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Burnley 1 Chelsea 2

Chelsea took all three points up at Turf Moor in a game where the home side pushed us all the way.

In the end, it took a header from the man in the news, John Terry, eight minutes from time to give Chelsea all three points and open up a gap at the top of the table ahead of the clash between Arsenal and Manchester United this Sunday afternoon.

Team News - After the emphatic 3-0 win over Birmingham City, in midweek, Carlo Ancelotti chose to make two changes to his starting eleven. Alex returned to partner John Terry at the heart of the defence and Yuri Zhirkov was given a place in midfield. Dropping to the bench were Carvalho and Deco. Missing from the eighteen were Drogba and Kalou who were rested after their African Cup of Nations efforts whilst Bosingwa and Essien remained on the injury list.

With John Terry embroiled in a media circus about his social behaviour, prior to the fixture Ray Wilkins was quoted as saying,

"John Terry has got his football head on. There's no need to have a siege mentality, we're a very together squad anyway.'

First Half - The early exchanges saw Chelsea force a couple of corners and Frank Lampard fire over, after a one-two with Nicolas Anelka, from just inside the box. In a first quarter of an hour in which very little of consequence happened it was Burnley who had the first opportunity of the following fifteen minutes. Michael Ballack fouled Chris Eagles and from the resulting free kick Robbie Blake tried to score direct but failed.

After Burnley looked to be the side exerting the more pressure it was Chelsea that opened the scoring. The goal came after a swift counter-attack. Petr Cech played the ball to Joe Cole who took it in his stride before delivering a great ball to Florent Malouda, at the back post, who simply teed it up for Anelka to slot home from close range.

Straight after the goal Anelka forced a save out of Brian Jensen from a Lampard free kick. Burnley, seeking to get back on level terms, saw Bikey fire over from just outside the box. The thirty-fifth minute saw John Terry pick up a yellow card for a foul on Robbie Blake. Andre Bikey soon followed Terry into the book after a foul on Anelka.

As half time approached Jensen was forced to rush out to clear the danger with a decent header before Lampard saw a shot, from distance, go wide. It was to be the last effort of the half.

Second Half - Malouda was the first to chance his arm in the second half but his shot sailed over the bar. However, five minutes into the half and the home side drew level. The goal coming after a ball over the top of Alex, from Robbie Blake, was, at first, miss-controlled by Steven Fletcher but he got a lucky break with the ball coming back to him and you couldn`t fault his finish past Cech.

Stunned by the goal, Chelsea pushed forward. Joe Cole saw a shot go wide and Michael Ballack saw a shot blocked by Clarke Carlisle. As the hour mark passed, Lampard saw a short saved by Jensen whilst Alex fired a shot harmlessly over the bar. The defender, up for a corner, then saw a shot also saved by Jensen. At the other end of the pitch Cech saved well from Eagles as the home side threatened to take a shock lead.

With seventy-two minutes played Carlo Ancelotti made his first change introducing Daniel Sturridge in place of Joe Cole. Four minutes later Deco came on for Ashley Cole as Ancelotti tried to engineer a win out of a performance that hadn`t, so far, been top notch. However, with eight minutes of normal time left Chelsea re-took the lead and how ironic that it was the under-fire John Terry that scored!

The goal came when Terry rose high to power a header past Jensen from a Lampard corner. Burnley seeking to equalize fro the second time saw an Eagles` shot flash wide as the clock began to tick down and the three points belonged to Chelsea.

Chelsea - Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, A.Cole (Deco-76), Ballack, Zhirkov, Lampard, J.Cole (Sturridge-72), Malouda, Anelka

Unused Subs - Turnbull, Carvalho, Ferreira, Matic, Borini

Chelsea Scorers - Anelka (27), Terry (82)

Chelsea Yellow Cards - Terry,

Chelsea Red Cards - Nil

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Writer: Merlin

Date:Saturday January 30 2010

Time: 7:27PM

Your Comments

grinding out this kind of result wins titles!

merlin

Was disappointed by Nico today.... unlike him to lose the ball so many times..... Zhirkov didn't seem to know where he was supposed to be playing in the first half...... good reaction after conceding the goal...... that was a champion's display in the second half. Onwards and upwards.

Saf 91

gr8 article by daspecial1 on terry situation today,we didnt played too well but guess played well enough to get the result,once again when deco came in we looked much better,even though deco is not the fans favorite,he could be the crucial player for us from now on,it will be interesting to see how carlo use drog and play both the wide players,my guess is joe will play in midfield and ballack sitting out

kishaloy_nag_blue

I was rather unimpressed and didn't really feel that we did enough to warrant the win. As a result, I'm delighted that we did.

the_legend_of_zola

And by that I mean, we had all the possession and didn't really seem to want to do much with it. I agree Saf that the left side was a confused mess in the first half particularly. Both fantastic goals though.

the_legend_of_zola

The left side was a bit crowded with Malouda,Cole and Zhirkov which left Zhirkov in confusion..Ballack was poor in the holding role..Joe started brightly but dimmed out soon..Anelka was better than most..Ivanovic in his usual best..Alex couldve done better to clear the ball..Overall OK effort to show resilience..And credit to Burnley as they played very well

samuraisuraj

We RULE!!! Played *****e today but got the win. That's what champions do. Now it's HUGE pressure on both Arsenal and United to win tomorrow!!

JT_daniel

And I guess we shouldn't complain too much. We're playing 2 games in 4 days remember!

JT_daniel

Not a particularly great or awe-inspiring performance, but the three points in the bag is the most important thing. I agree that Anelka looked a little off this evening, as did Ballack I thought but, as they say, a win is a win is a win. Our weekend work is done - let's sit back now and watch the fireworks at Cashburden tomorrow.

daspecial1

Yeah, I agree with much of the discussion above. Ballack was very poor in his defensive midfld role and didnt look interested; Alex was shaky at the back. Yuri Z and J Cole displayed effort but w/o much in the way of results. Lamps was anonymous at times and shot the ball very poorly. Despite all this, we got 2 fine goals, there was some hustle with some purpose and we got the win we needed. I suppose that will have to do, but we must play much better vs Arsenal, ManC, ManU et al...lest we go home with more defeats. Go Blues!!

blues first

1. Malouda is getting back to his best. Alrite his end product is at times wayward, but is strength on the ball and running was a constant threat and he deserves his place. 2.Deco made an impact when he came on, his range of passing really stood out and he could be crucial over the coming months

ben_Crisp

No one except JT and Ivanovic played particularly well, in my opinion. Single out Ballack and Alex, who weren't good at all, but most everyone was average and looked indifferent in the first half. That concerns me greatly. The good news is we were below par today and still managed to hog the ball and score two good goals. It wasn't luck, but we could do much better.

RadioactiveD

I know, Malouda was excellent too..

JT_daniel

And it's worth pointing out, to anybody that for one minute even doubted the bloke, that JT's winner was symbolic, after all the crap he's taken these past 24 hours. If Capello was deliberating over whether John was worthy of the armband, or if Ancelotti was questioning whether including him in the starting XI was the best move, the skipper said it all on the pitch today. To just steal a concluding phrase from bluetinted, we support JT - he IS OUR captain, leader and legend.

daspecial1

Terry was the man today, a true captain in my eyes. He showed hunger to win when everybody else just took their foot of the gas. What formation did we even play today with A.Cole, Malouda, and Zhirkov all starting left side was way overcrowded. Also, it should be pointed out that the changes Carlo did were helpfull to stretch it out a bit and we looked a bit better after them.

Tiraspol

Even without the goal, JT put in a very good performance. Great news, considering all the external insanity coming his way. It shows he can keep focus. As for Capello's intentions, I don't feel he needs any convincing on the quality of JT's performances anyway--and so the goal may have been gratifying for JT personally, but it won't make any difference to Capello. The key issue here is if the dynamic in the locker room and on the pitch with the national team is in any way hindered. If it is, then JT has something to worry about.

RadioactiveD

In the second half, I was wondering from where the goal was going to come, certainly not from a corner. Off the blue, Terry pulls one. We escape. A few observations, not complaints. When playing teams that defend deep, Anelka needs to release the ball early. Ballack needs rest, towards the fag end of the match he was making a lot of loose passes. It was nice to see zhirkov and A. cole making a lot of diagnol runs, its a new facet to our game, in tight games players making unmarked runs can create chances. Perception regarding a player is relative isn't it? In a tight game, we are desperate, Deco comes in plays a few good passes and suddenly he becomes crucial to our title challenge...hmmm. The turn by sturridge where he won the corner for Terry to head in the goal was awesome.

vetri

Radio - My point was more on the lines of, it says more about the man that he comes through adversity and crap by standing up, being counted, putting in solid performances, and grabbing winning goals. He did it mere days after Moscow as well. I still maintain Capello would be a fool to strip JT of the national team captaincy, and he showed just why today. There's no one else I'd rather have leading my team out, regardless of whether he's shagging Cheryl Cole, Lady Gaga or the Pope. If JT brings the title back home come May, no Chelsea fan ought to give a toss about who he's been shagging throughout the season. I know I certainly won't. And the same should apply for England fans too.

daspecial1

Jt's some hell of a player...was my best player today followed by anelka then malouda.

blueogre

If JT started shagging the pope I think we're going to have to put our foot.

Saf 91

Thought Anelka was below par today..... awesome goal by JT but not an amazing defensive performance...... was lucky not to get sent off in the first half..... Joe Cole was onside.... I think we can finally put to bed the doubts over whether Malouda should be a starter, he definitely should be....... although Ballack was nowhere near as bad as people are making out, he did look tired..... he will be rested on Wednesday surely, with Deco coming in..... Ash probs too..... Mikel played 5 mins today, should be fit and ready for Arsenal.....

Saf 91

I really like this Christams tree formation...... Alex looking out of form..... the only question is who is first choice RB,...... still when everyone's fit I can't look beyond a first XI of: Cech - Bosingwa, JT, Carvalho, A.Cole - Ballack, Essien, Lampard - Anelka, Malouda - Drogba.

Saf 91

I don't think Ballack has been on his game for a couple of weeks now, Saf. Perhaps it's tiredness, like you say - I'm sure he wouldn't say no to a rest in midweek. Malouda was impressive once more, and I think Joe Cole had another decent game - slowly but surely finding some form of late. It was another super ball in for the goal, wasn't it?

daspecial1

A couple of weeks is pushing it. Before today he had 3 assists and 1 goal in his last 3 games.

Saf 91

feck the media!!!!!! capello, ancelotti and the whole of england knows deep inside their hearts that their leader is not a rio fecking ferdinand or a stevie me,but it is john terry!!!!!

kingDROG

hail the man and take a bow!!!!

kingDROG

cometh the hour cometh the man. JT showed just WHY he must remain captain of England.Now we know why he didnt go to Citeh!!

springy

BTW - does anyone else think they saw a tear rolling down JT's face after he scored or was I just imagining things?

Saf 91

John Terry, with performances like today's thou mayest shag whomever finds favour in thine eyes:-)

blueogre

Ballack were so *****y in the last 30min......Flo was awesome and should be playing every match. I rather have Alex than Riccy, Alex just needs more time on the pitch. Bane amazing and so was Terry. Overall a very crucial win and I will definitely root for Arsenal tomorrow.

atomis

Come on now, Alex wasn't poor, he botched one clearance and it might have been handle by the Burnley player at that! The guy did fine considering he's had little playing time. It's tough to take 3 away points from any battling side, and I was unimpressed with Burnley's intent after their goal, I thought they could have nicked the points but instead they let us beat them back again. JT is a legend, and Sturridge's dribble and turn to win that corner was MAGNIFICENT!

BatterseaBlue

ballack is 33.if we can rest carvalho & deco then why not him?????

kingDROG

BRACE YOURSELVES LADS!!! even more s h i t is gonna hit the fan in tomorrows screws of the world, and its the really runny s h i t.!!

springy

Sturridge's turn was the most exciting move of the game. We haven't had that sort of explosive movement since Robben at his peak. A very exciting prospect.

londonfc

@Saf 91-- U spotted it right, mate............

the_blue_world

Anelka didn't have a great game, but there were too many pointless long balls to him, and often in posession he had no options available to him.

londonfc

Cometh the hour, cometh the man, indeed springy!

daspecial1

we lost the ball in to many one on ones should let our passing and movement be what wins the game in saying that burnley were pressing very hard lets now hope for manu arse draw

chelseadg

i never figured out what zhirkov was doing on the pitch,running like a headless chiken for me :)

kingDROG

I also agree with the rmks on JT. I dont condone some of what these chaps do off the pitch. But on the pitch, JT is not only a solid defender and team player, he's also a superb leader. I have followed other sports for decades and lived in a nbr of other countries and I have seen few ldrs like our JT. Players respond to his ldrship. To remove him now from capt'cy in So Africa would be a blunder for Capello. After the WCup...is another matter...for discussion then...

blues first

what do you guys think, is the JT affair on par with the Tiger woods affair?

vetri

One thing is obvious, JT can " rise" to the occasion and " score ".

Squig

No way is this anywhere close to the Tiger debackle. It was a private thing that happened a long time ago that he regrets...he should keep the captaincy...what people do in the bedrooms should be kept there. Back in the 60's reporters in Washington knew about John Kennedy's reputation and relationships with other women. They also recognized his dedication and his integrity in doing his job. They, unlike the sensationalists today, never published the stories. b

Squig

Forget it. No way its even close to Tiger's situation at this time...given that Tiger had multiple affairs over a period of yrs. Tiger's image was also squeeky clean, which turned out to be a false image. JT had some off the fld difficulties early in his career, as most of you will recall. So its diff'nt nite and day IMO...

blues first

If they strip JT of the captaincy who are they going to give it to? Steven "hit and run" Gerrard? Wayne "Granny Shagger" Rooney? Rio "I forgot, honest" Ferdinand?

Saf 91

have to say well done JT proud of your performance. awful team display but this was atypical mourinho style win away from home that can only b a good thing right?

MrDax

Ivanovic can dribble! Good game no complaints.with everyone jeering terry its so sad to see the british public being one track minded & gain that mob mentality.so easy to hide in a crowd.I bet more than half that audience (excluding blues' fans of course) have been involved in some form of cheating/adultery its just not public.they have a chance to ease their guilt by lashing out at terry.imagine your boss evaluating your work based on who you ****ed,exactly none of anyone's **** business.its bloody football! judge him on the pitch it aint footballers housewives.

Chelsea24/7

alex is still shaking off the rust. it appeared he didn't want the ball at his feet very long, but good to see him push forward and try for redemption.

jerrysand

Terry was lucky not to have got sent off with that challenge..He didnt have much to do in the first half..But scored a very good goal..What intrigues me is that the same Chelsea board that sacked Mutu for using cocaine and thus bringing bad press to the club continues to support Terry through all these scandals..May be they are just supporting him now to accept the next Manchester City bid in the summer?

samuraisuraj

I agree with DaSpecial1 quite alot here but for this line " If JT brings the title back home come May, no Chelsea fan ought to give a toss about who he's been shagging throughout the season." To be honest whether we win the title or not i will always hold JT in the highest esteem, the man has given life and limb for the club and for me the day he stretched for the header against arsenal and took that horrible kick to the face sums up his attitude to football being go hard or go home and you can't fault his devotion to the club. John even though we don't know how true or false the allegations are it won't matter squat to those who have watched you give heart and soul for the club year after year, you're a Chelsea legend and rightly so.

LamparDrogbAnelKalou

Still harboring hopes of you droppin points in your fixtures with us (A), Villa (H), Arsenal (H), Spurs (A), Man City(H) and Liverpool (A). Something has got to give in two or three of those fixtures! This season has been hampered by our defensive injuries but its still not over yet.

ForeverUnited

As it was, JT came out with the victory for your lot today. A man who by all rights should've been sent off anyway but no one's complaining. All Hail England's finest captain!

ForeverUnited

jerrysand: we simply cannot have anybody 'shaky on their feet' now. Earlier in the season in lge cup ties and CL matches after we've qualified for the knock-outs...maybe. But here on out we need our players to perform at their peak lvl or they can sit the bench till next season...or not even appear on the team sheet. During this stretch run when every match is crucial, we can ill-afford mistakes and/or 'rust' and Carlo would be well-advised to pick the best team available. He got away with not having Drogs on the bench today but today's result will do. No excuses the rest of the way...ONLY RESULTS WILL DO! Go Blues!!!

blues first

Forever: Thats what you said about January and the Africans leaving remember?

iwearblue

Hail Terry! Hail Terry! Hail Terry! Feck MANUre and Arses JT give ur Dicck to that editor to succk who published your news! May that editor/reporter's wife sleep with me so that I can publish wat loser who earns his bread by investigating vaginaal penetrations

BlueFire

Forever: Its good to see how ManU is looking for us to drop pts rather than to earn your own. With 1 match in excpn, there's not much we can do to stop your side from gaining the 87-90 pts that will probably be necessary to win the Prem. Why dont you just earn the pts? That's what we plan to do...while taking no prisoners along the way...of cse. Finally, that so-called 'sending off' was nothing more than wishful thinking on your part and a conversation piece for the commentators. Not much in it really. Now Evans' thuggish kick on Drogs...hey, there's a sending off foul if I've ever seen 1!!!!

blues first

Turf Moor has been a slaying ground for all the top teams this season.......apart from Chelsea. Ugly it may have been.....but unlike them we know how to WIN ugly!

mutters

This is why JT is captain. He rises above all challenges to win the game for his team.

Seabourch

Nice impact on the game by Sturridge. Good, sharp footwork, imagination adding to the discomfort of the Burnley back-four. Overall performance of the midfield was good, except for Ballack, who at times really looked all at sea and struggled heavily to get even close to the ball. It wasn't a particularly wise decision to withdraw Joe Cole, as he was providing the front runners with much of the centers and attempted through-balls. Should have substituted Yuri, who looked percentage at best, nothing outlandish or 'Russian Ronaldinho-esque'. Bring on the next opposition.

Tambling

Terry is my hero no matter who he shags! What a way to cope with the pressure! It's the stuff of captains:)

Rune3k

Indeed mutters, and another ugly win up at the KC against Hull in midweek will be fine by me as well. We've come through January, without the Africans, without dropping a point, and have progressed in two Cup ties as well. We've now had six consecutive wins in all competitions. February looks like it's going to be another big month, with the Arse and City coming to town, as well as a tough league trip to in-form Everton and the first leg against Inter but, with Drogba back and Essien to come as well, it's full steam ahead. Up The Chels.

daspecial1

Anelka was excellent. The left side was always going to be a problem with all of A.Cole, Zhirkov and Malouda playing - made much more sense and much less congested when Deco came on for Cole and Zhirkov went to left back. Carlo tried to rest and rotate for this game with players just filling gaps. Alex is still seeking form and needs more time on the pitch. deco needed a rest and Ballack forced into an unfamiliar position. But once push came to shove Carlo made adjustments (not like for like in any way) the shape became the factor and the result assured. I never felt we weren't going to score, unlike others. We're about 2 divisions better than teams like this. When we played WHU they struggled to get the ball out of their area. Burnley struggled to get it out of their 6 yard box at times.

Squiddy

JT was excellent too, but he did disappoint me. Given this story has been known about internally for many months I'm disappointed his celebration didn't include a massive "up yours" to the neanderthals of Burnley, who, lets not forget, barracked Drogba and Frank in the cup the other year and coined Drogba when he scored. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the fact that Burnley was among the first to elect BNP councillors in this country. Sooner they're dispatched to the nether regions of the league the better.

Squiddy

well said squiddy on your last comment

MrDax

anyone any idea why alex rushed off the pitch? i thought that was abit unusual, i know he didnt play his best but personally i think him and our captain pair up better than jt and carvalho, what does everyone reckon about alex and the CB partnership???

cfcdominate

*clap clap* I'm convinced- DOWN WITH BURNLEY! :)

JT_daniel