Keep the Blue Flag Flying High - A Chelsea Legacy

[samillyroy]

FK Molde (NOR) v. Chelsea (ENG)
UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 3

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KEY PLAYER - VEGARD FORREN

The former Southampton man didn't last long in the Premier League but he has definite quality at centre-back. Chelsea will have to be in good form if they want to get past him today.

TEAM NEWS

Daniel Berg Hestad and former United man Mats Daehli will both miss out on this game.

Chelsea welcome back Marco van Ginkel meaning they have a full strength squad ahead of this match.

MATCH PREVIEW

Chelsea dropped points against CSKA Moscow on their travels so they will want to make sure they at least get 3 points here against 4th seed FK Molde. Molde are the champions of Norway for the past two seasons and are managed by former United hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so they will certainly have a bit about them, but expect a Chelsea victory and maybe a bit of rotation.

I don't pretend to know too much about Molde but I know they are a technically sound side and a physically very fit one. We will have to work very hard if we want these three points.

 

[SJT]

This is really good mate

 

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 3
Aker Stadion, Molde

	FK MOLDE	0	3	CHELSEA
				Oscar (17) Mata (86) Hazard (90)

Oscar bagged his first goal of the season and put in an impressive display against FK Molde.

Chelsea eventually secured a comfortable victory against FK Molde but were nearly made to rue a number of missed chances before substitutes Hazard and Mata made the scoreline more comfortable.

Chelsea dominated from the word go despite playing a number of fringe players including Kevin de Bruyne. Lampard went the closest in the early stages with a shot that glazed just over the crossbar.

As Chelsea continued to press for the first goal, Molde showed their pace on the break and might have gone ahead had Cech not made a fine reaction stop from a header.

But Chelsea broke the deadlock after quarter of an hour through Oscar, who hasn't started too much this season, as he collected Terry's knock down first time before slamming home past the hapless goalkeeper.

Chelsea made a number of opportunities in the first half, with Willian in particular looking very dangerous but he was also wasteful in front of goal.

In the second half, de Bruyne picked up a knock and was replaced by Eden Hazard on the right and he immediately injected pace into Chelsea's attack. The front line were linking up well with Demba Ba up front and chances were coming thick and fast but they left it late to add to the lead.

First Demba Ba held down a long ball from Ashley Cole before waiting for the run of Willian and lofting it through. Again the Brazilian failed to beat the goalkeeper but subsitute Juan Mata followed up for number 2.

And with injury time already up, Eden Hazard broke free on the left and fired at goal, saw his shot saved but then slammed home past the goalkeeper to secure a deserved 3 points.

I'm happy for that trio because that's who everyone wanted to see at the beginning of the season but for a number of reasons we haven't seen it work yet. I hope we can see more of it in the near future.

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[cfc12345]

The team are starting to be a bit more consistent now which is good to see you have picked up some great results keep it up

 

[samillyroy]

cheers mate, yeah we're starting to look pretty decent, that result against Manchester City was incredibly unlucky and we've worked on our defence since then which I think you can see in the results. Only conceded 2 in 6 games since then.

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea (4th) v. Southampton (16th)
Barclays Premier League, Matchday 9


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KEY PLAYER - ADAM LALLANA (6 Apps, 4 Assists)

Adam is a skilfull player who has come through the Academy at Southampton and has thrived since Southampton reached the Premier League. Pacy and hard working, he has what it takes to become a full England international, according to many within the game.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea have a full squad once more ahead of this game.

Southampton are without the suspended Victor Wanyama whilst Pablo Osvaldo and Guly do Prado are both out injured.

MATCH PREVIEW

Southampton recorded a very creditable draw here last year, coming from 2 goals down to draw so Chelsea will know that they possess real quality within their ranks. But Chelsea are in some real good form in the last few Premier League games so if they want to continue their push towards the top of the table they will have to pick up 3 points in these kinds of games.

Southampton are a club I hold a lot of respect for in terms of the way they foster their young players and I really consider them a model for how we can look at improving our academy. In terms of the game today I am expecting us to have the quality to get the win.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 9
Stamford Bridge, London

	CHELSEA	2	1	SOTON
	Hazard (27) Terry (31)			Lambert (pen 59)

Eden Hazard scored his 9th goal in 10 games to seal another victory for Chelsea.

Chelsea nearly handed Southampton a way back into this game but came out winners thanks to two quick goals just before half-time, from their top goalscorers.

Few people gave Southampton much of a chance with Chelsea in good form at the moment, and the first half suggested that they really didn't have a chance as Chelsea created a number of chances, the majority coming down the right through Oscar and Azpilicueta.

But it was that man Eden Hazard that scored, and on a counter-attack no less as Chelsea broke quickly, Cole laid the ball into the path of Eden Hazard on the left and he hit a wonderful first time strike that caught Boruc out at his near post.

It was a beautiful goal and Chelsea were now in their stride: minutes later John Terry rose to head home an Eden Hazard corner to make it 2-0 and to many the game was now dead.

Chelsea certainly played that way at the beginnning of the second half and it was David Luiz's senseless challenge that gave Southampton a way back into the game - Rickie Lambert sticking away the resulting penalty.

Chelsea tried to get back on the front foot but the momentum had fully swung and Southampton through the kitchen sink at Chelsea, getting in behind with the impressive full-backs Clyne and Shaw giving Chelsea some real problems.

Michael Essien came on for Oscar to shore up the midfield and it helped as the Blues held on for a 2-1 victory that may have been more comfortable had they shown a bit more of a clinical touch up front.

We don't score enough when we're on top and at a certain point that is going to come back to haunt us - it's something we have to work on, and we have to work on it soon.

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[samillyroy]

Newcastle United (BPL) v. Chelsea (BPL)
Capital One Cup Quarter-Final

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KEY PLAYER - HATEM BEN ARFA

The French wizard is capable of producing the most sublime football possible but he is very much a hit and miss player. If Chelsea can frustrate him early they may be able to limit his influence, but if he's on form he will be a real nuisance for Chelsea's defenders.

TEAM NEWS

Newcastle have Vurnon Anita and Yohan Cabaye suspended whilst defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is sidelined through injury.

Chelsea's Azpilicueta has accumulated 5 yellow cards and will therefore be suspended for this game.

MATCH PREVIEW

It's the Capital One Cup so anything can happen! The last time these two teams met in this tournament it finished 4-3 so expect plenty of goals if that's anything to go by. Chelsea will no doubt be lending time to some reserve players and there are also a number of highly rated youngsters tipped to make the bench so it will be interesting to see if they make any minutes. The manager is keen to ensure that this tournament is taken seriously.

We have lots of big games across the board but we want to compete in everything so I will put out a team that I believe is capable of winning this tie tonight whilst also lending minutes to some fringe players. I am sure we can get victory here tonight.

 

[samillyroy]

Capital One Cup 4th Round
St. James' Park, Newcastle

	NEWCASTLE	2	3	CHELSEA
	Cisse (14) Gaitan (52)			Kalas (30, 90) Eto'o (83)

Tomas Kalas scored twice for Chelsea to send them through to the Quarter-Finals of the Capital One Cup

Chelsea were rescued by their 20 year old centre back Tomas Kalas as they came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 in a dramatic Capital One Cup 4th Round tie.

It was always going to be fairly even, with Newcastle starting a full strength squad and Chelsea featuring a number of second string players. And newcastle showed their strength early on as Gouffran beat Bertrand on the left before slipping in Cisse to score.

Chelsea then hit the crossbar through Demba Ba before Newcastle United went up the other end and had a Ben Arfa headed goal disallowed for offside, and it was a very close call indeed.

Tomas Kalas then scored his first ever Chelsea goal with a flicked header from Bertrand's corner to level the scores, albeit undeservedly.

It was then that Chelsea started to play with young van Ginkel making his first start and impressing in his role just behind Demba Ba. De Bruyne went off just after half time to be replaced by Hazard but it was Newcastle who then went ahead.

Sissoko played a wonderfully weighted through ball into the run of Nicolas Gaitan, a summer signing from SL Benfica, who slotted home comfortably past Schwarzer.

Chelsea were then under the cosh as Newcastle attacked relentlessly. Schwarzer made a number of very good saves indeed to deny Newcastle and they also had another goal disallowed, wrongly, as Sissoko slammed home a cross when he was clearly onside.

And they were cruelly punished late on as van Ginkel slipped Hazard in behind Debuchy and he crossed for Eto'o to tap home his 4th of the campaign.

Fate then had it that Tomas Kalas collected a Hazard corner and passed into the net past Tim Krul to win the game, to the delight of the away fans. Chelsea are now through to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup.

Well what can I say, I'm delighted for Tomas because he's worked hard to come back from injury and has impressed every time he's played. He's certainly making a name for himself but the team itself reacted well considering the number of changes - Schwarzer was a rock in goal, and we want to go on and win this trophy now.

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[samillyroy]

Cardiff (19th) v. Chelsea (5th)
Barclays Premier League, Matchday 10


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KEY PLAYER - KRIS COMMONS

The Scottish international joined Cardiff over the summer and has been their stand-out player in a dissapointing start to the season. A seasoned player with a dangerous left foot, he could cause some difficult situations for Chelsea's defence if he's given the time.

TEAM NEWS

Cardiff are without Mark Hudson, Matthew Connolly, Kim Bo-Kyung, Peter Odemwingie, Kevin McNaughton, Fraizer Campbell and Ben Turner for this game.

Meanwhile Chelsea have a full strength squad to call up.

MATCH PREVIEW

With Chelsea in such good form and Cardiff quite the opposite and in a fairly serious injury crisis, this should not be too much of a competition. The Blues have won 4 games on the trot since losing to Manchester City and it's highly doubtful they will slip up again today. That said Cardiff have some class in their ranks, such as Kris Commons, Steven Caulker amongst others and if they're not at the top of their game they could have some problems.

I'm happy with the performances we have been giving in recent matches and I am confident we can keep that going this afternoon.

 

[White army]

Glad to see you back doing stories gd luck

 

[samillyroy]

OCTOBER REVIEW

October saw a vast improvement in performances for Chelsea as they shot themselves up the Premier League table, progressed to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup and made headways in the Champions League Group Stage. Impressively they have racked up 4 wins on the trot in the league including highly efficient performances against both Liverpool and Arsenal away from home whilst also winning their first match at the Bridge against local rivals Arsenal.

It's been a fantastic month for us really across the board. The trip to Russia was the only game we didn't win and I'd have taken a draw there at the beginning considering the travelling and the fact that they are a decent team, proven by their victory against Dortmund in the last round of matches. We need to keep this momentum going if we're to be succesful though, and November is a notoriously hard month to navigate.

CHELSEA'S PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER

There were question marks over the former England captain's future at his boyhood club at the end of last season but having signed a new contract he has shown how vital he remains to this team with some solid performances and a couple of crucial goals, most importantly his winner against rivals West Ham United. A vital player still at the age of 33.

CAPITAL ONE CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Chelsea will meet Michael Laudrup's Swansea side in the Quarter-Final's, a repeat of last years controversial semi-final which ended in the ugly incident of Eden Hazard "kicking" a Swansea ballboy. Expect a cracking game.

UNDER-21s and UNDER-18s REPORT

Chelsea's under 21s currently sit 8th in a group of 22 having been in decent form in recent matches. Key to their charge to the top has been 20 year old Billy Clifford who has scored a goal a game this season from midfield and is looking to push for a first team spot potentially for the Capital One Cup, although reports from above suggest he will be going out on loan in the near future.
The Under-18s have won 5 on the trot and sit atop Group 1 S by 2 points, and with a game in hand. Crucial to their success this season has been the triumvirate of Isaiah Brown, Jeremie Boga and Ruben Loftus-Cheek - three players tipped for big futures at the club should they continue their progression.
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LOAN REPORT

Currently our most impressive loanee is Romelu Lukaku who is shining at top of the league Everton. He has proved a vital player in their rise up the table and Chelsea fans will be intrigued by the club's progression, and their potential star of the future.

GOAL OF THE MONTH
[video=youtube;c1DlJqXoaVI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1DlJqXoaVI[/video]
Eden Hazard has scored some great goals already for Chelsea but this was a wonderful piece of technique, striking hard and first time from the edge of the area past a hapless Artur Boruc. It won the Premier League Goal of the Month award.

NOVEMBER PREVIEW
Chelsea can qualify for the next round of the Champions League with home victories over both Molde and CSKA ahead of their Dortmund trip and will be looking to get that out of the way. They will face Hull, Newcastle, Cardiff, Fulham and West Brom in the Premier League and this is a good chance for them to shoot up the premier league table.
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[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 10
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff

	CARDIFF	1	2	CHELSEA
	Cornelius (23)			Mata (2, 40)

Mata's double secured a hard-fought victory for Chelsea in south Wales.

Chelsea were inspired by the excellent Juan Mata as they fought to victory against Cardiff City this evening. They could even afford the luxury of missing a penalty but were pushed all the way by Malky Mackay's impressive side.

It's hard to see why Cardiff are so near the bottom of the table based on this performance as they showed fitness, intelligence and attacking ability all the way throughout this game but were undone by two moments of quality by Mata, a player currently linked with a bid from Spanish giants Barcelona.

The first came just 2 minutes into the game, as Torres chased a ball into the channel before slinging it in first time on his left foot where Mata met it full on the volley, before slamming home Marshall's parried save.

Chelsea would have been expected to push on from there but Cardiff came back strong and played some nice football. They might have scored earlier but for some excellent defending by John Terry.

In the end they got their goal just after 20 minutes. Commons' corner met Don Cowie at the near post and whilst Petr Cech did very well to beat the shot away, Danish striker Andreas Cornelius was arriving to meet the ball on the half-volley and slam into the back of the net to level the game.

It was a deserved leveller but they were soon behind again as great work from Eden Hazard on the counter attack brought a good save from Marshall, only for Juan Mata to follow up and score a great finish from a really difficult angle.

And it should have been all over on the stroke of half-time as the Spaniard won and then took a penalty, but he fired it straight down the middle into the arms of the grateful Scottish goalkeeper.

In the second half, Chelsea showed little by the way of attacking intent and it was Cardiff making all the headway, looking strong down the wings and showing great link up between the forwards Park Chu Young and Cornelius.

They were given even more hope with 15 minutes to go when David Luiz won himself an early bath for a second yellow, clumsily clashing into Cowie on the half-way line to put Chelsea's position in peril.

But although they looked nervous, they managed to hold on to secure a vital and hard fought victory which could be all important later down the line.

Everyone expected a walkover today but we came up against a really motivated and well drilled Cardiff side and any team will do well to come here and get the win. I'm delighted for Juan and he is finally hitting his top form again.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea (ENG) v. FK Molde (NOR)
UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 4

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KEY PLAYER - JOONA TOIVIO

With his centre-back partner Vegard Forren out injured for this game, Joona Toivio will be the key man in defence for Molde. Played well alongside his team mate for the most part of the last game but came undone as a result of Chelsea's undoubted superior quality. Will be looking to put things right this afternoon for his side, but it will be a very tough ask.

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea have a full squad to pick from ahead of this game.

Molde are without Mats Daehli and Vegard Forren for this one.

MATCH PREVIEW

Dortmund lost in the last game meaning that if CSKA and Chelsea both win tonight, they will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League after just 4 games. And it's hard to see how this won't be a home win today. Chelsea have won 6 on the trot in all competitions and look in imperious form whilst Molde have lost every match so far in the competition. The manager insists that there is no room for complacency though.

The signs don't look good for Ole's side but we know they have quality and if we switch off anything can happen. That is the beauty of the game, but we have to show that we are professionals tonight and get the three points that could see us through to the next stage.

 

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 4
Stamford Bridge, London

	CHELSEA	3	0	FK MOLDE
	Mata (26) Ba (45) Oscar (56)

Demba Ba's finish was his first of the season and he played a big part in an imperious Chelsea performance.

Chelsea thrashed their Norwegian counterparts this afternoon and took a big step toward the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, thanks in large part to the contribution of the sensational Juan Mata.

Although against weakened opposition, Juan Mata picked up where he left off at the weekend to completely run this game, stringing passes together and linking a pivot of Lampard and Oscar to his attacking band of Ba, Willian and Schurrle - to devastating effect.

Chelsea spent the first 20 minutes breaking through at will, creating opportunities at all angles but just couldn't find a way past the goalkeeper until that man Juan Mata took it on himself to give them the lead. Schurrle and Bertrand linked up well on the left, before the former lost possession only for the ball to land at the feet of Juan Mata who slammed home first time.

The rest of the first half consisted of Chelsea peppering the Molde goal and keeping them penned in - the Norwegians managed just 1 shot on goal in the first 45. Ever impressive was Demba Ba, recently criticised by Chelsea fans for his less than impressive performances, he led the line brilliantly and scored a wonderful goal right on half time.

Cech sent a long, long throw out to the left where Schurrle volleyed expertly into the path of Juan Mata. Mata took it in his stride before laying the perfect lobbed through ball into the path of Demba Ba who took a great touch and finished coolly into the bottom corner for his first of the campaign.

He'll be hoping there are more to come, but it was his off the ball work that was equally impressive, holding up the ball well and bringing the wide players into the game.

But Juan Mata made the pass of the game to finish Molde off, holding up Oscar's one-two before laying the most exquisite through ball right into the feet of the Brazilian who made no mistake to score his 2nd goal of the campaign.

A good night for Chelsea fans and with CSKA and Dortmund drawing in Germany, the Group is entirely in their hands going into the last two crucial fixtures.

We could do no more than we did tonight. We dominated from the word go and played some wonderful football - on another night we would have scored even more but we keep coming up against keepers in great form. Special credit to Juan tonight, he was a joy to watch.

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[samillyroy]

Hull City (11th) v. Chelsea (4th)
Barclays Premier League Matchday 11

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KEY PLAYER - Robert Koren (3 starts, 3 goals)

Koren has been a consistent performer for years at Premier League and Championship level and has taken his form from last year into the latest campaign. Despite not being a regular (he has only started three times this season) he has made regular appearances from the bench and has scored some crucial winners in Hull's bid for survival.

TEAM NEWS

The home team are only without the doubtful Stephen Quinn

Chelsea are injury free but will not be able to call upon the services of David Luiz, suspended after his red card against Cardiff.

MATCH PREVIEW

This is an interesting tie. Hull are strong at home and have had a decent start to the campaign but Chelsea will still be expected to give them a firm beating at the Circle. Chelsea's form has shown no signs of slowing down so their fans will be rightly confident, but with the likes of Huddlestone and Livermore in their ranks, Hull have the experience and Premiership know-how to frustrate their more illustrious opponents.

Especially with the game in mid-week, this one will be a challenge tonight. I am expecting a tough game as ever from Steve's team but it's vital we secure 3 points once more. We've been excellent of late and I'm keen to keep that going.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 11
The Circle, Hull

	HULL CITY	0	1	CHELSEA
				Terry (4)

Captain, Leader, Legend. John Terry rises highest to head home another vital winner.

Chelsea were toothless up front again but were saved by their captain John Terry, who headed home an Azpilicueta throw-in in the 4th minute to send Chelsea top of the Premier League table.

Chelsea weren't exactly at their fluid best but managed to score from another set piece to grab the three points. Unfortunately, as on many occasions this season, they were unable to take many of the chances that they created in open play.

John Terry rose to head home Azpilicueta's throw in in the 4th minute and then should have doubled that lead 15 minutes later when Eto'o won a penalty, but Lampard failed to convert meaning he is still without a goal this season after 11 Premier League games.

Chelsea didn't dominate but their usual suspects, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata, were unusually quiet and without their guile and creativity they really struggled to make anything meaningful. Eto'o went closest when he headed an Oscar cross against the woodwork when it looked far easier to score.

In the second half Chelsea remained on top but Hull creeped back into it a little, creating a couple of chances of their own. Robert Koren missed their best chance as he went in one-on-one only to be denied by an excellent Petr Cech save.

In the end, Chelsea held on comfortably and their job was made easier by a late Meyler red card. Three points and top of the table, but plenty of work still to do for Chelsea.

Our chance conversion ratio is really poor this season - we have been phenomonally creative but we are just failing to score enough goals to kill games off and that could well come back to bite us. It is something we will work on but I am proud that we got the three points anyway.

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[AayushCFC]

"fluid best but played good enough football to have scored from open play." .. Isn't throw in a set-piece?

 

[samillyroy]

well spotted, I was testing ya

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea (4th) v. Newcastle (9th)
Barclays Premier League Matchday 12


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KEY PLAYER - PAPISS CISSE (12 Apps, 5 goals)

Cisse has been Newcastle's best player so far this season, chipping in with 5 goals and also laying on 4 for his team mates, making him the top goalscorer and highest assist maker in the side. The Senegalese forward is a goal machine and Chelsea will have to pin him down if they are to keep a clean sheet today. Also scored one of the most memorable goals at Stamford Bridge in recent memory (picture above).

TEAM NEWS

The home side are without the injured Branislav Ivanovic whilst Ashley Cole collected his 5th caution of the season against Hull City to earn himself a one match suspension.

Newcastle will be without tireless winger Yoann Gouffran, Shola Ameobi and French centre-back Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.​

MATCH PREVIEW

Following the international break, Chelsea are once again back in action as they host Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge. The two met last month in the Capital One Cup, with Chelsea coming out the victors in a dramatic late turn around. Alan Pardew's men have started the season in decent form and are currently mid-table, where many expect them to finish the campaign. With international level quality in their ranks, they will certainly be Chelsea's sternest test in a number of games but Blues fans' will be hoping they can continue their recent excellent form.

We only picked up the one injury on international duty and it's now time to kick on again in the Premier League. It was a good feeling to be top of the league after the Hull game and we need to make sure we get up there again and hope the other teams slip up. That's all we can do at the moment.