Author: chelseafan

Chelsea suffered another defeat as Southampton came from behind to win at Stamford Bridge. The Blues went ahead through Willian, but strikes from Steve Davis, Saido Mane and Graziano Pelle left them 16th in the table. Jose Mourinho was defiant after the game, but given their horrible season so far, the pressure is surely mounting on the manager.

Before the game he restored John Terry to the starting line-up, along with winger Eden Hazard. Nemanja Matic was left out, with Cesc Fabregas and Ramires starting in the middle. Branislav Ivanovic once again started at right back, keeping his place despite his poor form this term. With Diego Costa still suspended, Falcao started up front.

Those changes seemed to be working early on, as the champions were the better side at the start of the first half. Willian put the home side ahead with his fourth free kick in four games. It was a wonderful effort, curling in from the left hand side and landing in the far top corner. At that stage, it looked like Chelsea were back.

Southampton slowly gained a foothold from then on, and with minutes to go before the break, Davis scored on the volley to equalise. He was given a little bit of space, and rifled home to give the Saints a goal that they deserved. After that went in, you could see heads dropping amongst the Chelsea team.

The second half was when the Blues really tailed off, and Southampton capitalised. Mane put the Saints ahead on the hour mark, after he slipped past Terry and got in on goal. He put the ball under the onrushing Asmir Begovic, putting his team on course for a first away league win in 10 games.

Mane was involved again as he picked the ball up in his own half, and ran through the Blues defence on the counter attack. The back four kept backing off him, and he was able to play in Pelle, who buried a third goal. Straight after that Nemanja Matic was hauled off for Loic Remy, despite the Serbian only coming on at half time.

Mourinho clearly had some things to get off his chest, as he gave a seven minute long answer to one question from Sky Sports. “When we were at the top, I understand that it is quite a big pleasure, and it is gone”, the manager said. “But when you are so down, I think it’s time to be a little bit honest and to say clearly the referees are afraid to give decisions for Chelsea.

“And this penalty in this game today is more than crucial, and do you know why? Because my team, in this moment, the first negative thing that happens, the team collapses. The team, mentally, psychologically, is unbelievably down. It looks like good players are bad players. In the first-half, we didn’t show our quality, but we were in control, we were more than in control, and one mistake, a lack of concentration, one goal and you have a tough time.”

Chelsea are back in action a week on Saturday, when they host Aston Villa, a side who are two places below them, in 18th.

LCN Man of the Match: Willian

Chelsea’s poor season continued after they lost to Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The Blues had come into this game sitting pretty at the top of the group, but goals from Andre Andre and Maicon cost them dearly. Willian had hit a late first half equaliser, but they weren’t able to take anything back from the Dragao.

Jose Mourinho sprung quite a few changes ahead of this game, most notably dropping PFA Player of the Year Eden Hazard. John Terry also remained on the bench, but Branislav Ivanovic once again was given another chance at right back. John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Nemanja Matic made up the midfield three, showing that the manager was coming here to keep things tight.

That worked for most of the first half, as the game stayed level, with Chelsea actually having quite a few chances. That all changed with six minutes to go in the half, as the home side edged ahead. Yacine Brahimi glided past Ivanovic on the right, and he hit a shot that was saved by Asmir Begovic. The keeper could only push it into the path of Andre Andre, however, who buried it to score the opener.

The Premier League champions looked set to go into the half time break behind, but that changed on the stroke of the whistle. Willian’s second free kick in four days went the same way as his first, into the opposition net. Straight after it went in, the referee blew for half time. Mourinho remained motionless on the touchline, probably thinking of all the bother he had gone to in planning his half time team talk.

The second half was a little better, but a huge mistake ended up costing the visitors the game. After pushing the hosts and trying to go ahead, Porto caught them out from a set piece. Maicon showed more desire than his opponents, getting to the ball ahead of Ramires and flicking in at the near post. It’s the second time this week that Chelsea have conceded from a corner. That’s not something they can allow to happen.

The Blues had a penalty appeal turned down and saw Diego Costa hit the bar, but they couldn’t get back into the game despite no lack of effort. After the game, Mourinho reassured his squad that they weren’t that bad. “When the game is under control we concede a goal that is ridiculous,” said Mourinho. “They hit the post from a similar mistake. Apart from that the game was balanced. Two ridiculous moments and we were punished.

“The team played well and there were good reactions from the goals we conceded. We had chances to equalise and had desire. When you feel everything is going against you it is disappointing. The team tried until the end so I have nothing to say against them.”

LCN Man of the Match: Asmir Begovic

Chelsea missed the chance to close the gap on the Premier League leaders, despite fighting back from two goals down at St James’ Park. The champions found themselves trailing after Ayoze Perez and Georginio Wijnaldum put Newcastle on course for their first win of the season. Ramires and Willian scored in the last 11 minutes to save a point, but they couldn’t find a late winner.

Loic Remy was the man selected to replace Diego Costa, who served the second game of a three match suspension. The usual supporting cast returned to the team following the rotated side at Walsall. John Terry was on the bench once again, with Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma together at the back.

That team was expected to keep up the Chelsea revival, especially after Manchester City’s heavy defeat to Tottenham earlier in the day. This was a perfect opportunity for the visitors to cut the gap on those at the top, and really boost their title hopes. Despite that, they made a horrific start to the game, producing an awful first half display that saw them go in trailing at the break.

Minutes before half time, Newcastle sent the ball in towards the box, with Zouma inexplicably not clearing the ball as it came to him. It then fell to Perez, who pulled off a fantastic touch and finish to put the hosts ahead. In truth, Chelsea were lucky to only be 1-0 down at half time, after their woeful performance.

That luck ran out after an hour, as Wijnaldum headed in from a corner. Cesc Fabregas let the Dutchman roam free in the box, and he took advantage of that to head home to double the lead. Willian was introduced right after that goal, with Ramires to follow soon after. Those two changes went on to alter the course of the game.

The breakthrough came when the visitors upped the tempo. Zouma sent a long pass out to Eden Hazard, and his touch took him free of his marker. He teed up the substitute Ramires, and the Brazilian smashed home a great effort from distance. With 11 minutes left on the clock, suddenly all was not lost for the Blues.

Pedro failed to equalise when he was put through on goal, but they had another great opportunity minutes later. Willian had a free kick from the left hand side, and his inswinger baffled Tim Krul, after none of his defenders got a head to the ball. The effort sailed through, levelling the scores.

Chelsea went pushing for the winner after that, but the third goal just wouldn’t come for them. They left St James’ Park which just a point, which means this is another two points dropped for the champions. They now trail leaders Manchester United by eight, leaving them with a massive task to reclaim their title.

LCN Verdict: Ramires

Chelsea booked a place in the last 16 of the League Cup with a win at League One Walsall. Jose Mourinho fielded a rotated team at the Bescot Stadium, but they still had few problems against their lower league opponents. Goals from Ramires, Loic Remy, Kenedy and Pedro helped the visitors to the win, which sees them meet Stoke in round four.

John Terry returned to captain the side here, over six months since he lifted the League Cup trophy at Wembley. He was joined on the pitch by both Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy, with Abdul Baba Rahman also making a start. Rueben Loftus-Cheek and Kenedy were both handed starts, while John Obi Mikel and Ramires were also brought in to midfield.

Despite the many changes, the Blues came in here as heavy favourites. They still have an expensively assembled squad out, and they couldn’t afford a slip up after their start to the season. With that expectation on their shoulders, it was good that they took the lead within 10 minutes. A cross in from Kenedy found his compatriot Ramires in the box, with the former Benfica man scoring a rare header.

Falcao saw his effort cleared off the line as he looked to double the lead. The second goal came soon after though, with Ramires involved again. He played the ball through to Remy, who finished emphatically to get his first goal of the season.

The tie looked a little shakier moments later, as the hosts pulled one back. Former Blue Milan Lalkovic put in a free kick for the hosts, which fell to James O’Connor. He tapped home to reduce the deficit, giving the League One side a boost just before they went in for half-time. The appearance of Lalkovic could also serve as a warning to Chelsea’s young stars.

Two of those young hopefuls combined for the third goal, as the visitors restored their two goal lead. Mikel found Loftus-Cheek unmarked outside the box, and he played a wonderful first time ball through to Kenedy, and the Brazilian got a deserved goal after a great display. The goal showed the potential of both those players, which will surely put a smile on Mourinho’s face.

The win was completed late on by summer signing Pedro. He replaced Kenedy with 20 minutes to go, and he made sure of the win. After receiving the ball from Falcao, the former Barca player ran at the Walsall defence, before firing in from 20 yards out. The goalkeeper should have done better, but the Spaniard will be delighted to add to his Blues tally.

That win has set up a tie at the Britannia Stadium with Stoke in the next round, with the Pensioners looking to make it back to back wins in this competition. Expect to see the big names back in the squad for the Newcastle game this weekend, but the youngsters will be pushing for starts now after some solid displays.

LCN Man of the Match: Kenedy

Chelsea got back to winning ways in the league with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal. Goals from Kurt Zouma and Eden Hazard helped the Blues to the victory, with Gabriel and Santi Cazorla both seeing red for the visitors. That means the champions now only trail Arsenal by three points, despite their awful start to the campaign.

Jose Mourinho made some big calls before the game, with John Terry being left out. The captain sat on the bench, and passed the armband to the out-of-form Branislav Ivanovic. Pedro started, despite having been being ruled out by the manager on Friday. Diego Costa came back in up front, while Nemanja Matic returned to the team in place of Rueben Loftus-Cheek.

After a big home win on Wednesday night, the hosts knew they had to make it back to back victories here. Anything less than three points would have raised questions about their top four chances. The main problem was that Arsenal were defending a lot better than usual, and they actually started to look like a threat on the counter.

The game changed just before half time, as Costa and Gabriel continued the tussle they’d been having throughout the game. Costa looked to have lashed out at the Arsenal man, but he was given just a yellow. When they clashed again moments later, Gabriel wasn’t so lucky. He was shown a red, and that left his team both angry and vulnerable.

Arsene Wenger wasn’t a happy man at the half time whistle, and he was even more upset 10 minutes into the second half. His former charge Cesc Fabregas swung in a free kick, and it was met by Zouma who headed the champions ahead. The young Frenchman had been playing brilliantly, so it was a deserved goal.

That put Chelsea in command from that point on, and the game was basically handed to them with 10 minutes to play. Cazorla was given a second yellow after bringing down Fabregas in the Blues’ half. It was a needless foul, and it blew any hope the away side had of getting back in to the game.

The Gunners’ misery was compounded when Eden Hazard got a much-needed goal late on. The Belgian’s effort took a huge deflection off Callum Chambers, but it was a morale-boosting piece of luck for the winger. He’s had an awful time of things this season, but that goal should help him get back to his best.

This was a huge win for Chelsea, especially with Manchester City losing at home to West Ham in the late game. The Blues’ title chances are certainly looking brighter now. Terry missing out will be the big talking point now, but Zouma did incredibly well in his place. He’s always had potential, but he’s now delivering, and he’s really pushing for a starting spot.

LCN Man of the Match: Kurt Zouma

Chelsea ensured that their Champions League campaign got off to a better start than their domestic season as they saw off Maccabi Tel-Aviv at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Willian, Oscar, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas helped the Blues to three points, which sent them top of Group G, albeit after just the opening round of matches.

Jose Mourinho made some big changes from the game on Saturday, which could be seen as rotation or dropping some underperformers. Gary Cahill came in for John Terry, while Branislav Ivanovic dropped to the bench for Abdul Baba Rahman, who made his debut. Rueben Loftus-Cheek came in for Matic, while Loic Remy took the place of Diego Costa.

Chelsea didn’t make the best start, and it seemed like the team were still affected by their recent poor league results. They were always expected to win here, but they toiled to make the breakthrough in the early stages. They were handed a great chance when Willian was brought down in the box, but Eden Hazard skied the following penalty.

After seeing the Belgian’s effort, you could forgive the home support for thinking they would be in for another uncomfortable evening. But, the Premier League champions finally got some luck, as Willian’s free kick tricked everyone, including the goalkeeper, and it put the hosts ahead. The Brazilian made a flying start, but he was forced off less than 10 minutes after scoring, with Costa replacing him.

The Spanish forward was involved in the second goal, as he was fouled in the box, which gave the hosts a second chance from the penalty spot. Oscar stepped up on this occasion, and he blasted the ball home to double the lead. It was good to see the Brazilian on the scoresheet, but it likely didn’t do much for Hazard’s confidence.

Costa then got a goal himself, as he volleyed home a spectacular effort from a Fabregas pass. It was good to see those two back to doing what they do best, we’ll need more of that if Mourinho’s men are to go far in this competition. It was also Costa’s first Champions League goal for Chelsea.

Fabregas then got himself on the scoresheet late on, capping off a much needed good display. The Spaniard has been below par since late last season, so seeing him return to his best is a welcome sight. That goal wrapped up a morale boosting win for the hosts, and saw them go clear at the top of the group. It was certainly a game to remember for Loftus-Cheek, who was fantastic in central midfield.

Next up is a tricky home game against Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime. While this was only Maccabi Tel-Aviv, that win and performance should be a big lift ahead of that game. With the Gunners losing in Croatia in their Champions League game, Mourinho’s side could have a slight edge going in to this one.

LCN Man of the Match: Rueben Loftus-Cheek

A hat-trick from Steven Naismith condemned Chelsea to another demoralising defeat on Saturday, making this their worst ever start to a Premier League season. Nemanja Matic got a goal back for the visitors, but there are plenty of problems for Jose Mourinho to sort out ahead of huge games in Europe and at home this week.

The Blues started the game without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who picked up an injury in training that could keep him out for up to two months. Asmir Begovic came in to replace the Belgian. John Obi Mikel joined Matic in midfield, while Cesc Fabregas moved into the number 10 role. John Terry made a return to the side, after he was suspended for the Crystal Palace game.

Everton didn’t have the best start to the game, as they lost Muhammed Besic early on to what looked like a hamstring injury. That actually proved to be a boost for the Toffees, as it was Besis’s replacement who opened the scoring. Brendan Galloway put the ball across for Naismith, and the Scot found the net to give the hosts the lead.

That lead was doubled just five minutes later, with Naismith on target again. The Scot picked up the ball and ran at Branislav Ivanovic, who looked panicked after not blocking the cross for the first goal. The Serbian backed off and backed off, inviting Naismith to let fly from outside the box. His strike sailed past a helpless Begovic, much to the delight of the home support.

Chelsea did get themselves back in to the game in the first half, as they pulled a goal back. Matic picked up the ball inside the Everton half, and when he got space to move into at the edge of the home side’s box, he unleashed a strike that beat Tim Howard. It wasn’t the most likely source, but it did give the champions a much needed boost, and a chance to salvage something from the afternoon.

Jose Mourinho made several second half changes to try and get the equaliser. Kennedy replaced Mikel, Falcao came on for Pedro and Fabregas made way for Willian. They helped push Chelsea into control of the game, but they couldn’t find a way through the sturdy Everton defence, with John Stones putting in a fantastic performance.

Everton wrapped up the points late on, and again it was Naismith with the goal. Ross Barkley played a perfectly weighted pass, and the Scot ran on to the ball and slotted past Asmir Begovic. The keeper did the best he could in bad circumstances, as the defence give him little to no protection. If it wasn’t for Begovic, this could have been an even heavier defeat.

Mourinho has to put this result behind him, with a huge week coming up. Maccabi Tel-Aviv come to the Bridge on Wednesday night in the Champions League, with Arsenal to come at home on Saturday. Victories are needed in both those games, or else big questions will be asked.

LCN Man of the Match: Asmir Begovic

Chelsea’s disappointing start to the season continued on Saturday as they lost a home league game for just the second time under Jose Mourinho. Crystal Palace took an impressive three points thanks to goals from Bakary Sako and Joel Ward. Falcao was on target for the first time for the Blues, but he couldn’t stop a second defeat of the season.

Pedro once again took his place on the right flank, alongside Willian and Eden Hazard, with Oscar still out. John Terry was suspended, and he was replaced by Gary Cahill at the back. Abdul Baba Rahman had to settle for a place on the bench, while Branislav Ivanovic kept his place, despite his poor form.

The Blues found Palace to be a tough nut to crack in the first half, as the hosts dominated the possession but found themselves level at half time. The longer the game went on, the more threatening Alan Pardew’s side became with their counter attacking style.

Even at 0-0, this wasn’t how Mourinho had envisaged his 100th home game in charge of Chelsea would develop as his team looked decidedly below par from the off. Things got even worse, as Sako converted after a low cross from Yannick Bolasie, giving Palace a shock lead. The Chelsea manager immediately sent on Falcao for Willian, as he joined Diego Costa up front. Minutes later he brought on youngster Kenedy for Cesar Azpilicueta, as he desperately tried to get his side back into the game.

Bringing on Falcao worked for the Blues, as the Colombian headed in an equaliser, scoring his first goal since joining this summer. That looked like it could have been a huge turning point for Chelsea, but then Palace went straight up the other end and retook the lead. He headed in to give his side a massive victory, and heap more pressure on Mourinho and the champions.

It’s no surprise that the two goals ended up coming from the left flank. Palace focused on attacking Chelsea’s right hand side, with almost half of all their attacks developing from that side of the pitch. Not only is Ivanovic looking decidedly dodgy at present, he’s now seen as an easy target for the oppositions’ wingers. With Pedro in front of him now, he’s hardly likely to get much protection in future, either.

After the game, Mourinho was asked why he thought his side had lost their hunger after winning the title last year. “If that is the point, it is very, very sad because, for me, I feel the opposite,” the manager said. “When I win, I want to win again. My medal is at home, in a drawer, [because] I feel fantastic motivation for more. If you win it once and the next [year] you are not on fire, not ready at least to fight for more, that is sad.

“Will I accept this, cross my arms, sit in a nice chair and wait calmly for the performance level to be back? No. I have to work, react, analyse and, if I feel the players are not in conditions to react and give more, I have to make changes. I have never had a problem with that.”

LCN Man of the Match: No player deserved it!

Chelsea picked up their first win of the new Premier League season on Sunday despite going down to 10 men against West Brom at the Hawthorns. Captain John Terry once again failed to see the end of the match, after he was sent off for hauling down Soloman Rondon. Meanwhile, Pedro scored a goal and made one for Diego Costa on his debut, with Cesar Azpilicueta also getting on the scoresheet.

Pedro starting was the big news ahead of the game, despite the La Liga season only starting this weekend, Jose Mourinho took a risk with his fitness. Terry was back in defence after being taken off last week, and he was partnered by Kurt Zouma. Thibaut Courtois returned from suspension, replacing Asmir Begovic in goal.

Much of the attention was focused on how Pedro would get on for the champions here, but it was West Brom who made the better start. They took advantage of a Chelsea side who looked shaky, and they were handed the chance to take the lead in the first half. Nemanja Matic gave away a penalty to the hosts, but Courtois’ leg kept out James Morrision’s rather tame effort.

After that the game sprung in to life, and it was Pedro who finally broke the deadlock. His link up play with Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas showed real promise, and his one-two with the Belgian got him in position to hit the opener. Despite taking a clear deflection, the goal showed just what the former Barcelona man is capable of.

He continued his great start soon after, as he fired an effort across goal, which fell perfectly for Costa to hit home. It was the Spaniard’s first goal of the season, and it put the visiting side into a comfortable position. The forward didn’t have the best of times against City or Swansea, but he was fantastic at the Hawthorns.

Morrison made up for his penalty miss by pulling a goal back five minutes later. The back four struggled with the physicality of Rondon, and that left space for the Scot just inside the box, and he fired home a half volley. The Blues extended the lead again just before half time, as Cesar Azpilicueta scored his first Premier League goal.

Things took a turn early on in the second half, as a ball over the top caught out Terry, and he looked to have little chance of catching Rondon. He tugged on the forward’s arm, bringing him down just outside the penalty area. The Blues captain was quickly sent off, and the tide then turned. Morrison headed in his second of the game soon after, really turning up the heat.

In the end, the Blues hung on, getting a much needed three points. After a poor start, this win will be a big confidence boost, and they can get their season properly up and running.

LCN Man of the Match: Pedro