By dixon9
February 3 2008

Our surprising perfect run under difficult circumstances came to an end yesterday at “proper old football ground” Fratton Park with a 1-1 draw. We shouldn’t feel too disappointed – I’m sure all of us would have previously accepted this run or results over the last 2 months without argument and to be honest, it was a fair result.

Despite this slight stutter we can still take great heart in the fact that we are on the verge of becoming, once again, a full strength Chelsea. 

The likes of Drogba, Essien, Kalou and Mikel are about to return from the African Nations Cup, Lampard and Shevchenko from injury and new signing Ivanovic who is champing at the bit to get fit and play his part in what will soon be the business end of the season.  Terry will take a bit longer but Alex is in excellent form and Carvalho will now return from suspension.  The combination of Anelka and Drogba is something many of us await with great anticipation. 

Liverpool at home next weekend will be the last match before we really get back to big blue machine mode although the results of tonight’s African Nations matches could well see us at near full strength – certainly either Essien or Mikel will be available for that match given that Ghana play Nigeria in the quarter final knock out stage of the competition within the next few hours. 

We are now approaching the stage where the real “nitty-gritty” part of the season kicks in; Champions League, FA Cup and League matches will now begin to converge in earnest – this is where points get dropped due to anxiety, stretched squads, tiredness and the men really get sorted out from the boys. 

We are STILL in with a realistic chance of winning a 3^rd title in 4 seasons – for once, circumstances will be to our advantage. 

The match swung in favour of both sides yesterday with advantage Chelsea in terms of possession and chances but we can almost count ourselves fortunate with some of the refereeing decisions FOR A CHANGE (We are owed 4-5 more like that before we anyone could say are at zero credit). 

Pompey had 2 decent penalty shouts (and it was from one of these that we broke away and scored from) whilst new signing Defoe was lucky with the linesman’s flag before slotting in the equaliser.

In the first half, Ballack saw his header cleared off the line from Belletti´s corner which was helped on by Malouda and then just a minute later, Portsmouth came close when Pamarot's header also from a corner his the angle.

Then just before half time Anelka shot from an acute angle was saved by James and then Ashley Cole blasted the rebound over (Cole was coming in for a lot of abuse from the home fans and I wonder if his ire made him lose his composure).  

Chelsea “old boy” Diarra looked impressive throughout the match and appears to be revelling in the opportunity to play denied to him by ourselves and Arsenal.  It rankles to see a player of his quality leave the club – who knows, if Gaydamak remains in control maybe Roman’s mate will let us have him back in a few years?!!!

Baros went close after good work from Diarra and then Wright-Phillips sent Ashley Cole away, who stole in from the left and was denied by James before Hreidarsson cleared.

The 2^nd half livened up when Belletti appeared to handle in the area – some Portsmouth players stopped momentarily but Wright-Phillips released Malouda who put in a deep cross which Joe Cole laid off for Anelka to volley in.

Not long after the score was level when James made a long kick which Baros managed to win in the air after confusion over the bounce in the Chelsea rear guard left Defoe with a clear 1 on 1 with Cech to finish.  Replays showed that Defoe was just off despite Belletti´s deep position.

Defoe went close a few times later but we should have put the match beyond reach with chances from Belletti, Alex and a chip from Wright-Phillips which just drifted wide of the target.

Wright-Phillips continues to frustrate with form yo-yoing from world class to Sunday league and back again.  I still can’t make up my mind about him – probably the answer lies in rotating him when we are back to full strength.

Anelka looks like he will be an excellent signing – the anticipation rises whenever he’s on the ball – once key players return he should benefit from much better service.

Redknapp applauded our recent efforts during the post match interviews: “Considering the players they have been without, their run was tremendous. With the likes of Terry, Lampard, Essien and Drogba back, they are capable of going on another run.”

Grant also saluted the players: “We should respect the players who have done it.  We are not so happy when we are not winning, especially after leading. But we were playing a good side and had chances to win it.”

As I mentioned earlier, Liverpool to go and then it’s down to the “nitty-gritty”. 

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:

http://www.fcfootballblog.com/2008/02/03/portsmouth-1-1-chelsea-highlights/

Portsmouth: James, Johnson, Campbell, Pamarot, Hreidarsson, Davis (Mvuemba 68), Diarra, Hughes, Kranjcar, Baros, Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Aubey, Lauren, Pedro Mendes.  

Booked: Davis, Pamarot.

Goals: Defoe 64.

Chelsea: Cech, Belletti, Ben-Haim, Alex, Ashley Cole, Makelele, Wright-Phillips, Ballack, Malouda (Pizarro 74), Joe Cole, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Sidwell, Bridge, Ferreira.

Goals: Anelka 55.

Att: 20,488

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)

Exhausting Run Comes to an End: Pompey 1 Chelsea 1

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 03/02/2008 18:39

50 Years Over 100 Years
03/02/2008 18:39

Exhausting Run Comes to an End: Pompey 1 Chelsea 1

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Doocey
05/02/2008 23:16

Ye lot are slipping, but good to see Anelka scoring

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dixon9
06/02/2008 00:52

We have slipped - but 9 straight wins and a draw aint bad. I´d settle for the same for the next 10 games.







.



"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.

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Since 66
06/02/2008 18:54

I would rather be 'slipping' now than where we have could have slipped too!!!

What a great squad!!!

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN GERARRD WIN THE LEAGUE???

Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

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dixon9
07/02/2008 14:26

Brilliant demonstration of the character of this squad (money doesn´t buy that).

One last hurdle (Liverpool) before we begin to get back to full strength.




.



"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.

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N5er
09/02/2008 06:23

Brilliant demonstration of the character of this squad (money doesn´t buy that).

Mwhahaha

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dixon9
09/02/2008 17:32

Oh dear!


NURSE!

.



"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.

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Since 66
09/02/2008 19:31

See Diarra scored at Bolton this afternoon!!!

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN GERRARD WIN THE LEAGUE??

Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

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dixon9
09/02/2008 22:00

Fair play to him - nice to see him back one day.




.



"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.

Reply Quote Report

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