WHO LET THE DROG OUT?

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Zidave

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WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21ST 2012


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"Good Morning Sports Fans" broke the latest managerial casualty at Stamford Bridge! Permanent Interim 1st Team Coach Roberto di Matteo was relieved of his managerial duties barely 6 months after the greatest night in Chelsea's history!
In an unusual show of patience, Abramovich had waited until qualification to the Champions League knock out stages had been secured.
However, with the European Champions languishing in 12th place in the league and with several senior players publicly voicing their discontent at the underachievement in the league, the latest manager in the revolving door at Chelsea was sent packing with a handsome severance package.


View attachment 292108

Emergency Board Meeting

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This commenced at 10am as the Blues were in the middle of a busy fixture schedule.
Abramovich, Buck, Gourlay and Emenlano were seen entering through the Millennium Entrance of the West Stand and promised an announcement shortly.
Chelsea were still in the Capital One Cup and with the FIFA World Club Championship due in less than a month a new Manager was a priority.
Abramovich looked tired. He had been calling New York all night desperately trying to convince Pep Guardiola to cut short his years sabbatical. Despite promises of a huge contract and budget for players, the normally persuasive Russian had been knocked back.

"What about Rafa Benitez?" asked Gourlay in a stunning show of ignorance. "He is available, knows the league and could rejuvenate Torres".
"The fans are ****** off already" replied Emenlano. "If we hire Benitez they will never forgive us. He said he would never manage us and slagged off the fans and our plastic flags remember?"
"We need a popular signing" retorted Buck. "What about Zola, he is doing well at Watford"
"He is not big enough, literally" replied Emenlano. "What we need is a real presence, an icon, dare I say a legend. I have an idea...he is already in the country, he loves hanging round the training ground and is still in touch with all the senior players. I reckon by lunchtime we could announce him as our new Manager. I suggest we hire Didier Drogba!!!"
 
INTERVIEW & PRESS CONFERENCE

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As luck would have it Drogba was already in the UK. He had not settled in China and there had been disputes regarding pay & Drogba had actively seeked an emergency loan deal away from the far east.
He received a call from Bruce Buck asking him to be at Stanford Bridge by 11am. This was not unusual as he was a regular guest. It was probably to do with the Champions League Commemorative dinner he was organising.

A Twitter User posted that they had seen Drogba entering Stamford Bridge in a limo at speed. Rumours started to spread that maybe Rafa Benitez wouldn't get the job. There had been no support on social media sites or football blogs regarding this. One user said that Rafa getting the job "would be like the end of the world a month early"

Meanwhile, a stunned Drogba had learned off the real reason he had been called to The Bridge.
It took him less than 60 seconds to agree to the task of getting Chelsea back into the top 4 of the premier league & accepted a contract until the end of the season.
Abramovich accepted his requests to totally revamp the the coaching staff. Chelsea were incredibly light in that department and whilst boasting world class training facilities, the staff were not currently up to it.

View attachment 292112

In the quickest managerial change in history, Drogba was announced to the worlds press by midday and by the end of the day had announced his arrival to an ecstatic bunch of players.
Even Fernando Torres, currently on the transfer list at Chelsea seemed pleased....

View attachment 292113
 
AT THE END OF THE DAY

INJURY CRISIS

By 6pm Drogba had realised the enormity of the task & how quickly the European Champions had fallen from grace.

There was not 1 fit senior striker at the club. Sturridge was out until the new year with a torn hamstring.
The mis-firing £50m Torres had fractured a cheek bone and was out for another month.
Luckily someone had the foresight to train Juan Mata to become a forward otherwise Drogba was contemplating a "False Number 9" tactic.
Ivanonic was also out until well into the New Year leaving just 20 fit players including the outcast Malouda, 3rd keeper Hilario and the untried youngster Lucas Piazon.
With just 5 weeks until the transfer window and with £25m burning a hole in his pocket reinforcements were a necessity.

COACHING ASSISTANCE

Drogba knew how to play football, he knew how to score goals, he didn't know how to manage a squad of highly paid, egotistical megastars however so decided to revamp the support staff.
By the end of the day 10 staff had cleared out their desks at Cobham and Roman's compensation bill was increased by another few million.

Drogba was well connected and had spent the afternoon calling his contacts in the world of football management. Alongside his existing staff members, Dermot Drummy, Steve Holland, Mark Beeney who had been promoted to senior goalkeeping coach and Christophe Lollichon the following approaches were made & accepted.

Assistant Manager - Worldclass global legend Johan Cruijff.
Head of Youth Development - Blackburn's Phil Cannon.
Fitness Coach - the surprisingly perennially unemployed Paul Winsper.
1st team coaches -
Anselmo Sbraglia
Dos Santos
Peter Beardsley
Rodolfo Borell
Chico Fraga
and Valter di Salvo.

A productive day had left Chelsea with an excellent backroom staff to concentrate on the 1st team.
For now, the youth team coaches had escaped the cull.

FIXTURES

The next 4 fixtures were away to add to the pressure.
The next 2 weeks were going to be busy with trips to West Brom, Norwich in the Capital One Cup, Liverpool and FC Salzburg in the final Champions League game before a home debut against Champions and League Leaders Manchester City.

TRANSFER TARGETS

Several high profile world class players were unhappy with their current clubs and were angling for moves in January.

A striker and a world class midfielder were required and both Falcao and Fellaini had stuck 2 fingers up at their respective clubs and were available for £42m and £14m respectively.
Could the board be convinced to spend double what had been offered in transfer fees?
 
AWAY DAYS


The 2 Rookie Managers knew each other well from the Jose Mourinho glory years.
West Brom were languishing near the bottom of the table. Chelsea in an unfamiliar 12th place. Even AVB had never sunk that low.

Despite promising attacking football to the owner, Drogba and Co opted for a counter attacking formation with a solid defence and 2 holding midfielders in Ramires & Mikel.
The full backs primary responsibility was to defend and the attacking flair came from a narrow attacking 4.
Mata playing up top supported by Hazard, Oscar and Marin in the free role.
Mata and Hazard were encouraged to swap positions when it suited.


WEST BROM 1 - 2 CHELSEA

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A solid 1st win for the new regime.
Mata opened the scoring after 34 minutes and a Popov OG just before the hour appeared to have made the points safe.
However, James Morrison ensured a nervy last 15 minutes as he raced clear of a hesitant defence to coolly beat Cech from the edge of the area.
However, Man of the Match Ramires helped Chelsea record their 1st league win of the month & gain a valuable 3 points despite having less possession and chances than their opposition.



NORWICH 1 - 2 CHELSEA (COC CUP)

Terry 59
Azpilicueta OG 67
Bassong OG 90

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2 changes to the starting 11 saw Lampard come in for Mikel and Moses for Oscar.
Despite dominating the game throughout it took a last minute own goal from the excellent Bassong to win the game. It was no less than the visitors deserved as Hazard & Mata gave Bassong & Man of the Match Michael Turner and busy evening.
Chelsea were through to the semi finals of the Capital One Cup!


LIVERPOOL 1 - 0 CHELSEA

Suarez 51

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An even game saw Downing create an opening for Suarez to blast home a winner from the edge of the box. Cech had no chance as his shot smashed in off the underside of the bar.
It was Drogba's 1st loss as Chelsea Manager and it was against one of his new clubs biggest rivals.
It was a relief to another one of Drogba's old Chelsea colleagues however as it ensured Brendan Rodgers team rose to 14th in the table after a difficult start to the season.
Drogba had opted for the same narrow starting formation & personnel as the win over WBA and with Champions League knock out qualification already secured he had the potential to try out something new in the following game.


FC RED BULL SALZBURG 0- 3 CHELSEA

Mata 16
Moses 20
Ramires 49
View attachment 292141​
Drogba chose to rotate his starting 11 as the fixtures were coming thick & fast.
Chelsea went for a wider formation with Marin and Moses playing as out & out wingers.
Based on the oppositions defensive formation, the full backs were encouraged to get forward to overlap and supply quality drilled crosses to the back post.
This was the source of all 3 goals as Chelsea's short, quick passing was just simply too good for the Austrians who could have done with some wings on a cold Winter night.

Summary

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Apart from the disappointing result against Liverpool, Drogba had settled well into familiar surroundings and the team seemed happy with the formation and style of play.
Drogba had spoken to the team as a whole and they were determined to improve the results.
Torres was happy to stay at the club and asked to be removed from the transfer list which was accepted.
David Luiz was starting an intensive course of training to allow him to play in central midfield.
Bids were made & accepted for 2 star January signings who would be revealed in December.
 
MUST WIN MATCH

MANCHESTER CITY AT HOME

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A 1st must win game followed for Chelsea as League Leaders Manchester City came to London for the early televised kick off.
Drogba had been impressed with the attacking movement in the previous game & opted to keep the same formation and encouraged the full backs to attack.
It was decided that the best form of defence would be attack.

City continued with their successful narrow formation but had no Tevez or Yaya Toure.
Torres was fit enough for a return to the bench as Drogba continued with Mata supported by Hazard up front.


A stunning 5-2 victory was enjoyed by 41,000 ecstatic Blues fans.
After falling behind early in the game as Luiz went walk about and Terry struggled to keep up with Dzeko, the team responded magnificently with the front 4 harassing and closing down a hesitant City defence.
Kompany had a particularly poor game with an own goal & mistake contributing to his team going in at half time 2-1 down.
3 further goals, the last coming from sub Torres meant that David Silva's strike, again after Luiz went walk about, was in vain.
 
BIG IN JAPAN - DECEMBER 2012

CHELSEA 2 - 2 ASTON VILLA

Mata 2
Benteke 59
Luiz 78
Benteke 83​

A disappointing result as Mata's 2nd minute goal should have provided the platform to win this comfortably.
Benteke was excellent for Villa scoring 2 and Chelsea were not helped by Azpilicueta picking up a 2nd yellow after an hour.
Chelsea's already thin & tired squad could do without a key player missing in such a busy fixture period.

NEWCASTLE 0 - 2 CHELSEA

Torres 22, 45​

Ferreira made a rare start at right back and performed well.
However, it was the returning Torres who needed some much needed match action before the Club World Championship who secured the points with a 1st half brace and picked up the man of the match.
He was stretchered off in the 92nd minute as a precaution but would be fit to travel to Japan.
Marko Marin continued to perform well on the right of an attacking 3 AMC.

WORLD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

View attachment 292552



MONTERREY 1 - 2 CHELSEA (AET)


De Nigris 7
Hazard 63
Terry 110​

A hard fought victory although 17 shots to the Mexicans 3 shows that Chelsea dominated the match.
Cesar, Terry, Cole, Ramires & Mata were rested for the expected final.
Cech made a suicidal clearance to Bertrand inside the box which was quickly seized upon for the opener.
Hazard equalised but it took until the 110th minute for the substitute club captain to head home Hazard's near post corner for the victory and the chance to beat Corinthians of Brazil to the prize.


CORINTHIANS 0 - 2 CHELSEA

Mata 22
Wallace (OG) 35​

An exhausted Hazard was not risked for the final, however his replacement Mata (not a bad replacement) ensured he was not missed with a 22nd minute opener.
He was foiled in his attempt to double the lead by a Wallace OG which meant that Chelsea were crowned World Champions in only Drogba's 8th game as a Manager.



It was Drogba who had got Chelsea there as a player and now he was a world club winning manager.

READING 0 - 3 CHELSEA

Mata 20, 76
Cahill 51​

An exhausted, jet-lagged Chelsea made the short journey down the M4 to the Madjeski to play struggling Reading.
Even injuries to Cole and Marin could not prevent a dominant victory.
Man of the Match Cahill scoring in the middle of 2 Mata goals who was once again leading the forward line.
Youngster Lucas Piazon was becoming an increasingly important sub and would soon be considered for a starting spot.

CHELSEA 0 - 0 SPURS​

The last game of the year came on the 29th December and although Chelsea had the best of the play they could not break down a resolute Spurs for whom Younnes Kaboul was Man of the Match.
A bad injury to Oscar would keep him out for 6 weeks.
Such was the injury and tiredness problems within the Chelsea squad that 17 year old Islam Feruz was an unused sub.

SUMMARY​

An extremely succesful December both on & off the pitch despite the injuries.
Chelsea were still 9th in the league but were closing on the top 3 in terms of points.
Deals were struck with Everton for Fellaini to bolster midfield and with Athletico Madrid for Falcao.
Fellaini cost a bargain £14m with £8m over 48 months.
Falcao cost £42m with £30m over 48 months.
Drogba identified that it was vital to strengthen the squad with players who could make an immediate impact.
 
BUSY NEW YEAR

NORWICH 0 - 0 CHELSEA

View attachment 293207​

Falcao made his 1st start for Chelsea who were the better team but couldn't break down the Canaries.
Due to injury and fatigue Ramires and Piazon played in the attacking midfield spots.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 - 3 CHELSEA (FA CUP 3RD ROUND)

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A lunatic tackle within the 1st minute saw David Luiz sent off for Chelsea. Drogba was absolutely furious with the curly haired defender as he left the pitch.
Lampard was immediately replaced by Romeu much to his disgust.
After a goal less 1st half the Blues played really well in the 2nd with Fellaini and Piazon making the difference.
Malouda even got on the pitch for a 20 minute cameo.

NEWCASTLE 4 - 3 CHELSEA (CAPITAL ONE SEMI FINAL 1ST LEG)


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A goal fest from St James as Chelsea tossed away a comfortable 3-1 lead in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Hazard gave Chelsea a dream start after 6 minutes but another injury, this time to the influential Mata left Drogba cursing the busy fixture schedule. Mata would join a lengthy injury list.
The last 14 minutes saw some suicidal defending despite the instructions to retain possession & counter. It was an experienced defence so there were really no excuses.
A tough 2nd leg was faced to ensure Chelsea reached another final.

ASTON VILLA 1 - 1 CHELSEA


View attachment 293210​

A lack of attacking options for Drogba with a bench full of defenders & central midfielders.
Bent scored an early opener and Chelsea struggled to breakdown a stubborn Villa.
The rejuvenated Torres equalised on 68 to ensure a hard fought away point which was a fair result.

CHELSEA 2 - 1 WEST HAM


View attachment 293212​

Finally, a home game and a return to winning ways. Falcao was fit enough for a place on the bench.
Old Boy Carlton Cole scored the opener in a tepid 1st 45 minutes. Chelsea looked tired and not at the races.
However, Torres scored just before half time & Fellaini secured the points with a fine header from a corner mid way through the 2nd half.

CHELSEA 6 - 1 EVERTON


View attachment 293213​

A return to a narrow attacking midfield with Torres playing as a trequista on the right hand side supporting Poacher Falcao.
High flying Everton were hoping to regain top spot in the Premier League but were blown away by a top quality Chelsea display.
Falcao got his 1st goals for the club with a brace & Fellaini netted against his former club as Chelsea raced to a 5-0 half time lead.
Chelsea eased off in the 2nd but still recorded a fine 6-1 win.

CHELSEA 4 - 0 NEWCASTLE (CAPITAL ONE 2ND LEG - 7-4 ON AGGREGATE)


View attachment 293215​

Another brace for Falcao as Chelsea sealed their place in the Capital One Final with a 4-0 thumping.
Newcastle were seriously depleted due to the African Cup of Nations but barely put up a fight as Chelsea outclassed the opposition.
Local rivals QPR would await in the final at the end of February.

CHELSEA 2 - 1 WATFORD (FA CUP 4TH ROUND)


View attachment 293221​

Chelsea had a lot of shots but scored with their only 2 on target as they beat a valiant Watford side to secure another cup derby against West Ham.
Cahill was in excellent form and scored another and Torres sealed the win.

CHELSEA 0 - 1 SUNDERLAND


View attachment 293222​

Drogba reverted to playing with wingers after 3 straight wins with Torres again playing behind Falcao.
The change in tactics & gamble massively backfired.
It was Chelsea's 10th game of the month and there was the Man United fixture at the weekend but a strong team didn't perform.
The 2nd half performance was better and Torres was pushed up front alongside Falcao but £92m of strike talent failed to hit the target. Sturridge made a late substitute appearance after 3 months out.

A win would have put Chelsea 3 points behind 4th with 2 games in hand. Achieving top 3 in the league was looking a tall order now.
Summary​

No immediate further transfer activity was seen during the month.
Drogba had to increase the wage budget to accommodate the Bosman signings of Fernando Llorente and Salvatore Bocchetti.
Malouda was offered a free transfer and a mutual termination to get his £100k a week wages off the payroll but he opted to join PSG for free at the end of the season.
 
BIG GAME UPDATE

Manchester United Away
​


After the shock home less against Sunderland this was a must win game against the league leaders.
A win would mean that it would be possible to catch the leaders but, more realistically, ensuring Champions League football next season.



Drogba reverted back to a narrow attacking midfield after the poor performance during the week.
Torres continued in his trequista role behind Falcao due to the continued injuries.
A fluid, attacking mentality was instilled in the players prior to the game.
Kicking the ball at Van Persie's head, whilst not encouraged, would not be frowned upon!



A fantastic performance & result made up for the last game.
3 points behind 4th with a game in hand.
Spurs had spent £86m during the recent transfer window and would be tough opponents to beat to that all important Champions League squad!
 
Looks good mate! What's the tactic like? Love being Chelsea! Keep it up x
 
FANTASTIC FEBRUARY

Another busy month ahead with midweek fixtures every week, the return of the Champions League & 2 local Cup Derbies to look forward to.

QPR 1 - 1 CHELSEA​

A dress rehearsal for the Capital One Cup Final at the end of the month.
Drogba went for an attacking line up with 3 forwards, Sturridge & Torres supporting Falcao from deep.
The game was dull and Chelsea had to rely on experience to ****** a draw as Lampard slammed home to equalise with 5 minutes left.
A reasonable result, nothing more.

DORTMUND 2 - 3 CHELSEA


View attachment 295115​

Star player Gotze was missing for Dortmund which was a relief to Drogba and the Chelsea defence.
An exciting attacking display from both teams saw Chelsea nick a close win and hold the advantage for the 2nd leg at The Bridge in a months time.
Luiz got Chelsea off to the perfect start with a near post header from a 3rd minute corner.
Hazard made it 2-0, however Dortmund struck back twice from 2-0 and 3-1 to ensure the tie was still open.

View attachment 295116

WEST HAM 1 - 1 CHELSEA (FA CUP 5TH ROUND)​

A typically fatigued Chelsea were robbed of an away cup victory by an injury time 40 yarder from Mark Noble.
Worryingly, Ashley Cole and John Terry would be out for 6 & 3 weeks respectively after heavy tackles.

View attachment 295117

CHELSEA 2 - 0 WIGAN​

Back to the Bridge for a match against relegation threatened Wigan whose Manager, Roberto Martinez, was hanging onto his job by a thread.
As expected, Chelsea dominated the game but were finding it hard at the moment to convert chances.
Hazard from the spot and Oscar after 71 minutes sealed the points.

View attachment 295118

CHELSEA 1 - 0 QPR (CAPITAL ONE CUP FINAL - WEMBLEY)


View attachment 295119​

Injury ravaged Chelsea at least welcomed Mata back on the bench.
Drogba opted for the experience and engine of Ramires over Moses down the right.
Lampard skippered the side in Terry's absence. However, Terry was strangely seen changing into full kit with shinpads before the game! Was he really unavailable through injury?
Chelsea dominated the game but the misfiring strikers could not add to Lampard's 6 minute penalty after Oscar was felled in the box by on loan Fabio da Silva.
A 1st domestic cup final victory for Drogba who now had 2 trophies in the cabinet after just 3 months in charge.
Could the next 3 months yield more trophies?

CHELSEA 2 - 1 WEST HAM (FA CUP 5TH ROUND REPLAY)​

Marvellous Mata!!!
Just as a weary Chelsea thought they would have to endure another 30 minutes in extra time, Mata slotted home Falcao's saved point blank shot after good work from Moses down the right.
Fellaini had given Chelsea the lead after a lack lustre 1st half.
However, a suicidal back pass from Ramires played in Carlton Cole for the equaliser.
Mata's last minute winner sealed an away trip to Swansea for Drogba's men in the 6th round.


A good month for Manager of the Months Drogba's men. A busy March awaited where the target had to be maximum points in the league to hunt down that Champions League place.
 
Joshhh said:
Looks good mate! What's the tactic like? Love being Chelsea! Keep it up x
Click to expand...

Thanks mate. I am swapping the basic tactic between narrow and wide AMCs and tweaking the sliders and shouts depending on the opposition.
I even used counter attack against Dortmund rather than usual control or attacking as you have to keep ahead of the AI!!
The strikers are struggling to score since the new patch however...
 
MARCH MADNESS

SOUTHAMPTON 1 - 1 CHELSEA​

A bore draw at St Mary's with Drogba's aim of maximum league points in March already ruined.

CHELSEA 0 - 1 DORTMUND (3-3 ON AGGREGATE CHELSEA THROUGH ON AWAY GOALS)

View attachment 296420​

Drogba was taking no chances despite leading after the away leg. Gotze was back and would provide an additional attacking danger.
Ferreira was a surprise starter as they looked to shore up the full backs in anticipation of counter attacks exploiting the flanks.
The only positive to come out of the evening was progression to the Quarter Finals.
Chelsea were once again poor in front of goal despite dominating possession & chances.
It was now 10 games since Falcao had scored....

View attachment 296421


SWANSEA 0 - 2 CHELSEA (FA CUP 6TH ROUND)​

A much better performance with Victor Moses having his best game since his move to Chelsea.
His 2nd goal was a cracking 30 yarder after cutting in from the right wing.
Chelsea's excellent form in the cups continues.

View attachment 296422

CHELSEA 5 - 0 FULHAM​

John Terry returned to captain the side and Chelsea tore Fulham apart. 5-0 flattered the visitors as Chelsea made up much needed ground in the fight for 4th.

View attachment 296423

CHELSEA 2 - 0 STOKE​

A Mata double ensured Chelsea continued their good domestic home form.
Stoke came to defend and they did just that but Mata & Hazard were just too good for the visitors.

View attachment 296424

CHELSEA 3 - 2 SWANSEA​

Oscar returned to the starting 11 and featured on the right wing but encouraged to cut inside to support Mata & Hazard wherever possible.
A win is a win and kept Chelsea within touching distance of 4th.
However, Swansea were the better team and it took 2 goals in the last 3 minutes from Fellaini who was pushed upfront as the hosts threw the kitchen sink at their gritty opponents.
Drogba was delighted with the headed winner which was reminiscent of the great man himself...

View attachment 296425

ARSENAL 6 - 2 CHELSEA​

Drogba was so traumatised at this humiliating loss against such a close rival for that all important 4th spot, that he forgot to save any details of the match.
Chelsea were amazingly undone at corners with 5 of the 6 goals conceded coming from that source.
Koscielny got a hat trick and Mertesacker caused havoc from set pieces all game.
Back to the training ground for some defending set pieces training it would be...

SUMMARY​

Chelsea would face last years beaten finalists, Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter final.
It was likely that the victors would face favourites Barcelona in the semi.

Man United were Chelsea's opponents in the FA Cup Semi.

Phil Cannon failed miserably in his role of head of youth development as only 2 regens were selected to join the Academy.

Chelsea ended the month in 4th place despite that miserable afternoon at The Emirates but the race for the title and the Champions League spots was incredibly tight.

 
AN AVERAGE APRIL

BAYERN MUNICH 2 - 5 CHELSEA (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QF 1ST LEG)​

The 1st of 8 games this month saw Chelsea comfortably beat Bayern at the scene of their greatest night 11 months before.


Moses was preferred on the right side & Ivanovic over Luiz in defence.
A marvellous 1st half performance saw Chelsea 5 up at half time as Bayern could not cope with the counter attacking flair of the Blues.
Falcao scored a brace, the 1st later went on to be voted Champions League goal of the season.

The 2nd half saw a mini Munich revival but Chelsea were clear favourites to progess to the semi finals.

View attachment 296436


CHELSEA 1 - 2 WEST BROM​

Only 36,000 supporters saw Chelsea drop a massively important 3 points at home.
The game looked to be heading to a draw as Chelsea bombarded the West Brom defence looking for the required 3 points, a breakaway Dorrans goal in the 93rd minute inflicted a damaging defeat.

View attachment 296438


CHELSEA 2 -1 BAYERN MUNICH (7-3 AGGREGATE WIN)​

Terry, Ramires, Hazard and Falcao were all rested as Chelsea cruised through to the semi finals.
Moses & Sturridge scoring for the home team as Robben was injured for the 2nd time in a week.


Chelsea would play favourites Barcelona in the semi with the 1st leg played at The Bridge.

CHELSEA 2 -1 MAN UNITED (FA CUP SEMI FINAL - WEMBLEY)​

An Eden Hazard double either side of half time gave Chelsea a deserved victory over Championship Challengers Man United.
Welbeck opened the scoring after a sloppy Ramires back pass.
Hazard was MOTM and his 2nd goal was a superb individual effort.


Chelsea would defend their crown at Wembley against Stoke City.

FULHAM 1 - 1 CHELSEA

​
More damaging dropped points for the Blues in their local derby.
Sturridge continued his fine form with the opener but was cancelled out on the stroke of half time.
Despite creating chances Chelsea could not get a much needed win.

View attachment 296443

CHELSEA 3 - 0 LIVERPOOL
​

Relegation threatened Liverpool were smashed 3-0 in Chelsea's only league victory of the month.
Oscar, Ivanovic and a rare Romeu start (and goal) confirmed the home sides domination of the match.

View attachment 296444

CHELSEA 2 - 1 BARCELONA (CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SF 1ST LEG)

View attachment 296445

​
Arguably Chelsea's strongest line up was chosen against the biggest test of the season so far.
Fellaini and Ramires primary responsibility was to shackle their opponents and rely on the front 4 to get the required goals.

The tactic worked for 89 minutes.
Falcao scored an early opener after 5 minutes. Fellaini doubled the lead after 47.
However, Barcelona are always dangerous and a lapse of concentration saw David Villa get a precious away goal.
It was a bad tempered affair with Barca picking up 6 bookings to Chelsea's 3.

View attachment 296446


MAN CITY 3 -1 CHELSEA

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The month ended with another defeat and Chelsea's Champions League hopes rested on them retaining their trophy.

Chelsea were 2nd best in the game and only managed 3 shots on target. The league form had dipped remarkably this month as the full squad was used as they battled for success on 3 fronts.
The month ended with Man United beating Arsenal over 2 legs to qualify for the Champions League final in Wembley for the 150th anniversary of the FA.
Could Chelsea join them to repeat the Moscow 2008 final?
 
THE END OF AN ERA

The month started with Drogba putting pen to paper on a new 5 year contract worth £88,000 a week.
Hopefully the timing would be a morale boost for the difficult job ahead at Camp Nou.


This was the scene for a season defining game and the opportunity to retain their crown against the Premier Leagues most successful team over the last 20 years.

Messi had to be stopped and Drogba had a feeling if that could happen then The Blues were in with a real shout!


Drogba went for the experience of Ivanovic at RB.

Barcelona 4-2 Chelsea - Match Highlights - YouTube

Despite man marking Messi his glorious hat-trick sent the holders crashing out. Mata pulled a goal back with 5 minutes to go as Chelsea threw everything at their opponents to get that all important away goal but it was not enough.

View attachment 296453


CHELSEA 2 - 0 NEWCASTLE​

Chelsea made amends and got their league campaign back on track with a comfortable victory over a Newcastle team still in fear of relegation.

Sturridge & Mata with the goals in the 2nd half at a lack lustre Bridge.

View attachment 296454

WIGAN 2 - 2 CHELSEA​

The end of an era as dropped points coupled with results elsewhere ensured Chelsea failed to qualify for the Champions League for the 1st time in Abramovich's ten year tenure.
Chelsea dominated the game but never led at anytime during the match.


It was now virtually certain that Lampard would not be offered the new contract he was desperately holding out for.

CHELSEA 2 - 0 READING​

Reading had already achieved a comfotable mid table finish so there was a real party atmosphere at The Bridge in a game with no repercussions for either side.


Drogba experimented with 3 up front with Fellaini just behind.

Chelsea fans were also intrigued with events at other grounds with 7 teams still in contention to be relegated including Liverpool & Newcastle.

Man City were champions in all but name against Everton who had massively over achieved.
Could Arsenal ****** 4th from Spurs or United?


Chelsea won comfortable with goals from Ramires & Torres.


Man City did indeed win the league despite losing their last game.
Superior goal defence prevented Everton from snatching the Premier League.
In a tense end of the season West Brom, Newcastle & Norwich were relegated.

Chelsea, Arsenal & Stoke would compete in the Europa League.

 
FA CUP GLORY AGAIN


Could Torres & Co win the Cup at New Wembley for the 5th time since 2007 or could Stoke win their 1st major trophy.
How much would the holders miss their injured captain?


Stoke opted for a defensive line up as Drogba obviously chose a strong line up.
It had been 3 days since the draw at Wigan had ensured Chelsea were no longer a Champions League side and somebody was going to suffer!!

Ashley Cole captained the side and was determined to add to his remarkable haul of Cup Final Winners Medals.


Stoke 0-3 Chelsea - Match Highlights - YouTube

A stunning 3 goal 1st half demolition meant that Ashley Cole did not mind missing a 2nd half penalty.
Stoke had no answer to Chelsea's pace & movement and powerful finishing!
Another Cup success for Chelsea and now the hard work in achieving a squad capable of challenging for the League began!
 
END OF SEASON SUMMARY


Drogba has been charged with achieving a respectable league position when he took over in November and the board confirmed this was achieved.

The trophy cabinet was bulging with Super Cup, World Club Cup, Capital One and FA Cups but a team of Chelsea's stature needed to be back in the Champions League and the board confirmed a £32m transfer budget to achieve that.

Juan Mata was voted Premier Leagues Players Player of the Season. Hazard picked up the Young Player of the Year Award and both were voted into the League team of the season with Cech named as substitute.
Hazard was the clubs player of the season!

The stadium was to be increased by 1,200 seats, however the training facilities no longer ranked as world class.
 
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