BALL AND KALOU

By dixon9
April 5 2008

A reasonably competent performance from Chelsea today, chalking up the all important 3 points allowing us to put that little bit of extra pressure on Manchester United and pull 3 points clear of a capitulating Arsenal. We looked relaxed, confident and assured despite a period of pressure during the first half which saw City go close a few times.

No Cech, Drogba, Carvalho, Makelele, Joe Cole or Ballack in the starting line-up – all except Cech being rested for Tuesday’s 2^nd leg home game against Fenerbache although the injury situation with Cech still remains unclear.

  

Essien had his best game in a long time in a blue shirt (actually, make that an “electric yellow” shirt for today) and was involved in both goals. 

The Ghanaian’s presence left Dunne with no choice but to make contact with Anelka´s daisy cutter cross resulting in an own goal (by the way, by strange coincidence I said in the preview for this game that I’d accept 3 points even achieved with a Dunne own goal!) and set up Kalou for our 2^nd. 

Anelka, played as a lone striker in this annoying 4-3-3 formation, revelled in not being stuck out on the wing (or on the bench) and produced an unselfish and intelligent display. 

The Frenchman deserved a goal for his performance but was denied by Onuoha, two superb saves from Hart and an erroneous linesman’s flag. 

City did show signs of being determined to end what is starting to become a slump by reacting with verve after we went ahead; Petrov brought out a fine save from Cuducini, Johnson produced a Sunday League style volley which if he wasn’t in “Have it!” mode would have put them level and then Ireland was well blocked by Belletti.   

A Petrov exorcet gave us a glimpse of Cuducini at his best with an excellent reaction tip over save and then shortly after, Ashley Cole cleared a deflected Johnson shot off the line. 

We seemed happy to sit back and as City gnawed away at us we looked dangerous every time we managed to break although we didn’t look totally comfortable until Kalou and Essien fashioned our 2^nd goal in the 2^nd half. 

City fans will be slightly concerned that their blip continues although losing 3 points to a team which has a chance to knock their fiercest rivals in Man Utd off their perch will probably prevent the dog being given a kick when they get home. 

We have at least done what we had to do – win.  We now just have to maintain momentum in both the PL and the CL and observe what twists and turns await our rivals during this nerve wracking final part of the season. 

Goals Videos:   

http://www.futbolcuyuz.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=146&id=1641&lang=tur&task=videodirectlink

Man City: Hart, Corluka, Dunne, Onuoha (Jihai 59), Ball, Ireland (Caicedo 75), Gelson, Johnson, Petrov, Elano (Vassell 65), Mwaruwari.
Subs Not Used: Isaksson, Hamann.

Booked: Gelson.  

Chelsea: Cudicini, Belletti (Ferreira 86), Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien, Obi, Lampard, Wright-Phillips (Joe Cole 52), Anelka, Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Shevchenko, Ballack.  

Goals: Dunne 6 OG, Kalou 53.  

Att: 42,594  

Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Mission Accomplished: City 0 Chelsea 2 + Video

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 05/04/2008 21:58

50 Years Over 100 Years
05/04/2008 21:58

Mission Accomplished: City 0 Chelsea 2 + Video

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Since 66
05/04/2008 22:11

Just watched the whole 90mins

You know you have done a good job when the home fans start leaving in their droves 10 mins from time at thats without the 5 mins added time.

For the 'anoraks'

Citys last goal against us was that wretched Anelka penalty four years ago, prior to that their last goal against us from open play was seven years ago when Steve Howey scored.

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dixon9
05/04/2008 22:54

There were many empty seats well before the end - for one minute I thought we were playing at the Emirates Camel Dome!




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"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
05/04/2008 23:06

It was just like the Emirates this afternoon!!!

10 mins from time 1-1 and loads of people were leaving.

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