Fulham 2 - 2 Chelsea

Deco and Malouda come in for Ballack and Anelka in the West London derby but some better news is that Rickey at least makes the bench with those two.

Its an even start until on 10mins a Simon Davies's free-kick beats a static Blues defence to reach Dempsey who has an absolute age to control and flick home the opening goal. We're 1-0 down and not playing well. Deco is blowing hot and cold and crowd start chanting "there's only one Michael Ballack". Apart from a wide drive from the Drog which should have hit the target, its a very lack luster Blues. Things get worse as first Malouda goes off with a hamstring problem only to be followd by Alex who limps off with 10mins of the half remaining to be replaced by the hopefully fit Rickey C. Strangely, its looking better now; Anelka had a good drive straight after coming on and Lamps goes close from a nice interchnage between Anelka and Ash. To be fair to Fulham, they have pressed hard and not given us any space but that's no excuse. Scolari's got a lot to do in the break to extend the 19 game unbeaten away streak.

No changes but its a more positive start as both Lamps and Ivanovich test Schwartzer within 3 mins. The reward comes quickly as Joe chips in to Drogba who clashes with the keeper only for the loose ball to drop to Lamps and is 1-1. Its not before time as by my reckoning we've had at least a dozen goal attempts to their one.... which they scored from. Its all Chelsea as first Lamps and Drogs combine to set Joe Cole through but his shot is straight at Schwarzer and then 2mins later Joe is through again but again he's denied by Schwarzer who then clears the follow up from the on rushing Anelka. Its midway through the half and Kalou's getting ready to come on. He replaces Joe Cole at a time when he's been ripping into Fulham. Strange call but it matters not a jot as Lamps drives in a screamer of a free kick (once he'd got rid of the interfering Deco) to give us the lead. Almost immediately Scolari is up frantically waving 5 fingers calling for a more defensive set up - why? this is Fulham not Liverpool !!

Fulham make a double substitution with 12mins to go but its still all Chelsea though Fulham are still pressing hard. With 3mins to go the ball's played up to Anelka and again he looses out to a simple tackle much to Scolari's arm waving disgust. The resulting possession ends with a Fulham corner and once again we fail to deal with a simple set peice and Dempsey scores with an an unmarked header from the penalty spot. That's 2-2 and we go right up the other end and Ash drives at Schwarzer who parries to Lamps whose shot is also cleared. There's 3mins of added time but its not enough and Chelsea throw away another 2 points.

Kiss the league goodbye at his rate !!

Chelsea 2 - 0 West Brom

Finally its Anelka and Drogba upfront, but its more of a 4-3-3 with Joe Cole given a broadly free reign in front of Jedi, Lamps and Ballack than the straight up 4-4-2 we'd been hoping for. No JT so Ivanovich plays alongside Alex. No Rickey on the bench either but there's a return for Malouda and a pretty packed Stamford Bridge is looking for a little Boxing Day cheer.

wasts a glorious move by blasting over and then Ash forces a double save from Carson (he should have netted at the second attempt but was wheeling away thinking the first one had gone in). Finally the lead is doubled as We get it within 3 mins as an opening onslaught results in a far post cross that is met sweetly by the Drog and loops into the back of the net. Thats 1-0 and within 10mins it could have been 2-0 as a Lamps free kick is sweetly struck but Carsoin gets his body behind it. Its all Chelsea as first Ballack the Coles combine - Joe plays in Ash for a mazey run - but the ball breaks free to Lamps who lifts the ball over Scott Carson. 2-0 and the half time whistle save WBA further punishment.

Second half sees Belletti on for the injured Bosingwa. The the pattern remains the same but the cutting edge seems to have gone. It dies even more as, after drawing a good save from Carson, the Drog is replaced by Malouda with 20mins to go. It all peters out from there to the sounds of the Shed end having a good old sing song. There should have been more goals but its a home win to break the awful sequence of unnecessary draws. Now on to Fulham for, hopefully, a return to winning away form in the West London derby

Come on you Blues

Everton 0 - 0 Chelsea

A chance to go top again squandered after Liverpool dropped points on Sunday against Arsenal. Worse still JT sent off for a stupid high lunge in the firsyt half. Playing away with 10 men and getting a point would normally have been a positive result but if we keep throwing away chances like these to get our noses in front we'll never win the title.

The 100% away record is gone but truth be told we were lucky to get a point

Read it here from Sky --> SKYSPORTS
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3073791,00.html

Chelsea 1 - 1 West Ham

Points dropped again at home in a lame display that shows why 442 is becomming essential rather than an option. Anelka on his own is not enough and the "Ballack - Lampard - Deco" combination just doesnt seem to work.
The welcome for Zola was possibly the only highlight
This is pants !!

Read it here --> SKYSPORTS
http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3073788,00.html

Chelsea 2 - 1 Cluj

Its a cold and nervy night at the bridge as the Blues go for qualification for the last 16 in a group that should have been won at a canter. Difficult to say this, but most of us would probably swap being here for an away game where victories have been more likely (though strangely not in the CL). The surprise is that Drogs is on the bench but happily Joe Cole is back but its a midfield five that looks weak without Lamps.

The nerves are justified as within 7mins Cech has to save a 25-yard drive from Pereira but 5mins later Alex heads a Deco cross down and over the bar. Its end to end stuff as an Alcantara attempt is cleared by the Jedi on the edge of the 6yard box. Its the 25th minute before we really threaten when Joe Cole drives just wide however 5mins later a Deco free kick is floated into the area and as JT is shoved to the ground foir what would ahve been a blatant penanlty Kalou is on hand to net he loose ball. The half ends 1-0 and we're a little lucky.

No changes at half time and our lack luster start is punished in the 55th as Cristian Panin is left with acres of space on the right to cross to the far post where Kone rose above Alex to head past Cech. Straight from the kick off we're up the other end but a Joe Cole drive from the edge of the area is well saved by Nuno Claro in the Cluj goal. Finally Kalou who's had a mare apart from the goal is replaced by the Drog and 6mins later we're back in front. Mikel strides out of defence to play in Joe Cole who lifts the ball over the Cluj defenders and right into Drogbas path. Without breaking stride, the balls in the net and its 2-1.

So, 2nd place in a group we really should have won and the possibility of a tricky opening game in the knock-out stages but at least we're through

Come on U Blues

Bolton 0 - 2 Chelsea

Away to Bolton and on current form that should be a positive as at least we seem to be able to win on our Premiership travels. Alex comes in for Ivanovich at the back but otherwise its the usual line up with Mikel and Ballack alongside Lamps and Kalou, joins Anelka and Deco up top.

From the start, its clearly the 'away chelsea' that have arrived as they start the game with tons of pace and quick passing. Its 1-0 within 8mins as Anelka heads home a deep cross from Bosingwa. Its all Chelsea and its 2-0 with 15mins as Jaaskelainen saves a Kalou drive only for Ballack to pop the ball back into the box and Deco scores with a spectacular bicycle kick. Its nearly 3 within 5 mins as Jaaskelainen flaps at a cross and the ball falls to an unmarked Anelka who squeezes a first time shot well wide. The only downide so far has been some 'James-like' keeping from Cech which is worrying but apart from a Kevin Davis effort there have been no serious issues and the half ends 0-2.

No changes from the Blues at half time but this is now a much more even and end to end half. With 10mins gone Deco is clean through after a mix up in midfield but chips wide with only the keeper to beat. Just 2mins later another sweeping move sees Lamps break into the box but his drive from just 6 yards out is straight at Jaaskelainen. Up the other end Cech is forced into good saves from McCaan, Cahill and Davis but the half fizzles out for yet another away win. So that's 11 consecutive away wins which is a new record alongside 8 out of 8 this season. Now if only we were doing the same at home - we'll need to on Tuesday to qualify for the knock out stages of the Champions league.

Come on U Blues

Chelsea 1 - 2 Arsenal

Home to Arsenal after a difficult and frustrating week for the Blues. Kalou comes in for Joe Cole who is injured yet again and Ivanovic keeps his palce alongside JT.

In a game that was billed as a must win for the Arse they started really slowly and the Blues bossed the opening 10 mins with Kalou denied an early opener thanks to a very dubious offside. Arsenal were growing in confidence and Cech had to make smart stops from Nasri and Fabregas. Its end to end stuff as Lamps and Deco combine to put Anelka through but the ball skips away. However on 30mins a whipped cross from Bosingwa following a crazy throw out from AlmouniaDjourou. That's it for the first half.

No changes in personnel and the second half starts much as the first as Lamps almost makes it two within 6mins from the edge of the box. Arsenal had done very little when just before the hour Van Persie latched on to a Denilson's pass and while we all waited for the clearest of offside flag to go up he smashed the ball past Cech. Mike Dean pointed at Bosi as if he was the one who played VP onside - clearly not but it was 1 - 1 and worse came 3mins later when AdebayorFabregas' free-kick in to Van Persie who swung a boot to scuff a shot past Chech. From 1 - 0 and cruising to 2-1 and struggling and the introduction of Malouda and Stoch did litlle to suggest we'd get an equaliser.

So fortress Stamford Bridge has been breached again - this is starting to look decidedly dodgy. We have 7 wins from 7 on the road in the Premiership but home its home form that's killing us .... and its the reverse in Europe.

I'm getting worried - COME ON U BLUES !!

Bordeaux 1 - 1 Chelsea

Its away to Bordeaux in a vital matchday 5, following the disappointment of Saturdays 0-0 home draw with Newcastle. Drogs is on the bench as a result of an alleged clandestine meeting between him and Inter Milan officials on Monday. So its Anelka up front with Malouda and Cole on either side. Ivanovich lines up alongside JT and Ballack’s back in the midfield.

The opening 25mins is all Bordeaux with Cech having to make 4 vital saves and JT, Ash and Lamps all booked for reckless tackles. This is a very scrappy Blues performance, with Bordeaux closing down quickly and the omens don’t look good at present. It takes a full 35mins for Chelsea to string a decent move together but the balls squirms away from Lamps and Bordeaux are straight back up the other end winning a corner. Ballack, Lamps and Joe Cole have been largely anonymous and Anleka keeps straying offside. Fortunately the half ends goalless and the Blues can regroup - big team talk needed from Big Phil.

The second half starts with no changes and Bordeaux streaming forward . There's an hour on the clock and Drogba is warming up when the ball breaks to Lamps on the halfway line and he slips a through ball to Anelka that splits open the Bordeaux defence. Anelka carries the ball forward and coolly slots home. That's 1-0 and Anelka's reward is to be replaced by Drogs anyway. Joe Cole has the ball in the net on 67mins but its ruled offside and Joe's booked for his efforts for not playing to the whistle. Bordeaux seem to have lost their edge but on 82mins no one picks up Diarra from a Bordeaux corner and its 1 -1. Not one Chelsea player challenged Diarra's run which was criminal...... but it goes from bad to worse on 85mins as Lamps is booked for a loose challenge and he's off for a second yellow. It very nearly gets even worse as Cavenagi tests Cech from the edge of the box but his shot goes wide. The final whistle comes not a minute too soon and we trudge off thanking our lucky stars we're still in the competition.

A home win against Cluj next week (without the suspended Lamps) is now a must as Roma turned in an impressive 1 - 3 away win.

West Brom 0 - 3 Chelsea

A perfect response to a pathetic display on Wednesday night, though to be fair for 30 mins it looked like this would be a struggle. All the pre match chatter was about Drogs and his midweek coin tossing and the expectation that he would start his last game before suspension. As it turned out, Anelka started up front in another injury disrupted lineup that saw Carlo remaining in goal, Ivanovich playing alongside JT; still no Ash, Ballack or Joe Cole.

West Brom started well with James Morrison going closed with a drive from the edge of the box and Ishmael Miller scuffing a clear chance wide of the post but as the half wore on we started to knock the ball around and Lamps and Malouda both tested Scott Carson in the Baggies goal. On 34mins Bosingwa cut in from the right wit consummate ease and drilled a shot into the top corner that took Carson completely by surprise - 1-0 to the Blues. Within 4mins it was 2-0 as Anelka collected a headed flick on ffrom Malouda and lifted the ball over Carson. Before the half was complete Anelka got his second and sealed the game when he picked up a pass from Kalou and squeezed the ball between Carson and his near post.

Pretty much game over and though the second half began with chances falling to Deco, Anelka and Malouda we simply eased off as time wore on to see out a routine away victory. Now we need a win against Newcastle to start rebuilding the fortress Stamford Bridge mentality - Come on you Blues

Chelsea 1 - 1 Burnley (Chelsea loose 5-4 on penalties)

Pathetic - enough said !!

Blackburn 0 - 2 Chelsea

It's more like a swimming pool than a pitch that Chelsea have to deal with up at Eawood Park and they have do it without either of the Cole as Joe's out again and Ash is still not fit. The opening 25mins are all Chelsea and Blackburn are penned back in their own half against an irresistable onslaught. We could be 4 up, with clear chances falling to Kalou, Lamps Malouda and Anelka - the latter being denied a stone wall penalty on 4mins. Robinson is having to have a good game in the Blackburn goal as on on 32mins Anelka is played in by Kalou and he needs firm hands to keep out another good strike. There's standing water everywhere and he ball is holding up badly in the wet - this might even get called off - however, on 35mins Lamps drives in another fierce shot that's parried for a corner. Its been all Chelsea but it takes a fluke to finally beat Robinson when a drive from Bosingwa is deflected in off Anelkas knee.... and that's how a soggy first half comes to a close.

Second half and Blackburn go 4-4-2 introducing Matt Derbyshire to try and respond on a pitch that is at least starting to dry out now. They're starting to cause a few problems but no real goal threats and on 61mins Belletti replaces the injured Kalou so Deco pushes out wide.We'd been looking a bit flat when Lamps pops up opn the edge of the box and nudges the ball to Anelka who lifts the ball over Robinson to make it 2-0. Last throw of the Blackburn dice as they introduce Fowler with 12mins to go. Two mins later Lamps rattles the crossbar with a free kick and Deco just chips over - still all Chelsea and that's how it ends.

That was a bit easy - come on U Blues

Roma 3 - 1 Chelsea

Off to the Stadio Olympico for what turned out to be a disastrous night in Rome

Round two of our battle with Roma who set up with a front two this time as opposed to a back eight that they offered at the Bridge. For our part, its Bridge and Alex in for Ash and Rickey, Drogs is on the bench but Joe Cole starts alongside Anelkea and Malouda.The opening exchanges are pretty equal but the Blues are shooting on site with Deco, Malouda and Lamps all going close in the first 20mins. Deco and Lamps combine nicely on 29mins and Lamps draws a good save from Doni with a swerving drive. But the opening goal goes to Roma on 36mins against the run of play. Deco gives away a free kick that is simply pushed wide for Cicinho to cross in to the box and Panucci just walked the ball past Cech. Now we have a real game on. Mikel releases Maoluda on 39mins with a pass that splits the Roma defence but his shot is high and wide when Lamps and Cole were better placed but Roma are playing better now and not sitting back at all. The half end 1 -0 to Roma and there's work to do !

Changes for the second half with Belletti and Drogs on for Malouda and Joe Cole (cant believe that - Anleka has done nothing so far) but it looks like 4-4-2 with Belletti on one side and Deco on the other. It makes no difference as within 3mins its 2-0 as Vucinic buries one past Cech from the edge of the box. Roma set up with two banks of four as they defend their lead but there's no need as, on 58mins, Mikel losses out to Vucinic who runs half the length of the pich and then strokes the ball past Cech. Its 3-0 and game over as the Blues press forward but they are leaving themselves open at the back. Baptiste comes on for Totti on the hour and Kalou replaces Bosingwa at wide right as Belletti goes to right back in a return to 4-3-3 but it makes little difference as Roma soak up the pressure and then look to break. On 75mins we get our frst lucky break as a Deco shot looks to bounce back off JT's arm but nothings given so JT passes it into an empty net for 3 -1, surely no heroic come back ? Well not at this rate as on 80mins the ref books Deco for a second time for taking a quick free kick even though no advantage was gained - absolute refereeing insanity ! and fortunately the last meaningfully action on an awful night for the Blues.

So much for booking hotels in Rome :-)

Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool

It was going to happen sooner or later but we really hoped it wasn't gonna happen against a big 4 side. After over 4 & 1/2 years and 86 games the home record fell to a deflected Alonso shot and a Liverpool defence that owed a lot to the way Roma set up earlier in the week. Without Torres up front, the omens looked good for the Blues, however it was the same front 3 of Malouda, Anelka and Kalou that were ineffective against Roma so it was unlikely to be a goal-fest

We started brightly and the deflected goal came against the run of early play but once they were ahead Liverpool set up a really strong defence. The rest of first half was all Chelsea but the final balls were poor and there was no real pemetration. Deco dispossed Gerrard with 9mins of the half to go but his shot went angonisingly inches wide.... and that was that. The second half was much the same and after an early Liverpool surge, it was all Chelsea again but apart from a possible penalty when Reina brought down Malouda, there was little to worry the Reds defence. Franco di Santo and Juliano Belletti came on for Malouda and Kalou but we had to wait until the 72nd min for a real chance when Cole latched on to a superb through ball from di Santo but he sliced wide. It was the last real threat of the half and we trudged away on the final whistle thinking that, although the record had to go one day, why did it have to go to Liverpool and in such a limp wristed fashion.

A major response is required away to Hull on Wednesday - come on you Blues !!

Chelsea 1 - 0 Roma

After the demolition of Boro at the weekend it was hard to believe this would be as tricky as it looked - this was after all a worse Roma side than the one Man U put 6 past and they were coming to the Bridge off the back of a terrible run in Seria A. The Blues set up pretty much as they closed on Saturday with Deco starting alongside Lamps and the Jedi holding. Bridge came in for the injured Ashley Cole but still no sight of Joe.... and the start was pretty bright. Clearly Roma were here to defend with 3 holding midfield players but within 8 mins of the kick-off Lamps cracked a 20-yard volley but Doni safely pushed it away. Kalou latched onto to a cute Deco pass 20mins later but his shot was more like a back-pass. Lamps cracked a rolled Deco free kick against the crossbar but this was starting to look dodgy. Malouda was nowhere an Jedi was giving the ball away as the Blues continued to hit an 8 man Roma wall.

Second half and Big Phil replaced Malouda with Belletti and it seemed to inject some new urgency as a Kalou header brought a great save from Doni. Things were getting desperate as even Jedi tried his luck from Belletti range but it went high wide and not so handsome. On 67mins Anelka deflected another Jedi shot over the bar when it was way easier to score and at that point we we all getting worried. We shouldn't have bothered, with 12mins to go, JT powered his way ahead of his marker to connect with a Lamps corner to make it 1 -0. Lamps nearly cracked in a free kick to make it two in the 83rd minute but Doni tipped the ball over.

So the mighty Blues navigate a tricky tie and now all eyes are on Liverpool at home - come on u Blues !!

Middlesborough 0 - 5 Chelsea

Its a team decimated by injuries that makes its way up to the Riverside and the only good news is that JT is passed fit as well as the return of Deco, albeit on the bench. Chelsea start without Cech, both Coles, Essien, Drogba, Rickey and Ballack so in come Bridge and Alex with Belletti in a midfield role. That said, its Chelsea from the start with loads of good possession. On 13mins a lovely sweeping move funds bridge wide on the left and his cross drops to belleti and after a few bobbles drops to Kalou to open tne scoring. With 23mins on the clock, Malouda skips round the Boro right back and squares across the 6 yard box with Lamps baring down on goal but his flick drifts just wide. Malouda and Mikel are playing really well though on 30min its Malouda who wastes another great opportunity when he screws a cross / shot well wide after latching on to a lovely through ball from Bridge. This is beautiful football from the blues but for all the possession, its still only 1-0 and that's how the half ends.

No changes at half time and Boro start much brighter with Dowing blasting over from the edge of tne box. Within a minute, Malouda is up the other end and slips into the Boro box only for him to push the ball wide when a simple pass to Anelka was the more obvious option. It matters not a jot as Belletti buries a screamer from fully 30yds on 50mins. Its 3-0 within 2mins as Kalou side foots home a brilliant cut back on the volley from Malouda. Surely game over. Its exhibition stuff on 65mins as a wonderful move ends with Kalou delivering a deftly weighted cross on to the diving head of Frank Lampard. The travelling blues fans rotate their chants from "boring boring chelsea" to "are you Tottenham in disguise ?". There's still 22mins left and its 5-0 as Turnbull spills a vicious Anelka shot on to the post only for it to rebound to Malouda to slot home. Anelka nets 2mins later but its offside and just to make things worse for Boro, on comes Deco. I said someone was gonna get a pasting soon and it ends 0 - 5 to the mighty Blues. This could have been much worse for Boro and with 7 recognized first team players missing. Lets hope more are back for Roma on Wednesday.

Come on U Blues

Chelsea 2 - 0 Aston Villa

Back home after the exertions of Europe which added to our injury list - no Alex today and he's replaced by Ivanovic alongside JT. The one bright note is the the return of Joe Cole who starts upfront alongside Anelka and Malouda.
We start at a cracking pace, moving the ball well and running Villa all over the shop - Joe looks very lively. Its just over 15mins when Lamps gets his head on an Anelka cross but it drifts wide. However, we're in front 2mins later as Malouda finds Lamps who in turn sets Joe Cole free inside the area to bury the ball past Friedel. Anelka goes close 3mins later when he wrests the ball from Curtis Davis and crashes a 25yrd shot off the crossbar. Lamps has a free kick well saved by Friedel before, on 41mis, he sets Ash free down the left who cuts back only for Ballack to drive straight at Friedel. Fortunately Anelka is on hand to net the rebound at the second attempt. The half ends 2-0 and we should have even more.
Villa make 2 changes - well they had to really, as Milner and Cuellar are on whilst Franco di Santo comes in for Anelka. Its more of the same though and within 5mins Joe Cole finds di Santos but the youngster shoots tamely at Friedel. Petrov launches himself at Joe Cole on 52mins and takes his ankle - if that was Jedi there would be a flurry of Villa players waving imaginary cards. Joe's trying to run it off but looks in trouble and he's off within 2mins to be replaced by Kalou. Ballack drives straight at Friedel and then a Lamps cross skids infront of di Santos and Malouda. A lovely exchange of passes between Lamps, Ballack and Kalou sets Kalou free but his shot deflects over the bar - great football. There's 8mins to go and Belletti comes on for Malouda who's probably had his best game to date in a blue shirt.
Its not being unkind to say that Villa could have been on the wrong side of a 5-0 drubbing today - we were that good
Come on U Blues

CFR Cluj 0 - 0 Chelsea

Round 2 of the Champions League against the little known CFR Cluj of Roumania who won their domestic double last year having gained promotion in their previous 2 seasons after being bought by a wealthy benefactor. They're a side packed with Portuguese and Argentine talent that beat a strong Roma side 2 - 1 in round 1 so we should expect a tough test. Its pretty much the same side as Saturday with Bridge coming in for Cole on the left as the only change.
The opening 20 - 30mins settle into a familiar pattern of Cluj sitting tight with 10 behind the ball and then breaking quickly. As the half progresses they are getting more confident and this is looking tricky. Few clear cut chances for either side but the better strikes on goal are coming from Cluj but the half still ends 0-0 and Scolari does not look happy.
Its Anelka on for Kalou as we go 4-4-2 in the second half. Immediately things look better until on 55mins Drogba stretches for a whipped in malouda cross and falls awkwardly. His hand goes straight up and he's stretchered off to be replaced by Belletti. That really looked bad. It takes a while to get our shape back and soon Bridge is marauding down the left but still clear chances are hard to come by. With 15mins to go big Phil makes his final change with di Santo coming on for Malouda. Cluj have their best chance with 10mins on the clock when Trica dances across the edge of our box and the shaves the outside of the post with a snap shot. Cluj are growing in confidence again and believe they can win this. On 86mins they nearly do as Perreria spins past Bosingwa and forces a sharp save from Cech. Straight up the other end and Anelka screws a shot wide when uh would have been easier to steer the ball in on the volley. Amazingly there's only 2mins of stoppage time - Drogba was down for at least 3mins - but it ends 0 - 0 and big Phil will be happy with that but not with the growing injury list (the early news about Drogba is not good as reports say knee ligaments ancillary a possible fracture)

Stoke 0 - 2 Chelsea

A trip to the Britannia for a potentially trickey away tie against Stoke. Its pretty much the same side as midweek except for Bosignwa and Jedi returning to the fray. Deco, Joe Cole and Rickey are still out injured.
The opening 10mins are predictably all Chelsea but few clear chances apart from an early strike from Ballack which is tipped over. On 13mins Drogba is sent clean through by a superb pass from Lamps after Kalou had won back possession but Sorensen did well to touch the ball away with an outstretched left peg. There's 39mins on the clock and Stoke are getting back into the game when Bosingwa plays a neat ball out wide to Lamps and continues his run into the box to pick up theb return and drive it home across Sorensen to score from the return. That's how the half ends.
The second half starts with Anelka (lets hope he's more effective than last week) on for the injured Kalou and within 3min of the restart Sorensen turns a Malouda drive onto the post. On 52mins, Stoke bring on Ricardo Fuller and immediately grow in confidence. More urgency, more balls slung into the box and more problems for the mighty Blues as chances fall to first Cort and then Griffin. Drogba feeds Anelka on 66mins but Le Sulk blasts over from just inside the box. With 72mins on the clock, Scolari replaces a tiring Drogba with Belletti so Anelka's up fron on his own and within 4mins he collects a Bosingwa cross to slot home from 12yds out. That's 0-2 and surely game over..... and after a 12 min lesson in controlled possession ..... it is.
Come On U Blues

Portsmouth 0 - 4 Chelsea (Carling Cup)

I'm travelling again so once again it was a combination of the web and text feeds to keep up with this game. Scolari set out a strong side with Drogba starting up front and Ivanovic in for Bosignwa. Other han that it was pretty much the side that played against Man U with Joe Cole joining Deco and Rickey on the injured list.
Goals from Lamps (2). Malouda and Kalou wrapped up a straight forward demolition of Pompey at Fratton Park
See the full match reports below

Click > BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/7626830.stm

Click > Sky - http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3063592,00.html

Chelsea 1 - 1 Man U

Too much talk of revenge going into this early season clash – this was really about getting 3 points, creating a 9 point gap, putting down a marker and extending a home unbeaten record to a staggering 85 games. United started with the orange primadona on the bench along with “Tevez the Troll” which meant Berbatov (Sulky Mk2) and Shrek started up front. Unfortunately we lost Deco in the warm up and Rickey within 10mins of the kick-off (to be replaced by Alex) so it was a pretty frantic opening quarter. Man U started the brighter and put down an early marker when Cech had to save sharply from Ferdinand of all people. We were being ripped apart and it was no surprise when Park chipped in from close range after Cech could only deflect a snap shot from Berbatov's into his path. van der Sar eventually left the game on 30mins after earlier appearing to bring down Malouda for a clear penalty but this was a Mike Riley game so we should have known better – free kick to Man U ! and slowly we started to get back into proceedings

Much like the CL final, the second half was a very different affair with the introduction of Drogba (after the lunacy of Riley not letting him on at the start) and with many more chances coming our way. United sent on Ronaldo for Paul Scholes 10 mins later but he ws largely ineffective. It was all Chelsea and Joe Cole wasted great opportunity on 65 mins, shooting straight at Kuszczak after being beautifully put through by Ballack and then Anelka, having his worst display in a blue shirt by far couldn’t even tap into an open net from 3 yards out. Eventually the pressure paid off when Kalou rose unmarked from a jedi free kick to head home with 10mins to go. It was nearly 2 – 1 seconds later as Neville deflected another Kalou strike over the bar.

But in the end United hung on for a point and so there was no 9 point gap or much of a marker put down but the home unbeaten record was extended to a staggering 85 games – COME ON U BLUES

Chelsea 4 - 0 Bordeaux

Its an unchanged Chelsea side that starts our Champions League campaign at home to Bordeaux so once again the Jedi sits in the Maka role and Anelka is the lone striker.

From the start its zippy and nippy stuff with Deco pulling the strings and once again Ash and Bosingwa are regularly pushing on up the flanks. In fact its Deco and Bosingwa who combine on 14mins for Bosingwa to whip in a cross that is dispatched with a rare Lampard header. That’s 1-0 and cruising – even Anelka wants in on this as his fierce drive is turned away for a corner 5mins later. Its 30mins of campaign Chelsea and on the half hour the lead is doubled by Joe Cole flicking in a near post corner from Lamps. Its nearly 3-0 three minutes later when Lamps screws the ball wide from 8 yrds out.

No changes at half time but Bordeaux start with a little more purpose. Shamak looks more lively and useful so its no surprise to see Ballack introduced just after the hour for Deco who had just picked up a petulant yellow card. Lauren Blanc responds with a double like for like substitution. Its all a bit too intricate for the Blues now with too many attempted 'slide rule' passes being cut out. With just over a quarter of an hour to go its Belletti on for Joe Cole but Scolari is not happy - its all too casual and he wants more - so do we. There's 9mins to go and Jedi dances through the Bordeaux defence, Lamps back heels a through ball to Malouda who drives it home - wonderful goal. Scolari takes him off to let him milk the applause and on come Kalou. Rickey clatters the bar with a free header on 86mins and Anelka shaves the outside of the far post with a drive before Beletti thunders another against the bar on 92mins only for the rebound to be followed in by Anelka to make it four. An emphatic win for the Mighty Blues.

Man City 1 - 3 Chelsea

Up to the City of Manchester Stadium for the Robinho vs Chelsea show. Drogba's on the bench as a potential bit player and Joe Cole is wearing the Terry Butcher memorial head bandage after his battles for England earlier in the week.
Less than 15mins on the clock and would you believe it, Rickey give up a soft free kick on the edge of our box, we set up an awful wall and lo and behold, Robinho pops it into the corner - you couldn't write this stuff - could you ?? Well it only lasts 4mins though as a JT header comes loose off Joe Cole and Rickey's there to crash the ball home. Its then end to end stuff for the rest of the half with the Blues going closest as Malouda hits the bar, Anelka plants an open goal chance straight at the keeper and Ash sends one just over the bar from 25 yards. One goal from 7 on target attempts may not be enough here ! We'll need more that one point after the scousers beat Man U earlier this morning.
No changes at half time and the game starts in similar vein - however, there's 52mins on the clock and Chelsea stroke the ball end to end with a flowing move that finds Lamps on the edge of the box and he buries the ball across Joe Hart in the City goal. Another great move on 59mins finds Anelka on penalty spot and is bundled to the ground by Richards - a stonewall penalty denied ! Its still very open as, on 63mins, Rickey saves a certain equalizer by throwing himself full stretch across Stephen Ireland and the Lamps drills in a screamer that is saved by Hart. Another great passage of one touch passing and the ball is slid into Anleka from Joe Cole and even he cant miss from 10 yards 3 -1 to the Blues and on comes Belletti and Drogba (for Joe Cole and Malouda) with 20mins to go.
Its gonna get tight now as JT is loudicrously sent off on 76mins when he pulls down Jo with both Rickey and Belletti covering so he could never be the last man. Vidic got a yellow earlier in the day for something far more blatant and closer to goal - absolute farce but what should we expect from Mark Halsey. Alex is on for Anelka and it really could have been "backs to the wall" but the mighty Blues play out the last 10mins in consummate style. It ends 1 - 3 just to show that showboating, even Brazilian showboating isn't everything.
Come on U BLUES !!!!

Chelsea 1 - 1 Spurs

This has to be seen a 2 points dropped despite a solid performance from spurs that rode their luck and ultimately frustrated all our options. To be fair we should have been 3 up before Bent picked up a lucky ricochet off of Lamps to level the half (in the 44th minute). Prior to that farce, Ess had crashed a drive against the bar and Lamps almost pulled off an outrageous chip over Gomes before Belletti put the mighty Blues ahead from a corner.

The second half was much like the first with lots of pressure but fewer clear chances and only an angles shot from Ashley Cole posed any real threat to Gomes.

So 2 points dropped and back to reality - which may be no bad thing after the euphoria of the opening day

COME ON U BLUES

Off we go... Chelsea 4 - 0 Portsmouth & Wigan 0 - 1 Chelsea

I've been travelling on business quite a bit and now having a well earned holiday so the posts have not been what they should be over recent weeks. With all the Lampard and Robinhio speculation its been another month where the mighty Blues have hardly been out of the press so it ws nice go finally get to the start of the season last week..... and what a start it was, watched on my laptop thanks to the wonders of a slingbox and good wifi connection (if you haven’t tried a slingbox yet you really should - access your set top box anywhere in the world).

Portsmouth were despatched 4-0 with a swagger that came mainly from the boot of Deco who's home debut was outstanding and topped off with the fourth goal. Bosingwa looked very handy as an attacking right back and Lamps looked at home alongside Ballack and Jedi. No Drogba (still recovering from his knee operation) so the line was led by Le Sulk and Joe Cole with Deco floating between midfield and the left side of a front three. Pompey were poor and we'll have tougher tasks - like Wigan away next week.

So 7 days later and its up to the JJB - I'm still on hols and no Sky coverage this time so its over to one of those dodgy free footy sites for a 3" screen experience. Its almost the same line up except for Essien replacing Jedi in the holding role. The start is equally impressive though - Deco curls a superb free kick into the top corner with 4mins on the clock. The mighty Blues are one up and you fear for Wigan though to their credit they respond in fine style and have the better of the rest of the half without really looking loke scoring - so at halftime it remains 0-1.

The second half is much as the first with Wigan pressing and Chelsea playing off the break so its no surprise that Scolari makes a change by bringing on Kalou for the ineffective Joe Cole. Wigan are really making the mighty Blues (in all black today) work for everything - no swagger in the boots this week. Maybe its the after effects of the internationals earlier in the week but its all a bit flat. Last 5mins and Bruce goes 3 at the back, taking off Melchiot and putting Henri Camera on as another striker and its almost a repeat of the Bridge last season as Cech turns a goal bound Capo strike round the post. Anelka off and Malouda on to waste a few more minutes only for Kalou to give away a dangerous free kick about 25yrds out but fortunately it comes to nothing and Chelsea run out the clock.

Champaigne last week and a stale pint of bitter this week but its still six points from six - Come on U Blues

Kiss the badge.... Kiss my ...

Pardon my title but ....
Is it just me or is this whole Frank Lampard thing just getting a little tedious.
"I want to stay, this is my home" says our Frank. "He told me he wants to stay for many years" says Big Phil .... but within minutes the agents are in saying that the situation is far from resolved.
What's the problem ? Sign the contract and put the matter to bed. Oh no its never that simple - apparently ! Its all about 4 years vs 5 years, £130K pw vs £150k pw, one year extensions vs contract commitments. So what price loyalty, what price sticking with the club and fans that stuck by you - clearly this is out of place in the modern game and frankly (sic) we shouldn't be surprised.
Personally I'd like to see Lamps stay but I doubt it will happen
JMHO

Scolari (..woa oh oh oh) Part 2

Ok so that was an impressive press conference from a guy who we were told would struggle to make himself understood as he didn't speak much English.

Within 20mins, Big Phil had the world's media eating out of his hands and dispelled any doubts we might have had – this guy is definitely the real deal. Now if can handle the dressing room egos the way he handles the press we should be in for something a bit special .... and to that precise point he was asked "are you a special one ?" The reply was an immediate "yes".... quickly qualified by saying he was special to his family, friends and his country – and only 'so-so' as a manager. Somehow I doubt that !

Scolari (......woa oh oh oh)

After all the debate and speculation - now we know – it’s “Big Phil” at the Bridge and one thing’s for sure; if we thought Mourinho did colourful press conferences, wait till this guy gets going.

Personally, and for what it’s worth, I think it’s a great move and a big signing in itself – that’s, before we get on to the transfer speculation. This guy 'brooks no crapulence' so he’ll deal with the dressing room egos and at least we won’t see all that press speculation about Abromovitch picking the team or giving tactical advice to players anymore. OK, so he hasn’t managed a club side in Europe but he’s the real deal when it comes to motivating and inspiring his players so I can’t see that being a problem.

As for the transfer speculation, it looks like we’ve bought and sold just about everybody – at least according to the press. My hopes are for Lamps and Rickey to stay (Deco’s good but we’ll get more goals from Lamps), Drogba to be shown the door (as good and important as his goals have been, he’s become a petulant liability and I can’t forget the Champions League sending off) along with Malouda and then perm any three incomming from Kaka, Van de Vaaht, Villa, Drente, Ribery, Robinho et al.

One thing you can be sure of, it’s never dull following Chelsea

Come on you Blues

Now that the Euro's are over....

..... we can get back to the proper side of football (by that I mean following the mighty blues).

Yes it was a mildly entertaining tournament and yes the Spanish deserved to win it by virture of being the best team by a country mile; but overall it was a series of disappointments from my perspective. Really wanted to see a good Dutch performance, hoped that the Czech Republic might come good, couldn't believe how poor the French and the Italians were...... but then England weren't even good enough to qualify - hey ho

Anyway, I've had a blogging break and got over the heartbreak of the Champions League final - well as much as any blue blood possibly can - so its back to the keyboard and bring on the Premiership

Come on you Blues

A fine line between despair and euphoria...

Chelsea 1 - 1 ManU (Man U win 6-5 on penalties, aet)

... in this case, maybe a blade of grass ??

What can you say on a night of such emotion. The best that the Premiership has to offer provided a veritable feast of football which ended in the most dramatic and cruel fashion. That it should come down to a tragically missed penalty from "Mr Chelsea" himself is the most dramatic of ironies. When Jose left all those months ago, no one dreamed we'd even get here and yet there we were, one kick away from an historic victory. When Ronaldo's penalty was saved by Petr Cech, the crowd in the Kings Rd wend wild. All thoughts of Drogbas dismissal 4 minutes earlier disappeared as up stepped our very own Captain Marvel to take the fifth and potentially decisive penalty.

The outcome will melt into history and few who read the cold result will remember the slip that shifted a goal bound (and Champions League winning) strike on to the right hand upright. For it to happen to JT of all people was a crime of immense and proportions. The same JT who had a few minutes earlier thrown himself at a goal bound Ryan Giggs effort that could have sealed the match. No-one who was there, or watched on TV will forget his tears or the image of him slumped in AG's arms as the rain lashed the Luzhniki Stadium and Man U celebrated with their fans.

Yet this was a match that could and should have been won outright. Yes, Man U could have been out of sight by half time but thanks to an opportunistic equaliser from Super Frank, the second half was a revelation. Chelsea out fought, out shot and for large portions of the half out played Man U with Drogba hitting the post, Lamps hitting the bar and a whole host of other efforts that went begging. Some people will dwell on the lunacy and Drogbas actions in getting a straight red and thus consigning the fifth spot kick to JT but few of us would have wanted anyone else to take it.

But dont just take it from me; here's what the BBC had to say ...

"Chelsea, bluntly, did not deserve to be on the wrong side of the cruellest of finals. Blues skipper Terry was inconsolable after his penalty miss. After being tormented by the wizardry of Ronaldo for the first half-hour they got a foothold in the game, thanks to the industry and endeavour of the peerless Claude Makelele and from then on were by far the better team. They had twice as many shots and, as Ferguson himself conceded, they overpowered United through sheer physical strength and dynamic displays from Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack.

It was Chelsea at their imperious best. And you know what? They were awesome to watch, too - not something they have been labelled with much during this turbulent campaign. For that and so much more, Avram Grant should hold his head high. Even if he is shortly relieved of his duties, nothing will ever be as cruel as the way in which he saw his team suffer defeat in the most important game in Chelsea's history. "

So the season ends with no trophies and second place all round. Some will see that as an unacceptable and a job threatening outcome. I simply look back at where we were in September of 2007 and the night I've just endured and hope that the core of this squad (which includes the boss) stays together, gains some new blood and pushes on to even greater feats in 08/09.

COME ON U BLUES !!!

The inevitable is no less disappointing

Chelsea 1 - 1 Bolton

The atmosphere was tense and the anticipation high, though in truth no one really believed. Surely Man U wouldn't slip up away to Wigan, had Fergies mind games got to Steve Bennett, was 4-4 against Tottenhan and 1-1 against Wigan themselves going to come back and haunt us. In reality they all mattered and then none of them mattered. Over a long and turbulent season, Man U were the better team ...... but we pushed them right to the wire.

As for the game itself, the omens were not good when JT was stretchered off after a collision with Petr Cech in only the tenth minute and the first half was a nervy affair with Joe Cole obviously having left his crossing boots at home. We started the second half in a much more positive vein with Malouda forcing a stunning save from the Bolton keeper from a 25 yards rocket. Sheva, on for Maka in a reshuffled 4-4-2 scrambled us into the lead on 62mins and despite Man U being one up there was a sudden air of expectation around the bridge. However this left the ground in an instant as the news filtered through that United had added a second at the JJB - ever heard 40,000 people sigh in unison ? its quite eerie.

As the game petered away, we once again scummed to a 92nd minute sucker punchwhen Matt Taylors shot found its way through a crowded penalty area to beat Petr Cech, but the spark had long gone by then and thoughts were turning to Moscow.

Thankfully JT made it back on to the pitch for the "lap of recognition" and hopefully he'll lead us out in Moscow for the first Champions League final in our History - COME ON U BLUES !!

One last push - on the last day

Newcastle 0 - 2 Chelsea

So it goes to the last game of the season and the math is straightforward - Man U have to slip up and we have to go one better (they draw - then we win, they loose - we only need a point). What could be closer and if you'd have told me on that fateful few days after the Rosenborg game that we'd be level on points and in our frst Champions league final, I'd have called you insane.

It all started a bit nervy up in Geordie land with a line up that had neither of the Coles (or Lamps) in the starting eleven, Ferreira at right back, Jedi holding and Anelka and Malouda either side of Drogs. The Blues started strongly but Newcastle came back with half chances falling to Owen and Martins, neither of which troubled Cech. Drogba and Anelka were starting to link up well but the end product was missing. On the half hour Ess found Ballack in acres of space inside the Newcastle box but his shot flew wide.
Second half and Kegan swaps Viduka for Alan Smith but its more of the same. Rickey heads over from a Malouda corner and then 10mins later JT crashes one against the bar from the same set up. Then finally on the hour, Ballack heads home a clever dummied free kick from the Drog and the away fans go wild. Lamps replaces Anelka on 66mins and Alex comes on for an injured Carvalho with 79 minutes gone before but Malouda finishes things off with a neat shot from Lamp's pass.

So there it is - last game of the season beckons along with "squeaky bum time".
COME ON U BLUES !

We're on our way to Moscow

Chelsea 3 - 2 Liverpool (aet 4 - 3 on aggregate)

A momentous night at the bridge - I've hardly got my breath back, let alone my voice.
Drogba was immense (how dumb was Benitez to wind him up)
What can you say about Lamps - to even play, let alone take the penalty in extra time - his strength of character is astonishing
Maka and Ballack - just outstanding
I genuinely have no words - just pure elation so read the BBC report here and Sky report here .
Our first Champions League final in our history and 82 home games unbeaten
COME ON U BLUES !!

No fat lady singing to today boys :-)

Chelsea 2 - 1 Man U

Part 2 of a huge 3 part week that started with a great Champions League 1st leg result at Anfield and now needs a great performance from the mighty Blues who bring Jedi and Ess in for Maka and Lamps, while Kalou replaces Malouda in the front 3. It's no surprise that United rest Ronaldo and Tevez though they're on the bench.

Chelsea start brilliantly with Ess completely bossing the middle of the park and Joe Cole running riot. Ess has two great opportunities before Joe crashes a scruffy chance against the post. Its all Chelsea but there's still no end product. Ess again plays in Joe Cole but the angle is too tight and Joe smacks a shot into the side netting - all this possession and drive deserves a goal.... and it gets on in the 42min when Drogs brilliantly holds up play on the edge of the box and drops an inch perfect cross into the box which is headed home by an unmarked Ballack. All the players unfurl a number eight shirt with "Pat Lampard RIP" on it - nice touch and condolences to Frank Jnr, Snr and the Lampard family. Its probably as good an opening 45mins as we've had all season. As good today as we were bad against Wigan. Now the challenge is to press on in the same way in the 2nd half.

Chelsea go off in exactly the same fashion in the 2nd half but this time Man U respond - lots of possession for them but not much in the way of clear chances until disaster strikes. Ferreira rolls a free kick to Ricky midway in the Chelsea half and under no real pressure he lets the ball get caught under his feet and then, in trying to find JT, rolls the pass back to Rooney who drives into the box and finishes low across Cech.

An hour gone and were looking knackered so its worrying that off goes Rooney and on comes Ronaldo. Still we press on and with 15mins to go AG makes the change to 4-4-2. Off goes Ferreira and on comes Anelka with Ess switching to right-back. Nani brings down JT on the edge of the box and it suddenly starts descending into farce as Ballack and Drogs start pushing and shoving each other over who's taking the kick. Brogs finnaly wins out and van der Sar pulls off a great save. 10mins left and on comes Sheva and its back to 4-3-3 with Kalou coming off but 2mins later its a penalty !! Carrick sticks out an arm to block a cross from Ess and up steps Ballack to bury the penalty. 3mins to go and Maka comes on for Joe Cole yet there's still time for Sheva to clear off the line from a Darren Fletcher's header. But that;s the last of it - two goals from Ballack, 81 games unbeaten at the bridge in the Premier League and we're still in the title race.

Now for the small matter of Liverpool - Come on you Blues !!

Liverpool 1 - 1 Chelsea

Up to Anfield for a 1st Leg for a change and surprisingly AG pick Malouda ahead of Kalou. No Ess today so Ferreira starts on the left but Lamps and Drogs are back in a strong line up.

We have loads of early possession but our penetration and delivery in the last 3rd is woeful. Joe wastes our best chance when clear through in the box but seems to not know how much time he has and the ball is gone. Surely a penalty !! Drogs goes down under a clumsy Carragher challenges and up our end, Cech saves well from a Torres effort. Then just as we look like seeing out a difficult half, Alonso's quick free-kick bounces around the box only for Kuyte to scuff the ball past Cech.

Liverpool start much then better in the second half and the tie could have been over before AG introduces Kalou for the subdued Joe Cole. The response is immediate as first a Ballack header from a Lamps free kick is well saved by Reina and then Mascherano dives in to block Malouda after Lamps had carved open the Liverpool defence. Its all Chlesea but with 6mins to go Cech is called on to make stunning saves, first from a Gerrard and then Torres. But there was still one last twist as deep into injury time Kalou sends our first decent cross into the Liverpool box only for Riise to head into his own net at the Kop end.

Oh how we laughed. It's nice to be on the right side of a Mersey Migging for a change - Come on U Blues

Where there's hope ...

Everton 0 - 1 Chelsea

A vital away win at Goodison that keeps the title race alive for another week but depite the Blues dominance, it was another unconvincing performance. Brilliant in patches but the play in the final 1/3 and particularly the final ball / cross was woeful - whether it came for Ferreria, Cole, SWP or whoever.

Still no Drogs or Lamps and now Ballack is out with a hamstring problem however there were stand out performances from Essien (goal scorer) and Carvalio (just immense in every department)

Read the BBC report here

Isn't this what technology is all about ?

So why do we make it so complicated ??

Its over .... bar the shouting

Chelsea 1 - 1 Wigan

There's a reason why a match lasts 90 mins (...and change) - its because to win, you normally have to play for 90mins (and change).

The first half of tonights game was the worst, dullest, most lifeless and soul destroying 45mins I've seen in a long time. A game that demanded urgency and an early strike (or two) to settle the nerves had nothing of the sort. Anelka (starting ahead of drogba) should have scored at least once from two headed chances - one free header from 6yards out and another looping effort that was denied by an athletic save from Chris kirkland - but aside from that the first half was woeful. Kalou and Malouda (awful) started up alongside Anelka and Alex and Bridge came in for Cole and Carvallio. Lamps left during the warm up (due to personal reasons) so the mid three were Jedi, Ballack and Ess. Zorro (as CechWigan .... but not so.

The second half changed dramatically with the introduction of Joe Cole replacing the hapless Malouda and he could have scored twice inside the first 5 mins. JT vollied against the crossbar and then Kirkland brilliantly saved from Kalou shot before Ess drove home from an Anelka lay back on 55 minutes. It should have been all over as the chances kept coming. Alex, Ballack and Joe Cole all missed good chances - Alex bring another great save from Kirkland - and yous started to get the sense that things were not going to end well for the Blues as Wigan kept pressing. Sheva had been warming up for the last 15mins at least before, with 92 mins on the clock, Heskey vollied home a Koumas's cross to leave our tiltle hopes in tatters. To make matters worse, AG brought Sheva on with 30 seconds of the added 3mins to go - if he'd have done that even 3 minutes earlier it might have disrupted Wigans flow - complete nightmare !!

Now a win at Everton, on Thursday is essential and Man U(re) need to slip up big style .... an in reality, playing like this (for 45mins at a time) we don't even deserve to be second.

Chelsea 2 - 0 Fenerbache

A nervy night at the Bridge as the Blues looked to turn around a 1-2 deficit. No Cech but a full strength side with Ess at right back and Drogs up front with Cole and Kalou.

A good start was essential and that's what we got, when with only 4mis gone, Joe Cole swung in a free kick and Ballack flicked a deft header into the far corner. Kalou and Cole were ripping up the flanks and it all looked on for a big night however once again we took our foot off the gas and allowed the Turks back into the tie. Things went from bad to worse when Carlo limped off with what looked like a hamstring pull only to be replaced by the less than inspiring Hilario. Drogs kept shooting from way out when a pass was a better choice and things were looking grim.

It was no better in the second half as the Turks sensed an upset and brought on Kezman to bolster their attack..... and they wen damn close first through their other sub Ugur and then Kazim-Richards who both forced Hilario into good saves. Ess was booked for fisting the ball away which meant he'd miss the 1st leg of the semi final (if we ever got there) but he made amends with 3mins to go by getting to the byeline, cutting back into the box and then crossing for Lamps to tap in the clincher.

Job done, not particularly well and only 38,000 in the crowd. It will need to be better in every department (inc the crowd) if we're to get past the Scousers.

Man City 0 - 2 Chelsea

Up to Manchester with 6 changes - Belletti and Alex at the back, Ess back into midfield to partner the Jedi with SWP, Anelka and Kalou up top. What initially looked like a tricky away test wasn't... but it still took another own goal to get things started - on 6mins the hapless Richard Dunne deflected Anelka's cross (intended for Ess) into his own. Anelka almost had a real goal 2mins later only to be stopped by a last ditch tackle by Nedum Onuoha. City came back into it and had a few chances from Petrov, Johnson and Ireland - one clkeared off the line by Ash - but we still looked dangerous on the break and only another superb Onuoha tackle stopped Anelka making it 2 - 0. That scoreline appeared early in the second half when on 52mins a pass from Ess was deflected into the path of Kalou who duly dispatched the second. It could have been more, Kalou and Anelka both drew good saves from Hart. And that was that - all over bar the shouting and thoughts inevitably turned to Tuesday and the (not so small) matter of dispatching Fenerbache - COME ON U BLUES !!

Mugged in Istanbull

Fenerbache 2 - 1 Chelsea
......... mugged in terms of playing like mugs to let what was a comfortable, albeit fortunately achieved, 1-0 (.... that should have been 4-0) turn into a poor 1 - 2 defeat.

Chelsea started as they did against Arsenal with Ess in the problem right back position and a middle 3 of Ballack, Maka and Lamps. Only in inclusion of Malouda in place of Kalou raised any eyebrows however it was a wicked deflection from a driven Malouda cross that putthe Blues ahead. Drogba and Ballack were both guilty of not putting the tie to bed when they squandered gilt edged chances - Ballack even had a chance to stem the mounting Fenebache tide soon after the equalizer but he shot tamely at the Fenebache keeper. The tie was won with a stunning 30 yard strike from Deivid and, if you had to loose, this was the kind of shot you'd take your hat off to - Carlo had no chance.

Read the BBC report here

It sets up a tricky return leg at the Bridge and signals some ominous clouds to start gathering around AG.

Enterprise 2.0

I was fortunate to meet up with Andrew McAfee from Harvard Business School (blog.hbs.edu/faculty/amcafee) last week, discussing the growth of social networking software inside organisations - commonly called Enterprise 2.0 - so I thought I would add some content here on my observations, leanings and views. Most of you will know from my posts on "learning from my kids" and "facebook" that I am quite keen on this topic

About the best definition I can find so far for this stuff is "... the use of existing and emerging social software platforms within companies, or between companies and their partners or customers." So that basically covers blogs, wikis, content tagging, social networks, RSS etc

Despite the hype, these are genuinely new technologies which offer the potential for an organisation to be far more effective around innovation, collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective intelligence. Unfortunately the bariers to adoption now seem to be the lack of foresight or draconian policies of the IT department (or maybe even the irrational fears of some CIOs) rather than the willingness of the customers to embrace the solutions on offer.

There are some simple trends that seem to be driving the adoption of E2.0 solutions

• Software has become simple, social and inclusive. Technology is now actually being used to connect rather than alienate or frustrate people.
• Network effect – all of these solutions improve with scale so its in the interests of participants to promote use and "market" their new found information and connections

• "Platforms" are replacing channels - Web 2.0 promotes the move from channels to platforms (email is a 1.0 channel - a one to one conversation that has no interactivity or contribution). In a web 2.0 world the platforms aspire to be universal, visible and open to the broadest possible interaction.
• Most Web2.0 tools have a distinct lack of upfront structure but they have mechanisms in place that allows structure to emerge. This is a really new (and potentially frightening concept for IT folks) - get out of the way of the customers and almost give them a blank slate. Conventional IT has lots of rules and structure. It slots people into roles, assigns privileges to roles, define workflows and data formats etc. This is not wrong, but applying this approach universally can be barrier to collaboration and innovation. Web 2.0 tools (praticularly inside an enterprise) requires a bit more sublety - segmentation if you will - making sure that the appropriatre tools and services are available to the right people. Wikipedia is a great example of managed collaboration - with great self selection and editing. Del.icio.us allows you to store bookmarks online and share them but people tag their entries, not based on any predefined lists, but entirely on the words they choose themselves.
  

Adoption Challenges
I've already mentioned the potential "fear and loathing" from your all controlling IT Department, though happily these now tend to be in the minority. However, the biggest challenge for any new solution is usually down to surplanting what already exists. Email is the most prevalent collaboration tool - however bad we think it is !! - and for anything new there will always be a level of personal evaluation between an incumbent technology and a prospect technology. Remeber that customers rarely make rational lists to come to a decision. What invariably happens is that the incumbent solution is over-weighted - often by a factor of 3 and the prospect is under-weighted by a similar amount. So new concepts often have to be at least 9x better than existing systems.

So what do I think...
I think Enterprise 2.0 is going to be the difference between innovative and laggard companies. The ones who can embrace and harness the potential from a connected and collaborative organisation will simply be streets ahead of their competritors.

JMHO though

Chelsea 1 - 0 Midddlesborough

Back in the UK but still not able to get to the Bridge so it was 5 live (I just cant bring myself to get "Sultana Sports") and the BBC website that kept me abreast of this dire affair.

No Maka, Ash (presumably being rested for the upcoming Fenebache game) or Lamps (still unwell) so Ballack, Essien, Jedi and Bridge all got a run out however Cech is still not fully fit. Belletti also came in for Paulo and it stared well when on 6 mins, Rickey C connected with a Bridge free kick to put the Blues ahead. It should have been more when first, Kalou wasted a one one one with Schwarzer after good work from Michael Essien, then Joe Cole shot straight at the keeper after a strong run from Drogba and just before half-time Drogba put a free header over the bar from a Cole's cross. The second half started like the first but again we took our foot off the gas and Boro came more and more into the game. The last 20mins were a now familiar scramble and Boro deserved at least a point with Alves first hitting the bar and then the post and Aliadiere driving clear effort well wide.

Oh well, 3 points is 3 points .... but we'll have to play better than this if we're gonna chalk up a good lead at Fenebache and keep the title hopes alive..... in a somewhat desperate voice .... COME ON U BLUES !!

Chelsea 2 - 1 Arsenal

There are few better texts you can get when landing in New York after a transatlantic flight than he one I got that simply said "Chelsea 2 Arsenal 1 - Drogba scored twice - come on u Blues!"

After the 4-4 "hockey match" with Spurs as Jose would have described it, my expectation was pretty low . So as soon as I got to he hotel, on went my Slingbox to watch the game. After a pretty even first half it was Sagna who put Arsenal in front in the 59th minute. When AG took off Ballack an Maka for Anelka and Belletti on 70mins, even though Chelsea were playing the better and more direct football, the crys of "you don't know what you are doing' started to ring out around he bridge. However within 2 minutes of the change, Drogba received a sweet lay off from Lamps and drilled a low shot beyond Almunia and into the bottom corner for the equalizer. He wasn't finished though and 8 mins later a Joe Cole free-kick was flicked on by Anelka to Drogba who sweetly brought the under control and poked it through Almunia for the winner.

Read the skysports report here

2 - 1 to the mighty Blues and the title race is still on.

Newsbiscuit nails it again

Iraqi PM wishes Western politicians would call before visiting

Nouri al-Maliki, the Prime Minister of Iraq, called on politicians from his country’s allies, including the UK and the United States, to telephone in advance before making surprise visits to the country.

‘Of course we’re very grateful to them for getting rid of Saddam and all that…’ said the country’s first democratically elected leader for a generation. ‘But it doesn’t mean they can just keep turning up whenever they feel like it for a photocall with the Iraqi government.’

‘It’s always the same,’ complained Mrs Maliki, “just as soon as me and Nouri sit down to dinner in front of ‘Afghanistan’s Next Top Martyr’, the doorbell goes. It’s sure to be Condoleeza ‘just passing through’ but expecting a 7-course state banquet – despite her claims that she already had something on the plane. You could set your clock by it.’

The Prime Minister’s plea for a bit of advanced warning from visitors followed ‘the final straw’ when Dick Cheney turned up just as he’d got into the bath. Having answered the door sopping wet and in his dressing gown, Maliki was worried he’d catch a chill while making polite chit-chat with the US Vice-President, ‘I was freezing my nuts off standing there but he woouldn’t take the hint when I didn’t invite him in. Kept making these little jokes about me having a towel on my head, and that ‘I thought we banned the bath party’. Very funny Dick.’

At the moment during the interview Maliki put his finger to his lips and crouched down behind the sofa. ‘Shh! Pretend we’re not in. It’s that Des Browne bloke from England. He’s always dropping by and I’m not even sure exactly who he is or what he does. I wouldn’t mind so much if he didn’t always eat all my biscuits. If we keep quiet he should give up in a minute,’ said the Iraqi PM, as an insistent tapping started on the hallway window.

Posted: 25 March 2008 by sheldonprice (with thanks to Red)

Tottenham 4 - 4 Chelsea

why cant we defend a lead - particularly against Tottenham. What was once 3 point lane was more like a house of horrors tonight for our back four..... and yet it all started so well. 1-0 up from Drogba within 2mins, pegged back by a Woodgate free header but back in front on 20mins thanks to a neat flick from Essien. Joe Cole was having an absolute blinder and despite a few scares, that's how the half ended. AG's selection of Ash, JT, Rickey and Paulo, Lamps Ess and Maka with Cole Drogs and Kalou looked a good call.

The second half started with Spurs flying out of the blocks but it looked all over when Joe Cole made it 3-1 on 52mins. Queue the now inevitable Chelsea collapse. First, after 61 minutes Berbatov headed in Huddlestone's corner and then, despite a stunning save by Carlo from Keane, with 15 minutes left Huddlestone drove in a Keane corner to make it 3 -3. In between, AG had swapped Kalou for Alex in a vain attempt to shore things up but there was more to come. Joe Cole restored the lead in the 80th minute only to the be substituted by AG in favour of Ballack. Did we steady he ship - did we 'eck. A long clearance on 88mins hit Rickey on the back and fell straight to Keane who curled a 20-yard shot past Carlo.

So 1-0 up, 3-1 up AND 4-3 up yet we cant hold on - pathetic and with Man U winning, bang goes any realistic chance of pressing for the tile.

Bye Bye Avram - thankfully I'm travelling this weekend so I'll miss the Arsenal match

Sunderland 0 - 1 Chelsea

Up north for a tricky match at the stadium of light with 3 changes from midweek - Jedi in for Maka, Alex in for Rickey and Drogba up top im place of Anelka. Its no surprise that Sunderland start brightly but on 9mins the Blues are one up as JT heads home a sweet corner from Lamps. Chelsea are playing some nice stuff and controlling the game. The first real home threat comes on 26mins from an Andy Reid free kick that Carlo turns round the post. Its nip and tuck from then on until O'Donovan dangerously leaves a foot in on Carlo with 5mins to go which amazingly goes unpunished by Mike Dean. The half ends 0 - 1 to the Blues.

We're off and running, unchanged for the second half but its all a bit scrappy with niggly challenges and yellow cards a plenty. We have to wait until the 72min for a change with Dwight York coming on for Sunderland and the Blues change Balack for Ess. Sunderland have gone 6hrs without a goal but they nearly undo our back 4 on 75mins as Jones connects with a floated ball from York, but he heads straight at Carlo. With 10mins to go, its all Sunderland so SWP is thrown on to replace Joe Cole but there's no more goals and Chelsea win 1-0.

Lamps shines brightly

Chelsea 6 - 1 Derby
Q) How do you score 6 and still look ordinary, A) Play Derby

Six goals, four from Lamps, 77th home win on the bounce, only five points behind the leaders with a game in hand and yet ....... we're still not convinced.

Derby were awful and fully justify their spot at the foot of the premiership, however it took a penalty from Lamps on the half hour and a bit of quick thinking from Kalou after an error by Carrol in the Derby goal to go in 2-0 up at half time. With Anelka, Cole and Kalou up front and Maka, Ballack and Lamps in the middle, this side always looked like it had the beating of Derby. Indeed, the margin should have been wider by half time given that Lamps hit the post on 3minutes and an Anelka effort was ruled offside. The second half was much better and the game was over as a contest within 5mins of the restart when Anelka played in Joe Cole whose cross was tapped in from 2 yards out by Lamps. Carroll saved from Anelka but Joe Cole rolled in the rebound for 4 - 0 before Kalou set up Lamps for his his hat-trick. A one-two with Joe Cole gave Lamps his 4th and that was 6-0. Derby finally managed a shot on target - and they scored with it when a through ball was deflected off Ess (on for Maka) and fell into the path of Jones who slid his shot past Carlo.

It mattered not a jot. Chelsea finished the game as a training match playing 4-2-4, with Kalou, Drogba, Sheva and Anelka strung across the front......... but still we're not convinced. Wins away against Sunderland, Spurs and then home to Arsenal might just make us believers though

Come on you Blues

Out of the FA Cup !!

Barnsley 1 - 0 Chelsea
Read it here or here
... and on the same day that Man U lost to Pompey - Unbelievable !!
No excuses, no calls for AG's head.... we were rubbish - end of !!

as the Moody Blues once said - "You'd better go now...."

...that's Sheva not Avram

According to the BBC ...."AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi wants to take striker Andriy Shevchenko back to Italy - and is confident Chelsea will allow him to leave."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7281824.stm

Chelsea 3 - 0 Olympiakos

A potentially tricky home second leg beckons and its not helped by loosing Cech in the pre match so the Blues line up with Carlo in goal, Ferreira, Rickey, JT and Ash at the back, Ballack, Maka and Lamps in the middle with Kalou, Drogs and JC up top.

Its all Chelsea from the start as Joe Cole hits the post within 2mins however we're ahead 4mins later when a near post cross from Lamps is sweetly headed home by Ballack. The two of them are bossing the midfield with Maka breaking up any Olypiakos and on 25mis Lamps makes it two when Ballacks shot is pushed out by Olympiakos keeper for Lamps to tap home. That's how it stays to half time.

Second half's underway and within 3mins its all over as a tie when Lamps swings in a corner which Kalou bundles home from a couple of yars out. It could have been five when first Lamps scuffs a clear shot on goal and then both Joe Cole and Maka (yes Maka) have efforts well saved by the Olympiakos keeper. In the closing minutes, Carlo does get some action. First, Fernando Belluschi hits the crossbar from from 25 yards with a blistering strike and the Carlo is called on to make a double save from a Belluschi free kick and resulting header from Antzas's header.
But in reality, we were never in any danger and a slot in the last eight was never in doubt.

What odds on getting Liverpool :-)

Come on U Blues

West Ham 0 - 4 Chelsea

Chelsea ring the changes today and you can't be sure if its a response to Sunday's defeat or just AG being careful before Wednesdays Champions league game. However, its Anelka up front with Cole and Kalou, Ballack and Maka come in for Jedi and Ess (who drops to the bench with Drogba) and Ferreia and Cole replace Belletti and Bridge.

The Blues get off to a bright start - there's certainly more bite than in last weeks cup final !! - and the balls' in the net from Anelka on 2mins following a free kick from Lamps and flick on by JT but its ruled offside. With 15mins on the clock, Kalou is brought down by Ferdinand in the box and Lamps buries a scruffy penalty. Its 1-0 to the Blues. Within 5mins its 2-0 after a flowing move that sees Joe Cole volley home a pass from Anelka. Two mins later and its 3 - 0 as Ballack nails a half volley into the bottom corner after great work from Lamps - queue hundreds of (un)happy Hammers leaving their seats. This is some response from the Blues !!

But now there's trouble - Lamps is ridiculously sent off after a foul on him by Boa-Morte. The Linesman shapes to referee Walton for a push in retaliation from Lamps and its a straight red - a straight red for that !! unbelievable !! and Ballack gets booked for arguing. However Clesea don't change their formation and it could have been 4 nil as first Anelka and the Kalou go close but the half ends without further incident.

No changes for the Blues as the second half gets underway but West Ham bring on Ashton for Boe Morte. Its all West Ham as 10 man Chelsea sit back as soak up the pressure but its a good 15mins before they fashion a meaningful chance but Terry clears off the line. They're just lumping long hopeful balls into Ashton and Carlton Cole (too many Coles on the park today), however with 64mins gone, Chelsea break away and Green pushes a Joe Cole drive into the path of Ashley Cole who slots home from a very tight angle. 4 - 0 and even more West Ham fans head for the exit whilst the travelling Blues fans chant "10 men, we've only got 10 men". Last throw of the dice now as West Ham change Carlton Cole for Zamora and Faubert for Solano. Chelsea respond in kind; first bringing on Essien for Joe Cole and then Malouda for Kalou, followed by Alex for Maka in the last 5mins.

So it ends 4 - 0 with 10 men and its a perfect response to last weeks disappointment. However the outstanding Blue performances came from Joe Cole, Ballack and Maka - none of whom made Sunday's starting 11 - go figure.

Now lets bury Olympiakos on Wednesday - Come on u Blues !!

Dramatic increase in the number of proud parents whose sons ‘do something with computers’

The government has been criticised for cutting the number of staff working for the British Jobs Survey, and relying instead on information gathered from the elderly parents of those in work.

The latest figures based on this method of collecting employment data has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people who ‘do something in computers’ with the encouraging news that 100% of them ‘are doing very well.’ Other jobs that were revealed to be on the increase were ‘working in London’, ‘something to do with money’ and ‘in a very smart office’. According to the survey of parents, not a single individual was reported to be working as a ‘senior financial advisor to systems analyst set ups’ although this may have been covered by the wider demographic described as ‘working for a big firm who are one of the top ones.’

‘It is ridiculous to attempt to rely on this sort of vague and ill informed data,’ said Professor Sally-Anne Donohue, Senior Statistician at the British Jobs Survey.

However her authority to comment on such matters was brought into question by her official entry in the Elderly Parents’ survey. According to the latest information ‘Sally-Anne’s still working at the moment, yes, which is a shame. I think she’s a secretary or something. But these days it’s actually quite common for a girl to work for a little while before you start a family.


I expect she’ll meet a nice man soon and be able to stay at home. Our Bryan’s doing very well though. He’s something to do with computers…’

.....another gem brought to you by newsbiscuit