I did it!
Once again Chelsea did the trick. Three points in an away match in a tough derby with a clean sheet. But earlier, Jose Mourinho had a unpleasant situation in the afternoon as the dependable two of his back four were out due to fitness reasons. But he has the team that can cope any situation. Ferreira filled in for injured Terry and Geremi got a match to replace Khalid who is ill.
Shevchenko played but again did not impress too much. Drogba had a better presence in the attacking half. The match was pretty rough and tough and the high tempo suggested that there could some goals in the first half. But the goalless first half was worrying for the Chelsea fan not because we didn’t score but due to the fragile defence which made some errors that could have been punished by better teams. Robben hit the bar by a screamer from the left. Had it gone, it would have qualified for the ‘goal of the season’ contest.
As a pleasant change from the Chelsea track record of this season, Chelsea played better in the second half than the first half. The team showed a lot of promise and power in the last thirty minutes or so. Kalou played his best match of the season so far for Chelsea and he played a major role in winning the penalty. Lampard must have been very happy that this was indeed his day. He took his penalty and slotted home coolly that gave us the lead. The second goal was a beauty. Drogba was once again the architect of a beautiful goal. His back-heel was picked up by Lampard with terrific timing. My prediction of Lampard scoring has come good. With Ballack missing, this was his ideal time to make that big impact again.
After the penalty, the stand-in captain Super Frankie Lampard was more relieved that happy to see the ball hit the back of the net:
A lot has been said about penalties, especially because Ballack took the last one and scored for us. But it’s not important who takes them, it’s important that they hit the back of the net. When we got it, I took responsibility and was pleased when it went in. There’s always pressure and I suppose there’s more pressure when you’ve missed the last one. It felt good to score two important goals because the game was very tight, a difficult one.
Jose continued to his public display of affection towards Lampard:
The penalty came at a crucial moment, with about 20 minutes to go. It was a penalty to give us victory. He was playing so well, I felt he couldn’t miss that one. Frank is at a level where he has nothing to prove. He has made himself one of the best players in the world, with his professionalism and quality. He missed a penalty but he is still one of the best players in the world. When you get to a level and do something wrong, you don’t lose that level and that status.
Jose was also very impressed by Paulo Ferreira’s contribution in his new makeshift role of Central Defender, may be, the most difficult position to play:
Paulo is not a central defender. He never was. He is a team player and an intelligent player, ready for everything you need from him. Playing against Collins John is not easy and playing against McBride together with Helguson is not easy. And Paulo was brilliant.
It’s nice to remember that Paulo was a midfielder in his Porto days with Jose and it was Jose who transformed into a Right Back.
Fulham manager Chris Coleman was not happy with the referee but knows that the deserving team won the match:
It’s not Chelsea’s fault. They are a great team and great champions. It’s Mark Halsey’s fault. I’m disappointed with him.
Elsewhere, Arsenal overcame their ‘home jinx’ (?!) to beat Sheffield United who had scared the gooners with a goalless first half. William Garbage found the net for Arsenal (much to my displeasure . . . grrr) for the first time and a 80th minute header from Henry saved the blushes for himself. The regulation three points were taken. Liverpool showed what they’re made of with a fanstastic win 3-0 over Tottenhamat Anfield. Kuyt was brilliant in his goal. He first touch and ball control were just outstanding as he scored his first goal for Liverpool.
Of course, the shock of the day was Man Utd’s away draw against Reading. This was a big result for Reading who lead Man Utd even at the 70th minute. But for the solo super effort by Ronaldo, Man Utd was going down the drain. Looked like Man Utd is yet to regain the confidence lost in the Arsenal match. Sir Alex has his own set of problems now with Giggs and Park out on long injury layoff, Saha once again falling to injury, Rooney not in form and his team’s confidence suddenly evaporated.
This result means Chelsea is topping the table above Portsmouth who have a game on hand against Bolton at home. Should Portsmouth stumble on Monday, I see Chelsea leading the table throughout the season.
Chelsea’s performance today: [rating:3.5/5]
11 Responses - Add your comment!
it’ll be better if lampard does not share the attacking midfield area with ballack. lampard is lot better without ballack. he took a good penalty and he scored another goal too
May be, Lampard should be the tip of the diamond, with Ballack on the right, instead of both being in the centre.
I think Lampard and Ballack need to work out who’s going to do the deep runs and who’s going to have to stay back and cover. Both of them are a wee bit too similar although I think it’s just a matter of time before the both of them work it out. Nonetheless, we’re back at where we belong
@Cioxxx
True. Either they have to decide on who will go forward or only one should be in the centre and not both. I prefer Ballack playing in the right and Lampard in the centre.
My sentiments exactly. I think Jose should play lampard at the tip of the diamond instead of Ballack. Whatever happened to the attacking square of Drogba, Sheva, Lamps and Ballack? Guess it’s probably not really going to work out.
It’s only a matter of time. See how Kalou played against Fulham. He is only going to grow from there. By the time we take on Barca, we should be fine.
but wat happens wen joe cole ,robben and ballack are all fit and available for selections..with their quality none of them deserves to be dropped…will mourinho drop makalele?..or essien??..its a nice problem to have isint it?
I think Mourinho will select the playing XI on merit. If you play well enough, you’ll play more or else get dropped.
I think Maka will play less because of his age. I think he still favours the 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation more than the current 4-4-2 one. Well… we’ll see when everyone’s back fit.
It’s great that we have an alternative for Maka but I feel sorry that a giant like Maka may not get to start in all games. It’s a shame but it is unavoidable.
ballack is playing really well right now. He belongs at the tip of the diamond, he distributes better than lamps. he is the midfield maestro lamps isnt! but lamps is doing fine where he is on the left.