Chelsea
The downward spiral continues: Man Utd 3 Chelsea 0
By dixon9
January 12 2009
So much for my prediction of a surprise performance from a wounded Chelsea! The fight and desire didn’t appear and the consequence of a 3-0 stuffing is that our chances of winning the Premier League title look grim. Scolari cut a troubled figure after the 90 mins at Old Trafford yesterday and those predicting a grey demise this season for Chelsea can say “I told you so!” with some justification.
.
The mystery of our defence
The margin of defeat will put a black cloud over any Chelsea fan’s thoughts for some time to come but what will particularly grate is the manner in which we conceded the goals. From a “football” point of view there was no particular clear-cut dominance by Manchester United in open play - two of the three goals came from set-plays.
How is it possible that a squad that still contains the same defensive heart of the Mourinho era, so renowned for its rock-solid resistance, can crumble so consistently from throw-ins, corners or through lapses of concentration in the final minutes of a match? The words “defence” and “cock-up” are becoming synonymous with “Chelsea”.
However, it would be unfair not to point out that Manchester United were certainly more vibrant and possessed verve in attack whilst Chelsea were too one-paced and appeared to lack belief. With a few exceptions, too many of our players played without passion and lacked faith in the final third of the pitch.
The mystery of referees with Wayne Rooney
I will have what I feel is a justifiable rant though. Wayne Rooney. How is it possible that a player gets so much preferential treatment from referees? Webb was quick to book Lampard for none too serious challenge in only the 3rd minute of the match. Later, cue Rooney swiping away with a scissor action at Bosingwa from behind and what does Webb do? He gives a free-kick and a quick ticking off! To add insult to injury, Rooney then turns round and quite clearly gestures towards Webb and tells him in no uncertain terms to “F off!” Result? STILL no yellow card!
Later in the match Rooney did eventually get booked but it would have been a red had Webb not shown him so much leniency for the foul on Bosingwa – and the match would have got really interesting for Chelsea.
Ferguson´s mystery on the age of our squad
Forget Ferguson’s swipe about the age of our squad – it’s a red herring, a curve ball from the Scot that many seem happy to swallow. The average age of the players used yesterday was almost identical (28 for Man Utd and just over 28 for Chelsea – I’ll post up the list after this piece) and for him to cite any lack of commitment from our club with regard to youth is an insult to the Cobham development and all the work that is being patiently carried out developing our younger players there.
The mystery of Scolari and the future
Looking at the present and future situation for Chelsea, where are we? Is Scolari the man? Can he cut the mustard? What can we hope to achieve this season? How much of the blame can be put firmly and justifiably at his door? Something MUST be done obviously – but would the removal of Scolari be the answer?
Most would agree that Big Phil has been put at the helm of Stamford Bridge to carry Chelsea through a transition in playing style. Recent results contradict the convincing and stylish manner in which we played during the initial stages of the season. As I mentioned previously, we now seem to be porous in defence, lack belief and appear to be on the cusp of a downward spiral. Scolari is in someway responsible and this is the reason why we pay him 5m a year.
However, in his defence it could be argued that to perform the transition that Abramovich and Kenyon yearn for Big Phil should be given at least some support. He should be given the tools to help him shape the squad into his vision of football.
Sure, we already possessed a top class group of players but this isn’t Scolari´s squad and to date, he has been given scarce supply in the players he requires. He didn’t ask for much when he came in the summer – he wanted one key signing and through unfortunate circumstances this player was denied him.
I still think we may have something up our sleeves for this January transfer window but in the area of transfers the most important phase seems to be reserved for the summer. Who knows – maybe all of this was set out and agreed between the club and Scolari from the beginning? Maybe he knew that he would be expected to do the best he could with what he’s got for his first season?
Football fans tend to look not medium or even short term, but immediate term and unfortunately it’s often a harsh reality that real, solid transition takes time. Growing pains are experienced and we don’t like to experience them – understandably we get emotional and lash-out.
Scolari may or may not be the answer to help Chelsea change from one animal to another – but he at least deserves time – and just as importantly patience from the fans and real support from the club. Load of rollocks? Scolari´s opposite number yesterday has been in the job at Old Trafford for two decades – and won sod all for years despite outspending every other club in the league. The board was patient and now the harvests can be reaped.
In the meantime, the doubters have the day…for the moment.
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon12/01/2009 07:29
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:12:08:24:02 by dixon9.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
And we will hammer Southend....
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Deckchair needs to be dropped and Boswinga
A few players need to take a hard look at themselves at Cobham this morning, but I still think the training ground has changed since Clarkey left!!!!
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Didn´t they have schools oop norf when thee were lad?!!
Fergies first years at Man Utd - i think it took him 4-5 years to win the FA Cup and 7 years to win the league.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:12:11:04:59 by dixon9.
Quote:windy1875
Time for Scolari to be brave and makes some changes
Deckchair needs to be dropped and Boswinga
Deckchair! Gravy boy! There´s a few good´uns that are coming from this board!
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
yes agree rooney was a noob and should of been of.
but also your diving went unpunished,as did rony showing the imaginary card.
so i dont think ref did do very well really.even the retaken corner wich showed a touch of class,but lino dint no the rule so hey ho.
fair result on the day i thought as you just dont hold the same fearfor teams anymore and looked all over the shop at times..imo
great piece now i read it properly sorry again..ys sarcy git..lol
(Which I know you are not - really...!)
You´re Burnley!
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Unforunately it does seem to happen a lot in the Prem (although maybe not so much as before).
You (Burnley that is!) may well be up in the prem soon...if you stay up within a few seasons you will have higher quality players if all goes well...and then Turf Moor could turn into "Swan Lake" ! (Just imagine all those flat-cappers grumbling and groaning!).
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
hull chelsea soon,,lol cant wait
Hooligan
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Quote:Since 66
and u got stuffed in midweek and YOU got thrown out of the ground
Hooligan
Claret, you should give Danny Dyer a call and do one of these - ">LINK I´m sure he´d be interested in the "Wall-tappers and Shunters Boys" or whatever you call yourselves!
.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
suicide squad ours was called,but think its pretty much gone now..just the usuall scrots who cant watch a game.
least i see half of it and fight for a good cause,,THE PIE.
the muppet...lol..funny now not at time Malouda and Kalou are just awful bar rare moments of fluke
Anelka must be @#$%& off at being second fiddle to drogba now he is fit. Di Santo looks ok, but we need to give him the ball in the box and let him shoot.
in fact all of our players need to know what shooting is all about, no shots on target is awful and is becoming more and more commmon (liverpool H, Arsenal H, Roma A,)
you say we have a world class squad but do we?
the only players who are good enough consistently to be in the side are Cech, terry, Carvalho, Essien, Joe cole, Lampard, A Cole and imho bossie.
we lack pace, passion, flair, cutting edge.
we would of been better playing kakuta, sinclair and the kids and say you have nothing to lose go and enjoy yourselves.
I'll cheer myself up tonight watching Di Matteo's Dons win again. happy days.
You have a HUGE squad brimming with experience all over, but I find it hard to spot the young exciting youth bursting through to give you only what youthful exuberance can bring.
If you're bothered enough you can do a player for player SQUAD comparison and prove me wrong. Eager to see it myself.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:12:15:40:09 by carefree2008.
Quote:MaryMARY
It's all gone downhill since Clakey left, we need to get rid of Drogba and get a couple of strikers that want to score goals, we seem to be going down the @#$%& route and trying to dribble it into the goal all the time, bring back Mourinho please.
We´re turnng into Arsenal? You may have a point.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Quote:turkish
Drogba doesn't look up for it, Ballack ineffective, careless and slow, Deco not the same since the injury - needs a rest/fitness. Bossie is good but needs to learn the lingo,
Malouda and Kalou are just awful bar rare moments of fluke
Anelka must be @#$%& off at being second fiddle to drogba now he is fit. Di Santo looks ok, but we need to give him the ball in the box and let him shoot.
in fact all of our players need to know what shooting is all about, no shots on target is awful and is becoming more and more commmon (liverpool H, Arsenal H, Roma A,)
you say we have a world class squad but do we?
the only players who are good enough consistently to be in the side are Cech, terry, Carvalho, Essien, Joe cole, Lampard, A Cole and imho bossie.
we lack pace, passion, flair, cutting edge.
we would of been better playing kakuta, sinclair and the kids and say you have nothing to lose go and enjoy yourselves.
I'll cheer myself up tonight watching Di Matteo's Dons win again. happy days.
I can´t disagree with much of that Turkish.
Thing is, is this player moral thing temporary or is Scolari losing the dressing room?
I´m not saying that Scolari IS the man to bring the transition through (he would only be part of a phase given that he has a 2+1 year contract anyway). All I´m saying is that he deserves a bit of patience and support from the club in terms of players that he feels he needs. I just don´t want to see usturn into a Real Madrid type club where we change manager every 5 minutes.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Quote:Since 66
He hasnt got a lot to change with. He can only change Bossie with Ferreira as for Deckchair, I thought he did alrite till he went off at half-time - slight knock apparantly.
...and there, in my opinion, is a substantial part of the problem.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Quote:redlyn
Sorry mate, totally agree with fergie - your squad is OLD. You can dress it up all you like about the average age of the players we put out on the day but lets talk about SQUAD now since thats the point SAF was making, and thats what takes a club forward not an 11 on a given day.
You have a HUGE squad brimming with experience all over, but I find it hard to spot the young exciting youth bursting through to give you only what youthful exuberance can bring.
If you're bothered enough you can do a player for player SQUAD comparison and prove me wrong. Eager to see it myself.
Well if age was a factor that Fergie considered important then you would have thought that the team he puts out to face, say Chelsea at Old Trafford would be much younger? Agreed?
Well...
Average Team Ages Chelsea/Man Utd @ 12/01/09
Cech 20/05/82 26.6
A Cole 10/12/80 28.1
Carvalho 18/05/78 30.7
Terry 07/12/80 28.1
Bosingwa 24/08/82 26.4
Mikel 22/04/87 21.7
Belletti 20/06/76 32.6
Lampard 20/06/78 30.6
J Cole 08/11/81 27.1
Ballack 26/09/76 32.3
Deco 27/08/77 31.4
Anelka 14/03/79 29.8
Drogba 11/03/78 30.8
Di Santo 07/04/89 19.7
395.9/14 = 28.2 Average
Ronaldo 05/02/85 23.9
Van de Sar29/10/70 38.2
Neville 18/02/75 33.9
Evra 15/05/81 27.6
Berbatov 30/01/81 27.9
Rooney 24/10/85 23.2
Giggs 29/11/73 35.1
Park 25/02/81 27.9
Vidic 21/10/81 27.2
Carrick 28/07/81 27.5
Evans 02/01/88 20.9
O´Shea 30/07/81 27.5
Fletcher 01/02/84 24.9
365.7/13 = 28.1 Average
These are all the players used in yesterdays match.
Like I said, this Fergie and age stuff is a red herring - or at least he´s not prepared to put his money where his mouth is in the big matches.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:12:18:58:16 by Since 66.
Quote:I included the non playing subs that was the difference.dixon9Quote:redlyn
Sorry mate, totally agree with fergie - your squad is OLD. You can dress it up all you like about the average age of the players we put out on the day but lets talk about SQUAD now since thats the point SAF was making, and thats what takes a club forward not an 11 on a given day.
You have a HUGE squad brimming with experience all over, but I find it hard to spot the young exciting youth bursting through to give you only what youthful exuberance can bring.
If you're bothered enough you can do a player for player SQUAD comparison and prove me wrong. Eager to see it myself.
Well if age was a factor that Fergie considered important then you would have thought that the team he puts out to face, say Chelsea at Old Trafford would be much younger? Agreed?
Well...
Average Team Ages Chelsea/Man Utd @ 12/01/09
Cech 20/05/82 26.6
A Cole 10/12/80 28.1
Carvalho 18/05/78 30.7
Terry 07/12/80 28.1
Bosingwa 24/08/82 26.4
Mikel 22/04/87 21.7
Belletti 20/06/76 32.6
Lampard 20/06/78 30.6
J Cole 08/11/81 27.1
Ballack 26/09/76 32.3
Deco 27/08/77 31.4
Anelka 14/03/79 29.8
Drogba 11/03/78 30.8
Di Santo 07/04/89 19.7
395.9/14 = 28.2 Average
Ronaldo 05/02/85 23.9
Van de Sar29/10/70 38.2
Neville 18/02/75 33.9
Evra 15/05/81 27.6
Berbatov 30/01/81 27.9
Rooney 24/10/85 23.2
Giggs 29/11/73 35.1
Park 25/02/81 27.9
Vidic 21/10/81 27.2
Carrick 28/07/81 27.5
Evans 02/01/88 20.9
O´Shea 30/07/81 27.5
Fletcher 01/02/84 24.9
365.7/13 = 28.1 Average
These are all the players used in yesterdays match.
Like I said, this Fergie and age stuff is a red herring - or at least he´s not prepared to put his money where his mouth is in the big matches.
.
cant see why its an issue giggs was like a whippet yesterday,,
saying that i could out run ronaldo,
if he was in his ferrai,lol
There are other ways of looking at it - take out Van de Sar and di Santo and the gap widens....or you could say 2 of the 3 youngest players on the pitch were Chelsea....
"Lies, damn lies and statistics...!"
.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
I also see a genuine attempt at a future generation with other first teamers like anderson, tevez, nani, tosic, rafael etc being blooded in. So imho the 28 year average argument is just a smoke screen.
You make a good point re ourselves not giving our kids as much opportunity as you do. That´s probably because we´ve been playing catch-up academy wise and many of our young-uns are still 1-2 years off still.
But for Fergie to say that we are not geared up for the future with kids is just plain wrong. He obviosuly hasn´t followed what´s been going on for the last few years at our club since Cobham has been built - which surprises me a bit seeing as last month he saw your kids get beat at Old Trafford by ours 2-3. ;-)
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
More Chelsea headlines
- Man City 5-3 Chelsea: Ultimate Respect from City
- Chelsea 3-4 Man City: Fatty Shuffles Wrong Pack
- Jose to Leave Real Madrid
- Chelsea 2-1 Everton: 23 Travel to America
- Everton Preview: Last Day - Finally!!
- Benfica 1-2 Chelsea: Super Frank Signs New Deal
- FA Youth Cup Final 2nd Leg v Norwich City LIVE from 7.45pm
- Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea: 'Super 203 Goal Frankie Lampard'
- Aston Villa Preview: Will It Be Done Today?
Chelsea latest threads
- Man City 5-3 Chelsea: Ultimate Respect from City
- Chelsea 3-4 Man City: Fatty Shuffles Wrong Pack
- Jose to Leave Real Madrid
- Chelsea 2-1 Everton: 23 Travel to America
- Everton Preview: Last Day -Finally!!
- Benfica 1-2 Chelsea: Super Frank Signs New Deal
- FA Youth Cup Final 2nd Leg v Norwich City LIVE from 7.45pm
- Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea: 'Super 203 Goal Frankie Lampard'
- Aston Villa Preview: Will It Be Done Today?
- Chelsea 2-2 Spurs: Says It All Really!