Thanks

By Since66
May 17 2011

After the debacle of Old Trafford last weekend, the expectation of a decent Chelsea performance and win, to secure 2nd, was high as Newcastle were the visitors to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Alas it wasn't to be, despite Ivanovic's early strike.

For me, too many players were off colour, not even doing enough to disguise their lack of interest in a game that had so match at stake in terms of Champions League qualification.

In fact after the game I made a mental list that out of the starting XI,  I would only keep the following:

Ash
Ivanovic
Ramires
McEachran

and get rid of the rest.

Since then I have added to the list: JT and Super Frank (just)

I am sure when the new manager comes in, he will have his own ideas and let's face it with all the press speculation, it will be a surprise if Carlo Ancelotti stays on to see out the third year of his three year contract.

Newcastle equalised when Taylor's free-kick hit the fortunate Gutierrez, sending the ball into the opposite corner to Cech's position.

Chelsea regained the lead when Super Frank's high-flighted free-kick found the head of Alex, who planted the ball into the opposite corner of United's net and then deep into stoppage time, Chelsea's all season nemesis  - lack of concentration reared it's ugly head for Taylor to nod United's equaliser in past Cech.

With the 'difficult' last game of the season to come at Everton, not looking so 'difficult' now, thanks to Woolwich's defeat, second place is secured, unless Money Citeh hit about fifteen goals in their last two games.


Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry (c), Cole, Ramires (Malouda 64), McEachran (Essien 64), Lampard, Benayoun (Drogba 64), Anelka, Torres

Goals: Ivanovic 2, Alex 82
Booked: Terry 8, Ramires 45, Lampard 57, Ivanovic 59


Newcastle United: Krul, Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique, Lovenkrands (S Ameobi 82), R Taylor, Barton (c), Ferguson (Kazenga LuaLua 69), Gutierrez (Ranger 75), Shola Ameobi

Goals: Gutierrez 10, S Taylor 90
Booked: Simpson 72, Enrique 82, S Taylor 90