League titles are not won in December, but they can be lost in December. Ask Liverpool or Arsenal. After a terrible November, we have a challenging and crucial December ahead. Sadly for us, December started the same way November ended. No matter how much we try to underplay, the next three matches have a massive significance in the title race. If Chelsea can’t win 2 out of these 3 matches, I’ll be worried. Only 6 points or more against the matches against Spurs, Arsenal and Man Utd, can undo a bad last month. In fact, if we beat Man Utd and Arsenal, the November form can be forgotten. Good thing is, Lampard would be available for the those two matches. This weekend though, we play Spurs at White Hart Lane.
The same fixture last season was a forgettable one. As the title race was heating up in April, we were beaten fair and square by Spurs. I was watching that in a crowded pub in London where I was probably the only Chelsea supporter or at least that’s how it looked. We were thoroughly beaten with a an undeserved consolation penalty by Lampard in the stoppage time. I’m very nervous about this match. Always, I’m bit more nervous when we play teams like Everton, Aston Villa and Spurs than the top teams.
Spurs this time can be counted as real title challengers. In a season where all top teams are dropping points, a good run of results would catapult them to the revered top 3. To everyone’s surprise, they even made progressing to the second round of champions league easy. Their performances against Inter Milan being the highlights of their campaign so far. They are no longer just challengers of title challengers, they are a proper title-challengers themselves now.
Who would have thought this would be such a big season for Gareth Bale? I remember a dubious record held by Bale in the 08/09 season where he did not feature even in a single win for Spurs. Now, Bale is hot commodity. You have the media throw all these tags like ‘best winger’, ‘best british player’ and all that. You even had someone mention Gareth Bale and Ballon ‘d Or in the same sentence. It was Sneijder who questioned the weightage of winning the world cup to be able to win the Ballon ‘d Or. He said that someone like Gareth Bale would never win the Ballon ‘d Or because Wales would never win the world cup. To perform as part of this Spanish team or the Barcelona team is not such a big feat as it’s made out to be. If Sneijder were to play in Spain or in Barcelona, he’d have had the opportunity to play at a much much higher level.
That’s why this Ballon ‘d Or circus enrages me. Messi is in the podium and Sneijder is not? In my opinion, no one deserves the award more than Sneijder this time. See he’s won the league, domestic cups, champions league and took his team to the final of the world cup and was the top scorer in the world cup! And he doesn’t get to the podium? What did Messi do? Won the league by one point, won a spanish cup and had a poor world cup. Sure, he scored 47 goals. Luis Suarez scored 49 goals in 2009-10. What did he get? Nothing. I’m truly gutted. I feel so sorry for Sneijder. I don’t know what else he should do and when will he get a better chance to better this performance. FIFA/UEFA’s affection for Barcelona has always been disgusting and this is just a new chapter in the series.
Back to the Spurs match. Surprisingly, Carlo has not announced his first team yet. I don’t think he’d change too much. All I can say is, if Ramires deserves so many appearances for his level of performance, Josh McEachran deserves to start ahead of Ramires until he his performance falls below the current Ramires levels. I’ve been a very strong advocate of playing Josh ahead of Ramires. In this Chelsea team, Josh is probably one of the most confident on the ball.
The problem with the current form seems to be around attack than defence. Yes, we’ve been conceding goals but we should be scoring at least a couple of goals every match and that’s where we’ve been lacking. That’s why we keep saying that Lampard is sorely missed. When a player of Lampard’s quality is missing, you try to fill that gap with a player of similar quality and ability or with a player in whom you can place similar expectations. It is for this reason, a player like Josh is better suited to fill in for Lampard. Also, the period where Lampard is missing is probably Josh’s best opportunity to cement his place. Lampard could be back next weekend. Josh would be wondering when will he next get his chance. The last thing I want to see is Josh being added to the list of youngsters who showed promise and then were loaned out or sold to lesser clubs.
Spurs are a dangerous team. They are very quick and strong. They have a deadly counterattack. They have a lot of confidence at the moment and they play at home. If we choose to attack Spurs at White Hart Lane with our full backs, it doesn’t sound like a good idea. They would look to hurt us from the flanks. This is no secret and that’s why it’s a test of Carlo’s tactical plans. We had great success with 4-3-3 in the first couple of months. A three-man midfield can run the show if it comprises of Lampard, Essien and Mikel. Since we’re missing Lampard, may be it’s not a bad idea to turn to 4-4-2 so we get some control over the midfield and the game.
I’m not going to make any predictions for this game. I only hope, somehow, miraculously, we beat Spurs at their backyard. If Chelsea do beat Spurs tomorrow, the season will begin again. If Chelsea win tomorrow, I’ll be doubly confident of Chelsea knocking over Man Utd and Arsenal too. We need a dose of confidence at the moment. That’s all we need. We want to get back the joy and happiness in the Chelsea dressing room. A win against Spurs will spur us on. God please, let us win tomorrow!
Here we go! Let’s make this a Blue Day!
[podcast]http://bluechampions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/05-Blue-Day.mp3[/podcast]
C’mon Chelsea! Keep the blue flag flying high!
Hello folks! That song clip of ‘Blue Day’ at the end of the post is probably baby steps towards podcasting in BlueChampions. Cheers!
I would love to see Josh playing ahead of Ramires, at least he could be able to hold the ball until other players run into free spaces. Ramires is now not able to do this; he either is not able to get to the ball at all, just wandering around aimlessly and watching the game or looking down and running like mad until eventually stopped by opponent. Maybe this is just a psychic bloc, maybe he will get better in the second season, just as Malouda did. But this is just maybe in time we badly need a reliable playmaker. Ramires is not able to offer this now.
But Carlo probably sees Josh as a defensive midfielder, which I cannot understand. Josh played a holding midfielder on Tuesday instead of Mikel; although he did reasonably well, as far as I can remember his videos from youth team matches, his position is rather more up front. I expected him to be something between the next Lamps and Joe Cole. Moreover, we´ve got enough defensive midfielders now; Mikel is still here and playing well, Essi and maybe Zhirkov able to take his job if necessary. Who we badly miss is an offensive one, able to create chances, distribute ball to running team-mates and open up opponent’s defensive formations. Carlo, give Josh a chance in this position, please!
(but I would still be more happy would Lamps be back, of course)
We need to win this at any cost.period.
I love to see josh play,but somewherei feel that carlo is not going to take that chance. May be malouda moves into mid and kalou plays upfront. That would be such a waste.
Am nt happy with chelsea players, bt to ratify our problem we have to delect so old players such as anelka, drogba, maluada, cole, frank, ferreira. At list three of these players should leave lets give room to yonger ones, beside what i mean yonger lets buy players age limit 24to 28. Thanks
Am nt happy with chelsea players, bt to ratify our problem we have to delect so old players such as anelka, drogba, maluada, cole, frank, ferreira. At list three of these players should leave lets give room to yonger ones, beside what i mean yonger lets buy players age limit 24to 28. Thanks
finally… some good news.. TFO seems to be doin somthin about january…..
http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/12/11/2256292/chelsea-manager-carlo-ancelotti-claims-theres-money-available-to-
Sorry guys, this is a re-post from the previous blog entry, I just wanted to share some ideas and know ur opinions. I’ve also read a few articles about Carlo pointing out that he has the full support of Roman and transfer money will be availaible come January. We dont need wholesale changes, 2 new faces at max who can change the game and be able to cope with the physical nature of the premier league is more then enough. Personally I would go for Bastian Shweinstiegger and Darijo Srna.
Srna is an excellent controller of the ball, good dribbling abilities, is able to beat his marker, something we have always lacked sorely on the right hand side. On top of it we can deploy him as a right back or a right winger, he’s brilliant in both positions. Bastian could be used in 3 different positions effectively, defensive midfeilder, he could play alongside Frank in the middle, or he could shift to the right and play as a winger. The sad part is though, neither Bastian or Darijo will be coming during the next transfer market. If Bastian leaves it would be either for Real or Man Utd (Ballack is urging him to join Man U), Darijo would love to join us but in the summer because Shaktar have already qualified as group winners in the CL and are in the knockout stages.
That brings me 2 my next set of targets, now this might not be everyone’s dream signings but I would love to see Kaka at the bridge. The guy is not finished no matter what anyone says, Carlo knows how to get the best out of him and as they say form is temporary but class is permanent, and Kaka is pure class and everyone knows it. My next ideal choice of player would be between Pato, Aguero (although it seems like he has agreed a new deal with Atletico) Pastore, Hamsik, Pjanic and Alan Dzagoev. Any one of these players would be an ideal signing as all of them are either impact or controlling type players. Who can either control the pace of the game or come up with a goal when needed.
I know most people would be like, but what about our defender problems, well I beleive once the confidence is back, the defense will tighten up automatically, like it was in the beginning of the season. Still there are options such as Gary Cahill (Bolton), Pepe (Real Madrid), Radu (Lazio), Dani Alves (Barcelona) availaible if needed. Do make your own suggestions guys, what type of change or player would you like to see at Chelsea !!
As for tomorrow’s game, it’s time for the lads to show some mental toughness and grind out a result. KTBFFH
If you go through the highlights of the games we’ve played recently since the loss to Liverpool and notice Ramires, you’ll find an interesting dimension to his play. You know when you’re nervous and get the ball, the first thing you’ll do is get the ball away from you. ‘Im scared to the bone and the last thing I want is to take control of this football in front of thousands of supporters’ is the thought that’ll probably go through your head. Ramires seems to be displaying this exact from of nervousness and jitters. As soon as he gets the ball, the first thing he does is get the ball into a good position to pass it to someone else. Anyone. It doesn’t have to be a cutting-pass, an accurate positional-pass and the like. He’ll just get rid of it. And this does explain his bad passing success rate.
I wouldn’t blame him though. I mean, to be an unconventional Brazilian footballer at a club like Chelsea and be thrown into the First XI to replace players such as Lampard and Essien is not easy. I think with the return of Frank we will be able to gel him into the team better rather than throw him in front of the firing squad so early (Remember, the last two leagues he played in were Brazilian and Portuguese and you can not compare them to the the EPL in terms of the physicality the latter demands).
This is my team against Spurs:
——————————–Cech————————————-
—P.Ferreira——-Ivanovic————Terry————–A.Cole—
—————————–Mikel——-Essien————————
—Kalou————————————————-Malouda—–
————————–Anelka———-Drogba———————-
It’s a 4-2-2-2 with Mikel and Essien sitting at the back to prevent Modric from having much of an influence on the game in the centre. Ferreira and A.Cole should remain defensive in this game to take control of Bale and Lennon. All the attacks should come from Kalou, Malouda, Anelka and Drogba because frankly speaking, they are the attackers in this team and it’s their job to get the goals. No predictions this time just like BC. Hope to see a win !
KTBFFH !!
[quote comment="86731"]I would love to see Josh playing ahead of Ramires, at least he could be able to hold the ball until other players run into free spaces. Ramires is now not able to do this; he either is not able to get to the ball at all, just wandering around aimlessly and watching the game or looking down and running like mad until eventually stopped by opponent. Maybe this is just a psychic bloc, maybe he will get better in the second season, just as Malouda did. But this is just maybe in time we badly need a reliable playmaker. Ramires is not able to offer this now.
But Carlo probably sees Josh as a defensive midfielder, which I cannot understand. Josh played a holding midfielder on Tuesday instead of Mikel; although he did reasonably well, as far as I can remember his videos from youth team matches, his position is rather more up front. I expected him to be something between the next Lamps and Joe Cole. Moreover, we´ve got enough defensive midfielders now; Mikel is still here and playing well, Essi and maybe Zhirkov able to take his job if necessary. Who we badly miss is an offensive one, able to create chances, distribute ball to running team-mates and open up opponent’s defensive formations. Carlo, give Josh a chance in this position, please!
(but I would still be more happy would Lamps be back, of course)[/quote]
agree with u bro Josh should play further up the pitch.
thanks for not making any predictions bro :)
@ jaz bro as much as i would like to see chelsea move a few good players (2 mids a forward.. i thank you). it probably wont happen man.
but for what its worth… if they gonna allow him to get a few players…
while not try to get kaka on loan to buy deal. a striker that can take over form drogba.
hamsik sounds good… and guess what Niko kranjcar in there on a cheap!!!
im watching to see if they wont try to get niko.. then ill know just how brain dead these people are…. in the summer go for Bastian…
jaz not a damn problem man!! .. some of my thoughts are directed at that post… so im glad u put it here… so that my reply @ # 9 to what u were suggesting cheers
I am realy, really fearfull for this match. I have been making this same noise for Josh. Can’t even comprehend what Carlo thinks he’s doing, Josh playing defensive midfield is a waste of talent ; q.e.d.
[quote comment="86737"]
This is my team against Spurs:
——————————–Cech————————————-
—P.Ferreira——-Ivanovic————Terry————–A.Cole—
—————————–Mikel——-Essien————————
—Kalou————————————————-Malouda—–
————————–Anelka———-Drogba———————-
[/quote]
I like this as an attacking formation.
But I fear it leaves the right side wide open for Gareth Bale. Neither Kalou nor Ferreira are particularly adept defenders.
I would guess that Ancelotti will play Ramires because he’s an eager tackler and put either him or Essien on the right to help plug Ferreira’s leaks.
Make sense?
[quote comment="86741"]I have been making this same noise for Josh. Can’t even comprehend what Carlo thinks he’s doing, Josh playing defensive midfield is a waste of talent ; q.e.d.[/quote]
I’m pretty sure that Essien and McEachran swapped positions for the second half against Marseille.
IOW, Essien went to the central holding spot and McEachran moved over to a more attacking position.
At least, that’s how it looked to me. Either way, McEachran didn’t have much impact. A couple of nice penetrating passes, a couple of errant passes, and a lot of safe stuff.
I love the player, but as you’d expect of such a young player he needs a lot more experience to get his confidence and his vision to a place where he can truly influence a game.
Would be very happy if we could draw todays maatch. Tevez has handed in transfer request. Would be great if we could sign him.
We are going to win this game.
Lets show that we are back
[quote comment="86752"] Tevez has handed in transfer request. Would be great if we could sign him.[/quote]
Tevez would be a great addition to any club.
I’d love for Chelsea to get him in January. He has grit, determination, skill, he plays hard at both ends of the field and he’s 26.
Problem is, he’d rather be playing in Argentina. So I’m guessing his present unhappiness would continue were he to transfer to another English club.
Still, Chelsea need a striker, a creative midfielder, a right back and a central defender. Adding Tevez would seriously ease the strain.
Good job BC but no pics…..Hope u are settle now,u did prmise to come good in the new year..How is singapore hope u are settling well…
God pls give a win!
All we need is draw here. I will be happy if we are not humiliated and get draw result…
Thank you Shawn. I’m leaving Singapore soon and will be coming back home. Hope to improve things. Hope you were able to play the song at the bottom of the post. Cheers!
[quote comment="86737"]If you go through the highlights of the games we’ve played recently since the loss to Liverpool and notice Ramires, you’ll find an interesting dimension to his play. You know when you’re nervous and get the ball, the first thing you’ll do is get the ball away from you. ‘Im scared to the bone and the last thing I want is to take control of this football in front of thousands of supporters’ is the thought that’ll probably go through your head. Ramires seems to be displaying this exact from of nervousness and jitters. As soon as he gets the ball, the first thing he does is get the ball into a good position to pass it to someone else. Anyone. It doesn’t have to be a cutting-pass, an accurate positional-pass and the like. He’ll just get rid of it. And this does explain his bad passing success rate.
I wouldn’t blame him though. I mean, to be an unconventional Brazilian footballer at a club like Chelsea and be thrown into the First XI to replace players such as Lampard and Essien is not easy. I think with the return of Frank we will be able to gel him into the team better rather than throw him in front of the firing squad so early (Remember, the last two leagues he played in were Brazilian and Portuguese and you can not compare them to the the EPL in terms of the physicality the latter demands).
This is my team against Spurs:
——————————–Cech————————————-
—P.Ferreira——-Ivanovic————Terry————–A.Cole—
—————————–Mikel——-Essien————————
—Kalou————————————————-Malouda—–
————————–Anelka———-Drogba———————-
It’s a 4-2-2-2 with Mikel and Essien sitting at the back to prevent Modric from having much of an influence on the game in the centre. Ferreira and A.Cole should remain defensive in this game to take control of Bale and Lennon. All the attacks should come from Kalou, Malouda, Anelka and Drogba because frankly speaking, they are the attackers in this team and it’s their job to get the goals. No predictions this time just like BC. Hope to see a win !
KTBFFH !![/quote]
Can’t agree more than that.. however my concern is Kalou…
He seems like to skim every opponent but eventually failed, anf the opponent will counter attack from that mistake.. Costly~
I quite like the 4-2-2-2 put out by Lampard and the blues..though I wud probably swap mikel and essien..
i feel that essien does better linking up with forward players when he is on the right midfield( dunno why but I have always had this feeling).. also I guess a 2 man defensive midfield would be needed against modric, lennon and bale..modric has to be nullified..or else he can spread the ball to the 2 wingers who will murder us with their pace..JT has 2 be in top form to counter crouch/defoe..
also I havent seen McE actually create chances with good through passes.. he is gud though with short passes.. certainly a better bet than ramires at the moment..
anelka can swap with kalou in the game as he likes to drop deep..
SUBS : sturridge for kalou..lets hope he create chances as he did in that charity shield match against man u from the right side..
Spurs may be the better team on paper, but thanks to Cech we’ve leaked less goals home and away. Come on Chelsea, we have a shot at a draw or better! ‘Chelsea underdogs Spurs their fans on’ :-)
KALOU IS A WASTE
DROGBA MISSED A PENALTY………..LAMPARD SHOULD HAVE TAKEN IT
Chelsea 1- Totenham 1 …………………A DRAW AGAIN
Pretty good result despite wasting a penalty. Its the positive result we needed away and against a team on a roll! Nani, eat your words! You’ll soon find out why we call u Manpoo :-)
[quote comment="86775"]Chelsea 1- Totenham 1 …………………A DRAW AGAIN[/quote]
drogba is a good penalty taker but these happen lampard has played 15 min in 3 months it would have been harsh for him to take it
Play Bruma alongside Terry and Iva on the wings. this would work Carlo! why are you stuck with Ferreira and Ramires???
oh sorry i meant to quote post no 25 anyways now eager to see utd beaten at the bridge
The draw is fine with me, as long as the players have the fiery desire to win every ball and have the team spirit. Hopefully won’t see nobody seems to take throw-ins and lacklustre passes.
The mentality is what we are missing. With Lampard re-integration in the team, hopefully Ramires and McE will emulate his character in the mid park..
Shape up Chels!
Fear grows again in the hearts of the opponents…….
Some say the the title is not won in December but can be lost at this time… let me add an corollary…… it is the time when the momentum is built …… and man did we see momentum last night !
Hooray….. my heart has warmed again…. and super proud that we looked like a match for ANY team in the world even tho we aren’t even at full strength yet and undermanned.
Roman ! do us a favour, buy prudently in January and we march to the Prem title and the CL !
KTBFFH !
I know newspaper can be fun to read, and here’s my reaction with these headlines:
Gael Kakuta signed 4 & half years for Chelsea: “WooYoo!!! YES!!! Great move!!!”
The Sun rumored Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has made Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric his number one summer target: “*Crash~!* (i practically fell out of my chair)…”
Of course its a great signing, but I just can’t see that happening, not this January and still can’t see it when summer arrives.
Anyhow, would like to wish all of you here an Awesome Christmas and Fantastic New Year!!!