Author: chelseafan

Chelsea suffered yet another defeat on Saturday, leaving them just three points above the relegation zone. Bournemouth were the first promoted team to win at Stamford Bridge since 2001, a result that delighted the travelling fans, but which heaps more pressure on the Blues and Jose Mourinho in particular. With a 14-point gap between them and the top four, is it time to write off the Champions League ambitions?

Once again Mourinho decided to play without a striker, leaving Eden Hazard as a false nine. John Terry was missing, but Thibaut Courtois returned to the team, as Asmir Begovic dropped to the bench. While it was tough on the Bosnian, having the Belgian back in goal seemed to be a comfort to the Chelsea defence early on. Abdul Baba Rahman and Branislav Ivanovic played at full back.

The Blues made a pretty sluggish start, as they were almost caught out from Bournemouth breaks on a couple of occasions. The team weren’t doing enough to pressure the visiting players, and the Cherries probably couldn’t believe how easy a ride they were getting. Eddie Howe’s men didn’t go ahead in the first half, but they probably deserved to.

Despite that, most would have had their money on a home win at half time. The arrival of Diego Costa into the game would only have added to the feeling that the home side would prevail, as the Spaniard replaced Oscar to give Chelsea a presence up top. Costa failed to make much of a difference, however, as he snarled through the 45 minutes without adding much bite.

The rest of the team did push for a goal, but they just weren’t good enough overall to break down a resilient Bournemouth team. Heading in to the last stages of the game, Glenn Murray popped up with a goal for the south coast side, which gave them a famous victory.

After the game Mourinho talked about his side’s performance, and a possible readjustment in their aims for the season. “The result is not fair,” he said. “In the first half we were soft and did not press and were not aggressive and were not intense. In the second half everything changed. We were aggressive, created chances and had crosses and a clear penalty that the referee did not see. That is the game.

“Before this game it was realistic to think that our quality would take us out of this position but maybe now we have to think about top six.”

Next up for Chelsea is a Champions League game against Porto. They have to avoid defeat to make it through to the last 16, while a loss would see them drop in to the Europa League. Given their recent league form, this week might be their last game in the Champions League for quite a while if they fall to another defeat, as a return next season doesn’t seem to be on the cards.

LCN Man of the Match: Kurt Zouma

Chelsea picked up a point against an in-form Tottenham side, after coming back from White Hart Lane with a goalless draw. That result saw Spurs go 13 games unbeaten, and they remain fifth in the table, 10 points clear of the 14th placed Blues. Could this be the start of a revival at the Bridge?

The big pregame news was Jose Mourinho’s decision to drop Diego Costa. The forward was left on the bench, while Loic Remy didn’t even make the squad. That left Eden Hazard in a false nine role, with Oscar, Pedro and Willian all in support. John Terry didn’t recover in time to make this one, so Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma started, with Branislav Ivanovic taking the armband.

Chelsea had Asmir Begovic to thank as they went in to the half time break level, after he kept out strikes from Son Hueng-min and Moussa Dembele. The Bosnian stopper looked a little shaky at times, but the players in front of him would hardly have filled him with confidence. That was because Spurs were the better side in the first 45, they just couldn’t carve out a chance to break the deadlock.

The second half saw an improved Chelsea team take the field, and their formation really started to trouble Tottenham. Hazard was a constant thorn in the side of fellow countrymen Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen. The midfielder did everything but get himself a goal in this game, and his work ethic will certainly have pleased Mourinho, who seems to have had his faith in Hazard restored after a few good displays.

While they couldn’t get themselves a goal, the Blues will be delighted with their work at the back, which saw Harry Kane kept quiet. After coming into this game with nine goals in six matches, and the fact that he scored twice in this fixture last season, many thought he’d find a way through a Chelsea defence which has been all too open this year. But the champions shut out Kane, as he barely had a chance of note in the game.

That solid defensive display unsurprisingly pleased Mourinho. After the game the Blues boss said, “I am more than happy with the performance. I am happy with the team collectively. It was the best Chelsea performance of the season, against a dangerous team. My players did everything to try and interpret my defensive ideas with the ball.”

On Costa, the boss said there were no problems there, despite the forward throwing a bib towards him in frustration. “For me his behaviour is normal. A top player on the bench will not be happy. If he wants to hurt me it would not be with a bib. I have a good relationship with him.”

Next up for the Blues is a game at home to Bournemouth, followed by a huge clash against Porto in the Champions League.

LCN Man of the Match: Eden Hazard

Chelsea moved top of their Champions League group with a big win in Israel against Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Tuesday evening. Goals from Gary Cahill, Willian, Oscar and Kurt Zouma inspired the Blues to victory, although manager Jose Mourinho didn’t seem best pleased on the touchline. With one more game left in the group, against Porto at Stamford Bridge, a draw should be enough to go through to the Round of 16 in first place.

Despite winning on Sunday, Mourinho shuffled his pack for this one, dropping Branislav Ivanovic and Kenedy to the bench, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Abdul Baba Rahman coming back in. Pedro was also left out, with Oscar coming in. That saw Eden Hazard moving back out to the left.

The other change brought the first goal, as Cahill was called back into the starting line-up. The centre half brought the first save of the game with a header from a corner, and he was the first to the rebound, finishing it off to open the scoring. The Blues had been dominant in the early stages, they just needed someone to finish, and lucky Cahill was on hand to provide that.

Former Blue Tal Ben Haim saw red just before half time, making his side’s job even more difficult. He wildly swung his leg at Diego Costa, and the referee immediately went for the red card. Going into the second half, Chelsea looked to be completely in control, with a goal and a man advantage.

Despite that, Maccabi came out fighting in the second period, pushing for an equaliser. The home side’s attackers got free a little too often for Mourinho’s liking, as he seemed furious on the touchline. Given just how badly things have gone for the team this season, you couldn’t blame him if he was worried that they’d throw this lead away.

However, they moved closer to the three points with just over 15 minutes to go, as Willian scored his sixth direct free kick of the season. It was perfectly placed for the Brazilian, and he lifted it over the wall and dropped it in the bottom corner, a goal which his excellent performance deserved.

After that, the floodgates opened. Oscar scored the only goal from open play, as he tucked in Baba Rahman’s cross after a good move. The Brazilian had troubled the defence a couple of times over the course of the night, and he finally had his goal with 10 minutes to go.

The fourth came in a similar manner to the first, with Zouma heading in from a corner to complete the win. Dynamo Kiev’s win in Porto meant that the Blues didn’t qualify on the night, but they can seal it win a point against Porto in two weeks’ time. Before that, there’s the small matter of a clash against Spurs, as Chelsea aim to move up the league table.

LCN Man of the Match: Willian

Chelsea got back to winning ways as they saw off Norwich at Stamford Bridge. Despite a strong display from the Canaries, it was the champions who took the points here, thanks to Diego Costa’s winner. After such a poor run, returning back to action with a win was a huge boost, especially with a massive week to come for the team.

Mourinho sprung a surprise at the back, as he brought Branislav Ivanovic back into the fold, moving Kurt Zouma into the middle in place of Gary Cahill. On top of that, Cesar Azpilicueta dropped down to the bench, with youngster Kenedy coming in to replace him at left back. Abdul Baba Rahman wasn’t even included in the squad. The manager included both Willian and Pedro, allowing Eden Hazard to take on a central role.

But, despite all the attacking talent on the pitch, Norwich put up a big fight. They started the game brightly, with Robbie Brady looking sharp. As time passed they moved deeper and deeper, as they tried to hold out for a draw. The attacking trio in midfield all worked well, possibly the first time all three have played well at the same time this term, but Chelsea just weren’t clinical enough. They went in 0-0 at the break, with Alex Neil’s side halfway to earning a huge point.

The second period gave us more of the same, as Norwich put men behind the ball, occasionally breaking rank to launch counter attacks. Asmir Begovic was big enough to fend those off, putting the Blues back in control, as they tried to crack through the determined resistance of the visitors.

Eventually they found a breakthrough, after pressing for over an hour. The goal was an incredibly simple one, and it came from a familiar route. Cesc Fabregas took a quick free kick from the middle of the park, which Costa picked up on, and he cut through the Norwich defence to score the opener.

The most promising thing following the goal was that the team didn’t attempt to close up and defend the lead. The team, inspired by a much improved Hazard, pushed forward, and they almost had a second when an effort from Zouma hit the crossbar. In the end, they didn’t manage to find a second goal, but they held on to take the points.

Hazard came off the pitch in the 90th minute for Azpilicueta, and the Belgian was given a standing ovation by the Stamford Bridge faithful. While he played well, it certainly wasn’t his best Blues display. The support from the fans was meant to back the talented playmaker, as rumours circulate that Mourinho could let him leave.

Next up for Chelsea is a game away to Maccabi Tel-Aviv on Tuesday night, before a trip to Spurs on Sunday. It’s going to be a massive week for the Blues, so their return to winning ways was well timed.

LCN Man of the Match: Eden Hazard

Chelsea suffered another defeat in this disappointing season as they lost 1-0 at Stoke on Saturday. The Blues made the trip without Jose Mourinho, who was serving a one game touch-line ban. Despite missing their manager, there was hope that the squad could build on their late win over Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday, but Marko Arnautovic’s second half effort saw Stoke take the three points.

The suspended Mourinho named a side which was pretty close to the one that won on Wednesday night. The back five from the game against Dynamo kept their places, as did Ramires and Nemanja Matic in midfield. Willian started, with Eden Hazard and Pedro coming in for Oscar and Cesc Fabregas in attacking midfield. While he couldn’t make it to the stadium, the manager certainly made his presence felt in his team selection.

The game was fairly even in the opening 45 minutes, as the champions held their own against a rejuvenated Stoke side. While the Potters have struggled at home this term, there was little sign of those problems in this game. Mark Hughes’ team certainly weren’t fearful, they appeared to expect to correct their poor run with a win in this one.

But Chelsea were doing well to hold out against that intent, right until the 53rd minute. The home side managed to expose the Blues’ back four, and they were able to carve out a chance at goal. That opportunity fell to Arnautovic, and he managed to acrobatically send a low strike past his former teammate Asmir Begovic. The hesitation from the experienced defenders isn’t something that Mourinho would have enjoyed, wherever he was watching the action.

After the goal, the away side took over the game, pushing to find an equaliser. Stoke keeper Jack Butland was once again in great form, preventing the champions from getting back on level terms. The game actually felt a lot like the League Cup meeting a few weeks ago, the only difference being that the Blues couldn’t find a last gasp equaliser to salvage a draw.

In the end, Mark Hughes celebrated a win over his former club, while Mourinho’s backroom staff couldn’t arrest the slide. After a seventh defeat in 12 league games, the last thing the team needed was another Diego Costa media storm. Many thought the worst after hearing the news that the abrasive forward had allegedly assaulted a steward, right up until they saw the video. A small push from the Spaniard led to the assault claim, which was quickly cleared up. If that steward seriously thought that little shove was dangerous, then we’d suggest staying clear of Oxford Street for the next month or so.

With another international break upon us, fans can relax without the worry of a game next weekend. When the Premier League returns in two weeks’ time, Mourinho returns with it, taking his place on the touchline against Norwich at the Bridge.

LCN Man of the Match: Eden Hazard

Chelsea picked up a crucial victory over Dynamo Kiev to keep their Champions League hopes alive thanks to a late strike from Willian. The Blues had led thanks to an own goal from Aleksander Dragovic. But, Dragovic got his team back in the game with a goal at the right end in the second half. Jose Mourinho looked set for another frustrating night, until Willian curled in a fantastic free-kick.

The big news before the game was that Jose Mourinho dropped key man Eden Hazard, after his poor recent performances. Willian, Oscar and Cesc Fabregas lined up behind Diego Costa, while Ramires and Nemanja Matic were on holding midfield duty once again. Gary Cahill made way for Abdul Baba Rahman, who started on the left, as Cesar Azpilicueta switched to the right side of defence.

The start in this one wasn’t close to the flying one made on Saturday, as the Blues were sluggish. With their place in the knockout stages far from secure, you’d have thought they’d have been up for this challenge. Dynamo looked comfortable here, and they knew a point in this game would be huge for their chances of making the last 16.

Despite their not so strong start, Chelsea actually took the lead. It came with a huge slice of luck, as Willian’s cross ended up being turned in to the net by Dyanmo defender Dragovic. That bit of ingenuity from the Brazilian winger was exactly what the Blues needed, and it showed why he’s been the only bright spark in this dreary campaign so far.

That goal brought some life into the team, and they pushed forward looking to double the lead. While they couldn’t find a second before half time, it was good to see that they had learnt from their mistakes against Liverpool, when they sat back almost straight after taking the lead, and they were punished for it.

The team did begin to sit back a little in the second period, but they were still carving out chances. There was a delicate balance to the game at 1-0, but that was rocked when the Ukrainians found an equaliser. With 13 minutes to play, the Premier League side’s problems from corners struck again, as an error from Asmir Begovic gave Dragovic a chance to make amends, one which he gladly took.

That goal looked to have condemned Chelsea to two more dropped points in this group, and it would have left them sitting third with only two games left to play. But, the winner came with time ticking away. But, the Blues won a free-kick 25 yards from goal, and Willian stepped up looking to maintain his recent impressive set piece form. His curling effort flew into the net, giving his manager a massive boost, and three vital points.

LCN Man of the Match: Willian

Chelsea suffered yet another defeat as Liverpool came from behind to win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Ramires had given the home side the lead in the 4th minute, but a brace from Philippe Coutinho and a strike from Christian Benteke saw Jurgen Klopp grab his first Premier League victory. That result left more questions over Jose Mourinho’s future, with the team languishing in 15th position in the table, just four points above the relegation zone.

Once again Kurt Zouma began the game at right back, while Nemanja Matic took up a place on the bench. John Obi Mikel and Ramires started in midfield, with Willian, Eden Hazard and Oscar just ahead. The Belgian seemed to be playing more centrally here, with Oscar moved out to the left hand side. Yet another tweak that Mourinho hoped would help his team get back to their best.

The champions did make the perfect start here, as they scored after just four minutes. Cesar Azpilicueta had time out on the left hand side, and that allowed him to whip the ball in to the middle. The cross met with Ramires’ run, and the Brazilian duly headed the Blues ahead. Following the goal, the home support sang their manager’s name, a show of support that could buy him a little time.

The great start continued for Mourinho’s side, as they dominated the first 20 minutes, looking better than they had all season. They slowly got too comfortable with their lead, however, and the Reds got more into the game. It looked like Chelsea wanted to play on the break, defending deep with their lead, despite the fact that there was over an hour left to play.

That tactic cost them late in the first half as Coutinho scored an equaliser to send the teams in level at the break. It was a fantastic goal, but the Brazilian was helped by an error from John Terry. Mourinho didn’t take too kindly to the goal, as he stormed off down the tunnel after his team conceded. Hardly something that would boost his players’ low morale.

Things got worse for the home side in the second half, as Liverpool pretty much dominated. Things went from bad to worse as Lucas escaped a second yellow card, inexplicably so from the point of view of Mourinho and the home support. That seemed to hit the Blues mentally, as it would when your manager is constantly saying that referees are against you.

Coutinho scored his second of the game with 15 minutes to go, after his shot took a deflection off Terry. That goal then resulted in more chants of the manager’s name from the home support. Benteke scored a third 10 minutes later which wrapped up the points. That’s a sixth league defeat for Chelsea now, after just 11 games.

Next up for Mourinho and his team is their crucial Champions League game with Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday night. They need to quickly get over this latest defeat, as a win is a must to keep their hopes of making the last 16 alive.

LCN Man of the Match: Willian

Holders Chelsea crashed out of the League Cup in the fourth round after losing to 10-man Stoke on penalties. Jon Walters had scored what looked like the winner early in the second half, before a late Loic Remy equaliser. Phil Bardsley was sent off just before the final whistle, but the Potters held on through extra time and progressed on penalties.

Jose Mourinho clearly knew what his side were up against here, as he named a very strong team for this game. Diego Costa started up front, with Willian, Oscar and Eden Hazard behind him. The back five wasn’t changed from the defeat at West Ham, while Ramires and John Obi Mikel were the shield in front of that defence. Asmir Begovic made his return to the Britannia Stadium, after joining from Stoke in the summer.

Costa’s appearance at Stoke lasted just over half an hour, as he went off with a rib injury. That brought Remy on to the field, and we had thought he would start in this game anyway. The first half was a quiet enough affair, and the two sides went in goalless at the break, not a bad 45 minutes for Mourinho and his men given how things have gone recently.

The game completely changed in the second half when Walters was given too much space at the edge of the area. He was allowed to turn, and his shot curled in and went into the net after coming off the crossbar. That gave the hosts the advantage, and the Blues looked set for an eighth defeat in their last 16 games.

Mourinho threw attacking players on, pushing for an equaliser, but his team just couldn’t break Stoke down. With the game almost over, there was late drama, as Remy was there to fire the ball into the roof of the net after Willian’s corner. Seconds later Bardsley was shown red for his second booking, and that left the Potters going in to extra time a man light, when they were just a minute from a victory.

That goal gave Chelsea the momentum, and they had the better of extra time. It was Jack Butland, Begovic’s replacement, who was the hero. He kept out an effort from substitute Kenedy with his side on the ropes. The keeper’s performance was enough to deny the Blues a winner, and that forced penalties.

The teams traded nine perfect spot kicks, before Eden Hazard stepped up to take the final kick, knowing he had to score. After an awful season for the Belgian, it wasn’t too much of a surprise when Butland saved his spot kick, sending Mark Hughes’ team into the quarter finals.

The amount of fight shown in this performance was encouraging, but that’s happened before and nothing has come of it. We’ve seen several disappointing results after good displays, so Mourinho has his work cut out against Liverpool on Saturday.

LCN Man of the Match: Willian

Jose Mourinho and Nemanja Matic were both sent off as Chelsea suffered another defeat on Saturday. The Blues lost 2-1 at West Ham after goals from Mauro Zarate and Andy Carroll for the home side, leaving the Blues now sitting 15th in the table having amassed only half the number of points of Man City or Arsenal. Gary Cahill had equalised for the 10-man visitors, 10 minutes after his manager was dismissed for comments made to the referee at half time, but it was an uphill battle and Carroll’s 79th minute strike settled it.

The team picked for this trip was unchanged from the one which drew with Dynamo Kiev. Matic and Ramires lined up in central midfield as a defensive-minded pairing, with Cesc Fabregas in the number 10 role. Once again there was no Branislav Ivanovic, with Kurt Zouma continuing at right back. Marco Amelia was on the bench after joining on a free to add goalkeeping cover.

The slightly makeshift defence that Mourinho named struggled from a set piece again, conceding after failing to deal with a corner. It was Mauro Zarate who finished off just before the 20 minute mark, much to the delight of the home support. After wins against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City, the Hammers fans have seen their team thrive against the big guns.

Recently the Chelsea players’ mentality has seen them crumble when behind in games, and that could have played a part in Nemanja Matic’s dismissal. There wasn’t too much to argue about his red card after two clear bookings, but it clearly infuriated the Blues staff. Mourinho’s assistant Silvio Lauro was then sent from the touchline after his reaction to the decision. Fabregas and Diego Costa were both booked in the aftermath as well.

Mourinho continued his complaints into the half time break, trying to talk to the referee at half time. It brought back memories of the infamous Barcelona game in 2005, and the more recent charge handed to the manager by the FA. With a suspended stadium ban hanging over his head, that was a startlingly careless decision by the Portuguese.

He watched the second half from a directors’ box, the lone Blue in a sea of Claret fans. That’s where he sat to watch Cahill’s equaliser, a goal that came after a cross from Willian. While this has been an awful season for Chelsea, it’s hard to imagine just where they’d be without the Brazilian’s set pieces.

While West Ham have played some neat stuff this season, it was a route one approach that helped to secure them the win. Carroll, who always causes John Terry problems, was the one who popped up with the goal. He’s not seen much action, but he did manage to hit the winner. That result keeps West Ham in the top four, with Chelsea in the bottom half.

Mourinho refused to speak to the media after the game, so questions over his future have gone unanswered. His short term future is simple, a now massive game away to Stoke in the League Cup on Tuesday.

LCN Man of the Match: Willian

Chelsea had to settle for a point despite hitting the woodwork twice in a tough night in Ukraine in their Champions League match against Dynamo Kiev. A draw isn’t the worst result for Chelsea, although it does leave them three points behind Porto in the group, and they still trail the Ukrainians by a point.

Jose Mourinho made several changes for this game, with Kurt Zouma starting the match at right back. With Branislav Ivanovic still unavailable, the manager picked the young Frenchman to quieten the threat of Andriy Yarmolenko. Eden Hazard returned to the side, and he looked a lot better after being dropped at the weekend. John Terry played his first Champions League game of the season, alongside Gary Cahill in defence.

From the start the Blues looked much improved at the back, with the defence once again looking settled. Mourinho had Nemanja Matic and Ramires sitting in front of the back four, and that defensive screen helped. The back four did well last term because they were rarely exposed, that being something the manager aimed to repeat.

Cesc Fabregas continued in a more advanced position, and he, Hazard and Willian all did well going forward. The Spaniard had four shots, more than any other Blues player, showing that he’s becoming an influence once more. He also had a penalty appeal turned down early on, another one for Mourinho to rage over.

Both Hazard and Willian came close to breaking the deadlock. The Brazilian hit the post with a free-kick, after scoring from one in the last two games in this competition. A curled shot from Hazard did beat the keeper, but it unfortunately came back off the post, saving Dynamo.

While coming so close is disappointing, this was a good display. The team worked well at the back, and the attacking midfielders all played well. On another day the result could have been different, but Mourinho needs that other day to come in the remaining three matches. With four points from three games, the Blues are third, and they’ll need to win the home ties with Dynamo and Porto, or risk early elimination. An unthinkable prospect for the manager.

Nemanja Matic was up against things in holding midfield, but he produced a great performance, looking close to the player of last season. If that player can stick around it would be a huge boost to the squad. The same can be said for a few other midfielders, who haven’t hit the heights so far.

All in all, it wasn’t a bad point. There are positives, but they are tinged with ifs and maybes. This isn’t a result that takes any of the pressure off Mourinho, but it’s something to build on. A solid foundation for future games, one which needs the skill of Hazard and ruthlessness of Costa to return to past glories.

LCN Man of the Match: Nemanja Matic