Keep the Blue Flag Flying High - A Chelsea Legacy

[KevinHann]

If Newcastle fail to win I'm not following you

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 12
Stamford Bridge, London

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[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]3[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]NEWCASTLE[/TD]
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[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Lampard (pen 35)
Mata (43)
Oscar (52)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Sissoko (66)[/TD]
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Lampard takes a second penalty in as many games, but this time scores to set Chelsea on their way to victory.

Chelsea put in a top class performance against Newcastle United, with Frank Lampard also bagging his first goal of the season. However, the performance was marred by injuries to two key players, Andre Schurrle and David Luiz.

Without Ashley Cole, arguably Chelsea's best player so far this season, Chelsea went for Kalas at right back and Azpilicueta at left back with the manager clearly not trusting the abilities of Ryan Bertrand. The opening quarter of an hour was an even one with Newcastle making some good chances, while Chelsea looked to catch them on the break.

Chelsea finally started to dominate after 25 minutes though and stamped their authority on the game. Oscar and Mata linked up wonderfully again to make some great openings, the Spaniard missing the best from just 2 yards out.

The goal came from a Newcastle corner though. Schurrle broke quickly down the right hand side and dropped into the onrushing Ramires who was felled clumsily by Gutierrez. Lampard stepped up and placed it coolly to the goalkeeper's left for 1-0.

And minutes later the scoreline was doubled as the lively Juan Mata pinched Tiote's pocket on the edge of the box before slamming past a helpless Tim Krul.

Into the second half, Chelsea continued where they left off and bagged a third goal on the counter attack. Schurrle again broke down the left before playing in Demba Ba who held the ball up wonderfully for Oscar. Oscar took a shot which was blocked but he made no mistake with the second chance, smashing home left-footed.

Schurrle then went off injured before Newcastle pulled one back on the break, Sissoko breaking free and slamming past Petr Cech. But there was to be no dramatic comeback.

David Luiz went off in injury time with a potentially serious injury and Chelsea held on for 3 points.

It's another win, but 2 more crucial injuries. Schurrle's doesn't look too bad but we're not too optimistic about David's. We'll have it checked this afternoon and then make an estimate.

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[samillyroy]

haha sorry to have lost a follower..

 

[samillyroy]

Borussia Dortmund (DEU) v. Chelsea (ENG)
UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 5

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - Robert Lewandowski (19 games, 12 goals)
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The Pole is adding to his already burgeoning reputation as a world class striker having scored 12 goals in 19 starts this season. He is Dortmund's top goalscorer and will be a sore miss when he leaves at the end of this campaign. They require a win from today's game against Chelsea and if they are to do that then they need him to be in top form.

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Borussia Dortmund have Marcel Schmelzer suspended whilst Sebastian Kehl and Nuri Sahin are both injured.

Chelsea have a couple of injuries from the last few weeks, with Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz long term absentees whilst Andre Schurrle is a doubt for this one.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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Chelsea will qualify if they avoid defeat this evening against Borussia Dortmund, whilst they will win the group if they win and CSKA Moscow fail to beat FK Molde. To do that they will have to beat a very fit counter-attacking side, but one which is currently under-achieving at home and in Europe. 4th in the Bundesliga and on the cusp of going out of the Champions League at the Group Stage, people are beginning to question whether this Dortmund side which promised so much really has what it takes to compete at the very top level. They will want to prove that tonight so it promises to be a real battle.

I'm looking forward to this game, it's one of my favourite stadiums in the world to visit. We are without a couple of key players but we have a gameplan and I'm hopeful we will qualify this evening.

 

[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 5
Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

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[TD="align: center"]DORTMUND[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]3[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
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[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Bender (3)
Reus (30)
Lewandowski (65)[/TD]
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[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Cahill (47)[/TD]
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Marco Reus put in a Man of the Match display to answer Borussia Dortmund's critics from this season.

Borussia Dortmund put in a top display to see off Chelsea, and leave themselves with a thin chance of staying in the competition, should they win against Molde and Chelsea lose to CSKA Moscow in the final matchday.

Chelsea were far from their best from the word go and it took just 3 minutes for Sven Bender to give Dortmund the lead, slashing home a volley from the edge of the box after Lewandowski headed down a corner for him.

And Dortmund kept coming at Chelsea, patricularly down the right flank where Ashley Cole was having an unnaturally bad game for the Blues. Blaszcykowski was enjoying plenty of space out there with Hazard failing to provide decent cover for the England international.

Chelsea had a couple of chances of their own on the counter-attack, Torres going close particularly with 2 close range headers after good work by Oscar. But they failed to take control of the wings with Hazard and Willian particularly dissapointing in the first half.

Willian then missed a glorious opportunity for Chelsea from 2 yards and they were made to pay dearly for it. Dortmund broke up the other end and Lewandowski played Reus through on goal and he made no mistake to double their lead.

Chelsea scored early in the second half as Azpilicueta found Cahill unmarked in the middle of the box and the centre-back tucked away for his first goal of the season but it wasn't to spark a comeback.

Dortmund simply turned it back up a notch and went up the other end 15 minutes later where Lewandowski met Blaszcykowski's cross with an expert header into the far top corner. It was an exceptional goal from a world-class player.

Chelsea had several late chances to score, Mata hitting the crossbar with a header and Eto'o missing when it was easier to score but it was all too late as they crushed to a potentially damaging defeat.

We know Dortmund are a good team but this was a humbling defeat, we really weren't at the races from the start and we fully deserved to lose. We will pick ourselves up knowing that a win in the last game will win us the group.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea (2nd) v. Fulham (9th)
Barclays Premier League, Matchday 13

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - DIMITAR BERBATOV (5 Apps, 3 goals)
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Berbatov has been suffering from a few injuries this season limiting his appearances to just 5 games but he has been inspirational in all of those matches. A player of real class and guile, on his day he can give any defence in the world a problem but he is something of an enigma.


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[TD]TEAM NEWS
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Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz are both out whilst Andre Schurrle is a major doubt for the Blues.

Fulham have suspension problems with both Sascha Riether and Giorgios Karagounis out, whilst Fernando Amorebieta is out with an injury.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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Chelsea will want to bounce back from their mid-week defeat against Borussia Dortmund with a victory over their London rivals Fulham today. Fulham have been performing well though this season and are currently sitting in the top half having given a number of other big teams some tough games. Martin Jol suggested that his side are overwhelming underdogs for this game but Illyroy has passed that off as mind-games.

=Sam Illyroy, Head Coach of Chelsea]It's obvious to everybody that we are the favourites, that's what comes with success but I wouldn't say that means they have no chance. At the end of the day it's 11 v 11 and we need to be at our best to get these three points.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 13
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]FULHAM[/TD]
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[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Mata (37)[/TD]
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[TD][/TD]
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Juan Mata continued his wonderful recent form to keep Chelsea's winning streak in the league going.

Chelsea struggled to victory in a tense London derby, thanks to Juan Mata's 6th goal of the campaign. Fulham had several very good opportunities to save the game but were denied by both post and goalkeeper.

Chelsea had the best of the opening 30 minutes with Eto'o leading the charge but he was surprisingly wasteful. Eto'o first missed two one-on-ones before Juan Mata also forced some good saves out of Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

Azpilicueta then chipped the ball into the box where Juan Mata controlled on his left before slamming home with his right foot to put Chelsea in the lead.

Eto'o then missed another chance to score just his 5th goal of the season but he slammed wide when it looked easier to score. Chelsea went in at the break on top and with a 1 goal lead.

But the second half belonged to Fulham and they will feel dissapointed not to have scored with the number of chances they had. Winning a midfield battle against the aging Essien and Lampard, Berbatov was given time to pull the strings and a number of chances came there way.

First Bent came through and rounded the keeper only for Terry to make an excellent challenge to deny him. Rodallega then went through and struck the woodwork with a fine chance.

Rodallega then picked the pocket of the nervous looking Tomas Kalas but was denied by an excellent sprawling save by Petr Cech and that was the end of that. Martin Jol looked frustrated on the bench but Chelsea will be delighted by another victory.

We have to be pleased that we got the three points and considering the defensive injuries we've had, to get a clean sheet was an excellent result. But it could easily have been different because we were rather poor in that second half and we need to work on that in the next week or so.

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[samillyroy]

NOVEMBER REVIEW

November was a wonderful month for Chelsea as they won every game in the Premier League and shot to the top of the table, largely thanks to the excellence of the Spaniard Juan Mata. Meanwhile, despite managing to beat FK Molde home and away, their loss against Borussia Dortmund makes the final match against CSKA Moscow at Stamford Bridge a very tense occasion, something the manager was quick to point to:

November was an excellent month for the club but I am keen to stress that there is lots of work still to be done. The match against CSKA comes in the middle of a number of other crucial games and it is a must win. We must utilise our squad fully in order to remain firing on all cylinders.

CHELSEA'S PLAYER OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER

Juan Mata put in some excellent performances to fire Chelsea to the top of the Premier League table this month. He started the season slowly after an excellent campaign last year but he has grown into his role under the new management and now has 7 goals and 8 assists.

UNDER-21s and UNDER-18s REPORT

The Under-21s have had an average month and currently sit in 8th position in their table, mostly thanks to the performances of the lightning fast Alex Kiwomya who bagged 4 goals this month.
The Under-18s on the other hand have been firing on all cylinders, largely thanks to the excellent Isaiah Brown who also got his first call-up to the England Under-19s at the age of 16. The striker now has 26 goals in just 22 starts since joining from West Brom on a pre-contract over the summer.

LOAN REPORT

With Romelu Lukaku and Nathaniel Chalobah still impressing on loan at their clubs (Everton and Celtic), it is also worth mentioning a number of lesser known talents who continue to impress on loan. Firstly Jamal Blackman who is tipped to feature for the squad in the next couple of years, came second in a player of the month award for League 1 where he is on loan at Birmingham based Walsall. The Manager also reserved special praise for young Lewis Baker who is currently on loan at Bristol City and has featured regularly for them in their promotion chase.

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GOAL OF THE MONTH
[video=youtube;MSG3URPjtAc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSG3URPjtAc[/video]
Demba Ba was fantastic in this game against Molde and rounded it off with a wonderful team counter-attack.

DECEMBER PREVIEW
December is always a crucial month in the English calender with so many games to play and there are several crucial ones as well. CSKA make the visit to London for a group decider which is a must-win for Chelsea, whilst also meeting second placed Tottenham and then Swansea in the Capital One Cup Quarter-Final, bidding for a place in the Semis. Plenty of excitement awaits in the month ahead.
​

 

[samillyroy]

West Bromwich Albion (18th) v. Chelsea (1st)
Barclays Premier League, Matchday 14

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - Shane Long (12 Starts, 8 Goals)
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Shane has been key for West Brom as they struggle against the threat of relegation. His energy, pace and surprising ability in the air makes him a real threat for Chelsea's patched up defence.


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[TD]TEAM NEWS
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Jonas Olsson is suspended for West Brom whilst Chris Brunt is injured.

Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz are Chelsea's two long term absentees, leaving them thin in central defence.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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Steve Clarke's side have struggled this season with last season's key performer Romelu Lukaku choosing to spend the season on loan at Everton instead. That said, there is still quality in their ranks and it is a stadium where many Chelsea managers' have struggled in recent years. With games against Manchester United and Tottenham coming up, the manager will want a victory to ensure momentum on the run in to those games.

With two key defensive injuries in the side, we will be looking to the likes of Tomas Kalas and Nathan Ake to fill in that role and I'm confident that they have the quality to help us keep the run going.

 

[KevinHann]

Rats hope we make it to Champions League at least!

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 14
The Hawthorns, Birmingham

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[TD="align: center"]WEST BROM[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Lugano (37)[/TD]
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Steve Clarke celebrates a vital win against his old employer's.

Chelsea saw their 8 match league winning streak come to an end in Birmingham as Steve Clarke's men ground out a famous victory thanks to Uruguay international Diego Lugano's header from a corner.

Having played just a couple of days before and with a game against Tottenham at the weekend, Illyroy made a number of changes including Kevin de Bruyne, but he was largely dissapointing in a first half when Chelsea were disjointed and looking lacklustre in attack.

Meanwhile, struggling West Brom put on a great shift up the other end with Toivonen and Long linking up brilliantly to cause Gary Cahill and John Terry more than a few headaches. Cech had to be on hand on several occasions in the first half to keep the score at 0-0.

One of the best chances fell to Ola Toivonen after an excellent lobbed through ball by Morrison but he was denied one on one by Cech, only for the resulting corner to be headed home gleefully by former-PSG man Lugano.

In the second half, Chelsea brought Eden Hazard on, whose form has dipped considerably of late, but he made very little impression, whilst Fernando Torres still awaits just his second goal of the season as he came off the bench to miss an absolute sitter.

With teams winning around them, Chelsea will now need to remain unbeaten in their next two huge league games against Manchester United and Tottenham.

We have to be dissapointed with that display. We looked really poor throughout and although we had some really good chances - and I won't name names - I thought West Brom were well worthy of the three points. We have to get back on the horse and go again.

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[JLBfifa]

Brilliant read so far, love the set out of the story. Make sure you lose to United though

 

[samillyroy]

Tottenham (1st) v. Chelsea (4th)
Barclays Premier League, Matchday 15

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[TD]KEY PLAYER - Christian Eriksen (19 Apps, 7 goals)
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The Dane was nominated for the Young Boy of the Year award and has been in exceptional form since his summer move from Ajax. Skilful and with wonderful vision, he will be Tottenham's key player on the offensive and Chelsea will have to work to negate his threat.

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[TD]TEAM NEWS
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The home side are without Michael Dawson and Emmanuel Adebayor.

Chelsea are without the long-term injuries of David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic whilst Demba Ba picked up a knock in training and will also miss out.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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A London derby with the added spice of this being an early title battle. Tottenham have been in wonderful form this season under the guidance of the highly-rated Andre Vilas-Boas, an ex-Chelsea man himself. Although considered outsiders for the title they have shown impressive early-season form and Chelsea will do well to beat them this afternoon. Chelsea are, aside from last weekend's defeat at West Brom, in very good form themselves so they will hope to get at least something from this game but it is one that neither can afford to lose at this point.

With that loss at West Brom it would be simple for us to go out and throw the kitchen sink to get back to winning ways but we must be disciplined. This will be an interesting tactical battle and I'm hopefuly we can come out on top.

 

[MrDosSantosUK]

Loving the story. KTBFFH!

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 15
White Hart Lane, London

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[TD="align: center"]SPURS[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]2[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]2[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
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[TR]
[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Griezmann (34)
Lamela (44)[/TD]
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[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Eto'o (10)
Terry (66)[/TD]
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Chelsea's captain rescued a game which threatened to slip out of their grasp.

Chelsea held league leaders' Tottenham to a draw in an entertaining top of the table battle. Tottenham fought back after going down early on but the Blues were rescued by their captain.

The game was always going to be an interesting battle as the Chelsea manager suggested before kick-off with both teams in and around the top of the table and it didn't take long to ignite as Eto'o chased Oscar's excellent through ball before poking over the onrushing Lloris into the back of the net for just his 5th Chelsea goal.

Chelsea rarely proved a major threat in that first half though and they went into half time 2-1 down after Griezmann first stabbed home Soldado's flick on before Lamela cut in from the right to fire a speculative shot at Cech who fumbled it into the back of the net.

Chelsea came out with a little more purpose and the introduction of Frank Lampard seemed to give Chelsea a little bit more impetus but it was their other stalwart John Terry that levelled matters when he rose highest to head home Eden Hazard's corner.

Chelsea will be happy not to have lost and with other big games ahead and the title race looking so tight at the top it was critical that they didn't lose ground on Tottenham at this stage.

Good performance with all things considered. There are a lot of games coming up at the moment so we know it's important not to lose ground on the teams around us and a loss here would have been highly damaging. Credit to JT who always pops up at crucial times.

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[samillyroy]

currently have a schalke file going at the moment but was also keen to come back to this game so will be switching between the two. back on FM as it's the exam period so expect plenty of updates ha

 

[samillyroy]

Chelsea (ENG) v. CSKA Moscow (RUS)
UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 6

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[TD="align: left"]KEY PLAYER - SEYDOU DOUMBIA
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The Ivorian proved himself a handful in the first round of this game and he will be determined to see his side through to the next stage of the Champions League as group winners.

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[TD]TEAM NEWS
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Ivanovic is the only registered Chelsea player out with injury although Demba Ba is unlikely to play as he recovers from his injury.

Mario Fernandes ​is CSKA's only injury worry.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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A huge match for Chelsea. Having surrendered their lead at the top of the group with a poor performance against Dortmund, they are now left needing a win to finish as Group winners which could prove crucial later in the competition. CSKA have been good competition in the Champions League this year and Chelsea will have a tough game ahead of them but they know they have the quality to beat them if they perform to their best.

We need to prove that the match against Dortmund was a fluke, we are the best team in this group and we now need to go out there and show that to CSKA. Of course we can still not qualify so I would expect very little less than a win.

​

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[samillyroy]

UEFA Champions League Group B, Matchday 6
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]1[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]CSKA MOSCOW[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"][/TD]
[TD="align: center"]Hazard (87)[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Vitinho (78)[/TD]
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Hazard pulled one back for Chelsea but it was too little too late, as they go into the next round as runners-up.

Chelsea were profligate again in front of goal as they were held to a draw against their Russian opponents which sees them finish second in their group, potentially dealing them a very tricky next round tie.

Despite dominating possession and making numerous chances, the Blues just never looked like they were going to score, striker Fernando Torres was particularly dissapointing in this performance.

That said, CSKA never really looked threatening either as Chelsea looked strong in defence and midfield, just incapable of turning domination into meaningful chances.

Willian probably had the best chance before Vitinho's goal as he was slipped over by Ramires before hitting straight at the keeper.

It was then CSKA who took the lead as Juan Mata's loose pass was picked up by Vitinho who ran past young Nathan Ake before slotting high into the roof of Petr Cech's net to the delight of the travelling fans.

Chelsea pushed high up and got their equaliser late on as Ramires slipped substitute Hazard through to slam into the corner of the net but it wasn't going to be enough and Ake's late header from a corner was the end of Chelsea's resistance. CSKA had won the group.

It was a winnable game and we were the better team so I am bitterly dissapointed. We have gone three games without a win and although there are circumstances we have to get back to winning ways now against United at the weekend.

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[samillyroy]

Chelsea (4th) v. Manchester United (1st)
Barclays Premier League, Matchday 16


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[TD]KEY PLAYER - ROBIN VAN PERSIE
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The Dutchman inspired United to the title last season and he's in great form again this season, providing and scoring goals in abundance. He will be the main threat for Chelsea's depleted defence this afternoon.

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[TD]TEAM NEWS
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​

Chelsea are without Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz while Oscar also now joins that list of injuries to the annoyance of the Blues manager.

United are without captain Vidic whilst also missing their two first choice goalkeepers De Gea and Lindegaard throwing young Ben Amos into the picture.

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[TD]MATCH PREVIEW
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The big matches just come thick and fast in the Barclays Premier League and the week after that title clash against Tottenham, Chelsea are up against Manchester United at the Bridge knowing that a win will bring them level with Moyes' men. Chelsea are in poor form though, drawing 2 and losing 1 of their last 3 games in all competitions. Moyes has done a good job of steadying the ship following SAF's departure, not least thanks to the contributions of Rooney and RVP so he will want to continue that improvement this afternoon.

We need a big win now but it's vitally important we don't lose here. I want a disciplined display and some big performances from my key players - we need them now more than ever before this season.

 

[samillyroy]

Premier League Matchday 16
Stamford Bridge, London

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[TD="align: center"]CHELSEA[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]2[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]0[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]MAN UNITED[/TD]
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[TD="align: center"]Hazard (14)
Lampard (57)[/TD]
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Eden Hazard had another fine game and capped it with the opening goal.

Chelsea returned to winning ways with a vital win against their title rivals Manchester United, thanks to two breakaway goals. The two clubs now sit level atop the Premier League on 36 points, United edging the lead with their goal difference.

Chelsea had some crucial defensive absences but perhaps the biggest miss in this game was for Manchester United, without both goalkeepers.

It was young goalkeeper Ben Amos who was to blame for the first goal, spilling Ramires' hopeful shot into the path of the gleeful Eden Hazard who buried his 11th goal of the season with aplomb to give the Blues the lead.

From then Chelsea were in complete control, strong in midfield with Lampard, Ramires and Mikel, and pacy on the counter-attack with Eto'o leading the line superbly well, allowing the creative minds of Hazard and Willian to flow.

Chelsea's second came in the second half as the excellent Gary Cahill got ahead of the onrushing Rooney to head forward and Lampard collected to run on and slot home - a simple goal.

United lumped several balls into the box but there was nothing to really worry Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal as the home side celebrated what could be a crucial victory in this intriguing title race.

Probably my most pleasing match in charge today, I thought we were strong from the off and had a brilliant balance between attacking play and defensive structure. Eto'o ran the line superbly well and it was great to see Lampard bag.

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