Chelsea News 24/7Writer: Merlin 
Date:Saturday March 2 2013
Time: 5:04PM
UK time is: 09:33:54
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Chelsea 1 West Brom 0
Chelsea took the honours at Stamford Bridge with a narrow win but once again it was a far from convincing display with too many chances missed and a requirement to hang on in there at the end.
Team News - After the midweek FA Cup trip to Middlesbrough, Rafa Benitez once again shuffled his pack with Ba, Lampard, Oscar, Cole and Luiz returning.
First Half - With the game getting underway to a background of several anti-Rafa banners, Chelsea were to enjoy by far the better of the half. In fact Chelsea could have gone ahead very early on when Demba Ba broke away down the right flank and put in a great cross that Oscar managed to mishit and allow Ben Foster, in the West Brom goal, to save.
Steve Clarke`s side were then deprived of the opening goal of the game when, having won a free kick some thirty-five yards out, Petr Cech was forced to tip over a fine strike from Steven Reid. As the play settled down, Chelsea appeared to be in control and, deservedly, took the lead with 28 minutes gone.
Chelsea had won a corner, it was taken short and when Oscar delivered a cross David Luiz headed smartly back across goal for Ba to smash the ball home.
The half ended with two further efforts from Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar being blocked by Jonas Olsson and Liam Ridgwell respectively.
Second Half - The second half saw West Brom come more into things. Chelsea started well and thought they`d doubled their lead when Frank Lampard converted Mata`s pass but instead of celebrating his 200th Chelsea goal he was left to rue the raised offside flag.
Foster then denied Ba, saving from four yards out after the striker had gotten on the end of another Oscar cross but Steve Clarke made a good substitution, bringing on Peter Odemwingie and suddenly Chelsea were on the back foot.
Benitez withdrew Hazard, bring on Victor Moses when most thought Mata would be the one to be taken off and Torres replaced the goal-scorer Ba. But Odemwingie continued to be a threat and it took a great save from Cech before the Czech keeper pridced a stunning block to prevent an Azpilicueta header from flying into his own goal.
Chelsea - Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cole, Ramires, Lampard, Hazard (Moses-80), Mata (Mikel-90), Oscar, Ba (Torres-87)
Unused Subs - Turnbull, Terry, Cahill, Bertrand, .
Chelsea Scorers - Ba (28)
Chelsea Yellow Cards - Hazard
Chelsea Red Cards - Nil
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Your Comments
Great win! The fans were wonderful through out the game. Forget Benitez and keep supporting the team.
munich Glory
Rafa Benitez is a terrible coach...the realization has down on me to new levels...when we dropped points against Nescastle, Soton, Reading..I believed him when he said the players were tired...now the afcon guys are back and my heart is still in my mouth against West brom...the timing of the subs was ''i cant find the word to describe how horrific it is''....West brom were unlucky not to equalize...yes our players appeared unmotivated and wasteful, but when Clarke changed from his initial defensive approach to a more expansive style bringing on Odemwinge first, then thomas and Rosenberg, I expected an immediate reaction from tubby...but he waited well until we were almosted boxed into a corner...the timing of the subs as well as the decisions behind them was very very bad...I now expect that we'll drop more points toward the end of matches until the end of the season...Whoever went to bring tubby from jobblessness to come and and coach this great of ours is clearly an imbecile....i will continue to pray and thank God we won.
layorh12
A very welcome 3 points. Hope Spurs and Arsenal share the points tomorrow. well done to the fans.
jollyheart Torres
Cech saved us a couple of times. Wish Oscar could convert SOME of his chances..he had 4 or 5 but I love watching him. Great positioning and header back to Ba by Luiz for the goal. Hazard was great! tested the nerves but solid win. And Benitez did put together a good starting 11. @layor12...come on...ease up a bit...savour the win, man.
Squig
Lets hope we don't lose anymore games until the end of the season.
Tiraspol
I hope we can be more decisive in front of the goal post in our next matches. Oscar,Cech, Hazard and mata were all good. Hope spurds lost to arse tomorrow.
munich Glory
@squig...i sincerly apologize if my post depicted a rather gloomy feel after such an important match where we got a good result...but I have reasons to be worried....seriously....i am scared.
layorh12
Never watched the game but i would like 2 hear some comments of game play by oscar-mata combo.
blue5
@layorh12...ya, me too...worried. After Sunderland we have 4 huge games and tough opponents...Spurs, Pool, Swansea and Man U. We/Oscar can't miss chances like we did today and Jesus, we DO let teams come back at us in the dying moments of the game like you say.
Squig
This was a vital three points for us..we must now hope that Spurs dont beat the gunners tomorrow.
GabeU
Much needed win for us, glad we were able to get the 3 points... Once again, thank you to the boo boys for not disrupting the game or going too wayward... @blue5, Mata and Oscar combined well today, interchanging positions throughout the game and exchanging one - two passes... Oscar has to be more efficient in front of goal though, it could have been 4-0 today had Oscar been more efficient in goal... The whole team was generally wasteful today...
Latunvic
@latunvic,thanks for your input.
blue5
It is a good 3 points and I am a happy chelsea fan now, but I'll be happy if I wake up tommorow and see that rafa is fired, this team are not playing up to their talents, our play have dwindled and our balance is in tatters, how we'll win the coming games is beyond me as those teams got better qualities than west brom, oscar did a good job today but he needs to work on his finishing, hazard is dribbling but hasn't taken the next step in his game to know when to shoot and do so acccurately, mata is very creative and can score well thats all he's got, he can't do anything if he doesn't have space, he is not in the game if we play a high pressing team, next season under a new manager we need an enforcer a good blocking midfielder that can make the job easier for him, oscar would be a better no.10 under a better coach, moses haven't been too impressive since returning from afcon, the whole team is not set up well, we don't find Ba well and I think if not for the type of striker he is, we would have lost or settled for a draw. The only thing rafa did today to impress me was start ba ahead of torres
Desmondadonis
Vital 3points in the bag,thumbs up the team and thanks to the booboys for keepin it at just banners...oscar had a good game but he is really very wasteful
Ken4CFC
Vital 3points in the bag,thumbs up to the team and thanks to the booboys for keepin it at just banners...oscar had a good game but he is really very wasteful
Ken4CFC
There is nothing wrong with a 1-0 win against a well-coached side, especially in light of all the drama we've had at the club. I've gotten to a point w Rafa in which I do my best to ignore him, to look past him when he's shown on the television. We must win in spite of him and keep the momentum going. Cech came up when we needed him, but I thought nearly everyone played well. Our three creative midfielders were excellent, though it would be nice to see Oscar convert every now and then! Ba was very good--it goes to show that you can't hesitate when you're a top striker. Torres hesitates and is his own worst enemy. Well done to the back four as well. They were all excellent. I'd give Rafa credit, but frankly it seems like such a no-brainer to start Azpi that I can't fathom why he doesn't do it more often. The inspired decision was, perhaps to play David Luiz w Iva, but in all fairness, WBA didn't create many problems for them. We'll know if that's a good CB pairing when they've got to contend with Man Utd. We'll learn plenty about this squad at that point.
RadioactiveD
munich Glory, I really don't think we are in a position to hope Spurs lose to Arsenal. We need some daylight between 4th and 5th place. My preferred result would be a draw but if anyone is to win I'd rather it was Spurs. On the game today I felt we were well in control but we just could not convert the numerous chances and then in true Chelsea style this season, we were left biting our nails at the end. Torres appeared yet again to have a horrendous miss but I'll need to see it again to see how bad it really was.
CobhamBlue
There is nothing wrong with a 1-0 win against a well-coached side, especially in light of all the drama we've had at the club. I've gotten to a point w Rafa in which I do my best to ignore him, to look past him when he's shown on the television. We must win in spite of him and keep the momentum going. Cech came up when we needed him, but I thought nearly everyone played well. Our three creative midfielders were excellent, though it would be nice to see Oscar convert every now and then! Ba was very good--it goes to show that you can't hesitate when you're a top striker. Torres hesitates and is his own worst enemy. Well done to the back four as well. They were all excellent. I'd give Rafa credit, but frankly it seems like such a no-brainer to start Azpi that I can't fathom why he doesn't do it more often. The inspired decision was, perhaps to play David Luiz w Iva, but in all fairness, WBA didn't create many problems for them. We'll know if that's a good CB pairing when they've got to contend with Man Utd. We'll learn plenty about this squad at that point.
RadioactiveD
sorry about the double-post. No idea why that keeps happening.
RadioactiveD
well, im happy with the win . and the atmosphere there sure has changed !!
JackSufre
Glad we bagged all three points at stake and Ba,a striker,getting the goal for us...something we've not seen in a while. But on a more serious note, we need a change of formation. A 4-3-3 really will suit our kind of players. We dont need to be biting our nails towards the end of every game we are leading. A formation that can maintain a healthy defensive-offensive balance should really be adopted to save our season. But ofcos,we have a clueless manager who cant just figure that out,think Rafa! for crying out loud.
Ohans
@CobhamBlue: The ball from Moses was behind Torres, Moses's final balls were mostly shiet. We did not create any good chances for Ba and Ba did not win long balls from Cech. We were lucky in the end. Oscar's finishing was lame or at the same level as Torres, lol. We will be lucky to finish top4 with this squad. We were taking too many touches close to the 18 yard box with no end product, a bit like Arsenal.
B2K420
This is one of the clearest hints that Hiddink will be our next coach....I will not be surprised if it happend... http://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4067/england/2013/03/02/3793487/anzhi-boss-hiddink-refuses-to-rule-out-chelsea-return?source=breakingnews&ICID=HP_HL_1....hopefully he'll stay 2-3 years and move up to a more senior role while we'll bring on a younger coach....I hope is happens
layorh12
good win...oscar will be a monstar of a player...the way the ball sticks to him is amazing...mata is on a another level...a better coach (jose) will have him become more than we can imagine...good win for the team...
Gian-Franco/Luca
For those who are watching Liverpool are having Wigan for lunch at Wigans home pitch. 4-0 with Suarez already having a hatrick and the 2nd half has just began. I cannot remember the last time we had a comfortable win like that when we as fans and the players could just relax and enjot themselves..i guess it was in the mauling we handed Aston Villa ..but that was like ages ago. Suarez for all his detractors is a special player..at the rate he is going he may yet overhaul RVP for the BPLs top goal scorer by seasons end.
GabeU
Just got home from the bridge pretty good game,we could have scored more but choked up. Typical Chelsea a nervy end to the game as usual,and big thanks to Cech. All in all a good win and 3 points... Let's hope spurs choke up,and hopefully its a draw. And to those saying we had a better atmosphere,that's almost really laughable,bcos its basically the same atmosphere we've had of late. Probably the most exciting part was at HT when an 8 year old kid missed the goal post thrice,and finally scored...then fans at the MH end screamed Torres!! Torres!!! That brought out a laugh and eased the mood at the bridge. Up the Chels!
nelyvanile
Anyone wonder why this place is usually quiet following a win... people flood here only when we lose a match or have a disappointing draw....
Latunvic
When we win, its thank u to the boo boys, when we lose, it is because the fans are booing rafa, I have never seen anyone as fickle as we fans, perhaps that is what makes football such an amazing game.
Desmondadonis
@nely... I think better than what could have followed Rafa's rant is what people meant... the commentators said same thing commenting that maybe there was an agreement among the fans not to be too negative... Of course they booed and did the usual things but not as much as many expected....
Latunvic
This is the first time in a long time(Arsenal at home,first half) Rafa is letting MaZaCar play a free roaming role...inter-changing and switching positions and it obviously troubled the West Brom defence in the first half. Oscar looked better and so did Hazard,but Mata looked below par. The insistence of Width by Rafa tends to affect the fluidity MaZaCar provides when the 3 are on their game.
nelyvanile
Is that another clean sheet without cahill?
Humza_96
@Latunvic. Understandable mate! I guess many expected heavy Boo's as Rafa made his way into the stadium. There were very minimal boo's nothing bad as usual. But it was the usual chants against Rafa,some new ones I've not heard...Lol. Overall same old atmosphere of late,but I do agree its not as bad as many expected,but it obviously wasn't better.
nelyvanile
Liverpool fans are singing 'Rafa Benitez'...Lol. Amazing init!
nelyvanile
Liverpool fans are singing 'Rafa Benitez'...Lol. Amazing init!
nelyvanile
Havent we lost games when the fans cheer the team??
Ken4CFC
Good game. Tough schedule yet to come.
KAKUfrank
Cos the atmosphere is toxic does not mean we would lose every game.it only contributes in makin a poor team poorer..jugding from the comments here since wednesday i expected rafa to be pelted today but the reaction was nothing close to that,so whats wrong in commendin the fans for keepin their cool??u better go get your fickle mind fixed instead misconstruein everything just to prove how right u are
Ken4CFC
Suarez is certainly wicked on his good day... I wish we have a player like him upfront who is mobile, not a CF kind of strikers and can surely score goals... a player like suarez is what we missed in our game today....
Latunvic
We had our chance to buy Suarez while he was at Ajax,but decided to go for a £50mil striker...lazy scouting.
nelyvanile
We had our chance to buy Suarez while he was at Ajax,but decided to go for a £50mil striker...lazy scouting.
nelyvanile
Who is the eejit making a noise like steam roller? Simple english is so difficult to comprehend this days? If u don't understand simple english u had better start taking classes, or better still ask someone to read the comment and interprete for u
Desmondadonis
@nely,I could recollect the asking price then, 20m if o am not mistaken.
Desmondadonis
I think Lampard and Ramires showed a better understanding today and Lampard was able to distribute the ball better.... is this a sign of improvement or is down to a weak west brom midfield??? time will tell...
Latunvic
@nely, I tot I noticed something in the 66th minute, yet this stuff that I noticed, I didn't notice it in some games earlier, perhaps the attention today's match got made me notice it, rafa was booed in the 66th minute, is it a section of the fans? Or this time majority of the whole fans?
Desmondadonis
Extremely lazy scouting... I just hope we don't see more of such lazy scouting....
Latunvic
Well said @Ken4CFC....
Latunvic
Haha..saddist!!there he goes in full swing,i wont let u dampen my mood after a very important win,u can find somewhere else to haul your litany of profanities...am so elated,sorry if u are not,just creep around and wait for the day we lose or draw so u come slate your usual suspect..
Ken4CFC
I'm amazed at the line the media are taking that there was virtually no animosity towards Benitez today. Whilst it wasn't as bad as I had expected it was definitely the most hostile since the Man City game. It was much worse today than it has been in the recent home games all of which the media have claimed were toxic!
CobhamBlue
*Man City home game that is!
CobhamBlue
Saddist? Sorry to disappoint u kiddo, nobody ever referred to me as one, so I won't start an insult in this thread, go check the meaning of WE and FICKLE MINDED in the dictionary, reread and come back, fact remains the lads that were in SB confirmed what everybody have been saying all along, not everybody was booing rafa and he was only booed when he is being clueless..
Desmondadonis
Yes Des...A small section in the MH end...most that was done in accord was chants and songs against Rafa occasionally during the game.
nelyvanile
Cobham blue, my exact reason for asking nely as I noticed it in the 66th minute, but unlike before, I don't notice it. Most expecially during games, and the guys in here made it sound as if its a nuclear war at the bridge
Desmondadonis
Yes Des...A small section in the MH end...most that was done in accord was chants and songs against Rafa occasionally during the game.
nelyvanile
Rafa was loudly booed as he stood on the touchline. That has not happened since the Man City game. There was loud singing of Jose Mourinho's name, and a loud chorus of "Rafa Benitez, we'll sing what we want" plus of course "eff off Benitez you're not wanted here" and a more rousing than usual RDM chorus on 16 mins. Oh and quite a few banners. All much worse than normal and yet the media are saying the atmosphere was fine. If they think today was okay, why the heck have they been saying the previous tame atmospheres have been toxic? There is definitely an agenda here.
CobhamBlue
"He is only booed when he is bein clueless",really??does that make him improve??what exactly have been achieved with the boos??
Ken4CFC
Hence my statement for us fans being fickle minded.. And the rapiers are out!! Shame
Desmondadonis
Most of the toxicity was chants! I heard lots of new chants,and they rhymed pretty well tbh. Lol
nelyvanile
Most of the toxicity was chants! I heard lots of new chants,and they rhymed pretty well tbh. Lol
nelyvanile
"He is only booed when he is bein clueless",really??
does that make him improve??what exactly have
been achieved with the boos??
Ken4CFC
The last time I checked, I thought we agreed to ignore each other's comments if we don't agree with it? Yet you provoked me by calling me a saddist, saying I am hauling profanities, I'll ask you to ignore my comments for the last time and not insult me, if u don't agree with it, @merlin I hope u notice this if you have not. There is a limit to what anyman can take u know?
Desmondadonis
Sorry for the repeated post$
nelyvanile
Sorry for the repeated post$
nelyvanile
Nah,u and i know the reason for your post and which section it was aimed at,so stop be one hell of a smart dude..hence my response about u fixin your fickle 'mind'
Ken4CFC
Very glad for the win. I believe with the right players we can hold on to 3rd place. The crowd at SB were still hostile but were I don't remember seeing banners. Chanting the name of the manager they think we need...Jose, he will be an option but I'm not sure that Roman will want to spend on the players he will want. The players seemed more relaxed and Oscar despite not converting any of his chances played well. I think Rafa took Hazard off because of his caution and it should have been Ba and Torres together. I still don't get the reasoning behind playing one striker at a time. If they play together then an understanding will develope...they should be able to feed off each other. If Mikel is gonna be summoned that late then just keep Ake on the bench for a time wasting sub. Mikel is much more important than that...should have been Torres for Mata and Mikel for the dude in the # 8 shirt. I hope for the best in the games to come.
had2bg
layorh12, Wasn't there reports coming out of Russia a couple of months ago stating as fact that Hiddink would be the next Chelsea manager and it was all agreed? I don't think I believe it but the source was convinced it was a done deal.
CobhamBlue
Nah,u and i know the reason for your post and
which section it was aimed at,so stop be one hell of
a smart dude..hence my response about u fixin
your fickle 'mind'
Ken4CFC............
well, im happy with the win . and the atmosphere
there sure has changed !!
JackSufre...........
Just got home from the bridge pretty good
game,we could have scored more but choked up.
Typical Chelsea a nervy end to the game as
usual,and big thanks to Cech. All in all a good win
and 3 points... Let's hope spurs choke up,and
hopefully its a draw. And to those saying we had a
better atmosphere,that's almost really
laughable,bcos its basically the same atmosphere
we've had of late. Probably the most exciting part
was at HT when an 8 year old kid missed the goal
post thrice,and finally scored...then fans at the MH
end screamed Torres!! Torres!!! That brought out a
laugh and eased the mood at the bridge. Up the
Chels!
nelyvanile
I'll say again, don't hurl insults at me, calling me saddist and some that haul profanities when I am saying my mind.... @merlin, next time I won't take it
Desmondadonis
Saying I am a saddist and someone who haul profanities**** typos........ This thread have been clean so far.
Desmondadonis
My friend i think u have to 1st sort out yourself before u start accusing others..i for one am not into the habit of insultin anyone who disagrees with my views(those i have argued with will bear me witness),i entertain opposition to my views and we have a civil debate,so this terrible picture u are tryin to paint realy holds no water,i will continue to agree or disagree with your views..u provoked me 1st by callin me a stream roller and literarily callin me an illiterate hence my response..i dont remember signin an agreement with anyone here to ignore there views.
Ken4CFC
This is a public forum.do u know how many folks i would love to ignore their comments??or perhaps how many would love to ignore mine?? But the truth is we all cant always be on the same page,there must always be differing views and have come to accept and tolerate them(u should too,it would do u lots of good) and not tellin everyone who disagrees with u to ignore your view or u insult them..
Ken4CFC
What I learnt from the game is, Oscar is a very dangerous player, he should never be taken lightly by opposition defenders, he is a complete player and has the potential to become a football Legend. He is a special guy, he needs a Manager that will love, support and help him get better. Ancelloti would have been perfect.
SameX
www.sport360.com/football/hiddink-opens-door-possible-chelsea-return?theme=mobile_garland
www.sportinglife.com/football/news/article/2/8533290/hiddink-coy-on-chelsea-return
www.chelseadaft.org/2013/01/hiddink-to-return-as-chelsea-head-coach.html?m=1
www.chelseafc.com/chelsea-article/article/1877695/title/guus-hiddink
That's up to the club, but most clubs have
someone who protects the culture of the club and,
at Chelsea, Frank is one of those guys," Hiddink said.
"And although Frank is 34, he's still fit, still treats
himself well. When I asked him once in training to
stay off the pitch today and not play tomorrow
because he was injured, he said 'No, boss, please,
please, please'. So he's eager and looks after
himself very well."
Desmondadonis
Oscar needs to know he is a #10 and should pass first before shooting. The boy loves shooting and shooting. He should learn how to play first time tru balls to the players ahead. He will be a great player.
SameX
There is a difference in ignoring and not nose poking, nobody is talking of agreeing here or disagreeing, what we are talking about is the stupid language u used, never in ur life use it again whilst refering to me, that we come here as fans doesn't give u the audacity to talk to me in that way, don't hide under the guise of the internet to haul insults at me or my person just because u won't get a black eye behind ur computer. since u are too thick to apologize then use ur brain and ignore my comments
Desmondadonis
Moses & Mata are tired, they need plenty of rest. Mata especially does not look fresh and is playing rough these days.
SameX
@samex, under a coach that knows how to improve player's individual talent, he'll make oscar a world class no.10, his shots are not overtly weak, foster made some world class saves... I see us having a team that will plummet weaker teams when we are stable
Desmondadonis
4-2-1-3 Cech-Paulo-Cahill-Terry-Ryan Mikel-Ake Oscar Hazard-T9-Marin. Rafa should play this team on Thursday and give rest to the other players for the ManU game.
SameX
If i used stupid language then u used terrible language,never in your life use it again whilst referin to me,that we come here to discuss chelsea does not give u the effrontery to talk to me in that way..u certainly have benefit of sittin behind your pc/smartphone to haul insults on me and others just because u wont lose your teeth or an eye.i normally apologize folks when i step out the line but now my friend u aint gettin any from me till u apologize u started it...
Ken4CFC
I agree with ur lineup, but disagree with hazard ahead of moses, moses is fresher than hazard and I will like to see if that formation will work
Desmondadonis
If i used stupid language then u used terrible language,never in your life use it again whilst referin to me,that we come here to discuss chelsea does not give u the effrontery to talk to me in that way..u certainly have benefit of sittin behind your pc/smartphone to haul insults on me and others just because u wont lose your teeth or an eye.i normally apologize folks when i step out the line but now my friend u aint gettin any from me till u apologize u started it...
Ken4CFC
If i used stupid language then u used terrible language,never in your life use it again whilst referin to me,that we come here to discuss chelsea does not give u the effrontery to talk to me in that way..u certainly have benefit of sittin behind your pc/smartphone to haul insults on me and others just because u wont lose your teeth or an eye.i normally apologize folks when i step out the line but now my friend u aint gettin any from me till u apologize u started it...
Ken4CFC
Oops...*****ty pc
Ken4CFC
I don't need ur apologies, if it were given I'll see it as tainted and not genuine, as I said most times, ignore my comments, and its not for the skewed reason of either disagreeing or agreeing, I av been in on VC for over a year and I must say I and so many intelligent folks have agreed or disagreed here and we don't turn the thread to a war zone, I AM ASKING YOU TO REFRAIN FROM GETTING ME IRRITATED WITH CHEAP COMMENTS/WORD YOU CAN ONLY USE WHILST REFERRING TO ME ON THE FORUM HIDING WHILST BEHIND UR COMPUTER, it is not too much to ask.
Desmondadonis
Haha! @Demond... it's funny you are asking @Ken4CFC to apologize for something you started.. It was glaring your comment was a response to mine and Ken4CFC, I only ignored because Ken4CFC already replied and had you taken care of....
Latunvic
@latunvic, since u responded to me by using my name (probably to get some), I am doing so this once to clarify, I commented on the comments I pasted above and from the ones I have been against for over a coupla days now, that when we win, they won't mention the fans, but when we lose imeediately, they highlight the fans as the reason, and I used the word WE,(check the meaning) and (fickle minded) u can check the meaning too, to refer to fans and said it is what makes football amazing, what is the insult in that for godsake?
Desmondadonis
@GabeU how about the 4 past Stoke and Wigan? Nervy finish but the first half was the best they have played in a while fighting for every ball. Ramires and Lampard looked good today.
Anarchy
William Hil have next manager of Chelsea 5/6 Jose with Pelligrini next favourite at 8/1.....lets hope they know something we don't.
dickturpin
If it is all about insults, una two no reach..... Besides I don't really like all this rants, that is why I make my comment and chose who I direct my comments too, peeps in my wavelength, who won't nitpick on anything I say, hence the reason I ask evryone of u, (who don't understand me) to ignore my comments, so we can keep things civil.
Desmondadonis
And i dont need yours too,keep it to yourself cos u might need it later..i will continue to agree/disagree with any view here irrespective of whos'..this a public forum and not your fb wall or twitter page.if my comments get u irritated then get ready for more,cos am not gonna change my perspective to appease u,every word i post here i can say before your very eye,i have gat no intention or agenda against u,am here to express my views u either agree or disagree and i would reply in the same mode of your agreement or disagreement...and not tryin to make it look like u are bein victimised
Ken4CFC
U sef no reach
Ken4CFC
U sef no reach
Ken4CFC
Guys, no need for all this, calm down and lets just enjoy the win. @Ken & Desmond
SameX
@samex,no worries mate,we are savourin the win...me and des just trashin out a few differences.thanks all the same
Ken4CFC
vital win boys..c'mon u chels
JohnnyOz
Im a sheff wed fan and i think you Rafa Boo boys should leave him alone! you have made your point..look at it like this you have got a very good squad with a good manager until the end of the season,you got hell of alot of money to buy very good players!! and yes im a sheff wed fan..you should think yourselfs lucky because i would not wish on what we bin through on you guys.
chris83owls
@desmond & Ken 2 of u be 9ja una 2 dey craze ooo lol..we r here to talk about football but u 2 r here barking at each other C'mon now guys let's grow some balls pls..enuf
bluebroda
These wins should be routine. The only test should be top 4 teams.
foreign_viewer
chants is chants . it sure hype things up while booing not . i wasnt there at SB and the most of time i sit in front of my theater set . through the season , SB had not been that festal . well , im glad it changed and we fecking win . thats a relief . i noticed some folks trashing Oscar not converting his chances . well , foster did well to stop him scores mate ... the same case that cech save our arses .
JackSufre
As I said in the moments thread, we should be pleased that Oscar gets into position to take those chances on. I recall where he had 4 defenders around him in their area and 2 touches and he put his shot slightly wide of the goal. Just imagine Torres trying that!! Oscar had a great game, and as others have posted, he has the potential to be an immense player. Robbie was the right manager for him to nurture to greatness. Shame.
BlueABS
Jack,yea foster did well to stop him score but its just that our lads have a way of makin poor keepers look good and average keepers look world class
Ken4CFC
BlueABS,i dont think any1 is denyin the fact he had a great game or he is a great talent..all we are sayin is that in as much as he gets into those great positions he should as well convert atleast one..what does it profit a man to get into those great positions and still fluff all the chances??
Ken4CFC
Good win Chelsea but win or no win RAFA OUT
sojofjand
Jose Mourinho, Jose Mourinho! Why wait until may? Why wait until maaaayy
Rafa benitez, fock off today!!!
Lakupiippu
Welcome 3 points, way to go lads.
ForeverChels
Under an ideal scenario 'll expect us to win all our BPL matches till april 6th...Fulham, Westham, Soton and Sunderland...regardless of whether the matches are at home or away....not even a single draw...if it happens i will be really delighted...hope it happens.
layorh12
and another tot that occured to me is that if we are goin to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation for next season...we need to sort the pivot by buying an experinced ball playing midfielder (benat or such player) and promoting one of our youth to support him (Josh/kdb - i like them both)...then get another very good band of three for good rotation so that fatigue does not kill our play...this new band of three does not have to be expensive but must be quite good....I think if the first band of three is Mazacar...then the next band of three can be Moses,KDB (if josh is preferred at the pivot) and maybe markovic....we can also get decent striker, and sign a mr. utility in a player like Fellani...so with the scenario above..we'll bringing in a ball playing midfielder (like Benat who has refused to sign a new deal and if we can poach him will be ridiculoudly cheap), Markovic (10m), Fellani (25m) and a decent striker (20m max)....this is the worst case scenario in terms of prices...we'll release some players...certain:Paulo, slomou..probables:Marin,Lamps, torres, brana....so we should be fine...when i read my post...it looks like the Fellani purchase might actually be a luxury given that Romeu could be a great player and barca appear not to be soo gold any longer....so if the board also shares that opinion, we might be spending a lot less and our team will be deadly...with a good coach we'll ripp other teams off and find consistency bcos we'll have numbers...and thats the transition finally complete....note: my analysis does not include the goalie position.
layorh12
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/301664/Conte-keen-on-switch-to-Bridge. Aren't the daily star funny, mind you this decision would get my full support.
Blue1989
@Layorh Oscar and Mata are our options for #10. Why play them together?? I think they should rotate the role. I would rather sell Marin & Yossi. And get Rodriguez. Play Rodriguez-Mata-Hazard OR Moses-Oscar-KDB in the band of 3.
SameX
Btw, I think the deal for Lazar is dead. Torres is a gunner for sure, he will even be the one to beg Roman to let him go. He can't bear the shame anymore. We have Ba & Lukaku but the board may want to add another CF with a different playing style, thats why I think Lewandrowski will be perfect. He will not cost more than 20m Euros.
SameX
@Layorh,a good team plan you concocted up there...but i want to know just why you included Ivanovic in the surplus to requirement list.
Ohans
We made a huge mistake not landing Taison for peanuts. I watched him in the UCL against BVB, he caused their defenders all sorts of problems. He is a quality winger with a low price tag, Our board did not take the deal serious cos his price tag was too low. He would have done well for us this season and beyond.
SameX
They were ready to pay 38m pounds for an overrated HulK, I dont understand why they did not grab the oppurtunity to land Taison for peanuts.
SameX
@Blue1989 Conte is a guy I like but he may not come tbh, he loves Juventus. Pelegrini on the other hand can help our young guns, he can give us an identity and put confidence into them with his experience.
SameX
He has not been in his usual best for some games and the majority of the season,granted! I for one has criticize him before,but dont you reckon its a tad harsh adjudging him to be useless to the extent of disposing him off?
Ohans
@ohans loool...dont worry I understand your concern about brana..but its my view...i think he's on the decline...I dont think he'll be sold though..but if we get a decent offer it might be better to cash in...he 'll be 29, one year below the chelsea's 30 mark, when trouble begins for a player, he is now largely a liability at RB...and he is 3rd at best in cental defence at best in my eyes..we can cash in on him...bring in Wallace or Omeruo and deputize Azpi and bring Kalas as a 3rd choice CB..or buy a cheaper younger player.
layorh12
I agree with Ohans, Iva has not been good for some part of this season and I wanted us to sell him at a point but Iva is still a fine player, on his day he is unplayable, I think he is just experiencing his bad moments, the problem Rafa is making is he plays Iva@RB in the big games instead of a very good and fit Azpi. Iva is no longer the beast he used to be @RB. He seems to be more comfortable in CB especially when played alongside Luiz or Terry. No matter what happens, Iva has become a senior player and his experience will be very vital both now and in the future. He plays with plenty of passion & hunger, we need players like him, we must not sell him.
SameX
@SameX your suggestion is also quite nice...although I do think we will sign Markovic...I thing there is a pre-contract in place...we'll wait and sell...but I wont mind your idea all at...although only Gawd know how much porto will sell Rodriguez...l hate chelsea dealing with porto for players...if I can 'll rather avoid them....they are muggs..!...but like I said we'll wait and see.
layorh12
**we'll wait and see sorry for the typo
layorh12
I agree with Ohans, Iva has not been good for some part of this season and I wanted us to sell him at a point but Iva is still a fine player, on his day he is unplayable, I think he is just experiencing his bad moments, the problem Rafa is making is he plays Iva@RB in the big games instead of a very good and fit Azpi. Iva is no longer the beast he used to be @RB. He seems to be more comfortable in CB especially when played alongside Luiz or Terry. No matter what happens, Iva has become a senior player and his experience will be very vital both now and in the future. He plays with plenty of passion & hunger, we need players like him, we must not sell him.
SameX
and my suggestion of 6 players for the attacking band does not in any way suggest that there will be a first 3 and then a back up 3...I will expect the six players to compete and based on form and what the coach wants to achieve, the best three plays while the other three remains fresh...for example a band of 3 of hazard-mata Markovic will impossible to deal by team who wants to park the bus at least on paper...as Hazard and Markovic are extremely fast and Markovic can hug the lines...so variations will make us extremely unpredictable, I hope it happens...we are soo close...
layorh12
I would sell Romeu and release Lamps. I would recall Josh and put Ake in the first team fully. I would get Benat(13m) and Ikay Gundogan(15m). I would play Josh-Ake combo in all the CC games, FaCup games against lower opposition & give them game time in some EPL games. I would play Mikel-Benat combo against tough EPL teams and UCL games. Rami-Gundogan combo can take care of the other EPL games and rotate with Benat & Mikel depending on the opposition and Injuries. We dont need a 30m Felleini who is more of a CAM than a pivot player.
SameX
@layorh and ohans, if we want to get fellaini, then we should be sure that we are maintaining the pivot formation, if we are not playing it, then he'll be a luxury buy, but if the next manager wants to continue with that formation then romeu won't get much of a chance
Desmondadonis
We should complete the signing of Lewandrowski & Benat like we did for Marin before the end of the season. Both players have made it clear they will not be signing a new contract. Their market value is low as their contract is going to an end. Why not land both now.
SameX
@samex have u seen romeu and ake extensively to say u'll sell romeu outrightly? With what we were seeing of romeu, he was getting better than mikel or closer to his level
Desmondadonis
Yes SameX, Taison would been a better and cheaper alternative for Willian who many craved. Although,i have an eye on KDB,hence felt unexcited by the prospect of us landing another wing man.
Ohans
I believe kdb is more of a midfielder than a winger, his pace is not as much as hazard or moses, he got the tools to make a good winger, but he lacks the pace and he is not "that" skillful, but put him in the middle and he'll be wrecking havoc with his splitting passes and wicked shots... In my own opinion
Desmondadonis
I would not sell Romeu personally,he is top notch really. Ake looks decent,but unlike Romeu,we've not seen what he brings to the table against a top team. As for Fellaini,i have never seen him as the man we need,moreso,as i dont want us to utilize the 4-2-3-1 with much consistency. Btw,he will be better in a role that is anything but that formation...i opine he will be more suited to a 4-3-3. But even at that,he is too leggy and sortta slow for the kind of inclusion i want us to make.
Ohans
What i think we re lacking in our midfield is a very good ball joggler in the deeper part of the midfield. Oscar offers something close to what am talking about whenever he is slotted into the pivot. With that sort of player,we will cease to suffer without Mata...with what i've heard and seen of Benat,he may be a good bet. Modric too also provides that sort of ball retention and range of passes that i think we should be looking out for in a player. With a 4-3-3 set up,and a combo of luiz-ramires-oscar,he will dominate games and score loads of goals,esp with an attacking trio that knows were the net is, and can resume marking and pressing once the ball is lot. Hazard,Moses,Ba,Mata,KDB,Piazon...and ofcos the other strikers...will do.
Ohans
I agree to that formation in a 4-3-3 setup those players will triumph, the only cog there is that rammy should hold like he did against westbrom yesterday, while luiz and oscar should be spraying the passes, by next season, we can get better DMs if this guys don't raise their games under a new manager
Desmondadonis
*typo..'We not he',and the later suggested set up,i.e,luiz-oscar,rami...is for this season. Next season having a first 3 trio of Benat-Mikel-Ramires will be solid.
Ohans
A deserving win our finishing let us down but the most important thing here was we won the game.
Elbowz
All well and good saying sign him him and him, but we can only have a 25 man squad, so we'll need to sell or release before we buy, the sat thing we want is another highly paid player like Malouda sitting there doing nothing for a year! That said with the right 3 additions we'll have a monster squad with plenty of flair and grit!
Out: Hilario, Turnbull, Benayoun, Malouda, Ferreira, Lampard, Torres, Iva Romeu, Essien
In: Benat, Jovetic, Fellaini.
Cech, Blackman, Courtois, Azpilicueta, Wallace, Terry, Omeruo, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Benat, Fellaini, Ramires, Josh, Ake, Chalobah, Hazard, Moses, Mata, Oscar, KDB, Marin, Lukaku, Ba, Jovetic, Piazon.
This squad has a great mix of youth and experience and is versatile.
Splint1976
Nice One Splint but Iva should not be sold, he has quality & experience in him. I agree with bringing in Omerou. Romeu should be sold cos we dont want another Essien with us, he has quality but he seems like an injury player. Jovetic is quality but he is prone to injuries & will not come cheap. Lewandrowski is not injury prone & will not cost more than 17m Pounds.
SameX
No need to waste 30m on Felleini, Ikay Gundogan will be much more Ideal and will not cost much. Mikel, Rami, Ikay, Josh, Ake, & Benat should be okay for our pivot. Keep Chalobah on loan, let him develop more.
SameX
Another Rafa-inspired win :) had Oscar converted the CLEAR chances he got we'd have embarrassed West Brom
@Mq
The 1-0 scoreline flattered West Brom...as usual though, the myopic few will always look for the negatives to try satisfy their negativity-induced satisfaction. Hope we keeping winning more and the idiots keep being embarrassed. Kudos to Rafa and the team :)
@Mq
@Samex...The board was very interested in buying Taison, but the new Shathar Owner was adamant not to do business with Chelsea...Note that the old owner agreed the move, but the new owner rejected it once he took control....But, Taison is one more person who just highlight the 'EYE FOR TALENT' emenalo has...he is very good cheif scout and can get you the right persoon for a system we defined...
Blu_run
Let me guess, another game you didn't see in full then @Mq.
SpanishBlue
Hanging on at home to West Brom for the last half hour, it was another very poor performance. Everyone apart from Rafa could see that our tactics weren't working, that Odemwingie was making a difference and providing a threat which we were not negating. The lift Odemwingie provided along with our own inadequacies instilled belief into WBA that they could draw or even win the game and we sat back doing nothing about it. It was matter of time before they equalised but fortunately for us, time just ran out. Yet Benitez made his 1st change with 10 mins to go, like for like, Moses for Hazard. Then with 4 mins to go and our backs well and truly against the wall, the tactical master stroke was to replace Ba with Torres. Genius! Has he ever made a tactical change during a game whilst 'managing' us? Clarke made a change for West Brom that changed the game and he was unlucky not to get something from it. Benitez did nothing. Same old, same old. The atmosphere was no different to usual, not as bad as Rafa deserved, so it is pure fabrication to talk any more about the influence of this fan negativity. It's all b*llox, especially the Manger!
SpanishBlue
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