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January is a month where managers look to improve their squad to make sure they stand a chance of success this season. Chelsea manager Erland Johnson had no problem doing this as his team came into January looking very rampant. Chelsea would play 8 games in January 4 in the league, 2 in the FA cup and 2 in the Carling Cup. Chelsea would drop 4 points in January letting title rivals Manchester United take top spot. Here is a breakdown of all Chelsea's results.
West Ham vs Chelsea
New years day and Chelsea faced a short trip accross London to face former Chelsea manger Arvam Grant's West Ham. West Ham got an unlikely point at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season with a late Scott Parker equaliser so this would fill them with hope. In a game that saw 6 yellow cards (4each side) it was a tight rugged affair. Chelsea ran out 1-0 winners with a goal by Ivorian striker Didier Drogba with only his 6th goal of the season. Former Chelsea acadamy product Carlton Cole saw red after 77 minutes after he recieved 2 yellow cards.
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Chelsea vs Wigan
Next up for the Blues was Roberto Matinez's Wigan side. Before the game Martinez stated that Chelsea were favourates for the Premier League title. Chelsea had a much changed side for this game as they looked to keep their place at the top of the table. Chelsea were already 2-0 up when Maynor Figueroa saw red. Goals by Benayoun and Ramires put the Blues 2-0 within the first 10 minutes. Drogba, Bruma and Sturridge added a goal each to see the Blues run out 5-0 comfortable winners. Johnson said he was pleased the team was taking their chances now.
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Chelsea vs Bristol Rovers
League one side Bristol Rovers were Chelsea's oppnents in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Obviously Bristol Rovers were massive outsiders so Johnson changed his starting line-up quite abit. Bristol Rovers left Stamford Bridge without a shot on goal and with that left with a 3-0 defeat. 2 goals in 2 games for both Ramires and Benayoun put Chelsea 2-0 up within 20 minutes. A late own goal by Danny Coles sealed a 3-0 with for Chelsea and a place in the 4th round is Chelsea's.
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Aston Villa vs Chelsea
Carling cup semi final 1st leg and Chelsea travelled to Birmingham to play Gerard Houlier's Aston Villa. This was always going to be a tight game and neither side would be out of this tie after this 90 minutes. Chelsea ran away 2-0 winners with goals from Drogba and Carroll one in each half. Although Chelsea lead this tie with 2 away goals it is only half time but Villa would find it tough at Stamford Bridge.
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Tottenham vs Chelsea
A heated London derby was the next game for Johnson's side as Chelsea travelled to White Hart Lane to play Tottenham. Before this game Chelsea had gone on a club record 12 game winning run and 8 games without conceding. Chelsea couldn't have got off to a worse start when captain John Terry saw red after just 10 minutes which was his 3rd red card at White Hart Lane in his carear. 2 more minutes had passed until Spurs made their extra man count when Van Der Vaart smashed home a long drive. Although Spurs dominated most of the game Chelsea amazingly got an equaliser 6 minutes from time from an unlikely source. Portugese full back Jose Bosingwa found himself unmarked in the box to smash home a massive point for Johnson's men. Johnson after the game said "We got lucky today but i will take a point every day of the week".
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Chelsea vs Aston Villa
The 2nd game between these 2 and more would be to come. After Chelsea's point at Spurs Johnson's men would be looking to bounce back with a home win against Houlier's Villa. Serbian centre back Branaslav Ivanovic scored after just half an hour to give Johnson's men a 1-0 lead at half time. Chelsea were un able to extend their lead in the 2nd half and missed chance after chance. The inevitable happend, 1 minute from the end and centre back James Collins scored for Villa earning them a sensational point at Stamford Bridge. This result saw Man Utd go back to the top of the Premier League and Johnson was to unhappy to speak to the press after the game.
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Chelsea vs Aston Villa
The 3rd match between these 2 in 15 days and this would determine who would play in the Carling Cup final at Wembley. Chelsea took a 2-0 lead from the first leg so manager Johnson made a few changes for this tie. Amazingly Serbian defender Ivanovic scored his 2nd goal against Villa in 4 days and helped his team to a 1-0 win winning 3-0 on aggregate. Chelsea later found out they would play rivals Liverpool in the final as they beat Merseyside rivals Everton on penaltys. Johnson said he was delighted to win the game and is looking forward to his first final as Chelsea manager.
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Chelsea vs Peterborough
FA Cup 4th round now and Chelsea were given a fortunate home tie again against League one side Peterborough. Darren Ferguson's side were a tough nut to crack and it wasen't until Salomon Kalou came on at half time that Chelsea looked the better side. A double by the Ivorian in the 2nd half was enough to give Chelsea a 2-0 win and see them through to the 5th round. New signing Andy Carroll saw red 13 minutes from the end but Johnson's side managed to hold on.
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Although Chelsea manged to get to a League Cup final they dropped points in the league letting title rivals Man Utd steal top spot.
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