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Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea | Now there’s a pattern to it . . .

Posted by: BlueChampion on August 18, 2009 in Match Day 52 Comments 3,760 views

Superb win for Chelsea. Having been down 0-1 by half time, Chelsea turned it around with 3 goals in 20 minutes in the second half. Another match where we dominated thoroughly. What would you say about a 74% possession and our 25 shots to Sunderland’s 4. Still, the conversion rate is not all that impressive. We need to get more shots on target and force more saves and score more goals.

I couldn’t see the match as it was not telecast over here. None of the streams were helpful. Thanks to the updates in BC Shout, I thought of using BBC Radio’s live audio coverage of the match. It was really good. I actually enjoyed it. The commentary was very engaging and lively, and more than anything, neutral.

Ancelotti’s team selection was spot on. In the last blog, I had mentioned that I’d start with Kalou and Ballack in place of Anelka and Mikel. That’s exactly what he did. Then I thought, in that match, Deco played decently well in that short period he did. He got to start this match. I’m happy for Deco. Ancelotti started with him and he paid him back. Also, I liked the fact that Ancelotti brought on Sturridge and Sheva.

The goals were superb. Special mention to Deco’s goal. Fantastic strike. May be I’d be the last one to say this but still let me say it – Deco is more suited to be the attacking tip than Lampard. Frankie needs to come from the deep, be able to control the midfield and direct the attack. I can’t expect Deco to control the midfield. Simply it’s a case of playing to the strengths and weaknesses of our players.

This win puts us on top of the league. I was annoyed to concede in this game. Once again, we had trail and chase the game. But I was sure that we’d come back and hit them but to score three goals in 20 minutes in the second half was pretty impressive. By the way, Ancelotti is still unbeaten as a Chelsea manager. Long it may continue!

Oh yes, keep checking here for the fantasy league exploits! Before I leave, a fantastic quote from Steve Bruce, manager of Sunderland:

Sometimes you just have to admit that you have been beaten by a very, very good team. There’s no disgrace in that. We tried our utmost, they gave everything they could give and in the end, we just couldn’t cope with Chelsea. That is what we aspire to. That’s why they win Premier League titles and challenge for the Champions League – a class act. They were frightening weren’t they?

BlueChampion

What I am? Uber football addict, optimistic Chelsea fan, casual gamer and long time blogger with views and opinions rather than stats and data. What I'm not? Expert, analyst, pundit or self-proclaimed guru of anything. I choose when to be biased and when not to be. Views and opinions are all mine and not what you always might want to see.

52 comments - Please Click Here To Add Your Comment

dravid
August 18, 2009 at 10:00 pm

i guess ballack or boswinga will be the man of the match…
pattytrublue
August 18, 2009 at 10:00 pm

We played some brilliant football tonight and Deco’s goal was sublime.
KTBFFH!
chelseanut
August 18, 2009 at 10:06 pm

deco was great .

more like his old self.

I think the diamond formation would concern me but there is some good analysis of it here.

http://www.thebinocular.co.uk/2009/08/18/4-4-2-diamond-formation/
CFCIR
August 18, 2009 at 10:11 pm

We need better finishing and more shots on target.Reffre miised one penalty for us.I hope we get better at back and defend more solid.
GamingTheSystem
August 18, 2009 at 10:31 pm

This coming from behind $#!% is nail-biting but the way we assaulted at the end of the 1st half I knew we would score at least two.

Bosingwa Dominated his side (Cole had some early 1st half slip ups but got into a better rhythm) both FB’s were good.
I wish that Sturridge shot would have gone in – Talk about a good boost for our 4th striker.
Poor Sheva.. I think he grew his hair long so he could hide behind it. =(

And speaking of Sunderland… I LOVE Leadbitter. That goal he scored last year at home in the Stadium of Light when he came off the bench the week after his father died and then ran to the sideline where his father’s ashes were buried still chokes me up. I could watch that celebration of his over and over. Most emotional goal of last season hands down.

TOP O’ THE CHARTS – Let’s keep it that way for 36 more weeks!!!
KTBFFH~!
IwasMissingJose
August 18, 2009 at 11:43 pm

i couldn´t watch this game, and i feel really sorry to miss it. the first time i watched the score we were one down, and i was cursing myself. then i looked for it the second time we were a goal up and the next time i checked we had scored our third. nice to find ballack score, lamps level record with out clubs highest scorer, and to learn deco scored.

i read the post match commenty and the manager of sunderland said “they looked frightening, didn´t they?” so i concluded no matter how we started, we must have ended it brilliantly. how many times do we get that kind of praise from our oppsition manager?

nice work ancelloti! keep it up!
mahad
August 19, 2009 at 1:45 am

hey BC i guess we do have a so called plan B in which worked brilliantly against sunderland… the 4-1-2-2-1 other wise known as the “christmas tree”".. The probelm is that we don’t keep clean sheets as it’s important in the league, i can’t remeber the last time we kept a clean sheet after the milan game…good win anywaz..up blues
cfc
August 19, 2009 at 2:09 am

The second half of the game was awesome. I think we could have twice more in the second half .drogba was clearly pushed before he headed over and may be even sturridge could have scored.

After last season false start, I will still will wait till Oct 4, when we play Liverpool , before I judge Ancelloti .
Nay Myo Aung
August 19, 2009 at 2:50 am

Congratulations! Good start.
I think so that you must correct your defense.
Kalou and Drogba in attacking pair or Anelka and Sheva.
Di Santo and Sturridge to get more chance to play and to improve.
I hope for the win with clean sheet.
KarmaCW
August 19, 2009 at 3:47 am

I am elated!
nayanesh
August 19, 2009 at 4:13 am

very impressive win.We still have to sort out our defence.Lamps scored and he was my captain in fantasy premier league.he must have gained atleast 14 points for me.C’mon you blues………lets continue this winning start
sidtrueblue
August 19, 2009 at 5:08 am

heyloo heyloo ppl!!
gr8 match amazing display by the lads…………..loved it!! sux they did nt shw the game here in india but i caught the second half online and man tht deco goal is something i cannot get enuff off!! loved hw we dominated and m glad ancellotti isnt rigid in his approach and makes use of his squad……………..this was more of a rough diamond than a polished one (in shape :p) i say so cos i thought it was more 4-1-2-2-1 with kalou playin in the same line as deco up front!! neways we played awesome and here goes steve bruce – ‘It was arguably one of the best Chelsea performances I have seen in a long time and sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say well played.’ AWESOME!!

well on transfer news im happy we signed matic – well dnt knw much abt him – but he calls himself a “solid midfielder”!!
im stonewalled tht we cannot get a big signing because it is crucial tht we do………….i knw u fellows may hate me for saying this but our midfield is old!! we need youth – 1 striker (aguero – hulk – pato – pazzini – vucinic) and 1 CAM ( hamsik – sniejder – rakitic – de rossi) anyone would do – most of them are players we have been linked with!

well i have faith in our management and am a big fan of roman!! (father fr the SIXTH time) lol
so im sure they must think ahead and get someone before the transfer window shuts!!
hope for the best and enjoi the win tc guys!! BC u rock!! KTBFFH!
player rating
August 19, 2009 at 5:25 am

Sunderland

Fulop: 7

Did reasonably well under waves and waves of Chelsea attacks.

Bardsley: 7

Timely blocks, one after another, earned his keep for the night, though fatigue crept in and Chelsea scored three in the second half.

Ferdinand: 5

Largely anonymous, especially in the second half.

Collins: 7

Laid his body on the line, too bad his team lost.

McCartney: 4

Stuck out a lazy leg for Drogba to fall over, killed all the hard work he put in up to that point.

Henderson: 5

Couldn’t do anything more than defend with Chelsea holding on to possession.

Cattermole: 7

Was aggressive and worked his socks off. Did everything asked of him but it was not enough.

Cana: 5

Largely anonymous.

Richardson: 5

Couldn’t do anything without the ball.

Jones: 7

Was everywhere in every Sunderland attack. And was even in defence to block some shots.

Bent: 8

Scored a poacher’s goal, and helped out in defence tracking back.

Subs

Campbell: 6

Was lively in his thirty minutes of action, but was just chasing shadows the whole time.

Leadbitter: 5

Didn’t do anything significant in 30 minutes.

Reid: 5

Largely anonymous.

Chelsea

Cech: 6

Couldn’t do much about the goal, but had little else to do.

Bosingwa: 6

Was at fault for letting Bent slip by him to slot in Sunderland’s goal, compensated by overlapping forward.

Ivanovic: 6

Clumsy but player better in the second half.

Terry: 7

Was a force in the centre, and even covered the left flank for the attacking Ashley Cole.

Ashley Cole: 6

Bombed forward often, and tracked back often enough.

Essien: 6

Did what was required of him.

Ballack: 8

Struck in Chelsea’s equaliser. A real fox-in-the-box goal. Was aggressive throughout the game.

Lampard: 7

Was largely anonymous till his spot-kick goal. Exerted more influence on the game after his goal.

Kalou: 7

Did well linking plays and generally created havoc running the channels.

Drogba: 6

Unlucky not to score on at least two occasions. Looks to have a new lease of life under Carlo Ancelotti.

Deco: 7

Great goal for a masterful performance by the Portuguese schemer.

Subs

Shevchenko: 5

Nice L’Oreal hair. Didn’t impress despite his flowing blonde locks.

Malouda: 5

Didn’t have much time to contribute.

Sturridge: 5

Simply not enough time on the field.

http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item308778/Sunderland-vs-Chelsea-Player-Ratings/
lampard
August 19, 2009 at 5:36 am

Cech (6.5)- no real saves to make and perhaps he could have done a tad better on the goal being beaten at his nearpost. Did well with the ball at his feet and it was nice to see him maintain possession on several occasions instead of lumping it away in panic.

Boswinga (8.5)- fantastic display by Bos, who did very well tonight. Fantastic going foward as he was always a meance and played some lovely stuff into the box. Gave very little away on the defensive end either. Really making it tough to imagine anyone else playing that position tbf.

Ivanovic (7)- did better as the game progressed and had a very cheeky flick to set up the first goal. Still a little heavy with his challenges at times and seems to get caught in two minds, but a relatively steady performance.

Terry (7.5)- there was a large reason Kenwanye Jones was not a factor and that was JT. Really did a great job on him and a very solid and composed job at the back today.

A. Cole (7)- struggled in the first half and really seemed out of sorts at times, but really, really had a great second half and was menace on the flank. Lovely ball into Drogba who may have done better and a much improved second half.

Essien (7)- probably a little better that some may have thought. Lots of hustling and closingn down of space in a crowded midfield. Did not look as effective in the final third but a solid, unheralded performance for me.

Ballack (8.5)- joint MOTM with Bos. Nice finish, although tbh I thought he slipped while shooting and once again showed some great use of the ball. Seems to have reverted to two touches instead of plodding on the ball and just looks a different player in the early start to this season. Good positional play and very good impact on the game.

Lampard (7.5)- much like Ess, probably not as hearlded as some of his teammates but his effort, energy and willingness to link with teammates was great to watch tonight. Always tried to provide an outlet even early on when he was crowded out of his space and being chased around by Hackermole (Cattermole). A well taken penalty was a nice addition.

Deco (7)- I am sure the man bag fan club is having a moan at this rating but tbf I thought he was largely ineffective in the final third in his role during the first half. Played some good, simple and well thought passes but also really struggled to get the final ball in on several occasions and provided some very poor crosses from good positions. Seemed to settle into the game as Sunderland tired and really began to make a much better impact with several of his passes finally finding teammates followed up by a cracking finish. The work rate was better tonight but as I said I think the first half hurt his rating overall.

Kalou (6.5)- really cant fault his effort and he made some wise runs off the ball. Still struggled to make a final impact on the game but we did look to have better options with him in the final third than Anelka showed the previous week.

Drogba (7)- very poor first touch tonight but his effort could not be faulted as he did work hard to link up and create chances. Probably should have added at least one to his tally tonight but he did well to run into the box to draw the penner.

Subs

Malouda (6.5)- did not have much of an impact but added some fresh legs to the midfield and contributed to the game of keep away.

Sturridge (7)- looked menancing and had some great efforts on goal, hopefully a reminder for Carlo

Sheva (6.5)- much like Malouda didnt make a huge impact but didnt make an arse of himself either
Lampard and the Blues.
August 19, 2009 at 8:30 am

Hey Guys, What a game yesterday ! We played superb, our passing was very very pleasing to see, and actually led to finishes (unlike that of Arsenal). Deco is trying to be his old-self again, playing with flair and panache and trying to regain the ability to get those killer passes through (although he’s lost some pace, can’t really blame him for that). Lampard looks more comfortable in the right side of midfield than playing right behind the defenders, I think we can play him there for all the games until J. Cole comes back to give us that ‘winger presence’, after which Lamps should be ready to take up that ‘behind-the-striker’ role.

Btw, stumbled upon this:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1207511/Martin-Samuel-You-want-proper-group-death-Go-Angola.html

Very humorous approach to an actually serious issue here, question is ; Should We Be Worried ?

KTBFFH !
trueplatinum
August 19, 2009 at 9:54 am

WE’VE SOLD CLAUDIO PIZARRO TO WERDER BREMEN

im quite happy about that, to be honest, if ancelotti is going to use kalou as a striker, we then have drogba, anelka, schevchenko, kalou and daniel sturridge which is how many strikers you need realistically

our midfield is now lampard, deco, ballack, essien, mikel, malouda, zhirkov, joe cole and matic. So every position has two people to cover it. If we add a decent leftback i would be very content with the squad
heyjose
August 19, 2009 at 12:16 pm

[quote comment="76100"]WE’VE SOLD CLAUDIO PIZARRO TO WERDER BREMEN

im quite happy about that, to be honest, if ancelotti is going to use kalou as a striker, we then have drogba, anelka, schevchenko, kalou and daniel sturridge which is how many strikers you need realistically

our midfield is now lampard, deco, ballack, essien, mikel, malouda, zhirkov, joe cole and matic. So every position has two people to cover it. If we add a decent leftback i would be very content with the squad[/quote]
i think zhirkov is that decend left back we have
MatBlue
August 19, 2009 at 12:43 pm

Hi guys! back with my view on the match last night. I have to say we were very very good last night(though very aware these are early days.) The lads seemed to try something new last night: move the ball quickly whilst making sure u have total control of the ball, nothing forced. This was evident even from defence. This is different from L’Arse’s one touch football, this was more akin to Barca. Like i said , it’s early days yet.Let’s not get too carried away. Everybody put in a great shift. Ballack, Deco, Kalou, Essien ,all of them. A survey of the media are claiming Sir Lancelotti is deviating from his “diamond” formation. How funny. So they actually expect us to keep to this till the end of the season. Well they’ll have to keep guessing. Has Old Red Nose told any one which formation he is playing. The Waiter claims his spanish legion play attacking football while playing two holding midfielders. So i say long may Sir Lancelotti keep them guessing.
Again BC, this display leaves credence to my Mikel point. The young man needs to examine his game and step up to the plate. Any one who saw the game could notice how Essien, playing the holding role, was ever willing to move the ball forward and initiate the attack. hence keeping the game moving with lung bursting pace. No wonder the Cats were panting in the second half. I dare say folks, with the capture of Matic, Mikel’s days are numbered unless he improves his game dramatically. Again i hope i am wrong. Good on Steve Bruce though, he was very honest in defeat.
cfc
August 19, 2009 at 1:02 pm

[quote comment="76097"]
Btw, stumbled upon this:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-1207511/Martin-Samuel-You-want-proper-group-death-Go-Angola.html

Very humorous approach to an actually serious issue here, question is ; Should We Be Worried ?

KTBFFH ![/quote]

I am worried, because we lose drogba & essien. two years ago, we drew with Portsmouth and Liverpool, dropped 4 points and then lost the league by 2 points..even if we had won with Portsmouth, we should have gone last day of the season leading Man U..
This year we would be playing everton and arsenal.. Still I am unconvinced how chelsea would score without drogba against quality opposition.

Another topic, looks like we are out of aguerro ( 24 hours passed) .so probably no marquee signing..
kuhulai
August 19, 2009 at 1:42 pm

I actually saw the game and it was a good one. Rotating the players and giving the ones that impressed him in the previous game gonna do good. This way everyone is happy and we´ll keep a fresh squad.

like some before me said, I thought our passing were great at times and we actually had some kewl movements and and solutions to the deep defending of Sunderland specially in the second half.
DD should have scored but as long as he keeps getting those chances we will be alright. its just a matter of time before he scores every third chance he gets.

When deco is in the mood and he´s healthy he will come good. The boss seem to have love for him and that will make Deco wanted and hopefully he can keep it up.

Why wasnt Richy playing yesterday?? Was he just rested?? I thought Ashley was awesome as usual and Jose played very well. The rest Ballack been having have done him good. am really glad he scored that will boost his confident!!!

Feels good to be on top of the table. We can all chill and watch the scousers struggle against stoke city=)
Heart of Blue
August 19, 2009 at 2:34 pm

I didn’t think I’d ever be praising Deco again, but I think the tip of the diamond is a really good place for him. If he can be consistent he could become a key player for Chelsea this season. And Ballack over Mikel was the right decision for Ancelotti. I’m just happy to see Deco and Ballack doing well after so many people cried about how we need to get rid of them. Sure, they haven’t earned our trust completely, but if they play like they have been each and every single time they get on the pitch…

And this concede a goal come-back nonsense really does have to stop. Fortunately, we’re outplaying our opponents. What happens when we play Arsenal or Liverpool or Man U? If we let them score, there’s no guarantee they’ll let us make our come back.
bluefan #1
August 19, 2009 at 3:17 pm

i enjoyed the game but something is missing, something really important. and that is the effectivity of the top players. by that i mean our goalscorers drogba anelka kalou and even lamps. lampard did a good job the second half but the last touch wasnt good. what if we play a team that really parks the buss in n front of their goal, then we need that extra player that could do the diffrents, i love drogba and lamps but what if drogba get injured or will go to africa for A.cup, what if lamps gets injured? deco was good but can we trust that he will play like that all season. can we trust that anelka can score under pressure. im not sure? i belive if we are fighting for a first place in the PL or Cl where teams like real and barca plays we really need to buy that extra. aguero is a player that could give uss that or pato and they bouth are young and that is great. i would love to se sneijder or gorcueff aswell in our team. i think it is important to get adding like that in or team this year. we have to we must win something big this year.
C’MON CHELSEA!!
MatBlue
August 19, 2009 at 3:45 pm

At bluefan #1

wow that’s alot of “what if’s”. If you are so pessimistic after this performance, i wonder how hopeful u’ll be after a defeat.
bluefan #1
August 19, 2009 at 5:57 pm

[quote comment="76130"]At bluefan #1

wow that’s alot of “what if’s”. If you are so pessimistic after this performance, i wonder how hopeful u’ll be after a defeat.[/quote]

its only 3 “what ifs”, and WHAT IF u to will get a little more realistic and think about what happens when we play stronger teams in the cl. i really do belive we need a big signing this year in form of aguero or someone that is young but still can bring allot to our team. we say if we where to play real madrid or barcelona and they got that first goal on uss as hull and sunderland, you think players like kalou and anelka or sheva could help uss, i think it would be hard. we need someone that could if any of our key players gets injured.
MatBlue
August 19, 2009 at 6:29 pm

At bluefan #1.

Mate, i don’t think we lack that much quality in all honestly. A player like Aguero may be good for our team, but are there any guarantees he will perform for us? And abt being realistic, i don’t think i’ve been keeping my head in the clouds at all mate. I had cautioned it’s early days yet. And to use ur hypothetical logic, what if real madrid lose Old Winky to injury, what if…….. this could go on for ever , if u get my drift. I am sure we all want what’s best for Chelsea but please give some credit where it’s due. Steve Bruce did and he’s not even a Blue. By the way 3 “what if’s” is still one too many lol
Malagantz
August 19, 2009 at 9:54 pm

BURNLEY BURNED WANCHESTER!!!!!

and portsmouth still suck big time
Anti-poop
August 19, 2009 at 9:56 pm

K
Malagantz
August 19, 2009 at 10:03 pm

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ BARCA Vs MAN CITY LIVE http://www.mcfc.co.uk/

switched ebanks-blake for McFadden after week 1 on fantasy league and got Darren Bent upfront too
churchill
August 20, 2009 at 3:01 am

MANURE LOSE! ferguson cant be upset, if you play the scrubs, what can you expect
CFCIR
August 20, 2009 at 9:05 am

I hope we score more goals in the upcoming games.We need better finishing.Last year we draw at 4th game.I hope this year it take longer.Carlo ancelotti must gurante 29 wins out of 38 games.
JoseHoliday
August 20, 2009 at 10:08 am

BTW anyone know how old Sheva is now ? 33 ? 34 ?
JoseHoliday
August 20, 2009 at 10:38 am

Mon ami all,

Tis early in the season, Tis still the budding moment but only after fallow times and painful brushes with sharp thorns shall we see if Chelsea blossoms truly and fully and we all bask in the warmth of victory and glory !!!
ish
August 20, 2009 at 11:46 am

the ACN should be a non issue, the hardest team we will play is probably sunderland in that time. Also technically the most dangerous place on earth in terms of animals that can kill you is australia. They forget to mention that these animals get wiped out by habitat destruction. Also the level of security for european stars is massive.

Chelsea when drogba and kalou are gone will have anelka, sheva, sturridge and di santo. More than enough firepower, considering out midfield scores the majority of our goals anyway. Essien and mikel will hurt but ballack, lampard, deco, malouda, beletti and some of the youth should be enough. Same goes for ManCity, if they struggle defensively they could just buy a new defender as it is transfer time at that time.
cfc
August 20, 2009 at 12:25 pm

[quote comment="76190"]BTW anyone know how old Sheva is now ? 33 ? 34 ?[/quote]

32
cfc
August 20, 2009 at 12:28 pm

[quote comment="76185"]I hope we score more goals in the upcoming games.We need better finishing.Last year we draw at 4th game.I hope this year it take longer.Carlo ancelotti must gurante 29 wins out of 38 games.[/quote]

I thought it was our third game against Spurs 1-1 we drew ( London Derby). Year before last , we drew against Liverpool , 3rd game again..

We again play london derby this week .. LFS never won a london derby . Hiddink won three lost one ..
Jaz
August 20, 2009 at 1:35 pm

Aguero has pleaged his future to Madrid and plus he played in the CL last night, therefore making him cup tied, well it was always going to be unlikely that we would land him but man if we had, it would of been a scary situation for the opposition. The goal he scored last night out of nothing just goes to prove, why he is one of the best strikers in europe at the moment. But oh well this transfer market has become a period of snubs for Chelsea with Aguero, Pato, Pirlo, Ribery, Kaka, De Rossi, Villa, Young amongst a few names that have turned us down. But none the less BLUE IS THE COLOUR, Chelsea will keep on going and hopefully keep on steamrolling their way to the title.
kist
August 20, 2009 at 1:42 pm

Rate players’ performance in game versus Sunderland
http://www.voteplayers.com/Matches/Sunderland-AFC-vs-Chelsea-08182009-4239.aspx
jabi
August 20, 2009 at 5:04 pm

hi fellow blues.

have you seen defoe score a hat trick and Tottenham beating Hull 5-1?
Wow. Tottenham will be a hard this season.
Lampard and the Blues.
August 20, 2009 at 6:46 pm

[quote comment="76227"]hi fellow blues.

have you seen defoe score a hat trick and Tottenham beating Hull 5-1?
Wow. Tottenham will be a hard this season.[/quote]

Yes, I think Tottenham are a VERY good side. They have quality in midfield, a very good striker in Defoe, only their defence is shaky. If Old ‘Arry can revive the team and make them gel well together, then I think they can be strong contenders for the Champions League spot ahead of Citeh.
agarsito
August 21, 2009 at 1:19 am

i was zurfing on the net and i found that pizarro made a debut goal today in the uefa league what make me beleave that we should have given him more oportunity …ªª
Den
August 21, 2009 at 3:15 am

Guys, the press are reporting we switched to 4-3-2-1 with kalou and deco roaming behind drogba. stay with this formation as essien can still burst forward and use his energy for the good of the team. Also, reading the comment earlier about not having cover at left back, We have Ferreira once he returns from injury which will be soon as he is training already atm. We need J.Cole back as it will make us 100 times better, With J.Cole there lampard can switch to central midfield and make his late trademark runs while j.cole dribles at defences and uses his trickery and creativity to open up defenses. Interesting to see what happens to Malouda/Zhirkov and wether they will be played due to the form of deco and lampard wont make way either. Only change for fulham should be Carvalho in for Ivanovic. Kalou was impressive roaming behind drogba alonside Deco. Kalou can use his dribbling skills and pace to devastating effect in this formation and he has alot of potential at 24. So, for Fulham, i would play this team:

———————-Cech———————–
—-Bosingwa—Terry—Carvalho—A.Cole—
——–Ballack—–Essien—-Lampard———
————-Kalou———-Deco—————-
——————–Drogba———————–

Subs: Turnbull, Ivanovic, Malouda, Anelka, Mikel, Sturridge, Hutchinson
TruBlue Mumbai
August 21, 2009 at 8:45 am

………………….. For Fellow blues from India, we won’t be able to see this weekend’s match vs. Fulham as both ESpn & STar are showing other matches, I just found out looking at their schedule. They always keep giving more importance to Man U, Arsenal and Liverpool matches. I was frustrated b’cause I could’nt see mid-week. But Chelsea vs. Fulham is something you can’t miss. And it is definitely more important than City-Wolves, Arsenal-Portsmouth or Man U-Wigan. They have decided to show the above matches. I have started hating these channels but u see there’s no choice for us. Hope there is a change and we get to see the match.
…………………… Hey BC, could you please post the radio commentary link of BBC that u were talking about? I hope we win this one also and don’t concede any last minute goals! See y’all.
TruBlue Mumbai
August 21, 2009 at 9:14 am

……………………..Sorry guys. My Mistake! Checked schedule of wrong day. Our match is on 23rd. And they are showing it. But I still stand by the statement of them giving importance to the other 3 of the Big 4. Looking forward to the match.
……………………..By the way, Arsenal fans have all got lucky on the fantasy league leader board with them thrashing everton with 6 goals. Fabregas alone gave them 44 points of those kept him their captain! Hope we catch them on the leaderboard. Bye…
Malagantz
August 21, 2009 at 11:16 am

I better enjoy this while it lasts… I’M SECOND IN THE LEAGUE YEEAAAASSSS

I’m doing pretty damn bad in every other league i’m in though
Malagantz
August 21, 2009 at 11:18 am

wrong league
Jaz
August 21, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Just been surfing the net and came across a few articles about Van Der Vaart and Sneijder being allowed to leave Real as they don’t feature in their plans. Also news about VDV being courted by Liverpool and Arsenal and as for Sneijder, Real have agreed a deal with Inter but it’s up to Sneijder if he wants to join them. I was just wondering why don’t we try and get one of them?? I know we have a massive squad as it stands and the midfeild is stacked, but come to think of it by next season Deco & Ballack would be gone right, and this season when Mikel, Kalou, Essien and Drogba leave for ACN then wouldn’t we need someone like VDV or Sneijder in our team?? I think we should buy one of them because Carlo likes to rotate the squad and that way no one will be unhappy as everyone will get a chance on the pitch, what do you guys think??
churchill
August 21, 2009 at 1:39 pm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1208074/Ashleys-Cashley-England-left-signs-new-25million-contract-Chelsea.html

ashley cole resigns for 120,000 a week.
CFCIR
August 21, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Obi mikel performance is not satisfying Carlo ancelotti.It is true.Mikel is young but he has to play better,he loss too many balls and thats why we are going to see him less,Unless he change himself.
Carlo said something strange about Lampard. JOSE/GRANT/SCOLARY/HIDDINK they all called him best in the world.
But carlo called him good ,but can get better.Once again he is right.In my opinion lampard is the best goal scoring Mid in the world.But he cant get better on many aspects ,Like more killing passes,better crosses and corners and …..
Maybe in the future we will understand why players like sheva/Kaka won that golden ball under Carlo Ancelotti era.
Maybe this happen to our players too……
MourofEssien
August 21, 2009 at 2:31 pm

Great chelsea performance. Am glad Aguero not coming. I have said it before, our team is set. Joe cole (am not one of his biggest admirers) would hopefully complete it. Blue is the color. KTBFFH
MourofEssien
August 21, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Sorry guys,
If VDV and Sneider are not making it with Real, why do we assume they will be able to cut it in a stronger league and a comparatively more all round team like chelsea? Our team is set especially our midfield.
GamingTheSystem
August 21, 2009 at 6:28 pm

Daily Mirror Quote -> ‘Chelsea aim to lure Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato from AC Milan in a £40m deal – but not until next summer.’

Carlo is not giving up on getting the winger/striker!! This may be a huge rumor but it still keeps my hopes up!
Zaneeb
August 21, 2009 at 8:31 pm

I second to the one who said they give more importance to the rest of big 4..did u see the premier league ad on espn..it also slates Chelsea..it was us against the world..it is ..and it ll be

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