Chelsea 2 - 0 Newcastle United: A Casual Win

Sunday, 26-08-2012 22.42 GMT+8

           It was looking more and more like a casual win, after what had happened in previous games. Emphasised in this game, is the fact that this win is against a much tougher opposition, and our attacking play have grown to be more ‘beautiful’ than last season. Add to that, the combination of trio Hazard, Mata, and Torres is marvelous. Those three may be the key to winning silverware this season. And Hazard seemingly got ‘Man of the Match’ again, at least according to goal.com.

          The match seemed an intense game before it started. But the first half was totally ours, and the second half went smoothly with no intense threat from Newcastle. A great play by Torres to set up our third penalty in as many games, to be taken well by Hazard who scored his first Chelsea goal. Then by the 44^th minute, Hazard repaid his (Torres’) effort by flicking a smart back heel, for Torres to shoot well towards the top corner. They both combined well and are looking sharp.

          The second half was not so intense, with our team set for another win, and Newcastle not giving much of a fight. It also took Cech another excellent save in the final minutes to earn himself another clean sheet.

           The game looked more like a casual win, but things to see clearly in this game, is as I had stated earlier. We had turned more to a possession, flick, smart pass play, compared to last season’s direct, physical play. Yet we also managed to keep our defence organised and strong as well. So far I had seen, the key players that may be our stars for this season, is the trio Hazard, Mata, and Torres, who all have performed very well in our opening games, and managed to link-up with one another very well.

         Here is a link to what Ashley Cole had said, it is a great perception to how Chelsea is now:

"http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/08/25/3330913/ashley-cole-hails-torres-phenomenal-hazard-after-chelsea"

          Next game for us is not in the BPL, it is another one of those silverware to win, the European Super Cup, against Atletico Madrid. So, let’s see if we can win our first silverware this season. Hope the trio can perform well next game. #CFC

Chelsea 4 - 2 Reading: First Win Back at The Bridge

Thursday, 23-08-2012 04.58 GMT+8



          A match between the champions of Europe against the champions of the Championship. Should have been an easy win, but no. Once again, the new promoted sides showed that they can be troublesome, just as what happened with Manchester City last Sunday. We managed though, in the end, with a scoreline of 4 - 2, giving us another important win, back at The Bridge, this time, in front of our very own supporters.

          I only managed to watch just past the half hour mark until the end. When I first saw, I was heartbroken looking at a scoreline of 1 - 2 in favour of the away side. It is not an ideal scoreline for a first home game. However, as the game goes on, I noticed that we kept attacking, looking for a win. At one time, I saw the number of goal attempts on the second half being 10 - 0 in favour of the home side. 

          As I didn't watch the first half, I can't give many comments. Although I did take note, that our penalty goal, taken well by Lampard, was again created by Eden Hazard. However, soon after it was a turn for the worse, with the away side scoring 2 goals, and we are unable to find another until the interval.

          As I watched the second half, and perhaps from the start of it, we kept attacking wave after wave to find the equalising goal. And it came, with a marvellous long-range strike by Gary Cahill. I was totally impressed and joyful. We kept on attacking to find the winner, and a good link-up play by the players up front too, passing to one another, until we managed to find a 3rd goal, netted in by our number 9, Fernando Torres. In the final minutes, Reading tried to find an equaliser, with their goalkeeper also attacking for a last minute corner. However, they are punished, as our great counter-attacking move, ended with a goal by Branislav Ivanovic.

          Great performance by Hazard again, with 3 assists this time. He certainly earned the man of the match. And it was great to see that the link-up play between the players up front, namely Hazard, Mata, Torres, Oscar, Lampard, even Sturridge, and to realise that most of them are bright young players with a whole future ahead of them. And it's just their first home game of the season. It was honestly very pleasing to see. The way they play their passes, creative play to find the equalising and winning goal.

          It was definitely a big, big thing to win our first home game of the season. A big morale bonus, and we certainly hope it will carry on to the games ahead, the next one being another home game, this time against rising force, Newcastle United. Hopefully our players can show another remarkable link-up plays and with our defence pulling off a solid performance. It will be great to win our next home game. #CFC

Quote:

Hazard: The catalyst for nearly all of Chelsea's most incisive attacks produced another delighful contribution that oozed star quality. Won the early penalty when he twisted past Gunter in a carbon copy of the spot-kick he won against Wigan at the weekend. Set up Cahill for the second and showed great selflessness to tee up Ivanovic for the late fourth.

(Source: http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80828/chelsea-fc-vs-reading/player-ratings)

Link:
http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2897383/title/match-report%3A-chelsea-4-reading-2
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80828/chelsea-fc-vs-reading/player-ratings
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80828/chelsea-fc-vs-reading/report

Wigan 0 - 2 Chelsea: A Good Start After All (In the BPL)

Sunday, 19-08-2012 22.49 GMT+8
           


          We may have a not so good start of the season with a loss in the Community Shield game last week. But the start of the BPL turns out to be good after all. The scoreline was probably as anyone would have expected. Although, I have to admit, the game, after the first two goals, certainly looked quite boring and passive, with no intensity, determination, and passion to score more goals. However, positives can be seen in the performances of our new signings, and also several others too.

          The squad that was chosen is also, pretty much, as expected. With only Bertrand replacing the injured Ramires, the less obvious of the starting XI. The alternative kit, was, admittedly, pretty cool. A win was necessary for this match, as a loss would certainly crush our spirits and morale for the upcoming games to come. It was great to win this, although not so convincingly.

          The 10 minutes of the game was lively and intense. Hazard prove a great summer signing, creating both goals of the game. He supplied the through pass for Ivanovic to score a 2nd minute goal, followed by a penalty given by Hazard, for Lampard to take and slot it home as he always does. However, after that, the game looked less lively and passive, with Chelsea probably feeling more comfortable, with no determination to add more goals to the tally.

          The second half was pretty much the same, only Wigan had more and more chances, and  requiring our defence to be more concentrated. To be fair, we got lucky most of the time too, Wigan had lots of chances, however they are unable to find a clinical finish. Oscar was introduced to replace Hazard, and he certainly showed great energy and determination, as well as some tricky skills, showing what he is capable of. Torres also had a great chance. He looked lively and played better, only to find luck is not yet on his side. Hopefully that will change.

          A win for a start of the season is definitely great. And although it wasn't a convincing win, there were many positives to take. Namely, Hazard proved his worth, also earning the 'Man of the Match' on his BPL game debut. Oscar also showed what he is capable of. Torres seemingly looks hungry on for goals. And although there were several untidiness in the passes, it was overall a good performance, for a side who looks to add a new dimension to their style of play. We play against Reading next in midweek, and hopefully we can also win our first home game of the season. #CFC

Links:
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80817/wigan-athletic-vs-chelsea-fc/player-ratings
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/80817/wigan-athletic-vs-chelsea-fc/report
http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2891383/title/match-report%3A-wigan-athletic-0-chelsea-2

Chelsea 2 - 3 Manchester City: Not a Good Start

Monday, 13-08-2012 12.07 GMT+8



          I didn't manage to watch this match, which I was actually so enthusiastic about, looking at a nearly brand new Chelsea playing our first competitive game. I came back and saw on Facebook that Fernando Torres scored, so I managed a big smile, thinking, "This is it. This is the moment Torres will take the stage and bring victory to Chelsea". But when I opened chelseafc.com, my smile suddenly turned into a frown looking at an unwanted scoreline saying: Chelsea 2 - 3 Manchester City.

          I managed to watch the highlights, and also read the match report from CFC website. Well I guess I can formulate some theories of my own, and imagined what had happened. We started well, with Torres scoring a classy finish from a good play by Ramires. But then the turning point came soon after, with Ivanovic receiving a red card from what looks like a two-footed tackle. Can't blame him really, but unfortunately that seemed to work Man City's way. Guess everybody has his bad days too, unfortunately for Ivanovic and Chelsea, it came today.

          With only ten men left, and no proper right-back playing, City managed to pull three back in the second half with goals from Yaya Toure, Tevez, and Nasri. Our consolation goal came from youngster Ryan Bertrand who rebounded Sturridge's shot which was blocked by City goalkeeper Pantilimon.

         To be fair, I guess City did play better than Chelsea. This is nearly a new Chelsea trying to play a different style than the physicality of Drogba and co. last season. We are still trying to find the rythm of playing which we must ASAP if we are to challenge for the title in the upcoming season ahead. City had no new players, and with a squad who have been together for quite some time, they managed to find their rythm easily and the BPL champions finished us off, winning their first silverware this season.

          On the Chelsea side, I guess Hazard is still new to the BPL, and needs to be given some time. Torres has proven well, as he will be our main striker for the season, but Sturridge showed that he is capable of something too. The old guard of Terry, Cole, Lampard must be stronger and make less mistakes, and provide inspiration for the new boys. Bertrand performed well, which is also another good sign.

          Hopefully, in out opening BPL match against Wigan, we can play better. A win in that game will be a morale bonus, losing will surely be psychologically bad. And with our youngsters performing well, coach RDM will have a good enough squad to challenge for, just needed to make the right decisions for the games. Can't wait for next week though. #CFC

Links:
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0,,10268~2879166,00.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/82878/chelsea-fc-vs-manchester-city/player-ratings
http://footyroom.com/chelsea-2-3-manchester-city-2012-08/

Chelsea 1 - 1 PSG: In the Yankee Stadium

Monday, 23-07-2012 09.23 GMT+7





       It was a good game overall in our second pre-season game against PSG in New York. I was admittedly surprised when I found out that we were playing in the New York Yankee Stadium, temporarily converted to fit a football pitch. Outstanding!!



       It was good to see more familiar faces from the Euro 2012 squads, including JT, Cole, Malouda, and Cech too. Meireles wasn't in the squad but was in New York already. Just Torres remaining, as Mata, Sturridge, Bertrand, and Romeu are all in the Olympics squad.


       I only managed to watch the second half, to my disappointment. However, as I have read, the first half doesn't look too good for us. There were six changes to the side that started the game in Seattle, however it looked a much stronger side, although to be fair, our opponents this time was also a much stronger team. Nevertheless, it may be true that our team was second best throughout the first half, with the scoreline at the interval 1 - 0 for PSG.


       There were four changes made at half-time, however we still can't find the equaliser. The remaining seven changes were made on the 62nd minute, including the introduction of our captain John Terry. The game was much more even on the 2nd half, with our team finding the equaliser after a brazilian masterpiece by Lucas Piazon and Ramires. After that it was much more open, and both sides have had chances to win it. However as the whistle goes, honours were shared at the first football game in the Yankee Stadium between Chelsea and PSG.


       It was good for me to be able to see more familiar faces in blue, however the performance I saw was not class, and definitely not European Champions. Not yet. Well this is just a pre-season game, so we can only hope that when the season starts, we will be much, much better. We are still missing a prolific striker here, with only one name in my mind and it is none other than our number nine, Fernando Torres. I can't wait to see him back in action as our first team striker. The old guard have always showed great resilience and leadership, while the younger boys are trying hard to impress and to link up well with the team. Piazon was excellent with the goal there, but impressed nothing more. I see him as a player with great potential, but not as a target man, more of a second striker behind the target man.


       We may well have avoided defeat, but we should now carry on focusing for our next game against MLS All-Stars in Philadelphia in 3 days. In other news, our UCL hero Didier Drogba made a wonder debut for Shanghai Shenhua, with an assist and a spectacular free kick, coming on from the bench. We wish him the best of luck with his career in Shanghai. #CFC


Links:
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/Tour_News/0,,10268~2857425,00.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/83683/paris-st-germain-psg-vs-chelsea-fc/report

Seattle Sounders 2 - 4 Chelsea FC: New Signings Showing Potential

Thursday, 19-07-2012, 10.50 GMT+7




       So, here we are again in blue with the pre-season games in the United States. First game went well, with Chelsea beating Seattle Sounders with a scoreline of 2 - 4. That is with the squad that RDM brought so far, excluding players who participated in the Euro 2012, and those who may participate in the London 2012 Olympics.


       Collectively, our performance for the day wasn't as consistent and as good as we should be. But then again the squad itself is, of this moment, still more of a tryout squad. However, good news is that our new signings have shown good potential to be an integral part of the first team squad, with Eden Hazard and Marko Marin also scoring debut goals in this game. And our youngsters showed great determination and potential that in the near future they might join fellow team-mates in the first team squad.


       The first half was hectic, and full of goals. We had 2 early goals in quick succession, with Lukaku scoring the first from an excellent through pass by McEachran, followed by Eden Hazard scoring his debut goal, cutting in from the left-hand side. But soon after that, we struggled to gain possession and kept getting attacked by the home side, which resulted in 2 goals by Montero, to equalise the scoreline. But then just before the interval, we had 2 other quick succession goals, by Marko Marin with a goal similar to Hazard's, and Lukaku scoring another excellent goal.


       During the half-time break, Chelsea made seven changes including the senior players like Lampard, Cahill, Essien, and soon made the remaining four changes in the 63rd minute, bringing on youngsters such as Kane, Piazon, and also Saville. The second half was a bit slow, and no goals are produced. Thus, the final score remained 2 - 4.


       This game is also a farewell game to Sounder's player Roger Levesque, who has spent nine years with the club. In view of our side, it was a good match, where individual skills are showing potential by the new signings & youngsters, although collectively, we weren't very consistent. However, this is just a friendly match, and it was, a win, though. So well done to the players, and also to RDM. Hope we can continue our good form into the remaining games, and into the season coming ahead soon. By the way, this season, we have the opportunity to win seven titles. Yes, Seven!!! #CFC


Links:
http://www.chelseafc.com/page/Tour_News/0,,10268~2853451,00.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/83592/seattle-sounders-fc-vs-chelsea-fc/report

A Word about Euro 2012: Personal Opinion

09 June 2012 01.08 GMT+7

       Events such as Euro and World Cups have always been something else...something special for, not just football fans, but all the people around the world. But personally, I feel there is always something fishy going on in these games...somehow. No offense to you readers who love these competitions a lot.

       Anyway, the other thing is, I don't know which country to support...I used to support England, because I like the Premier League a lot. But now, given Lampard and Cahill not participating, and with England's recent form in tournaments not being so good, I'm starting to doubt supporting them. I guess I'm more of the loyal-to-club kind of thing.

       I don't really favor or support any countries in tournaments, instead I may as well support teams with Chelsea players in it, the way Ramires does. For this competition, I guess I may still support England, and also Spain for the fact that Torres & Mata will have a great chance of playing. For the world cup, I have my sights set on Brazil, also following the fact that there are lots of Chelsea players, including possibly, Hulk. Oh, and if Belgium will be playing, that's one for me too, and I believe you'll know why now.

       I'm not trying to inject the feeling I feel about Euro as I always had with Chelsea. But, sorry, I don't fancy the tournament that much and I don't favor any team to win. Don't know about you guys, but I'm just sharing my opinion here. But if I have to choose, it'll be Spain & England.

Oh, and btw, have you guys checked out our 2012/2013 away kit? Love it!! #CFC