35th Fixture: April 30, 2011 - Chelsea FC v. Tottenham Hotspur FC [R]

"I think we got the benefit of two fortunate decisions. You can see that, yes, we were lucky with the goals - but that is football and the referee doesn't have the benefit of TV replays. That is football."
interesting that our manager seems to see the "fortunate" decisions we get

shame that does not apply to others

should he depart our presence this season, I will certianly miss his demeanor with the media

as for the game, even the most delusional Spurs fan can not say that they were robbed

1 fecking shot on goal the entire game where they were largely played off the park

 

indeed

can only remember him giving the ball away on one occasion

he was also on the end of a few kickings from Sandro and Roland Rat- who I dont know how escaped a booking today

Good shout.

 

I thought Dowd was pretty poor last week, but goodness me these blind mice were awful for both sides and it was a shame that the focus will be on them and not on what I would consider one of our generally better showings- especially in the first half. Much like Citeh- I dont know how Spurs can seriously strut about as CL contenders or possibly League Title challengers after a display like that. They needed a win and were so content on playing for a draw that they looked lost when Sandro's screamer went in. While I wilfully acknowledge that we got the benefit of the doubt on two huge occasions- it would have been robbery for Spurs to get anything out of that game after that display.

Cech (6.5)- really couldnt be faulted for the goal and did quite well just to get his hand to the scorching missle from Sandro. Some very good distribution with his hands and feet and he chipped in as a deep lying sweeper as both JT and Luiz pushed higher as the game wore on. Played his angles well and looked comfortable catching crosses.
Ivan (7)- played relatively well and kept Bale in check for the most part, although Bale was getting far too much credit from the ref and continued to get very friendly calls everytime Ivan came near him. Booked for a poor lunge on Bale, although it may have been seen a good professional foul by some with Bale running at Luiz. Chipped in on the attacking end as well with a few headers in the box and I thought he was cut down by Sandro after making a surging run at the top of the Spurs box- interesting that we never saw a replay of that while we saw at least 10 replays of the Lampard "goal".
JT (7)- good game at the back with plenty of blocks, tackles and good interceptions. His area of struggle today was his distribution as he conceeded possession cheaply a few times and wasted a few longer passes. Pushed the team forward as we searched for a winner and produced his usual "all guts" performance.
Luiz (7)- a better overall showing but he did get caught on the wrong side of Defoe and must learn to play the proper side of his man and to let some tackles go. His heading is also a little concerning and an area I would like to see him improve. But his positional play seems to be improving and as we pushed to search for an equaliser he was almost playing as an extra mid- which could be vital as teams park the bus (cough, Spurs, cough).
A. Cole (7.5)- one his better games as he kept Lennon (whom he has struggled with for several years) relatively quiet. Ash nipped in with several tackles and was once again left to defend the flank himself at times as Malouda drifted inwards or just was not committed enough to provide the needed cover and effort. Ash got forward well but his final product was lacking (familiar story there eh) as his crossing was not the best as he may have done better when played through by Torres. All in all I thought he was quite impressive.
Mikel (8.5)- I am sure okocha is reading this thinking "fern must have made a mistake he always gives Mikel a 7.5". No mate there is no error, I thought he was excellent today and showed why he is a vital cog in this team. His passing was excellent and his movement and shielding was sublime at times. His tackling was very good and he rode several tackles while fighting off abuse from both Sandro and Modric- both of whom got away with at least two clear fouls each on Mikel which were not called. His presence in the defensive and attacking third was a vital and calm presence and prevented us from panicing as he kept the ball ticking over while providing outlets. He also showed more of a key eye for the pass today and was involved in several of our better moves. He really has to be the first name on the teamsheet in midfield after showings like this.
Essien (6.5)- and up and down game from the Bison. While his energy and tackling were good, his passing varied from average to poor. Probably could have done better with a few shots on goal as well. He did seem a little more tactically aware today and did a nice job of ganging up on VDV with his midfield comrades to keep him out of the game. Correctly subbed.
Lampard (7)- still too hesitant to shoot and should have done better from a nice lay off from Drogs in the second half. Some sloppy passes and careless give aways from Frank but his effort was good and his got stuck into several tackles while tracking both VDV and Modric. Played a nice ball to Anelka in the build up for the second goal. I still would like to see him more assertive in the final third.
Malouda (6)- not assertive enough, although he did create a decent opening for himself and shoot with his weaker foot forcing Gomes into a tidy low save. He is still too passive with the ball and while his work rate varied, he still seems to lack the committment to the cause and does not seem to find the extra gear when needed. I believe his role has been pretty well discussed in some of the earlier posts. Should have been subbed.
Drogba (7.5)- a menace who was denied a goal by a very good save from Gomes. Showed a nice team effort today by playing out wide on the flanks or through the middle when asked. Began to show some signs of old with some sharp turns and better efforts at and around the target. His still has his petulant side and was needlessly booked by the ref. Although he is not scoring he is at least providing a threat and begining to create openings for his teammates through either his effort or presence- both of which are vital atm.
Torres (6.5)- did well as he always found himself with at least one Spurs defender stuck to him. His movement was very good again and his link play was quite useful. He appeared to be a little knocked back by the half chance he missed at the back post and did appear to force the issue a little in the second half. I personally think he should have stayed on and judging by the reaction of the fans at the game- they agreed.

subs

Ramires (7)- tidy and useful in his return. Showed good effort, provided a little spark and was must better with the ball than Essien. Nice move by Carlo there as Ram provided some extra cover for the previously booked Ivan in assisting with Bale.
Kalou (7.5)- typical Kalou as Yaroni said- did everything wrong and then scores the winner.
Anelka (7)- looked a little more purposeful with the ball which was good to see and was involved in the final goal.

the gaff (7.5)- I liked the line up, but not the Torres sub. The tactical move with Ram was quite astute and his comments post match show why he generally is a likable manager.

the ref (2)- terrible. Excluding the shocking decision on the Lampard goal (we would have been furious if that was us), he missed a blatant penner for us and basically gave everything to Spurs in the second half. His linos were not much help in a poor showing which the FA should look further into.

the Opposition (3)- chasing the CL and you have every player behind the ball in your half 35 yards out? Time wasting in the first half? Cmon- you are having a laugh.

 

I am wondering if Sala was upset by the reaction of the crowd. While there was applause for Torres there was some booing and what appeared to be "you dont know what you are doing" being sung as well

maybe Dr. I or MG can verify from the game but thats how it sounded on the telly.

hopefully that didnt upset Sala, but I did notice that he brushed Ash off when he put his arm around him after the goal and "celebrated" by himself

a few sites have said that we have already told Sala he is going and its either Drogba/Anelka being cleared out as well to make room for

Torres
Danny
Lukaku
Drogs/Anelka