Jose Mourinho’s Top Five Player Signings for Chelsea

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For all Jose Mourinho’s self-proclaimed specialness, it has to be said he is not afraid to splash the cash when he wants a player. And though there have been some highly profligate and questionable signings (£21m for Shaun Wright-Phillips for one), he has also picked out some absolute crackers. Here, in no particular order, are the five we think were the best of the bunch:

Ashley Cole – £5m from Arsenal

A slightly controversial transfer (at least from the point of view of Arsenal fans) as Ashley Cole made the trip across London to sign for the Blues after the Gunners offered him what he thought was a derisory wage package that would be worth around £55k a week. Roman Ambramovich’s pockets were deeper, and Chelsea more than doubled his wages, and Blues fans were glad they were.

Costing just £5m (and a then out-of-sorts William Gallas), Cole proved his worth as not only a dependable defender, but one of the best full backs of his generation. He has earned over 100 England caps and made more than 220 appearances for the Blues. A great piece of business for one of the world’s best defenders.

Didier Drogba – £24m from Marseille

Perhaps the best of Mourinho’s signings, Drogba was unheard of to the average football fan when he emerged onto the Premier League scene as the most expensive Ivorian player in history.

People soon learned his name as the powerful striker battled for everything and won almost all of it. With a penchant for scoring goals when it really, really mattered (he’s the only player to score in four FA Cup finals), the burly front man scored 100 goals for the blues in just 226 appearances. Most Blues fans feel his scoring ability, power and pace has never been replaced. Their feelings are spot on.

André Schürrle – £18m from Bayer Leverkusen

One of the signings from Mourinho’s current tenure (we didn’t feel the need to include Willian’s £30m move!), André Schürrle has all the attributes to make him a Chelsea great. He can tackle, shoot with power and accuracy, set up play, has great vision and doesn’t shy away from the rough and tumble of the Premier League.

While some would argue it is too early to include the former Leverkusen man, we think they will change their tune in the coming months, especially if he plays a starring role for Germany in the World Cup in Brazil.

Michael Essien – £24.4m from Lyon

Essien has been one of Mourinho’s favourites for years, the Portuguese boss having signed him back in 2005 then taking him on loan to Real Madrid in the 2012-13 season. He was voted Chelsea fans’ Player of the Year after the 2006-07 season when he was the driving force (alongside Frank Lampard) of the midfield.

A dynamic and powerful midfielder with an eye for goal and a tackle to fear, Mourinho no doubt wishes Essien was a few years younger so he could get the best out of him during the manager’s second spell at the Bridge.

Ricardo Carvalho – £19.85m from Porto

Ricardo Carvalho’s rise went in tandem with that of Jose Mourinho, who was his boss at Porto when they won back to back Portuguese titles and the Champions League. Carvalho was voted the best defender in Europe’s premier competition that season, and Mourinho wasted no time in bringing him with him to Chelsea in 2004.

Carvalho proved himself to be a cultured defender who became the perfect foil for John Terry, adding an assured air to the back four. He went on to make 135 appearances for the Blues between 2004 and 2010, when he was again signed by Mourinho who had then moved to Real Madrid. Carvalho remains one of the best Chelsea defenders in the Premier League era.

Chelsea v Steaua Bucharest Match Preview (Champions League) – 11th December 2013

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After Chelsea’s disappointing 3-2 defeat at Stoke on Saturday, this midweek Champions League match against Group E wooden spooners Steaua Bucharest could come as a welcome distraction. But Jose Mourinho’s men won’t be able to take things too easy against the Romanians because, despite being assured of a place in the knockout stages, the Blues need a result to ensure they finish top of the group.

And ending at the top of the Group E tree could be crucial if they are to go far in the tournament as it would mean they would avoid other group winners in the next round, teams that will include Bayern Munich (barring a miracle for Man City when they visit Bavaria), Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona (who should finish the job against Celtic to top Group H).

Of course, the home side should win this one with ease given Steaua have managed to score just two goals in the group so far (both against Basel with whom they drew 1-1 home and away). Chelsea also won 4-0 when visiting Bucharest, two goals from Ramires, one from Frank Lampard and an own goal from Daniel Georgievski making it a straightforward victory. And we don’t expect anything less at the Bridge.

The sides met in the round of 16 stage of the Europa League last season, and Chelsea didn’t make it easy for themselves. They lost the first leg 1-0 in Romania and after taking the lead in the home leg, Steaua equalised, sending shockwaves through the Stamford Bridge crowd. But second half goals from John Terry and Fernando Torres (he does score sometimes!) sent Chelsea on their path to Europa League glory.

On Saturday the Blues created enough chances to have put the game to bed, but their profligacy gave Mark Hughes’ Stoke side the belief they could get something from the match. And so it turned out, with goals from Peter Crouch, Stephen Ireland and a cracker from Oussama Assaidi earning the three points for the home side despite a fine brace from Andre Schurrle.

Mourinho was frustrated with his side’s lack of precision in front of goal, but also at the fact they had conceded three goals for the second match in succession. One of Chelsea’s major strengths over recent years has been their strong defence and the fact they have been somewhat leaky of late will be a major cause for concern for the manager (and the fans), especially with a trip to the Emirates coming up before Christmas.

As such we expect a clean sheet to be high on Mourinho’s wish list here, along with a few goals of course. With a hectic fixture schedule ahead, the Portuguese boss is likely to shuffle his deck and let some of the second string stretch their legs, but we fancy a comfortable victory for Chelsea as they progress as group winners.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 3-0

Stoke City 3-2 Chelsea Match Report – 7th December 2013

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Chelsea suffered their third Premier League defeat of the season on Saturday when they went down 3-2 at Stoke City. In an exciting game that saw plenty of chances for both sides it was the home side who ultimately edged it after early profligacy in front of goal cost the visitors dear.

Jose Mourinho’s men have now conceded three goals in their last two matches, and while they had enough firepower to overcome Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in midweek (a match the Blues won 4-3), they didn’t have the required finishing ability to get the better of the Potters in front of a vociferous crowd at the Britannia.

Things started well enough for the Pensioners when Andre Schurrle fired home after nine minutes, but lanky Peter Crouch levelled things up just before the break after Petr Cech was caught in no man’s land at a corner, leaving himself helpless to prevent the low effort.

Stoke came out after half time with all guns blazing, their equaliser having visibly galvanised the players. After good work on the right from Jonathan Walters, Stephen Ireland put the home side ahead with a curling shot that left Cech with no chance. The equaliser, though, was not long in coming, Schurrle popping up again to smash a fine half-volley past Asmir Begovic.

At 2-2 it looked like Chelsea were having the better of the play, but Stoke defended stoutly and refrained from simply sitting back in the hope of earning a point. It was left to Stoke’s Oussama Assaidi (on loan from Liverpool) to settle matters with a strike that deserved to win any match. Again Cech had no hope of preventing the venomous strike that nestled in the top corner, and – given it was scored as the 90 minutes were coming to an end – the visitors simply had no time to respond.

Blues boss Mourinho looked far from happy after the match, bemoaning his side’s wastefulness in the first half and the fact they have conceded six goals in two games. It was the first time they had conceded three goals in consecutive away matches since April/May 1998, and the Portuguese manager was clearly not impressed.

Given the lack of firepower or clinical finishing it is likely Chelsea will seek to dip into the transfer market in January, at least if they want to get themselves in a position to battle for the title. They will certainly need to improve at both ends of the pitch if they are to get anything when they face Arsenal at the Emirates on 23rd December, a match which could yet prove pivotal in the race to become Premier League champions.

They have two matches before that (both at home, to Steaua Bucharest and Crystal Palace) followed by a further two home matches in the league (Swansea and Liverpool), after which we will have a much better idea about whether Mourinho’s men are serious contenders for the title. On Saturday’s evidence we would have to say not.

Stoke v Chelsea Match Preview (Premier League) – Saturday 7th December 2013

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Chelsea have now won three successive league games and despite things not quite seeming right at the Bridge the Blues are second in the Premier League (and of course have progressed with a game to spare in the Champions League).

Whilst many enjoy putting the boot in the facts are that Jose Mourinho’s team are grinding out the results and it is that ability that the Portuguese boss is best known for. In recent weeks they have been far from the fluent, convincing side fans and Roman Abramovich yearn for and yet they are still two points clear of Man City, six better off than Spurs and eight points ahead of struggling Man United.

That said, they will need to improve if they are to get a vital three points from this trip to the Britannia. Stoke have the irritating ability to raise their game when the top sides visit the Potteries and the fans always make it an intimidating environment.

The Pensioners have fared better than some of the other big boys in recent years, especially back in January when they won 4-0. The four league meetings prior to that ended in consecutive 1-0 Chelsea wins at the Bridge and a 0-0 and 1-1 draw at Stoke before that. Stoke have never beaten Chelsea in the Premier League but if the Blues play as they did at Sunderland the home side could very easily get a draw if not take all three points.

Mourinho’s men have been particularly unconvincing on the road, losing at Everton and Newcastle and drawing at United – when they offered little going forward – and at Spurs. Tough games, no doubt, but two points is clearly well below par for a side with title aspirations.

Given Stoke are down in 14th, with 14 points from 14 games (could the score be 1-4?) the visitors will certainly expect to win and whilst the Potters managed to draw 0-0 at home with Cardiff on Wednesday, prior to that they went down 4-0 at Everton.

This one looks set to be a low scoring affair, considering recent meetings between the sides (that match in January aside) but even more so given the pattern of games at the Britannia this term. A Stoke season ticket may be considered more of a punishment than a prize, given the seven games at the ground have seen a total of just eight goals. Mark Hughes’ side have the 19th most potent home attack and the second best home defence and so this one seems unlikely to be a thriller.

Chelsea should prevail but their lack of a potent striker means they are ill-equipped to deal with such a tight defence and if the away side do clinch the three points 1-0 certainly looks the most likely score. It could very easily end 0-0 or 1-1 but we just about think the Blues will do enough and maybe John Terry will be the man to net the winner.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 1-0

Sunderland 3-4 Chelsea Match Report (Premier League) – Wednesday 4th December 2013

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Chelsea came from behind to win a pulsating encounter at the Stadium of Light by a 4-3 scoreline but it is clear that the Blues still have so much work to do, especially on the road.

Prior to this they had dropped points at Everton, Spurs, Newcastle and Man United on the road, only mustering wins against lowly Norwich and West Ham and Jose Mourinho must have feared the worst when the home side scored through Jozy Altidore after just 14 minutes.

They hit back quickly to steady the nerves, Frank Lampard having a free header after fine work from Juan Mata before the superb Eden Hazard made it 2-1 with a low strike from the edge of the area. Chelsea should have closed the game out but they continue to do things the hard way.

They struggled to find any real passing rhythm against a committed Sunderland and former Man United player John O’Shea equalised after a scramble in the 50th minute. The Black Cats had seen off Man City and Newcastle in their previous home fixtures and continued to battle hard but the superior ability of the Pensioners showed as a fine finish from Hazard made it 3-2 just after the hour mark.

Mourinho replaced the ineffectual Fernando Torres, who had earlier missed a good chance, with Demba Ba whilst Mikel later replaced Mata and it was Ba who provided the cross that led to the fourth goal. Phil Bardsley could only deflect the striker’s cross past his own keeper and at 4-2, once more, that should have been it.

However, just two minutes later Bardsley notched at the right end to make it 4-3 but with just four minutes left it was too little too late and Chelsea hung on to take the three points.

Mourinho’s men might not be doing things the easy way but they remain second in the league and have now won three league games on the bounce. They were very thankful to Hazard here but ultimately deserved the victory and will hope for an improved performance in their next game at Stoke, though the Potters never make things easy at the Britannia. Our preview of that one will be coming soon.

Sunderland v Chelsea Match Preview (Premier League) – 4th December 2013

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Chelsea got back to winning ways against Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but the visitors didn’t make it easy for Jose Mourinho’s men, scoring after just 13 seconds. For large parts of the match the Saints were stronger, faster and more creative than the home side, but goals from John Terry (in his 400th Premier League appearance), Gary Cahill and Demba Ba completed a fine 3-1 victory that moved the Blues up to second in the table.

Four points behind leaders Arsenal (who won 3-0 at Cardiff on Saturday), Mourinho will be hoping his side can capitalise on any slips by the Gunners over the hectic festive schedule, but earning three points from this trip up to the North East will be no foregone conclusion for the Pensioners.

Since Gus Poyet was brought in to replace Paolo Di Canio (whose reign was marked by erratic performances both on the pitch and in the dugout) the Black Cats have appeared a much-improved outfit. When playing at the Stadium of Light they have beaten local rivals Newcastle (to whom Chelsea lost recently) and also got the better of Southampton in the League Cup (who – as mentioned – gave almost as good as they got at Stamford Bridge on Sunday). Their biggest result, however, was the 1-0 victory over Manchester City, and though Manuel Pellegrini’s men haven’t travelled at all well this season, it is a result that will give Poyet’s team confidence of a similar result against the Blues.

This makes them dangerous opponents, and given Mourinho’s men have lost two of their last three away games (against Newcastle and Basel, both of whom they would be expected to beat), Chelsea fans would be forgiven a few nerves ahead of this one.

Having said that, coming back from a goal down – and, to be honest, being comprehensively outplayed early on – against the Saints will give Chelsea a massive boost ahead of this one. As might the fact that Juan Mata was given a full 90 minutes, and took his chance, playing his part in most of the good moves the home side created. If Mata is given another start on Wednesday – as he should given Oscar will probably miss out after picking up a knock on Sunday – we think the Spaniard will inspire the Blues to victory. And while it won’t be easy (the “new manager effect” still inspiring commitment and energy amongst the Sunderland playing staff) we think victory by a one-goal margin could be on the cards for Chelsea on Wednesday.

There is a chance Mourinho will go with two up top as his side looked far more dangerous on Sunday in the second half when Ba and Fernando Torres were both on the pitch. But whether he does or not we fancy a relatively close match that is just edged by the visitors as Chelsea continue to hang on to Arsenal’s coattails.

LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 2-1

Chelsea 3-1 Southampton Match Report (Premier League) – Sunday 1st December 2013

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Chelsea fought back from the shock of conceding a goal after just 13 seconds to beat Southampton 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and move up to second in the Premier League table.

It was never going to be an easy task against a side that had won at Liverpool and taken a deserved point from Old Trafford, and having conceded the early goal many Chelsea fans – and players? – could have been forgiven for thinking this was not going to their day.

The Pensioners have been struggling of late, with a tame loss at Newcastle followed in the league by the controversial 2-2 home draw with West Brom and another insipid performance – and a loss – against Basel in the Champions League (albeit proceeded by a straightforward 3-0 win at West Ham). Whilst it’s far too early to speak of pressure on Jose Mourinho, a home defeat here could have been the cue to start the debate given the short-termist nature of life in the Premier League, not to mention Roman Abramovich’s well known penchant for wanting champagne football and first class results yesterday if not earlier.

The goal that would have set Mourinho’s pulse racing here came as the result of an awful attempted back pass from manager’s favourite Michael Essien, making his first start of the season. The Ghanaian midfielder let in Jay Rodriguez who had no problem beating Petr Cech in the Chelsea goal.

Southampton have a fine blend of velvet and steel, with midfield enforcers Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin constantly closing down and breaking up the home attacks. Oscar occasionally managed to wriggle free of their attentions and was Chelsea’s most likely source of a goal but – save for a decent strike from 18 yards that was well saved – Saints keeper Artur Boruc was rarely tested. The Brazilian attacker was subbed off after 42 minutes injured and at that stage it really looked like being Southampton’s day.

At half time The Special One made another change, bringing off Essien and switching to two up front, Demba Ba joining Fernando Torres. The change, and no doubt stern words from the boss at the interval, produced the desired effect and the Blues began to control possession and look to create chances. This urged the crowd on and, as the pressure built, Gary Cahill managed to bundle the ball in after a header from Ba.

At 1-1, with 35 minutes remaining the home side knew this game was there for the taking and captain John Terry scored with a fine header on 62 minutes. Juan Mata, making a rare start, was pulling the strings now and as Southampton tired the home side looked to make sure of the win. Torres and Ba both had chances to seal the win before the latter made sure of the points at the death after good work from Ramires.

On the balance of play it was the right result but Mourinho and his side know they have a lot of work to do if they are contest the title. A trip to Sunderland on Wednesday awaits and another three points will be required.