Top Man

By Since66
January 25 2010

There was a potential banana skin at Deepdale on Saturday. The early kick off, the agonies of the third round when ManUre and the Bin dippers got their come uppence but after a shaky start the FA Cup holders proved their class, quality and stamina by despatching the championship strugglers, led by the son of Sir Alex. I bet Darren's phone was red hot during the week and during the game.

The Boss made wholesale changes to the side that battered Sunderland last weekend and his plans looked in tatters when Belletti was forced off early struggling with a leg injury and walking back to the dressing room, JB did not look too happy.

Goals in each half from Anelka and the vastly improving Danny Sturridge secured the holders their passage into the 5th Round and a home tie with Cardiff City who beat Leicester 4-2.

Although the game was 'easy' for Chelsea, there were times I felt if PNE scored we would be in trouble and minutes before half-time, had Darren Carter put his boot on the ball better than he did, Chelsea might have been in trouble, as it was, his close range effort went sky high over the bar.

JT as always a leader was Chelsea's inspiration and if he hadn't been for him, especially leading from the front with Chelsea's second goal, I sometimes wonder where will we be. Like I said last week, Chelsea need a leader when he is not on the pitch.

Sam Hutchinson, Carl Magnay spring to mind - just a thought.

The ACN favourites Ivory Coast were eliminated last night as Algeria won 3-2 to send our boys home early. Didier and Kalou could be available to travel to Burnley next Saturday evening.

Preston North End: Lonergan, Hart, Mawene, St Ledger, Davidson (c), Chaplow, Jones, Carter (Parkin 58), Sedgewick (Mayor 73), Brown (Mellor 73), Wallace.

Booked: Hart 25

Chelsea: Hilario, Ferreira, Alex, Terry (c), Zhirkov, Ballack, Belletti (Malouda 20), Lampard ( J Cole 66), Deco, Anelka, Sturridge

Goals: Anelka 37, Sturridge 47

NEXT GAME: BIRMINGHAM CITY, WEDNESDAY 27TH JANUARY, STAMFORD BRIDGE, KO 7.45PM

Preston 0-2 Chelsea: Didier and Kalou OUT of ACN

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 25/01/2010 00:45

50 Years Over 100 Years
25/01/2010 00:45

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Since 66
25/01/2010 01:26

More Pics and Goals

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dixon9
25/01/2010 14:55

Well it was a very solid performance. The build up and passing was slow but then PNE stayed well back leaving no space behind and did their best to put a bric wall up - and they succeeded for long periods of the match. Our first goal came from the one time they did leave space at the back because they went on a break.

JT got man of the match but I was most impressed by Anelka.

We must have an excellent chance of getting to the final - when anything can happen - and the draw has been kind to us.

Leeds in the final would be my preference ...or Spurs - revenge for the CC final.



"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
26/01/2010 08:21

Funniest part of JT getting E.on's MOM award the stadium announcer didnt announce it..... he only announced Preston's sponsors MOM award



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