A big home game this one after the disappointment of Sunday and it sees the debut of the on loan Queresma. Rickey is still out with a hamstring problem so Alex starts alongside JT but the worse news is that Cech is out with a back problem. So in comes Hilario (yes, that's right Hilario ,,,, because we gave Carlo to Tottenham ...... so we're left with a Calamity Jane and 12year old as cover).
It starts at a cracking pace with a chance falling to JT from a Lamps free kick in the opening minute but somehow he side foots over the bar from barely 3 yards out. Queresma is looking more lively in the first 15mins than Malouda has looked all season and the ball is being zipped around but as the half wears on Hull are starting to look more threatening and we're restricted to long range shots and free kicks - Ballack and Lamps go close .... but no cigar and the half ends 0-0 to mutters of discontent.
No changes at half time and a bright 10mins peters out and Hull nearly snatch a lead as Craig Fagin breaks clear but his shot is easily collected by Hilario. Scolari has seen enough so its Belletti coming on for the Jedi but Hull continue to grow in confidence - closing us down and moving the ball more effectively than we can. For the last 25mins it will be the Drog up front with Anelka as he replaces Queresma. It makes little difference and Dean Marney breaks free for the best chance of the game but his shot is driven wide. Kalou has a shot blocked by the hand of Andy Dawson - but a a clear penalty denied. Deco replaces Ballack as a last throw of the dice with 15mins to go. It would be harsh for Hull to not get anything from this as they've worked tirelessly to close down every inch of our possession. As we enter the last 10mins, Villa are still one up at Blackburn and if it stays like this we'll drop to 4th in the league. Kalou goes down on the edge of the "d" with 4mins to go but Drogba hits it wide. With 2mins to go Fagen and Marney break through for Hull but JT shepherds them away for a corner. Another scare survived and there are 3mins of added time but it comes to nothing. The game ends 0 - 0, boo's ring out around Stamford Bridge and we're down to 4th place.
What's going on !!
Saturday, 7 February 2009
RIP John Martyn
Sometimes a song just resonates with you and that's how it was when I first heard "may you never" by John Martyn who sadly died in Ireland on 29 January 2009. I cant lay claim to being a big fan but the hairs on the back of my neck always stood up when I heard that song.
Paying tribute to Martyn, BBC Radio 2's folk presenter Mike Harding said: "John Martyn was a true original, one of the giants of the folk scene".
Strangely I always thought is needed a harmony vocal so i was pleasently surprised to find this on You Tube - Enjoy
Paying tribute to Martyn, BBC Radio 2's folk presenter Mike Harding said: "John Martyn was a true original, one of the giants of the folk scene".
Strangely I always thought is needed a harmony vocal so i was pleasently surprised to find this on You Tube - Enjoy
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Liverpool 2 - 0 Chelsea (no small thanks to Mike Riley)
A game that look destined for a goalless draw turned on a ludicrous decision just after the hour from Mike Riley to "straight red" Lamps for a tackle that was like a foul on him by Alonso. Despite throwing on Deco and the Drog (for the largely ineffective Malouda and Anelka) to stem the inevitable red tide following the dismissal the Blues finally scummed to a couple of strikes from Torres in the final two minutes.
That's the title chase over and it'll be a fight with Villa to avoid 4th place.
See the BBC match report here <<<
That's the title chase over and it'll be a fight with Villa to avoid 4th place.
See the BBC match report here <<<
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Chelsea 2 - 0 'Boro
Home to the 'Boro and its the same line up as Saturday except that Alex comes in for Ricky who's out with a hamstring problem. The Drog is still warming the bench. ts a lively opening though from the Blues with loads of possession but as has been the case so far at home, no end product. Boro have 10 men behind the ball and we just aren't moving the ball quick enough or wide enough to be effective. Ash goes close with a header from a Bozzy cross but as the half goes on so the frustration grows. Lamps wastes 3 free kicks and as many corners and as we approach half time I can only remember the keeper making one save. As the whistle goes for half time the boos ring out and its not surprising - 75% possession and only 2 attempts on target.
For the second half, its the Drog on for Malouda but will it be 4-4-2 ? No such luck as Anelka drifts wide with his head bowed. Within 2mins Drogba is free but his shot goes out for a throw - yes a throw ! This game has the stench of a 0 - 0 about it. Boro loose the ball on the edge of our box and it takes 6 walking pace passes to reach the centre circle by which time there's 10 men behind the ball again - pathetic. On 54mins we finally swing in a threatening corner which is headed on by Ballack only for Kalou to head over from 3yrds out. Alex has a free kick on 56mins deflected for a corner which again is well delivered and the ball fall to Kalou who buries the loose ball to make up for the earlier miss. Now can we push on but not concede ? Southgate throws on Alves and Tungay in response.On 72mins, Lamps drive a free kick from 35yrds out which is spilled at the feet of Kalou who promptly slips over and the ball runs out for a goal kick. Bozzy cuts in and finds Lamps on 77mins but the shot is wide. With 10mins to go, its 2-0 as Kalou heads home unmarked from a Lamps corner and his reward is to be replaced by Deco. A huge cheer goes up as the news comes in that Wigan have equalised against Liverpool and that's the end of the excitement despite the introduction of Stoch and a late free kick from Deco.
Now on to Anfield - Come on U Blues
For the second half, its the Drog on for Malouda but will it be 4-4-2 ? No such luck as Anelka drifts wide with his head bowed. Within 2mins Drogba is free but his shot goes out for a throw - yes a throw ! This game has the stench of a 0 - 0 about it. Boro loose the ball on the edge of our box and it takes 6 walking pace passes to reach the centre circle by which time there's 10 men behind the ball again - pathetic. On 54mins we finally swing in a threatening corner which is headed on by Ballack only for Kalou to head over from 3yrds out. Alex has a free kick on 56mins deflected for a corner which again is well delivered and the ball fall to Kalou who buries the loose ball to make up for the earlier miss. Now can we push on but not concede ? Southgate throws on Alves and Tungay in response.On 72mins, Lamps drive a free kick from 35yrds out which is spilled at the feet of Kalou who promptly slips over and the ball runs out for a goal kick. Bozzy cuts in and finds Lamps on 77mins but the shot is wide. With 10mins to go, its 2-0 as Kalou heads home unmarked from a Lamps corner and his reward is to be replaced by Deco. A huge cheer goes up as the news comes in that Wigan have equalised against Liverpool and that's the end of the excitement despite the introduction of Stoch and a late free kick from Deco.
Now on to Anfield - Come on U Blues
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Chelsea 3 - 1 Ipswich (FA Cup 4th Round)
A home FA cup tie and I'm depending on the BBC for some coverage. Its a strong side to face Ipswich but no Jedi (through suspension) or JT (through back injury) so Belletti holds the midfield and Alex continues alongside Rickey. The Drog is only on the bench prompting more speculation.
Its a bright opening from the Blues and on 8 mins Anelka finds Ballack 10yrds out but his effort is woefully tame and wide. It only takes another 8mins to go ahead as Lamps finds Ash out wide and his cushioned cross is stroked in by Ballack. That's 1-0 and lets hope we press on. Unfortunately that's not the case though as we've taken our foot off the gas and just past the half hour, defending from dead balls lets us down again. Rickey chooses to chest down a ball that should have been cleared and Alex Bruce (Steve's boy) nips in and drives home an equaliser. We simply can't defend any more !! Just appalling !! Now we're in for a tough battle. Maybe the Drog is needed for the second half.
No changes at half time and is depressingly similar. Kalou is charging around like a headless chicken and taking too many touches, Belletti is pushing up and leaving acres of space behind whilst Anelka looks completely disinterested. Malouda is giving the ball away every 5mins but finally the Drog is warming up. Its Drogba for Malouda on 58mins so Anelka needs to go wide right and, surprise surprise, he's having a bit of a strop. It might have woken him up though as 2mins later he breaks forward and is brought down on the edge of the box. Up steps Michael Ballack to drill home the free kick and its 2 - 1. Its a bit better as Kalou and Lamps combine on the edge of the box but Kalous shot is well saved. Rickey has a problem and is replaced by Ivanovich with 20mins to go. Kalou misses an absolute sitter from 3 yards out as Lamps stands a ball up from Anelka that even I could have headed home. If we keep wasting chances like that, we'll be made to pay. With 10mins to go, Deco comes on for Ballack but we're looking sloppy again and its nearly 2 -2 as Kevin Lisbie connects with a deep cross but fortunately he heads wide. Straight up the other end and the Drog looses the ball in the box and then charges back to win the ball. He wins a free kick which Lamps rockets home off and that's 3 - 1 but the scoreline masks a poor performance.
So we're into the last 16 but in very unconvincing fashion - I'll be back at the Bridge on Wed for the Boro game - Come on U Blues
Its a bright opening from the Blues and on 8 mins Anelka finds Ballack 10yrds out but his effort is woefully tame and wide. It only takes another 8mins to go ahead as Lamps finds Ash out wide and his cushioned cross is stroked in by Ballack. That's 1-0 and lets hope we press on. Unfortunately that's not the case though as we've taken our foot off the gas and just past the half hour, defending from dead balls lets us down again. Rickey chooses to chest down a ball that should have been cleared and Alex Bruce (Steve's boy) nips in and drives home an equaliser. We simply can't defend any more !! Just appalling !! Now we're in for a tough battle. Maybe the Drog is needed for the second half.
No changes at half time and is depressingly similar. Kalou is charging around like a headless chicken and taking too many touches, Belletti is pushing up and leaving acres of space behind whilst Anelka looks completely disinterested. Malouda is giving the ball away every 5mins but finally the Drog is warming up. Its Drogba for Malouda on 58mins so Anelka needs to go wide right and, surprise surprise, he's having a bit of a strop. It might have woken him up though as 2mins later he breaks forward and is brought down on the edge of the box. Up steps Michael Ballack to drill home the free kick and its 2 - 1. Its a bit better as Kalou and Lamps combine on the edge of the box but Kalous shot is well saved. Rickey has a problem and is replaced by Ivanovich with 20mins to go. Kalou misses an absolute sitter from 3 yards out as Lamps stands a ball up from Anelka that even I could have headed home. If we keep wasting chances like that, we'll be made to pay. With 10mins to go, Deco comes on for Ballack but we're looking sloppy again and its nearly 2 -2 as Kevin Lisbie connects with a deep cross but fortunately he heads wide. Straight up the other end and the Drog looses the ball in the box and then charges back to win the ball. He wins a free kick which Lamps rockets home off and that's 3 - 1 but the scoreline masks a poor performance.
So we're into the last 16 but in very unconvincing fashion - I'll be back at the Bridge on Wed for the Boro game - Come on U Blues
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Chelsea 0 - 0 Stoke
Looking to build on the midweek FA cup victory so again no Drogba (he's not even on the bench) but the really bad news comes as we hear that Joe Cole had an operation on his knee this morning and will be out for the rest of the season. Worse still is that JT limped off during the warm up and is replaced by Alex. So its up to Malouda and Kalou to provide width for Anelka. No Deco either (calf strain) so its a very young bench with Di Santo, Mancienne, Stoch, Kakuta as 4 teens from the possible 7 subs.
Its a nervy start as an early Delap throw causes havoc in a strange zone come man-to-man hybrid. But from then on its all Chelsea as they park in the Stoke half. Lots of possession and half chances - Ballack hits a free kick straight at Sorensen and on 23mins Lamps whips in a free kick which beats the entire Stoke defence but Kalou knocks the chance over the bar. Kalou is brought down in the box 2mins later but the ref is having none of it. On 32mins, a lovely exchange of passes on the edge of the box breaks to Anelka but his snap shot is well saved by Sorensen. You believe a goal must be coming but again the Blues are denied on 42mins as a goal bound Ashley Cole strike is deflected over. In the last 2mins Lamps twice lets rip from the edge of the box but both times Sorensen gets his gloves behind the ball. Its been all Chelsea but the first half ends goalless.
No changes at half time and its the same pattern - first a driven free kick from Lamps and the Bozzy drives over. On 50mins a flowing move ends with Malouda floating a simple cross which Ballack somehow heads wide when completely unmarked. Apart from one Beattie effort its been all Chelsea but on the hour Beattie feeds Delap whop works his way into the box and lifts the ball over Cech. We're loosing at home to the team with the worst away record in the league and the response is to swap Malouda with Di Santo. With 63 mins its nearly 2-0 as Cech comes and flaps at a Delap throw but its scrambled away. A lovely exchange with Anelka a minute later sets Lamps free but he drags his shot wide. On 69mins the ball is fed out to Ash and his cross / shot eludes everyone. This is not our day (or season ?). Jedi, Ballack and Alex all blast over and this is looking desperate as first Belletti and then Stoch come on for Bozzy and Jedi respectively with 5mins to go and finally Belletti connects with a knock down from Di Santo and its 1-1.
So we celebrate an equaliser against the team with the worst away record in the league - hardly acceptable but ..... on 90mins Kalou picks up the ball in his own half and runs at Stoke only to be brought down on the edge of the box. The free kick is tailor made for Lamps but for some reason Belletti flicks it wastefully into the Stoke wall. On 92mins a fabulous cross field pass from Lamps finds Stoch and his drive is parried by Sorensen. With 30seconds to go and a shot from Anelka breaks on the edge of the box to Lamps whop drives it home - What a turn around. !! Unbelievable scenes as the team and bench go wild....
OK so its a well overdue home win but ....... it was against Stoke and incredibly lucky - just hope this is that start of something better. COME ON U BLUES
Its a nervy start as an early Delap throw causes havoc in a strange zone come man-to-man hybrid. But from then on its all Chelsea as they park in the Stoke half. Lots of possession and half chances - Ballack hits a free kick straight at Sorensen and on 23mins Lamps whips in a free kick which beats the entire Stoke defence but Kalou knocks the chance over the bar. Kalou is brought down in the box 2mins later but the ref is having none of it. On 32mins, a lovely exchange of passes on the edge of the box breaks to Anelka but his snap shot is well saved by Sorensen. You believe a goal must be coming but again the Blues are denied on 42mins as a goal bound Ashley Cole strike is deflected over. In the last 2mins Lamps twice lets rip from the edge of the box but both times Sorensen gets his gloves behind the ball. Its been all Chelsea but the first half ends goalless.
No changes at half time and its the same pattern - first a driven free kick from Lamps and the Bozzy drives over. On 50mins a flowing move ends with Malouda floating a simple cross which Ballack somehow heads wide when completely unmarked. Apart from one Beattie effort its been all Chelsea but on the hour Beattie feeds Delap whop works his way into the box and lifts the ball over Cech. We're loosing at home to the team with the worst away record in the league and the response is to swap Malouda with Di Santo. With 63 mins its nearly 2-0 as Cech comes and flaps at a Delap throw but its scrambled away. A lovely exchange with Anelka a minute later sets Lamps free but he drags his shot wide. On 69mins the ball is fed out to Ash and his cross / shot eludes everyone. This is not our day (or season ?). Jedi, Ballack and Alex all blast over and this is looking desperate as first Belletti and then Stoch come on for Bozzy and Jedi respectively with 5mins to go and finally Belletti connects with a knock down from Di Santo and its 1-1.
So we celebrate an equaliser against the team with the worst away record in the league - hardly acceptable but ..... on 90mins Kalou picks up the ball in his own half and runs at Stoke only to be brought down on the edge of the box. The free kick is tailor made for Lamps but for some reason Belletti flicks it wastefully into the Stoke wall. On 92mins a fabulous cross field pass from Lamps finds Stoch and his drive is parried by Sorensen. With 30seconds to go and a shot from Anelka breaks on the edge of the box to Lamps whop drives it home - What a turn around. !! Unbelievable scenes as the team and bench go wild....
OK so its a well overdue home win but ....... it was against Stoke and incredibly lucky - just hope this is that start of something better. COME ON U BLUES
Sunday, 11 January 2009
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