Chelsea Fc Thread

[pattayarangers]

because I like annoying you lot !!!!!

and I think I would be the only one on it !!!!!!!

[Seapok]

Why don't you start a QPR thread ?

My thoughts exactly, Jock have a word please, maybe you can redirect PattayaRangers messages away from this Chelsea Thread!!

[pattayarangers]

sorry lads........will leave you alone until January 5th.......when we take over your ground.....hopefully you will be running back down North End Rd , same as 1982....

[scousemouse]

Its been nice reading some southern banter

[mrtoad]

Great game to watch yesterday, looks like Shevchenko has finally found his scoring boots.

Phil Dowd was outstanding for Chelsea, creating a penalty and a dubious free kick from nowhere.

[pattayarangers]

Would like to take this opportunity to wish all you Chelsea supporters a very happy 2008....except on January 5th

by the way any of you remember this one

December 28th 1974: Recently-appointed, Dave Sexton-managed QPR against a recently-having-dismissed-Dave Sexton Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. QPR had the recently-signed Don Masson in midfield and John Beck in his best QPR season. Chelsea I believe were managed by Ron Stuart with Eddie McCreadie as Coach.

Score: Chelsea 0 QPR 3 - Two from Don Givens; one from Gerry Francis.

QPR's team

Parkes

Clement Webb Mclintock Gillard

Francis Beck Masson

Givens Bowles Thomas

Chelsea's Team (one name missing!)

Phillips

Locke XXX Droy Harris

Wilkins Hay Hollins Kember

Hutchinson Garland

Sub: Houseman

[Seapok]

Lampard sidelined by thigh injury

Frank Lampard will miss the rest of Chelsea's festive season programme because of a thigh injury.

The England midfielder limped off after 26 minutes in Chelsea's 4-4 thriller against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

"Scans have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh. The tear is not the same leg that Frank injured earlier in the season," said a club statement.

"He will begin rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."

Lampard's injury is yet another setback for Chelsea's title aspirations as they trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points.

Manager Avram Grant is already without captain John Terry and striker Didier Drogba through injuries.

Ricardo Carvalho faces a likely three-match suspension after he was sent off for a two-footed tackle on Gabriel Agbonlahor at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have confirmed they will not appeal against Carvalho's dismissal, but will do so for Ashley Cole, who was also sent off for deliberate hand ball in stoppage time against Villa.

The England left-back will have his case heard by the Football Association on Friday.

"It was not easy before without the injured and it's still not easy now, but this is the situation and we need to make the best of it," Grant told BBC Radio Five Live.

Grant's problems will be further exacerbated when he loses Drogba, Salomon Kalou, John Mikel Obi and Michael Essien to the African Cup of Nations in Ghana next month.

Their departures, along with injuries and suspensions, will mean the Israeli is likely to dip into the transfer market to strengthen his weakened squad.

"Everything is always about January because the transfer window is open," said Grant.

"The injured players and the African Nations Cup will make us think more about what we need to do."

Lampard had been sidelined by a thigh injury for six weeks earlier in the season.

The 29-year-old is Chelsea's joint top scorer, along with Drogba, with nine goals in all competitions this season.

[scousemouse]

So you lot nicked a 2-1 win against the geordies ...... fairs fair .

[mrtoad]

So you lot nicked a 2-1 win against the geordies ...... fairs fair .

Mind you scouse, most teams have been nicking points of Newcastle this season. That could be it for Big Sam. Several managers have been fired after losing to Chelsea, and I wouldn't be suprised to see another one this week.

[Seapok]

Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle

Salomon Kalou's late winner sank Newcastle and increased the pressure on under-fire Magpies boss Sam Allardyce.

A depleted Chelsea side took the lead when Shaun Wright-Phillips' shot fell for Michael Essien to slide home.

Magpies keeper Shay Given made a string of fine saves before his side levelled when Wayne Bridge turned Charles N'Zogbia's cross into his own net.

But Kalou had the last word when, despite looking offside, he met a loose ball in the area and fired home.

It has been a miserable festive period for Newcastle, who have picked up just one point in their three games so far.

But this performance will at least give their supporters some heart even if the result will provide scant consolation for Allardyce.

Three Premier League managers have been sacked this season immediately after losing to Chelsea and this latest setback will certainly not help his cause.

Things had looked promising for Newcastle in the early stages, with the visitors enjoying plenty of possession and carving out a couple of decent chances for Obafemi Martins.

And Chelsea, forced into seven changes by injury and suspension, were looking more vulnerable on home turf than they have done for most of their 72-game league unbeaten run here.

But Avram Grant's side gradually found their way into the game and a flurry of chances for the home side followed.

Kalou forced Given into his first save of the match at his near post and the Republic of Ireland international superbly clawed away John Mikel Obi's deflected effort before brilliantly keeping out Alex's close-range header.

Newcastle were hanging on by now but, although their determination could not be doubted, the defensive problems that have haunted them since Allardyce took charge were again their undoing.

A long throw was only cleared as far as the unmarked Wright-Phillips on the edge of the box and although his shot hit Kalou, it meant Given was stranded and Essien beat Steven Taylor to the loose ball before firing home.

Chances continued to come thick and fast for Chelsea and if Wright-Phillips had found Kalou with his pull-back or directed his header from Joe Cole's cross then the game would have been up for Newcastle by half-time.

Things did not improve for the visitors straight after the break either, with Butt forcing Given into another fingertip save while trying to clear a Wright-Phillips cross.

But Allardyce's men did not give up, with last-ditch blocks by Taylor and Faye typifying their spirit.

And they got their reward in bizarre fashion when N'Zogbia made headway down the left and, although neither Martins or Butt could force his low cross over the line, Bridge, in attempting to clear could only put through his own net.

That set up a thrilling final half hour and Given was again Newcastle's hero, keeping out Kalou's header and diving low to stop Michael Ballack's 25-yard shot.

The Magpies were still threatening too however and only a last-gasp Juliano Belletti clearance stopped Damien Duff from scoring against his old side.

Michael Owen's appearance from the bench after almost two months out with a thigh injury was another lift for Newcastle.

And it seemed they had picked up a hard-earned point until Kalou struck with under three minutes to go.

Obi's shot rebounded off substitute Claudio Pizarro and the ball bounced into the path of Kalou, who appeared well offside but rounded Given to slot home a dramatic winner.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant on Salomon Kalou's controversial goal:

"I didn't see it but we created so many chances that we deserved to win anyway.

"You saw the spirit of the team, they showed great spirit.

"We played some good football, especially in the first half, to create a lot of chances, then showed a lot of character at the end of the game."

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce on Kalou's winner:

"It hurts deeply - not just for me but the players in particular.

"A result has been taken away from us by no fault of our own, by an assistant referee that has got a horrible decision wrong.

"You have to complain when a decision like this is made and it has cost us a crucial result."

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge, Essien, Obi, Ballack (Sinclair 76), Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 90), Joe Cole (Pizarro 65), Kalou.

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Ferreira.

Booked: Alex.

Goals: Essien 29, Kalou 87.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Cacapa, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Faye, Smith (Rozehnal 70), Duff (Viduka 89), Martins (Owen 74).

Subs Not Used: Harper, Emre.

Booked: Faye, Given.

Goals: Butt 56.

Att: 41,751

Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Chelsea's Michael Essien 7.48 (on 90 minutes).

[Seapok]

Fulham v Chelsea

Craven Cottage

New Year's Day

Kick-off: 1245 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day.

New Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is without defender Aaron Hughes (calf).

Defender Moritz Volz returns from a one-match suspension but winger Hameur Bouazza is suspended.

Chelsea will have Ashley Cole available after suspension but Ricardo Carvalho is still banned and Andriy Shevchenko (leg) is set to miss out again.

John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, Florent Malouda, Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini are all still out.

Fulham (from): Niemi, Volz, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Davis, Dempsey, Healy, Kuqi, Warner, Kamara, Leijer, Omozusi, Smertin, Seol, Christanval.

Chelsea (from): Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge, Essien, Mikel, Ballack, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Sidwell, J Cole, Pizarro, Kalou, Taylor, Ferreira, A Cole.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant:

"It was a very tough against them in September, which ended 0-0.

"That was my second league game. We didn't have time to prepare ourselves so we didn't play so well.

"But we had a lot of chances and then the red card for Didier Drogba. They did well and fought back and I think it will be the same tomorrow."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

The 14th Premier League meeting of Fulham and Chelsea will not only be the first to kick-off in 2008, but also Roy Hodgson's debut as manager of the Cottagers.

The former Blackburn boss will want the 58th league clash of the west London neighbours and 67th in a competitive fixture, to also be Chelsea's 100th Premier League defeat, away from home.

Fulham have won one of 18 league outings; Chelsea have lost one in 13.

Fulham and Chelsea have had identical results in their first Premier League fixture of a new calendar year in the last four seasons. They both lost in 2004, won in 2005 and 2006, and drew in 2007.

Fulham held Chelsea to a goalless draw at the Bridge in September, but have achieved only one Premier League victory over them in 13 attempts; Luis Boa Morte scored the only goal at Craven Cottage on 19 March 2006.

This is the second of four London derbies in five Premier League outings for Fulham; they have drawn nine and lost two of the last 11 since beating Arsenal at the Cottage on 29 November 2006; Chelsea's loss at Arsenal on 16 December brought to an end an 11-match undefeated streak in capital clashes.

CLUB FORM

FULHAM

1. One point from a last possible 18, two from 24.

2. Beaten only Bolton (2-1 on 15 August) and Reading (3-1 on 3 November); both at Craven Cottage.

3. Kept just two Premier League clean sheets all season, and not managed one in 10 league games; that being held to a goalless home draw with Derby on 20 October. The other clean sheet was also goalless, away to Chelsea on 29 September.

4. Failed to score in seven of the last 13 Premier League matches.

5. The Premier League's draw specialists; nine of 20.

6. The current total of 15 points is their lowest ever return after the first 20 games of a Premier League season.

7. Won only one of the nine league games in which they've opened the scoring, and gained only nine points from the eight matches in which they were leading at half time; also, conceded 28 of their 35 goals in the second half (80%) and squandered 19 points from matches in which they held the lead (lost three and drawn five) - identical figures to Totenham.

8. Won only one of 10 home matches in all competitions; 3-1 against Reading on 3 November.

9. Only registered two home Premier League victories all season; against Bolton and Reading.

10. Two more Premier League London derbies follow this, away to West Ham and home to Arsenal, after the FA Cup third round tie against Bristol Rovers at Craven Cottage.

CHELSEA

1. Avoided defeat in 20 of the last 21 in all competitions.

2. The 1-0 defeat, away to Arsenal on 16 December, is their only reverse in 13 league matches.

3. Won 15, drawn five and lost one of the last 21 league and cup games under Avram Grant; won nine, drawn three and lost two of 14 league matches under the Israeli.

4. The current tally of 41 points after 20 games is their lowest to this stage in five seasons.

5. Kept 11 clean sheets in this Premier League campaign; only Manchester United can match that.

6. Been shown more cards than any other club in Premier League matches so far this season; their 47 cards is comprised of five red and 42 yellow.

7. Beaten in one of 10 away matches in all competitions, winning eight of them.

8. Won five of the last six Premier League matches on the road; the exception being the 1-0 defeat by Arsenal on 16 December.

9. Three home matches follow this: against QPR in the third round of the FA Cup, Everton in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final, and Tottenham, in another Premier League London derby.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

FULHAM

Clint DEMPSEY is Fulham's top scorer with six Premier League goals.

If selected:-

Alexei SMERTIN will be facing a former club. The 32 year old Russia international midfielder made 25 appearances (16 in the league) when on Chelsea's books for just under three years from August 2003 - but much of that time was spent away from Stamford Bridge on loan.

Ian PEARCE will be opposing the club with which he started his professional career in August 1991.

CHELSEA

Didier DROGBA and Frank LAMPARD are Chelsea's top scorers with nine goals, and five each in the Premier League.

LAMPARD is one shy of 100 goals for Chelsea.

DROGBA is a hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.

If selected:-

LAMPARD will be making his 550th club career appearance (West Ham, Swansea and Chelsea).

Michael BALLACK will be making his 50th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

Suspended:-

Ricardo CARVALHO (two matches)

ASHLEY COLE (two matches)

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea lost John Terry at half-time with a facial injury and then had Didier Drogba sent off in the reverse fixture in September. The goalless draw was Avram Grant's second league match and first at home in charge and the fourth in a row the Blues had failed to find the net.

The Cottagers have only ever beaten Chelsea twice at home in top flight football. Prior to the victory in 2006, the Thames-side club won 3-2 on 17 September 1960.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Fulham 7 wins, Chelsea 33, Draws 17

Prem: Fulham 1 win, Chelsea 7, Draws 4

at Fulham only

League (inc PL): Fulham 5 wins, Chelsea 17, Draws 6

Prem: Fulham 1 win, Chelsea 3, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea

23 September 2006 - Ref: Mark Halsey

Chelsea scorers: Lampard 73 pen, 80

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

29 September 2007 - Ref: Martin Atkinson

Sent Off: Drogba (Chelsea) 74

REFEREE

Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

[Seapok]

Crap 1st half much better 2nd, why can't we play for 90 mins these days?

Fulham 1-2 Chelsea

Roy Hodgson was dealt a cruel blow in his first game in charge of Fulham after Chelsea bounced back from a goal down to win at Craven Cottage.

The home side took the lead when Danny Murphy converted a penalty after Joe Cole carelessly tripped Moritz Volz.

Chelsea equalised after the break when Salomon Kalou nodded in Alex's headed pass from Juliano Belletti's corner.

And Michael Ballack grabbed Chelsea's winner from the spot after he had his shirt pulled by Clint Dempsey.

The third-placed Blues had only lost one fixture against their west London rivals in 28 years.

But Chelsea arrived at Craven Cottage deprived of the services of Andriy Shevchenko, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, John Terry and Petr Cech, which would have given the Fulham faithful and Hodgson the faintest of hopes that they could conjure up small shock.

The new boss opted to start with Diomansy Kamara in place of David Healy, and the former West Brom striker almost gave his struggling side a fantastic start when he found enough space in the area to unleash a low drive that keeper Hilario reacted to brilliantly.

Chelsea's pace often unnerved Fulham's defence, although those in blue deputising for their injured team-mates were guilty of some uncharacteristic wayward passing.

When the Chelsea players were in sync with each other they caused Fulham problems.

One sparkling move saw Cole flick the ball into the path of Kalou who in turn attempted to lift the ball over Antti Niemi, just failing to get enough purchase.

Moments later, the erratic Shaun Wright-Phillips dissected the Fulham defence on the right but rifled his eight-yard angled shot wide of Fulham's right-hand upright.

It was a frantic start to the match which swung the way of Fulham when Volz was adjudged to have been fouled by Cole inside the area.

Referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot and Murphy took on the responsibility of taking the penalty which was fired low past Hilario.

Defeat would have been a massive blow for Chelsea who would have been left six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

And for the rest of the first half they gave little indication that they would deny 19th-placed Fulham a vital win, with Fulham's Danny Murphy putting Ballack in the shade in the middle and teenager Elliot Omozusi doing a fine job at the back.

Avram Grant, with a relatively weak bench, replaced the fairly ineffective Steve Sidwell for John Obi Mikel after the break.

The change in personnel and the tinkering of his 4-3-3 formation seemed to do the trick when Kalou equalised eight minutes into the half.

Belletti swung in a corner to the far post that fellow defender Alex headed back into the six-yard area for Kalou to nod in from close range.

That perked up the Blues who then took the lead on the hour mark when referee Halsey awarded his second penalty of the day after penalising Dempsey for pulling on Ballack's shirt.

The Germany international composed himself before picking the same spot as Murphy to give Chelsea the advantage.

With the visitors finally looking like the team 16 places above Fulham, it was now the home side desperately looking to salvage something from the game.

But Fulham could not break through Chelsea's defence and Hodgson was re-introduced to the harsh realities of the Premier League.

Fulham: Niemi, Volz (Ki-Hyeon 68), Bocanegra, Stefanovic, Konchesky, Davis (Smertin 70), Davies, Murphy, Omozusi, Dempsey, Kamara (Healy 77).

Subs Not Used: Warner, Kuqi.

Booked: Stefanovic.

Goals: Murphy 10 pen.

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge, Wright-Phillips (Pizarro 88), Sidwell (Obi 46), Essien, Ballack, Joe Cole (Ferreira 90), Kalou.

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Sinclair.

Goals: Kalou 54, Ballack 62 pen.

Att: 25,357

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Fulham's Danny Murphy 7.56 (on 90 minutes).

[thaireg]

by the way any of you remember this one

December 28th 1974: Recently-appointed, Dave Sexton-managed QPR against a recently-having-dismissed-Dave Sexton Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. QPR had the recently-signed Don Masson in midfield and John Beck in his best QPR season. Chelsea I believe were managed by Ron Stuart with Eddie McCreadie as Coach.

Score: Chelsea 0 QPR 3 - Two from Don Givens; one from Gerry Francis.

QPR's team

Parkes

Clement Webb Mclintock Gillard

Francis Beck Masson

Givens Bowles Thomas

Chelsea's Team (one name missing!)

Phillips

Locke XXX Droy Harris

Wilkins Hay Hollins Kember

Hutchinson Garland

Sub: Houseman

Yes, I well remember that match. David Webb trying to kick lumps out of Charlie Cooke (your missing Chelsea player), while Ron Harris was doing the same thing to Stan Bowles.

How about this one, my first visit to Loftus Road 14th September 1968 QPR 0 Chelsea 4.

Scorers: Baldwin (9), Osgood (27 Pen), Baldwin (79), Birchenall (82).

And here's a cutting for your collection. QPR the strongest team in the division, they're holding all the others up.

[Seapok]

Anelka tempted by Chelsea switch

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka has said he would be interested in a move to Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The 28-year-old Frenchman admitted that the two clubs are in talks over a possible transfer, but nothing has been agreed yet.

He told French newspaper L'Equipe: "The chairmen (of Bolton and Chelsea) are discussing it.

"I really hope it happens - and especially that I am eligible to play in the Champions League."

He added: "But until the contract is signed and I am presented to the press in my new shirt, nothing is done."

Anelka, who joined Bolton from Fenerbahce in August 2006, has been continually linked with a move away from the Reebok Stadium and has not ruled out a return to former club Manchester City who he left in 2005.

"I want to go to a bigger club and that's what City have become under a manager such as Sven-Goran Eriksson, who I was ready to join in 1999 at Lazio," he said.

"But staying at Bolton, where I am very happy, wouldn't be a punishment either."

Anelka signed a new four-year deal to stay at Bolton in August and is the club's leading scorer this season with 11 goals.

But his agent Doug Pingsi has said that Wanderers' record signing deserves to be playing at the highest level.

"Nico is ready to join a club at the height of his talent and his football," he said.

"I would love to see him sing the Champions League anthem every year."

[oldgit]

So you lot nicked a 2-1 win against the geordies ...... fairs fair .

We've been nicking results all over the Christmas period.Everything is a struggle and I think that,with a dip in our form,we were fortunate to have had a Christmas fixture list of some teams in turmoil.We usually get away with our general lack of pace throughout the side with our excellent passing but we were shown up by the speed of Agbonglahor and Young,in the Villa game,because we gave the ball away cheaply.Certain players are definitely losing their pace in important defensive positions.This clamour for Anelka worries me because,although he's 28 years old,he's been around a long time and I don't see him as the same player he was at Arsenal.I think we might be going down the Shevchenko route again,picking up a player on the way down.Sorry to be all doom and gloom but thats the way I see it.

[Seapok]

So you lot nicked a 2-1 win against the geordies ...... fairs fair .

We've been nicking results all over the Christmas period.Everything is a struggle and I think that,with a dip in our form,we were fortunate to have had a Christmas fixture list of some teams in turmoil.We usually get away with our general lack of pace throughout the side with our excellent passing but we were shown up by the speed of Agbonglahor and Young,in the Villa game,because we gave the ball away cheaply.Certain players are definitely losing their pace in important defensive positions.This clamour for Anelka worries me because,although he's 28 years old,he's been around a long time and I don't see him as the same player he was at Arsenal.I think we might be going down the Shevchenko route again,picking up a player on the way down.Sorry to be all doom and gloom but thats the way I see it.

Chin up you old git!, things are going well if you look at it through my positive eyes, we haven't been playing great I admit that but we have been getting the points regardless and thats the main thing. I'm going to the game tomorrow against QPR and I reckon we will stuff them 5-0, I'm gona put some dosh on it so hopefully it will be a very good night.

[Seapok]

Lampard pledges future to Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge until he hangs up his boots.

The 29-year-old has only 18 months to run on his current contract and talks over a new deal have been put on hold.

But Lampard told the London Evening Standard newspaper: "I want to stay at this club for the rest of my career.

"I do not think I would receive the love I get from the Chelsea fans anywhere else. I would love another six or seven years of it."

The England midfielder, who has scored 99 goals for Chelsea, added: "On a scale of one to 10, Chelsea is a 10 for me in terms of importance.

"Everyone around me knows how much Chelsea means to me. In my life my family comes first but Chelsea comes second.

"I'm at a club I love and living in an area I love."

Lampard also insisted that the only reason he is not currently discussing a new contract now is because he does not want to be distracted from helping his club's challenge for honours.

"Nothing has changed since the club and I decided that we wouldn't talk until the end of the season," he said.

"But I don't want the fans to think there is anything sinister about it because I'm desperate to get it done.

"I see that Peter Osgood is on 150 goals for the club and I'd love to get to that level.

"I think I will carry on playing until I am around 35. I like to think I'm pretty fit and don't rely on pace to get me through a game. Plus I will keep improving the more experience I get."

[Seapok]

Chelsea v QPR

Stamford Bridge

Saturday 5 January

Third Round

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)

Replay: Tues, 15 January, 1945 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.

Chelsea's Didier Drogba (knee) and Petr Cech (hip) are both doubts.

Captain John Terry, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda Andriy Shevchenko remain out through injury.

QPR could have as many as seven new signings available, including Patrick Agyemang, Rowan Vine, Hogan Ephraim, Fitz Hall and Kieran Lee.

Akos Buzsaky, who has made a loan from Plymouth permanent, is also available but Mikele Leigertwood is suspended and Michael Mancienne is Cup-tied.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Ferreira, Bridge, A Cole, Ben-Haim, Mikel, Alex, Essien, Sidwell, Pizarro, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, J Cole, Ballack, Sinclair, Belletti.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Chelsea are aiming to become the sixth different club to retain the FA Cup. It's a feat that's been achieved 10 times in the history of the competition which originated in 1872.

This is one of eight Premier League against Championship ties in the third round.

Chelsea beat QPR in the quarter-finals on their way to winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history in 1970.

Queen's Park Rangers have not knocked out a Premier League club, since they were in the top-flight themselves; beating West Ham 1-0 at Loftus Road on 28 January 1995.

The League ladder

Chelsea are 35 places higher than QPR in the league standings.

FA CUP RECORDS AND BEST PERFORMANCES

CHELSEA

Lost one of 22 league and cup games; unbeaten in five, winning four of them, including the last two.

Recent FA Cup performance

Only knocked out at the third round stage once in 14 seasons; defeated by Manchester United in 1998.

The Manager

Avram Grant has won one domestic cup as a coach; he guided Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Cup in 1994.

FA Cup fact

Last knocked out by a lower league club 13 years ago; Millwall drew a fourth round replay 1-1 after extra time at Stamford Bridge and won 5-4 on penalties on 8 February 1995.

QUEEN'S PARK RANGERS

Current form

Lost one of seven; won four of six, including the last two with a 7-3 aggregate.

Recent FA Cup performance

Not reached the fourth round for six seasons.

FA Cup fact

Not won an FA Cup tie since last appearing in the fourth round in 2001, after knocking out Luton.

HEAD to HEAD

All competitions

These clubs have not played each other since they were both in the Premier League in 1995-96; Chelsea are unbeaten in four, winning two and drawing two since Rangers' 1-0 home win on 22 March 1995. It is their only victory in 12 league and cup games against the Blues.

FA Cup

These clubs have only been drawn together once in the last 34 years; Chelsea won a fourth tie at QPR 1-2 in 1996.

[Seapok]

Just when you thought you had a chance of an upset!

Drogba ready to return

Didier Drogba admits he is 'feeling good' after knee surgery and could feature in Chelsea's FA Cup tie against Queens Park Rangers.

The striker has missed Chelsea's last eight matches after undergoing an operation on his knee in early December.

There were fears that Drogba would not make his comeback for the Blues before heading off to play in the African Cup of Nations later this month.

But the Ivory Coast international revealed he is hoping to feature for Chelsea prior to travelling to Ghana for the tournament.

"It is a difficult situation for me and for all the African players who are at the club and we want to play the maximum games for Chelsea," Drogba told Chelsea TV.

"I would like to play, but it is up to the manager to pick me.

"I am feeling good, recovering from this injury, and it's good to be on the pitch and start training again."

Drogba was also happy with the timing of his operation, feeling his team-mates could cope without him during the busy festive period.

Chelsea collected 13 out of 18 points in the Premier League, and reached the Carling Cup semi-finals, without Drogba's attacking contribution.

He added: "It is what I expected and it is why I decided with the club and the medical department to have this surgery - because I knew the boys would do it without me."

[Seapok]

I don't think I've ever been to a game that was so boring to watch, lucky to get the win in my opinion.

Chelsea 1-0 QPR

Holders Chelsea edged past their west London neighbours but were helped by a Lee Camp own goal to seal their place in the FA Cup fourth round.

The Hoops's goalkeeper was helpless as Claudio Pizarro's low drive hit the post, rebounded off Camp's back and bobbled across the line.

Substitute Patrick Agyemang should have slotted past Hilario after the break as the well-organised visitors improved.

Rangers pressed late on but the below-par Blues dug in to progress.

Rarely do Chelsea host a side richer than themselves but their class prevailed in this battle of the billionaires, despite a spirited performance from the team 35 places below them in the league standings.

This local rivalry that has simmered without engagement for 12 years stirred the Hoops into action early on and they denied their neighbours the time and space to create clear chances.

But the visitors' early zest and work rate soon fizzled out and they fell behind on 28 minutes, albeit through a huge slice of fortune.

Pizarro swivelled on the edge of the box and crashed his low shot off the post, only for Camp to inadvertently knock it back in.

The goal settled the home side who wrestled control of the game in midfield with Steve Sidwell dictating the play.

Shaun Wright-Phillips went close when he fired over from the edge of the box, while Sidwell went even closer when he struck the post with a low drive from 25 yards that had Camp well beaten.

QPR, with five debutants in their starting line-up, failed to seriously trouble Hilario although Agyemang should have slotted past the keeper from close range. Instead, he scuffed his effort into the keeper's arms.

Akos Buzsaky, a former team-mate of Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira from their time at Porto, failed to make any impact and was reduced to speculative long shots.

Didier Drogba, bound for the African Cup of Nations on Sunday, made his return from the knee surgery he underwent in early December. But he, and those behind him, struggled to kill off a dogged QPR.

But despite a valiant effort in the last 15 minutes, the four-time winners held out to progress.

Chelsea: Hilario, Ferreira, Ben-Haim, Alex, Ashley Cole, Wright-Phillips (Joe Cole 79), Obi, Sidwell, Sinclair (Drogba 60), Kalou, Pizarro (Ballack 71).

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Belletti.

Goals: Camp 28 og.

QPR: Camp, Hall, Stewart, Barker, Ainsworth (Agyemang 46), Connolly, Mahon, Rowlands, Ephraim (Balanta 65), Blackstock, Buzsaky (Lee 50).

Subs Not Used: Bolder, Walton.

Booked: Hall.

Att: 41,289

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Chelsea's Michael Ballack 8.53 (on 90 minutes).

[Seapok]

I actually missed the game as I was having an Anniversary meal with the wife, I won't be missing the 2nd leg!

Chelsea 2-1 Everton

Everton defender Joleon Lescott scored an injury-time own goal to hand Chelsea the advantage after the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

Lescott headed the ball into his own net as Shaun Wright-Phillips closed in.

The Chelsea winger had opened the scoring with a curling strike before Jon Mikel Obi was dismissed following a sliding tackle on Phil Neville.

Yakubu then equalised with a brilliant shot on the turn while James McFadden hit the post for Everton.

Chelsea were the better team for large phases of the match but, once Yakubu equalised shortly after Mikel's 64th-minute dismissal, Everton looked the team most likely to win a pulsating tie.

And even after Lescott, under pressure from the impressive Wright-Phillips, had put the ball into his own net Everton might have grabbed a second equaliser.

Lescott found himself through on goal and with a chance to almost immediately atone for his error but a heavy touch at a crucial moment saw the ball run away from him and Hilario was able to gather.

It was a far cry from the opening half, which Chelsea went on to dominate after Wright-Phillips struck with 25 minutes played.

Lee Carsley allowed Wright-Phillips to drift into the Everton area and the Chelsea winger turned sharply before finishing brilliantly after collecting a pass from Florent Malouda.

Everton all too often gave Chelsea too much time and space and Joe Cole almost scored after eluding Phil Jagielka before bursting through on goal.

Cole saw his shot smothered by Tim Howard but referee Peter Walton, having initially played an advantage, awarded Chelsea a free-kick for Jagielka's challenge and Michael Ballack missed by inches with a fizzing strike.

Everton looked relieved to reach the break without conceding again but Wright-Phillips was once more gifted far too much space a minute into the second half and forced another save from Howard.

Chelsea seemed intent on trying to establish a decisive first-leg advantage but their attacking ambitions were undermined when Mikel was dismissed for his tackle on Neville.

The Nigerian appeared intent on trying to win the ball but his studs were showing and Walton had no hesitation in dismissing the player.

Despite the sending-off Chelsea still managed to fashion a great opening but Claudio Pizarro, after collecting Wright-Phillips's superb through ball, failed to connect cleanly and within minutes Everton were level.

Yakubu, mostly absent for the first 64 minutes of the tie, brilliantly equalised after Joseph Yobo had hooked McFadden's free-kick back into the danger zone.

McFadden then hit the post from the tightest of angles after a mazy run down the left as Everton suddenly started to dominate.

But Lescott put the ball in his own net after he was caught stationary by Wright-Phillips at the far post.

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Obi, Ballack, Malouda (Ben-Haim 90), Joe Cole (Sidwell 61), Pizarro (Ferreira 83).

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Sahar.

Sent Off: Obi (55).

Booked: Joe Cole, Belletti.

Goals: Wright-Phillips 26, Lescott 90 og.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Cahill, Neville, Carsley, McFadden, Johnson, Yakubu (Anichebe 89).

Subs Not Used: Wessels, Gravesen, Vaughan, Nuno Valente.

Booked: Carsley, Hibbert, Neville, Johnson.

Goals: Yakubu 64.

Att: 41,178

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

[oldgit]

I actually missed the game as I was having an Anniversary meal with the wife, I won't be missing the 2nd leg!

Chelsea 2-1 Everton

Everton defender Joleon Lescott scored an injury-time own goal to hand Chelsea the advantage after the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final.

Lescott headed the ball into his own net as Shaun Wright-Phillips closed in.

The Chelsea winger had opened the scoring with a curling strike before Jon Mikel Obi was dismissed following a sliding tackle on Phil Neville.

Yakubu then equalised with a brilliant shot on the turn while James McFadden hit the post for Everton.

Chelsea were the better team for large phases of the match but, once Yakubu equalised shortly after Mikel's 64th-minute dismissal, Everton looked the team most likely to win a pulsating tie.

And even after Lescott, under pressure from the impressive Wright-Phillips, had put the ball into his own net Everton might have grabbed a second equaliser.

Lescott found himself through on goal and with a chance to almost immediately atone for his error but a heavy touch at a crucial moment saw the ball run away from him and Hilario was able to gather.

It was a far cry from the opening half, which Chelsea went on to dominate after Wright-Phillips struck with 25 minutes played.

Lee Carsley allowed Wright-Phillips to drift into the Everton area and the Chelsea winger turned sharply before finishing brilliantly after collecting a pass from Florent Malouda.

Everton all too often gave Chelsea too much time and space and Joe Cole almost scored after eluding Phil Jagielka before bursting through on goal.

Cole saw his shot smothered by Tim Howard but referee Peter Walton, having initially played an advantage, awarded Chelsea a free-kick for Jagielka's challenge and Michael Ballack missed by inches with a fizzing strike.

Everton looked relieved to reach the break without conceding again but Wright-Phillips was once more gifted far too much space a minute into the second half and forced another save from Howard.

Chelsea seemed intent on trying to establish a decisive first-leg advantage but their attacking ambitions were undermined when Mikel was dismissed for his tackle on Neville.

The Nigerian appeared intent on trying to win the ball but his studs were showing and Walton had no hesitation in dismissing the player.

Despite the sending-off Chelsea still managed to fashion a great opening but Claudio Pizarro, after collecting Wright-Phillips's superb through ball, failed to connect cleanly and within minutes Everton were level.

Yakubu, mostly absent for the first 64 minutes of the tie, brilliantly equalised after Joseph Yobo had hooked McFadden's free-kick back into the danger zone.

McFadden then hit the post from the tightest of angles after a mazy run down the left as Everton suddenly started to dominate.

But Lescott put the ball in his own net after he was caught stationary by Wright-Phillips at the far post.

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Obi, Ballack, Malouda (Ben-Haim 90), Joe Cole (Sidwell 61), Pizarro (Ferreira 83).

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Sahar.

Sent Off: Obi (55).

Booked: Joe Cole, Belletti.

Goals: Wright-Phillips 26, Lescott 90 og.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Cahill, Neville, Carsley, McFadden, Johnson, Yakubu (Anichebe 89).

Subs Not Used: Wessels, Gravesen, Vaughan, Nuno Valente.

Booked: Carsley, Hibbert, Neville, Johnson.

Goals: Yakubu 64.

Att: 41,178

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Couldn't you have persuaded her to have a hotdog at the Bridge,Mr. S? You missed quite an entertaining game,as it happens.Joe Cole and Sean Wright-Phillips especially,were at there best terrorising their full backs and always a threat with their pace.Malouda was exceptional though.Great close control with a turn of foot to match.The through ball to Sean W-R was pure class.I thought Andy Johnson was always a threat but Yakubu did nothing until he scored. W hat were we saying about Mikel?He's got to learn to stand off because his lack of pace draws him into rash tackles.Great result,though.

[Seapok]

Couldn't you have persuaded her to have a hotdog at the Bridge,Mr. S? You missed quite an entertaining game,as it happens.Joe Cole and Sean Wright-Phillips especially,were at there best terrorising their full backs and always a threat with their pace.Malouda was exceptional though.Great close control with a turn of foot to match.The through ball to Sean W-R was pure class.I thought Andy Johnson was always a threat but Yakubu did nothing until he scored. W hat were we saying about Mikel?He's got to learn to stand off because his lack of pace draws him into rash tackles.Great result,though.

I still can't do those quotes where you grab just the part you want!, any ideas?

It was our 1st year Anniversary so I couldn't really do that to her, we are going to the Bridge Saturday to see the Spurs game so I didn't mind that much, I just hope we play as well against them as we did against Everton, I've got far too many spurs mates that are ready and waiting to get me back for the abuse I've given them over the years!! Mikel should be given 1 final chance to grow up or get rid of him!!

[Seapok]

Cech to resume training

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is on his way back to fitness and is due to resume full training.

The Czech stop-stopper has been sidelined for the last four games following hip damage, suffering the initial injury against Blackburn on 23rd December, and then aggravating it against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.

But he believes he is now on the way back and hopes to stay fit in the New Year.

Cech told Chelsea TV: "Recently I have been training hard, returning to fitness and the injury has reacted very well so hopefully I am on the way back.

"If nothing changes, I should join the team and I hope I will stay there on the pitch as long as I can.

"It was quite a long time I was injured with first my calf and then I played only a few games and I was injured again - so I hope I stay fit in the New Year."

Cech admitted that it had been a risk to take part in the Villa game so soon after suffering the initial knock.

"We took a little bit of a risk and I tried to play this game," he said.

"Unfortunately at the end of the game the injury was worse and they didn't allow me to play again. Since then I have been sidelined."

Hilario has deputised in goal and he was pleased with the way the Blues beat Everton 2-1 in the Carling Cup semi-final home leg on Tuesday, despite having John Obi Mikel sent off.

Hilario said: "Even with 10 men, we believed in ourselves. It is difficult but we pushed hard and we had a chance to score. We believed until the end that we could win the game.

"Mikel is fundamental to us. When we lost him it was hard to find the way to play again and it was difficult to get the win but he has nothing he needs to say to us because he went into the challenge to get the ball. He didn't want to hurt the player, he just wanted to get the ball.

"The refs are more focused on this kind of challenge and everybody has to adapt but on the pitch in that moment, the players are only focused on the ball."

[Jockstar]

I still can't do those quotes where you grab just the part you want!, any ideas?

Highlight then right click to copy. Goto the quote balloon , click on that. Put the copied part between the quotes and away you go. Just like above.

[Seapok]

Anelka signs for Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka has completed his move from Bolton Wanderers to Chelsea, Sky Sports News understands.

Reports suggest that the France international has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with The Blues for an undisclosed fee - which is rumoured to be around £15million.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has been keen to seal Anelka's switch to Stamford Bridge before Saturday's clash with Tottenham, and it now appears the Israeli has got his man.

The 28-year-old forward has netted 11 goals so far this season and joined Bolton from Fenerbahce in 2006 for £7million.

[Seapok]

I'm going down the bridge in a couple of hours, look out for me and the missus near the corner flag in the shed end.

Chelsea v Tottenham

Stamford Bridge

Saturday, 12 January

Kick-off: 1500 GMT

BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day.

Chelsea new signing Nicolas Anelka is available to play after his move from Bolton, while keepers Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini are expected back.

Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba and Mikel John Obi are on international duty and Frank Lampard, and John Terry are still missing.

Spurs midfielders Tom Huddlestone and Jermaine Jenas are both suspended, while Didier Zokora is away.

Younes Kaboul is back after an ankle problem but Darren Bent is doubtful.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant:

"Spurs have good players and a good coach. He's a good friend and did a very good job in Seville.

"It is not easy to play against them. They deserved to win against Arsenal in the Carling Cup.

"It will not be an easy game for us but not for them also. They play very good attacking football."

Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas:

"We'll go there in high spirits.

"It is no secret they've got a few guys missing, but Chelsea are a top side and they have got players who can come in.

"We will try and play the same tactical game as we did here at Arsenal and hopefully come away with three points."

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Pizarro, Sinclair, Ballack, Sahar, Anelka.

Tottenham (from): Cerny, Robinson, Chimbonda, Lee, King, Dawson, Lennon, Malbranque, O'Hara, Tainio, Boateng, Defoe, Keane, Berbatov, Stalteri, Taarabt, Rocha, Gunter, Kaboul.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

The 135th competitive meeting of Chelsea and Tottenham and 119th in the league, is a London derby between two clubs in Carling Cup semi-final action midweek.

Both clubs are under different management from the start of the season. Chelsea have won 10 of 15 Premier League games under Avram Grant; Tottenham have won five of 10 under Juande Ramos.

The Blues are four points outside the top two; Spurs five points outside the top half.

Chelsea have won more than twice as many league games as Spurs (13 to six), and have lost a third as many (three to nine). Yet Chelsea are third (13 points) and Spurs fourth (12) in the "Last Six Form" table behind Manchester United (15) and Arsenal (13).

Tottenham have won one of five London Premier League derbies this season; 5-1, home to Fulham on Boxing Day.

Chelsea have lost one of 13 top-flight capital clashes; 1-0, away to Arsenal on 16 December. Their previous loss was to Tottenham.

The Stamford Bridge faithful have not seen their side lose in a colossal 73 home Premier League games; Tottenham's long suffering travelling supporters have only witnessed one victory on the road this season (0-1 at Portsmouth on 15 December).

This is the most one-sided fixture in the Premier League. Chelsea have only lost once to Tottenham, and have never been beaten at home by them in the Premier League era. Indeed the west Londoners have won 12 and drawn five of the last 17 home league matches against Spurs.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rd

Lowest could fall: 3rd

1. Undefeated in seven; won six and drawn one in all competitions, since losing 1-0, away to Arsenal on 16 December.

2. Won the last two Premier League games, and unbeaten in four; won three, drawn one.

3. Won 13 Premier League games; only Arsenal and Manchester United have won more (15 each). Lost three times in this Premier League campaign; only Arsenal (one) and Manchester United (two) have been beaten less often.

4. Kept 11 clean sheets in Premier League matches; only the Red Devils have managed more shut-outs (12).

5. Failed to score in five of 21 league outings this term; failed to find the net in four of 38 last term.

6. Yet to lose to a lower half team; won nine and drawn one of their 10 fixtures against clubs currently in the bottom 10 places.

7. One of four clubs holding a 100% record from Premier League matches this season in which they held the lead at half-time; won nine of nine.

8. Been shown 47 cards in Premier League matches this season, of which five were red. Only Blackburn have been shown more (48), and Blackburn and Fulham are the only other clubs to have had five players sent off.

9. Won 39 and drawn 15 of 54 at home in all competitions since the 1-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on 22 February 2006. Not lost a league game at the Bridge since the 1-2 reverse to Arsenal on 21 February 2004 (won 54, drawn 19). Not lost in 92 domestic matches in front of the home faithful if penalty shoot-outs are excluded, since the defeat to Arsenal five weeks under two years ago.

10. Still to come this month, a league visit to Birmingham, the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final at Everton, a tie away to Wigan in the fourth round of the FA Cup and a home clash with Reading in the Premier League.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 11th

Lowest could fall: 13th

1. The joint highest Premier League scorers with Arsenal. Both have netted 42 goals in 21 games at an average of two per game, one per half or one every 45 minutes.

2. On the longest current run in the Premier League of 17 matches since failing to score; the 1-0 loss away to Manchester United on 26 August being the most recent.

3. Failed to find the net in just two league games this term; only Arsenal have a better record with one blank.

4. One match short of 50 in the Premier League since last involved in a goalless draw; that being at Watford on 28 October 2006.

5. The most entertaining side to watch for goals; 80 have featured in their 21 Premier League outings (42 for, 38 against) at 3.81 per match.

6. Lost 19 points from Premier League matches in which they had the lead; only Fulham have been more profligate (22 points dropped).

7. Drawn more away matches than any other club in the Premier League, with the exception of Aston Villa. Both have finished level on five occasions on the road.

8. Hit the woodwork 13 times in Premier League matches this season; more often than any other club. Blackburn are the next highest with 10.

9. Awarded more penalty kicks than any other club in Premier League competition, with the exception of Manchester United. Three of their six spot kicks have been converted, while United have scored from four of their six.

10. At least four more matches are scheduled before the end of the month, away to Reading in the FA Cup third round replay, home to Sunderland in the league, home to Arsenal in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final and away to Everton in the league.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

CHELSEA

Didier DROGBA and Frank LAMPARD are Chelsea's top scorers with nine goals each.

DROGBA, LAMPARD and Salomon KALOU are the clubs' joint leading marksmen in the Premier League, with five goals each.

LAMPARD is one shy of 100 goals for Chelsea.

DROGBA is a hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.

If selected:-

LAMPARD will be making his 550th club career appearance (West Ham, Swansea and Chelsea).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Robbie KEANE is Tottenham's leading scorer with 14 goals, and top Premier League marksman, with 10.

Darren BENT is a hat-trick shy of 100 club career goals (Ipswich, Charlton and Tottenham).

If on the field from the outset:-

Aaron LENNON will be making his 100th club career start (Leeds and Tottenham).

Suspended:-

Jermaine JENAS (one match)

Tom HUDDLESTONE (two matches)

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea have won more matches (19), gained more points (67) and scored more goals (56) against Tottenham, than against any other club in the Premier League.

Spurs' only maximum against their west London rivals was 2-1 at home last season. They have only picked up five of the 45 points on offer at the Bridge, and have not taken away maximum points from there since Gary Lineker famously got the winner in a 2-1 triumph on 10 February 1990.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Chelsea 50 wins, Spurs 41, Draws 27

Prem: Chelsea 19 wins, Spurs 1, Draws 10

at Chelsea only

League (inc PL): Chelsea 28 wins, Spurs 19, Draws 12

Prem: Chelsea 10 wins, Spurs 0, Draws 5

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur

7 April 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles

Chelsea scorer: Carvalho 52

REFEREE

Alan Wiley (Burntwood, Staffordshire)

[Seapok]

I still can't do those quotes where you grab just the part you want!, any ideas?

Highlight then right click to copy. Goto the quote balloon , click on that. Put the copied part between the quotes and away you go. Just like above.

I'm using a Mac mate so I can't do the commands you gave I'm afraid, cheers anyway.

[Seapok]

Maybe it will take another 20 years for the Yids to get a win at the bridge!

Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham

Chelsea kept the pressure on Arsenal and Manchester United at the top of the table with victory over Tottenham.

Juliano Belletti's powerful 25-yard strike put Chelsea ahead after Spurs left him with room to shoot at goal.

Tottenham struggled to create clear chances, with Steed Malbranque going closest with a well-struck volley.

Nicolas Anelka hit the bar after making his Chelsea debut off the bench and Shaun Wright-Phillips sealed the win with a low shot past Radek Cerny.

Chelsea's victory maintained their long-standing dominance over their London rivals at Stamford Bridge, with Spurs' last away win over the Blues coming back in 1990.

The opening stages were fiercely contested, but lacking in quality with the emphasis on perspiration rather than inspiration.

But the match suddenly exploded into life with a superb strike from Belletti, and Spurs had no-one to blame but themselves.

A scruffy Chelsea corner came all the way out to Ashley Cole just inside the Spurs half, and he squared the ball to Belletti who was given the freedom to amble forward, have two touches and pick his spot in the top corner.

Soon after, Spurs midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng briefly forgot what sport he was playing as he hauled Joe Cole down on halfway with a rugby tackle that Jonny Wilkinson would have been proud of, and the German was lucky to escape with a booking.

Some genuine quality from Spurs almost led to the equaliser after Aaron Lennon, sprinting into acres of space with Ashley Cole nowhere to be seen, picked out the unmarked Malbranque at the back post, but his first-time volley was well saved by Petr Cech.

Spurs were seeing more of the ball and went close through Boateng, but a promising position was wasted by a dreadful free-kick from Jamie O'Hara which went out on the full.

Chelsea did get the ball in the net for a second time shortly before half-time, but Michael Ballack was so far offside from Florent Malouda's pass that he barely even bothered celebrating.

After the break, it was more of the same as both sides struggled to carve open clear cut opportunities and the main excitement came from watching the red mist descend on Malbranque.

The Frenchman was booked for a needless foul on Shaun Wright-Phillips and then hauled down Malouda moments later, shortly before being taken off by a sensible Juande Ramos.

Anelka's introduction for the severely disappointing Claudio Pizarro gave the game a much-needed lift and the £15m striker almost made an instant impression.

A skilful back-heel from Wright-Phillips found its way to Anelka inside the box, and he controlled it and shot on the turn only to be denied by a top-notch save from Cerny, who was again preferred to Paul Robinson between the posts.

Spurs raised their game and started to play some nice stuff around the box, but there was little real danger for Cech to deal with.

Wright-Phillips made the game safe for Chelsea with a powerful shot from the edge of the box after some fine work from Joe Cole, who looked sharp throughout.

And there was almost a fairytale finish for Anelka as he latched onto a loose ball in the box, but his shot smacked the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant on the debut performance of striker Nicolas Anelka:

"When he came on he hit the post and forced the keeper to make a very good save.

"Normally he would not have played in this game because he did not train with us but we do not have strikers.

"So we put him on the bench and he is such an intelligent player that he knows how we play and how to fit in."

Tottenham assistant boss Guy Poyet:

"It was a poor game and it was tight with not many chances.

"Chelsea controlled the game and they are a team that even if they are not playing well will find a way to score and get the points.

"There were some positives in that our young midfield players did well and they competed.

"It is good experience for them to play here against big international players."

Chelsea: Cech, Belletti, Carvalho, Alex, Ashley Cole, Malouda (Bridge 84), Makelele, Ballack, Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 90), Pizarro (Anelka 58), Joe Cole.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ben-Haim.

Booked: Makelele, Ballack.

Goals: Belletti 19, Wright-Phillips 80.

Tottenham: Cerny, Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Lee, Lennon, O'Hara (Defoe 77), Boateng (Kaboul 84), Malbranque (Taarabt 59), Keane, Berbatov.

Subs Not Used: Robinson, Gunter.

Booked: Boateng, Malbranque, O'Hara, Lennon.

Att: 41,777

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

[oldgit]

Great to see Sean Wright Phillips playing in his old Man City role of being given the freedom of the park.No doubt he wouldn't have been given this new role if Essien,Mikel and Kalou had been playing,but he took full advantage and looked like he enjoyed himself.His workrate was exceptional and Ballack certainly appreciated his rapid closing down of the Spurs midfielders.Malouda's return from injury has given the team a new dimension.