doubt.


Lille have no injury or suspension concerns ahead of this tie.

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The first leg leaves this tie right in the balance. With their home advantage and the two away goals, Chelsea are firm favourites to progress to the quarter-finals but they have to be vigilant - Lille can score goals if they're given the chance so Chelsea have to counter that by taking the initiative themselves.

We played well with a patched up team in the first leg, so with the home fans on our side I am expecting us to go through tonight. That said, Lille are a good side and there is no room for complacency.