Chelsea FC - A Samillyroy Legacy Returns for FM13

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League 1st Knockout Round, 2nd Leg
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]Hazard (49)[/TD]
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Kalou (30, 63)[/TD]
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Kalou came back to haunt his former club with two critical goals.

Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League in spectacular fashion by their opponents Lille today, with pressure mounting on the Chelsea manager. Two first half goals from Martin and Kalou left Chelsea too big a mountain to climb.

Chelsea came into the game with a lead on away goals, but knew that they had to be vigilant of Lille's attacking capabilities. But they were caught wanting when Martin broke between centre back and full back before slotting under Petr Cech.

And just minutes later a reckless challenge from Ashley Cole brought a penalty for Lille. Up stepped former Chelsea man Salomon Kalou to put Lille in the driving seat in the tie.

Eden Hazard slipped in and pulled one back just after half time but Cole was at fault again as Kalou nipped ahead of him to make it 3-1, a bridge too far for Chelsea.

Things got even worse for the England left-back when his vociferous claims for a penalty in the dying moments earned him a second yellow card and an early bath - an awful end to a dissapointing game for Chelsea fans.

I struggled to motivate myself to come out here for this because that was a shocker. We have no one to blame but ourselves that we're not into the quarter-finals. This just makes Saturday's game against Leeds even bigger.

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[samillyroy]

Leeds United v. Chelsea
FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser, Quarter-Final, Elland Road

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - STEVE MORISON (32 Apps, 14 goals)
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The Welsh international has been in good form since joining from Norwich in a part exchange for Luciano Becchio, but hasn't been able to stop Leeds' slide towards the relegation zone. A handful in the air and a hard worker.

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Chelsea welcome back to Demba Ba and Marko Marin to a fully fit squad.

Rodolph Austin is suspended for Leeds whilst Jamie Mackie and Matthew Etherington are both cup-tied. There are no injury worries for the home team.

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Many view this is as one of the easier ties of the Last 8, but Chelsea know this will be harder than the league position's let on. Leeds v. Chelsea is a big rivalry going back to the 1970's and the Elland Road crowd will be quick to make Chelsea remember that. Early goals will be needed to silence what will be a huge crowd willing Leeds on to the semi-final at Wembley.

With the Champions League gone we have to focus on the FA Cup, and that starts here tonight. This is something of a derby game and I want to see commitment from the players but also professionalism that we didn't see in mid-week. We have to progress.

 

[samillyroy]

FA Cup Quarter-Final
Elland Road, Leeds

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[TD="align: center"]LEEDS UTD[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Morison (57)[/TD]
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Chelsea coped with Leeds' threat, but one mistake from Cahill was all Morison needed

Chelsea's stuttering form continued with draw against Championship strugglers Leeds United. Despite having 28 shots to their opponents 3, Chelsea failed to score more than 1 goal, meaning a replay is needed.

Chelsea got the perfect start after just 5 minutes as Frank Lampard arrived late to slam home Hazard's dinked ball. The Blues kept the attack up throughout the first half but couldn't find a way past Paddy Kenny.

The second half started well for Chelsea too but on the hour, Cahill completely mis-timed his jump, missing a header and Morison stole in to finish clinically, putting the home side level.

Chelsea pushed and pushed, with Victor Moses hitting a wonderful 25-yard strike toward the low corner but Paddy Kenny rolled back the years with some fine stops to frustrate Chelsea and force a replay in a week's time.

We couldn't have done much more and it's just one of those games. I fully expect us to record a victory back at Stamford Bridge.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Stoke
Premier League Matchday 30, Stamford Bridge


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - EDEN HAZARD (45 Apps, 8 goals)
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Eden Hazard's fine form has continued even when others are under-performing and he will be vital against a depleted Stoke side this evening. Chelsea's title challenge looks to be over but Hazard's form will be critical to ensure Champions League football next season.

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Chelsea have a full squad to pick from.

Stoke are without their four highest scorers for this match. Peter Crouch is suspended, whilst Jonathon Walters, Robert Huth and Dean Whitehead are out with injuries.

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REVERSE FIXTURE Stoke 1 - 1 Chelsea
A late Petr Cech own goal secured a point for Stoke, moving Chelsea four points behind top spot. Potentially a pivotal game and Chelsea will be looking for redemption this afternoon. The Blues won their last league outing, a 3-1 victory over rivals West Ham and will be looking to keep up the good form until the end of the season.

Every match is important at this stage, and we need to keep up the good league form after that win against West Ham. We were unlucky against Leeds and we just have to pick ourselves up and keep going. There's still something left in us.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 30
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Ba (34, 45, 87)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Shea (58)
Owen (83)[/TD]
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Demba Ba proved the difference between the two sides with an excellent hat-trick.

Demba Ba scored a wonderful hat-trick to ensure victory for Chelsea in a tense match at Stamford Bridge. The Blues raced into a 2 goal lead only to be pegged back. But Ba scored a header with 5 minutes to go to seal the win.

Chelsea changed shape for this game after some recent poor performances and it paid dividends after half an hour, Ba racing on to David Luiz's long pass to flick a header over the onrushing Asmir Begovic.

And on the stroke of half time he doubled Chelsea's lead, collecting Moses' great through ball before firing a rasping finish at the near post to the delight of the home fans.

Chelsea looked to be cruising and were starting to turn the screw but were caught on the counter as Brek Shea scored a fine goal from 20 yards to give Stoke a chance.

And Terry's missed interception in the 83rd minute gave the chance for ex-England international Michael Owen to race through on goal and he finished with aplomb.

It looked like Stoke had grabbed a point out of nowhere but with time running out, Demba Ba raced on to Ashley Cole's first time cross to flick a header in off the crossbar before celebrating in front of the Shed End. A great end to a game which Chelsea deserved to win.

I was furious that we had given up our position because both goals were incredibly cheap to give away. But credit to Demba Ba, he has come back a revelation from the ACON and he is going to be vital in the run in. Top player.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Leeds United
FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser, Quarter-Final Replay, Stamford Bridge

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - STEVE MORISON (35 Apps, 16 goals)
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His clinical finish in the first game underlines why he is so highly rated in the Championship. Chelsea will have to ensure he is not given another opportunity today.

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Chelsea have a full squad to pick from again.

Leeds United are without the cup-tied Jamie Mackie and Matthew Etherington.

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Few predicted that this game would go to a replay but that is the reality and it's another game for Chelsea in what is turning out to be a gruelling season. With the home fans on their side, and with Demba Ba in fine form, the Blues are definitely favourites to go through again but with Steve Morison in their side, the Leeds fans believe that anything is possible. They will certainly be travelling down to the Bridge in large numbers this afternoon.

We really didn't want a replay but that's the reality and we have to get on with it. I want a professional display today - that should ensure us passage to the semi-finals.

 

[samillyroy]

FA Cup Quarter-Final, Replay
Stamford Bridge, London

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Hazard's wonderful goal put Chelsea on their way to victory in the quarter-final

Chelsea finally saw off the threat of Leeds United at a rain soaked Stamford Bridge this afternoon, as goals from Eden Hazard and Frank Lampard decided the competition.

The Blues came into the match off a win against Stoke City in the league and looked to keep up the momentum with Demba Ba starting up front. But the Senegalese twice wasted good chances in the first half.

Leeds barely got out of their own area throughout the game, and Chelsea finally made them pay when Eden Hazard broke from deep, dribbling past a number of bewildered Leeds players with his excellent technique before slamming home a fine finish from 20 yards.

And just two minutes later the lead was doubled as Frank Lampard volleyed home from Hazard's corner to silence the away fans and send Chelsea into the semi-final of the FA Cup - a competition they haven't been beaten in in open play since 2008.

We made hard work of it but we're through now and that's what matters most. Eden was exceptional again this afternoon and I'm looking forward to our trip to Wembley, where the hard work really begins in earnest.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. Aston Villa
Premier League Matchday 31, Stamford Bridge


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - EDEN HAZARD (47 Apps, 9 goals)[/TD]
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His winner against Leeds was his 9th of a superb debut season at Stamford Bridge and the Blues will need him for their tough run in to the end of the season. The Belgian combines trickery and ingenuity with an excellent burst of pace.

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Chelsea have no injury worries ahead of this game.

Villa are without Gabby Agbonlahor, Matthew Lowton, Karim El Ahmadi and Nathan Baker ​in their race to stay in the Premier League. They could prove critical blows for the Villains.

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REVERSE FIXTURE Aston Villa 2 - 3 Chelsea

Fernando Torres' 90th minute winner completed a remarkable turnaround when these two teams met back in November, a result which threw Chelsea right back into the title race. That appears to be a pipe dream for the Blues now but a win would be vital in the race for a Champions League spot, with Liverpool right on their heels.

We've had a week off for the first time in a long time so the boys will be refreshed. I'll be giving Fernando an opportunity today and hopefully he can start to return to form after injuries have dogged his start to 2013.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 31
Stamford Bridge, London

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Torres heads home his second goal of the game.

Fernando Torres returned to form with a bang, scoring two great goals to secure Chelsea's third league win on the bounce. The goals came in the first quarter of an hour before the Blues then sat on their lead.

Chelsea dominated from the word go, and Torres was looking to make up for lost time. He struck with just 5 minutes gone when he found space just on the edge of the area to fire past Brad Guzan.

And he doubled his tally 10 minutes later, rising highest to head home Azpilicueta's excellent first time cross at the back post.

Aston Villa couldn't live with the Spaniard, as he continued to torment Villa on the edge of the box. His compatriot Juan Mata was pulling the strings but couldn't find a goal for himself, no matter how hard he tried. He fired over from good positions on a number of occasions.

Villa showed a bit of fight in the second half, and created some good opportunities but Benteke and Bent were surprisingly wasteful up front.

Chelsea march on in the league with their third win in a row, and things are looking good for securing a Champions League spot for next season.

It's an important win and an important display. Fernando was excellent and I'm delighted for him that he's hitting form. We have two top strikers now and we'll look to keep them fit.

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[samillyroy]

CHELSEA TO FACE ARSENAL IN FA CUP SEMI-FINAL

Following their replay win over Liverpool yesterday, Chelsea have finally been drawn against Arsenal in the semi-final. The two have met twice already this season, and will play in the league before this cup match - Chelsea won in the Capital One Cup match, whilst Arsenal came from 2 goals down to draw in the league.

It's an exciting cup tie for everyone involved. We know how good a team Arsenal are and we'll play each other before this cup tie as well so there will be no surprises. I'm looking forward to an excellent game.

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[samillyroy]

MARCH REVIEW

A tough month to take, especially with the dissapointment of exiting the Champions League after a dissapointing display over two legs against French side Lille. That is boosted by good displays in the FA Cup which sees the Blues through to the semi-final against Arsenal, and two more wins in the Premier League, leading to the Chelsea manager receiving the Manager of the Month award.

It's a strange feeling to receive this award because it's been a bittersweet month for me. It was so dissapointing to exit the Champions League but we are happy to still be in the FA Cup and some good league performances mean we are on track to achieving our aim of reaching the Champions League next season.

PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH
View attachment 321887
EDEN HAZARD
The Belgian has worked his socks off this month, scoring the vital Cup winners against Leeds and Tottenham, earning him hero status amongst the Chelsea faithful. Some excellent goals and assists means that Eden picks himself as player of the month.

TOP GOALSCORERS ALL COMPETITIONS
Fernando Torres (12 goals)
Demba Ba (10 goals)
Eden Hazard (9 goals)

SAM ILLYROY NAMED MANAGER OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH
The award comes off the back of important league victories against Aston Villa and Stoke.

APRIL PREVIEW
Time is running out on Chelsea in their quest for silverware. The Club World Championship has already been won but the FA Cup remains up for grabs, whilst the Blues are rank outsiders for the Premier League campaign. But it is all to play for with 7 games to go.
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[samillyroy]

Arsenal v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 32, Emirates Stadium


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - OLIVER GIROUD (35 Apps, 23 goals)
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The Frenchman has certainly filled the void left by Robin Van Persie as he leads their goalscoring charts with a brilliant return of 23 goals in 30 starts. He will need to be on form today as Arsenal chase Chelsea for that 3rd place spot.

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Captain John Terry is out for 3 weeks and will also miss the FA Cup semi-final after being stretchered off against Aston Villa. A big loss for the Blues.

Gervinho, Kieran Gibbs and Neven Subotic all miss out.

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REVERSE FIXTURE Chelsea 2 - 2 Arsenal
A critical blow for the Blues in their quest for the league title. Two late goals from Leonard Kweuke earned the Gunners a credible draw but dented Chelsea's bid. The two sides are fighting it out for those Champions League spots and this could be a huge match in deciding that. Arsenal faced Real Madrid in the Champions League mid-week, potentially giving them a fitness edge.

It certainly helps us that they played mid-week, they will have to chop things around whilst we have had time to train and can pick our strongest starting XI. This is a massive match, make no mistake and we have to go out for the win.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 32
Emirates Stadium, London

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[TD="align: center"]ARSENAL[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Mertesacker (12)
Giroud (45)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Mikel (5)
Ba (37)[/TD]
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Oscar put on a Man of the Match display for Chelsea, setting up both goals.

Chelsea were held to a draw by Arsenal, after twice being pegged back after taking the lead. Arsenal may have even snatched the win in the 4th minute of injury time but Giroud smacked a close range header against the crossbar.

Chelsea put in a great first half performance going forward, with Brazilian Oscar the architect of both goals with some excellent passes. His disguised pass after 5 minutes found Mikel who slammed home to give the Blues the lead.

But Per Mertesacker rose highest 5 minutes later to head home Santi Cazorla's fine free-kick. Arsenal continued to press but were caught cold on the counter attack when Oscar's exceptional diagonal pass found Demba Ba who took a touch before slotting past Szcezcny in the Arsenal goal.

On the stroke of half time, Arshaving nutmegged Azpilicueta before laying in Giroud to level matters for Arsenal once more, to the dismay of the Chelse manager.

In the second half, it was all Arsenal as they pushed for what would be a vital victory in the race for Champions League spots. Giroud twice went close and should have scored in the dying seconds with a point blank header but it wasn't to be.

We could have won this but in the second half they were the better team and credit has to go to them for that. The FA Cup tie is clearly going to be a great match if this is anything to go by.

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[samillyroy]

Everton v. Chelsea
Premier League Matchday 33, Goodison Park


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - KEVIN MIRALLAS (35 Apps, 7 goals)
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The Belgian is Everton's top goalscorer this season with just 7 goals, but as a wideman he has chipped in well for the Toffee's. Rapid off the mark with a lethal finish, Chelsea will have to make sure he is forced wide.

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Chelsea are without captain John Terry but have otherwise a full squad to pick from. Ashley Cole is a caution away from a suspension.

Everton are without striker Nikica Jelavic for this match.

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REVERSE FIXTURE Chelsea 0 - 0 Everton

Chelsea were left frustrated the last time these two teams met with Fernando Torres having an off afternoon for the Blues. He will most likely receive a recall to the line-up today so it is a chance for him to make amends on his return to Liverpool. The Blues need a victory to solidify their position in 3rd spot.

Ahead of the FA Cup Semi-Final I will have to make some changes but we desperately need a win here this afternoon. Everton are always a tricky team to play and Goodison is a tough venue for us historically, so we are cautious but optimistic ahead of this game.

 

[Duzzy]

You are dedicated i can tell you that much. It would be great if you did a second season and bought Falcao.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 33
Goodison Park, Liverpool

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[TD="align: center"]Vellios (88)[/TD]
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Vellios' late strike won the day for the Toffee's.

Chelsea suffered defeat at the hands of Everton as their bid for Champions League football was put under scrutiny at Goodison Park. Chelsea carved a number of openings but were profilgate in front of goal and were punished late on.

The Blues played with intent early on as Victor Moses, starting on the right of midfield weaved his way past Oviedo on a number of occasions, but he often made the wrong decisions and wasted some good openings.

Everton on the other hand grew into the game, with Mirallas a constant threat on the right side of midfield. Despite that, it was Chelsea who continued to carve openings, Torres this time going close with a low drive.

With Chelsea getting more and more frustrated, Everton capitalised and in the 88th minute, Vellios took aim with no other options and beat Petr Cech with a low drive from 25 yards out.

Another dissapointing day for Chelsea ahead of this weekend's cup semi-final. A defeat at Wembley would cap a poor season for the 'European Champions'.

It's a tough place to come, and it's proven so again today. But we were far and away the better team. This sort of performance is what seperates us from the best at the moment, we cannot grind out wins.

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[samillyroy]

haha I'm just on a roll at the moment and it's easter break at uni
I'm not sure if I'll do a second season at the moment, think I just want to see how I get on with the one, requires too much commitment ha. nearing the end of the season now.

 

[samillyroy]

Arsenal v. Chelsea
FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser Semi-Final, Wembley Stadium

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - DEMBA BA (23 Apps, 11 goals)
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Demba Ba has had a mixed season for Chelsea but when he plays, he does seem to score. Will start today after Torres started against Everton, and the Blues will be hoping he can send them to the final.

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Chelsea are without their captain John Terry whilst Oriol Romeu also suffered an injury against Everton and will be out for the rest of the season. Paulo Ferreira has been given a leave of absence by the club.

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These two met just over a week ago so we know what to expect: goals. There has been 10 in the 3 games these two have played already this season so that appears to be a given. Chelsea have dropped points in their race to secure Champions League football so the FA Cup appears to be the only saving grace for their manager at the moment. That ensures a big game.

It's exciting for me personally, and it's great to be involved in a Cup semi-final. But we don't just want that, a club this size needs to look at winning so we have to get out there and beat Arsenal today. Nothing else will suffice.

 

[samillyroy]

FA Cup Semi-Final
Wembley Stadium, London

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[TD="align: center"]ARSENAL[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Giroud (58, 63)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Ivanovic (19)
Oscar (35)
Hazard (80)[/TD]
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Hazard's goal won the day for Chelsea

We were promised goals this afternoon, and it didn't dissapoint as Chelsea marched on to the final at Wembley Stadium next month. The Blues took a 2 goal lead but lost it in a 5 minute second half spell. But Belgian wonderkid Eden Hazard snatched the winner with 10 minutes to go to send Chelsea through.

It was a brilliant game from start to finish but the first half was all Chelsea. They took the lead after 20 minutes when Ivanovic slammed home Azpilicueta's throw in, and then had a chance to double the lead when Oscar was felled in the area. Ba missed the penalty but it didn't seem to matter as Oscar then scored a beautiful strike to put the Blues 2-0 up.

The second half turned things around though, and Ba's penalty miss lookd like it might cost Chelsea. Cazorla beat Cole on the right before crossing for Giroud to head home, before a carbon copy goal 5 minutes later left Chelsea shell-shocked.

It looked to be all Arsenal from that point onwards, but Chelsea countered with substitute Fernando Torres breaking through and beating two men before squaring unselfishly for Eden Hazard to tap home what proved to be the winner.

The Chelsea section of the crowd was going wild but it wasn't over and Arsenal piled men forward in search of an equaliser. Giroud really should have scored with a fine opening but it wasn't to be and Chelsea celebrated wildly at the final whistle - another FA Cup final.

It's been a really tough season for a number of reasons but this is vindication for all of that. This tournament is a special one and I'm delighted we've reached the final, we were by far the better team today and this is the reward for the boys. We want to go and win it now next month.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea v. QPR
Premier League Matchday 34, Stamford Bridge


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - ADEL TAARABT (33 Apps, 6 goals)
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View attachment 321897
A mercurial figure, Adel Taarabt has been the key to QPR's survival hopes, scoring in some crucial matches this season. If he's on his game then he is a real handful and Chelsea will have to be wary.

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John Terry returns for Chelsea but Oriol Romeu and Paulo Ferreira are unavailable.

QPR are without Andros Townsend and Karl Henry​.

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REVERSE FIXTURE QPR 1 - 3 Chelsea
Chelsea saw off their neighbours with relative ease when they met back in December, and they will be hoping to repeat that performance this evening. A loss against Everton in their last match saw them lose ground in the Champions League race and drop to 4th. If Tottenham win their games in hand they will move above Chelsea so a win is vital today.

The FA Cup match is behind us and now we have to get back to the bread and butter. We have to win this match today in our race for a Champions League spot.