By dixon9
February 23 2011

Ancelotti surprised many with a 4-4-2 formation and a spearhead of Torres and Anelka – not Torres and Drogba as might have been expected in this scenario.  The Italian coach seems happy to experiment and quite prepared to rotate our three main strikers to suit with the decision of playing Anelka providing dividends in a freezing Copenhagen.

Goals

Anelka’s first came ironically after a misplaced pass from former lightening-quick blue, Gronkjaer.  The Frenchman seized upon the loose ball, strode forward whilst Malouda pulled one of the two Danish defenders out of his path and then drilled his shot low under the home side’s keeper.  

The second was even better.  During the 2^nd half, Anelka was cleverly put through by Lampard and despite the wide, unfavourable angle; the striker whipped his shirt across the keeper’s despairing dive.

Anelka reminder

Apart from the obvious bonus of practically sealing our passage into the quarter finals (of an albeit tainted competition), this match served to demonstrate that we DO have three out and out top quality strikers.  Torres and Drogba will and have received the plaudits whilst Anelka has been somewhat buffeted about in various positions recently with his strike ability almost forgotten about by more than just a few fans and the media - but last night Anelka reminded everyone of just how lethal he can be in front of goal.

Almost but not quite

Torres huffed and puffed a bit but did look very sharp.  The final finish isn’t quite there yet but he pulled defenders all over the shop and carved out openings in the way that we know he can do.  When he does click, we are going to have an unsurpassable choice of options up front.

4-4-2 or 4-1-3-2?

The 4-4-2, as pointed out by Wilkins after full-time, was a bit flat at times and left gaping voids of space. This will need to be worked on – or perhaps Ancelotti will decide to use a 4-4-2 variant employing a holding midfielder on future occasions?

And full marks to our travelling support.  It’s been a bit frustrating watching us recently and Denmark is cold and expensive, but they made the trip and could be heard loud and clear.  Well done!

Copenhagen 0 Chelsea 2: Anelka Double Lifts Chelsea

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 23/02/2011 07:51

50 Years Over 100 Years
23/02/2011 07:51

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PKGooner
23/02/2011 14:27

Copenhagen hadn't played a game for 2 months

you're still going down

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Since 66
23/02/2011 16:33

Jekyll and Hyde Chelsea
Good performance all round in tricky conditions and Torres is getting better.

He is destined to score against Utd next Tuesday!!

Down the pub PK

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carefree
23/02/2011 16:39

At least we are not going out.

Some of your fans had the ordasity to say that Barca were boring yes boring against your mob the other night why was that, was it because you couldnt get the ball of them so you call them boring.

Four hundred and something passes to your two hundred.

You will get the same treatment out there so be prepared to be bored once again.

3.0 Barca

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PKGooner
23/02/2011 23:05

, where's Dixon

Hope you beat Mancs next week and finish above the filth

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carefree
24/02/2011 15:08

Pk we are hopeing to finish above you but cant see it myself

We will do our best on tuesday thats all im hopeing for obviously it will help you guys if we win.

One thing i am sure of pk is that the filth you call em, i`ll call them 5cum will not finish above us.

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Since 66
25/02/2011 15:48

filth, @#$%&!!!! I hate 'em too



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