Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Lampard - JT a great captain

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard insists captain John Terry should not take any flak for his red card against Tottenham.

The defender has been heavily criticised for his dismissal in the defeat at White Hart Lane and manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted his skipper may have 'lost control'.

Terry has been accused of petulance in the loss to Spurs, which dented Chelsea in a tense Premier League title race, to cap a turbulent season for the England international.

The centre-back's performance against Tottenham added to questions about the quality of his displays, while he was stripped of his country's captaincy in the wake of the Wayne Bridge saga earlier in the campaign.

Lampard, though, insists Terry's determination is what makes him a great leader, saying: "JT wants to win and he's a fantastic captain.

"For the first yellow I thought he got a slight touch on the ball but when he went into that second tackle, you knew the minute the tackle went in he was going to get sent off. When you're playing in such circumstances sometimes these things happen."

Meanwhile, Lampard has confessed that Manchester United's late win over Manchester City, courtesy of Paul Scholes' injury-time header, on Saturday lunchtime rattled Chelsea ahead of their evening defeat to Tottenham.

The England midfielder said: "What happened on Saturday was disappointing, especially with Manchester United's result.

"When they scored in the last minute it was hard. "If they had drawn the game it would have left us in a very healthy position but now it's tighter."

[oldgit]

Thats quite an assumption oldgit. We do have the odd off day but we don't roll over anymore to anyone. Presumably you also reckoned we would play your lot off the pitch last weekend, infact, make it look easy, and show the rest of the league what a dog average player your scumbag captain is becoming.

On the contrary,I'm assuming very little considering the pretty dire record you have against them.Mind you,if the ventriloquist's dummy can turn around years of failure and get your team to play as you did against Arsenal and 'our lot',then I will be the first to hold my hands up.As far as Terry is concerned,my opinions on him as a man are well known on this forum.As a player,his achilles heel has always been his lack of pace but his all round ability cannot be questioned.Ask Capello because he made him England captain (and still would have been if he had kept his dick in his trousers) and I don't think I'm alone in thinking HE'S a pretty good judge.

[Seapok]

Thats what I'm talking about!! we deserve the title on performances like this!

Chelsea 7 - 0 Stoke

Salomon Kalou's hat-trick helped a rampant Chelsea thrash Stoke and return to the top of the Premier League.

Kalou headed home Didier Drogba's cross before Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen sustained a dislocated elbow as Kalou slid in to score his second goal.

Lampard made it 3-0 from the spot after Robert Huth fouled Kalou, who then ran clear to complete his hat-trick.

Lampard hooked home a fifth and Daniel Sturridge's cool finish and a Florent Malouda tap-in completed the rout.

Chelsea move a point clear at the summit with two games to go and their performance was an emphatic response to last week's defeat by Tottenham that had given Manchester United renewed hope in the title race.

United had beaten Spurs on Saturday to overhaul the Blues at the top of the table but, before they faced Stoke, Carlo Ancelotti's side still knew that they would win the Premier League for the first time since 2006 if they won their three remaining matches.

If the Blues felt the pressure, they did not show it; pouring forward from the start.

And, while next weekend's visit to face Liverpool at Anfield is seen as Chelsea's most problematic fixture, the Potters are not known for being easily rolled over so the manner in which

Ancelotti's side went about their task was even more impressive.

Ashley Cole, making his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury on 10 February, came close to breaking the deadlock early on, following up after Sorensen had pushed away Lampard's 25-yard effort but seeing the Dane keep out his snap-shot.

Sorensen produced an even better stop to save Drogba's near-post header from Paulo Ferreira, before Drogba fired wildly over after he had taken the ball around the Potters keeper.

It seemed just a matter of time until Chelsea made the breakthrough, and their opening goal duly arrived on 24 minutes.

Drogba brought down Malouda's cross-field pass with a brilliant touch and sent over an inviting cross from the right for Kalou to stoop and head home from close range.

A second goal quickly followed but there was controversy over the way Kalou followed up Lampard's first-time shot to put the ball in the net, with Sorensen taken to hospital after being caught by his wild challenge for the loose ball.

Stoke could also be unhappy about referee Steve Bennett's decision to let Lampard extend Chelsea's lead from the spot before the break, as Huth tangled with Kalou outside the box but the winger stayed on his feet until he got inside the area.

With the game all but won, there was an element of lethargy about the Blues at the start of the second half and it appeared they were happy to save their energy for that crunch clash with Liverpool on 2nd May.

But the final 21 minutes saw a glut of goals which reflected the home side's complete dominance and could also prove crucial should the title come down to goal difference.

First Lampard released Kalou, who cut in from the right and fired home the rebound after Stoke's replacement keeper Asmir Begovic saved his first effort.

Malouda then somehow failed to convert Nicolas Anelka's cross despite being virtually on the goal-line and he was also denied by Begovic's instinctive save.

There was no stopping Chelsea, however, and Sam Hutchinson's superb cross from the right was brilliantly turned in by Lampard at the far post, for his 20th league goal of the season.

Before the end, Drogba set Sturridge free to round Begovic and slot home his first league goal since joining Chelsea.

And with the Stoke defence in pieces, Malouda met Joe Cole's low cross to score number seven from close range and round off a stunning victory.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:

"Chelsea were very good but we turned up and one or two were complacent, we've got to be 100% to compete in this company and we weren't.

"They were far the better team, we were lucky to get nil. We had our pants pulled down and our backsides slapped.

"The team means 11 players having a go not five or six, we were poor we didn't make it very difficult for them."

[NADTATIDA1]

Yes a great result for you yesterday,i stopped watching it at 3-0!

All down to next weekend now when you could wrap it up at Anfield......or lose it?

At least you will have Terry back good or bad ,i am not sure?

Are you confident enough to go to Anfield and win when you need it! and can we get a result at Sunderland to put the pressure on you to do that?

Will be a super Sunday for one of us!

[nev]

Thats what I'm talking about!! we deserve the title on performances like this!

Chelsea 7 - 0 Stoke

Salomon Kalou's hat-trick helped a rampant Chelsea thrash Stoke and return to the top of the Premier League.

Kalou headed home Didier Drogba's cross before Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen sustained a dislocated elbow as Kalou slid in to score his second goal.

Lampard made it 3-0 from the spot after Robert Huth fouled Kalou, who then ran clear to complete his hat-trick.

Lampard hooked home a fifth and Daniel Sturridge's cool finish and a Florent Malouda tap-in completed the rout.

Chelsea move a point clear at the summit with two games to go and their performance was an emphatic response to last week's defeat by Tottenham that had given Manchester United renewed hope in the title race.

United had beaten Spurs on Saturday to overhaul the Blues at the top of the table but, before they faced Stoke, Carlo Ancelotti's side still knew that they would win the Premier League for the first time since 2006 if they won their three remaining matches.

If the Blues felt the pressure, they did not show it; pouring forward from the start.

And, while next weekend's visit to face Liverpool at Anfield is seen as Chelsea's most problematic fixture, the Potters are not known for being easily rolled over so the manner in which

Ancelotti's side went about their task was even more impressive.

Ashley Cole, making his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury on 10 February, came close to breaking the deadlock early on, following up after Sorensen had pushed away Lampard's 25-yard effort but seeing the Dane keep out his snap-shot.

Sorensen produced an even better stop to save Drogba's near-post header from Paulo Ferreira, before Drogba fired wildly over after he had taken the ball around the Potters keeper.

It seemed just a matter of time until Chelsea made the breakthrough, and their opening goal duly arrived on 24 minutes.

Drogba brought down Malouda's cross-field pass with a brilliant touch and sent over an inviting cross from the right for Kalou to stoop and head home from close range.

A second goal quickly followed but there was controversy over the way Kalou followed up Lampard's first-time shot to put the ball in the net, with Sorensen taken to hospital after being caught by his wild challenge for the loose ball.

Stoke could also be unhappy about referee Steve Bennett's decision to let Lampard extend Chelsea's lead from the spot before the break, as Huth tangled with Kalou outside the box but the winger stayed on his feet until he got inside the area.

With the game all but won, there was an element of lethargy about the Blues at the start of the second half and it appeared they were happy to save their energy for that crunch clash with Liverpool on 2nd May.

But the final 21 minutes saw a glut of goals which reflected the home side's complete dominance and could also prove crucial should the title come down to goal difference.

First Lampard released Kalou, who cut in from the right and fired home the rebound after Stoke's replacement keeper Asmir Begovic saved his first effort.

Malouda then somehow failed to convert Nicolas Anelka's cross despite being virtually on the goal-line and he was also denied by Begovic's instinctive save.

There was no stopping Chelsea, however, and Sam Hutchinson's superb cross from the right was brilliantly turned in by Lampard at the far post, for his 20th league goal of the season.

Before the end, Drogba set Sturridge free to round Begovic and slot home his first league goal since joining Chelsea.

And with the Stoke defence in pieces, Malouda met Joe Cole's low cross to score number seven from close range and round off a stunning victory.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:

"Chelsea were very good but we turned up and one or two were complacent, we've got to be 100% to compete in this company and we weren't.

"They were far the better team, we were lucky to get nil. We had our pants pulled down and our backsides slapped.

"The team means 11 players having a go not five or six, we were poor we didn't make it very difficult for them."

Mate if you go to anfield and batter liverpool you will deserve to be champions not banging 7 past a poor stoke and going to anfield and not getting a result.

The team that deserves to be champions is the one that has the most points at the end you do that you are worthy champions and hats off to you.

[mrbojangles]

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:

"They were far the better team, we were lucky to get nil. We had our pants pulled down and our backsides slapped.

I love it when a manager gives a fair assessment of his teams performance

Take no notice of nev, seapok. Stoke have not been easy to play against this season. Excellent performance. Now we need you to do Liverpool next week

[nev]

Stoke boss Tony Pulis:

"They were far the better team, we were lucky to get nil. We had our pants pulled down and our backsides slapped.

I love it when a manager gives a fair assessment of his teams performance

Take no notice of nev, seapok. Stoke have not been easy to play against this season. Excellent performance. Now we need you to do Liverpool next week

just telling it as it is mate did not matter last night if they won 1-0 or 10-0 it is points that count they dont get a win at anfield they open the door for us,anyway mate i would worry about your team down to 6th spot now

Edited April 26, 2010 by nev

[mrbojangles]

,anyway mate i would worry about your team down to 6th spot now

Points make prizes but if we were 6th on equal games that would be different. It's up to us to make the game in hand count

[oldgit]

Excellent performance from the team with Drogba shining in his defensive and midfield duties but wasteful in attack.We looked very good against a team that were pedestrian in midfield which was why Ballack,in particular,looked so comfortable.I'm always a bit wary of players that look good,coming on in the last part of the game but Hutchinson made an impact with a fantastic cross for Lampard's goal.After the first couple of goals went in,Stoke looked like a team who were already thinking about their summer holidays.I can understand why Kitson was so upset for being taken off for Tuncay because that bloke isn't worth a rub o' soap. I'll be astonished if United don't roll them over as well.

Next comes the game against Liverpool at Anfield which will determine our destiny for this season.Because of our frailty away from home and the easier run in,Man. Utd. must be considered the favourite to lift the title.

[SantiSuk]

Excellent performance from the team with Drogba shining in his defensive and midfield duties but wasteful in attack.We looked very good against a team that were pedestrian in midfield which was why Ballack,in particular,looked so comfortable.I'm always a bit wary of players that look good,coming on in the last part of the game but Hutchinson made an impact with a fantastic cross for Lampard's goal.After the first couple of goals went in,Stoke looked like a team who were already thinking about their summer holidays.I can understand why Kitson was so upset for being taken off for Tuncay because that bloke isn't worth a rub o' soap. I'll be astonished if United don't roll them over as well.

Next comes the game against Liverpool at Anfield which will determine our destiny for this season.Because of our frailty away from home and the easier run in,Man. Utd. must be considered the favourite to lift the title.

Wasteful - apart from that magical pull down on his heel of a ball dropping over and behind his head, coupled with the quick laser like cross for [x] to score. One of the top cameo incidents of the season. Pure Pele moment.

[flyinghigh]

just found this Chelsea thread ,missed the game sunday ,i was up in buriram with the tg visiting family ,went to bed early ,tg says next day ,when seeing me trying to find footie scores ,oh chelsea on channel 7 last night ,i forget tell you arghhhhhhhhhhh,good result though ,bring on the scousers .....

[NADTATIDA1]

Excellent performance from the team with Drogba shining in his defensive and midfield duties but wasteful in attack.We looked very good against a team that were pedestrian in midfield which was why Ballack,in particular,looked so comfortable.I'm always a bit wary of players that look good,coming on in the last part of the game but Hutchinson made an impact with a fantastic cross for Lampard's goal.After the first couple of goals went in,Stoke looked like a team who were already thinking about their summer holidays.I can understand why Kitson was so upset for being taken off for Tuncay because that bloke isn't worth a rub o' soap. I'll be astonished if United don't roll them over as well.

Next comes the game against Liverpool at Anfield which will determine our destiny for this season.Because of our frailty away from home and the easier run in,Man. Utd. must be considered the favourite to lift the title.

Have you been listening to the maestro of mind games Sir Alex?

I think you have it to lose although i understand your concern at having to get a win there,difficult for sure

[carmine]

Excellent performance from the team with Drogba shining in his defensive and midfield duties but wasteful in attack.We looked very good against a team that were pedestrian in midfield which was why Ballack,in particular,looked so comfortable.I'm always a bit wary of players that look good,coming on in the last part of the game but Hutchinson made an impact with a fantastic cross for Lampard's goal.After the first couple of goals went in,Stoke looked like a team who were already thinking about their summer holidays.I can understand why Kitson was so upset for being taken off for Tuncay because that bloke isn't worth a rub o' soap. I'll be astonished if United don't roll them over as well.

Next comes the game against Liverpool at Anfield which will determine our destiny for this season.Because of our frailty away from home and the easier run in,Man. Utd. must be considered the favourite to lift the title.

Have you been listening to the maestro of mind games Sir Alex?

I think you have it to lose although i understand your concern at having to get a win there,difficult for sure

I agree with the oldgit. If Liverpool have even a sniff at champions league when they play Chelsea it'll be a very tough match to draw let alone win.

[NADTATIDA1]

Do i sense a little nerves and negativity in the ranks?

[carmine]

Do i sense a little nerves and negativity in the ranks?

Just keeping a close eye on the scousers. i don't want them sneeking in the back door and getting fourth spot

[NADTATIDA1]

Do i sense a little nerves and negativity in the ranks?

Just keeping a close eye on the scousers. i don't want them sneeking in the back door and getting fourth spot

We all know that ain't going to happen though,City or Spurs for 4th and i am happy that the scousers have a slender dream to give you lot a game come Sunday.

[carmine]

Do i sense a little nerves and negativity in the ranks?

Just keeping a close eye on the scousers. i don't want them sneeking in the back door and getting fourth spot

We all know that ain't going to happen though,City or Spurs for 4th and i am happy that the scousers have a slender dream to give you lot a game come Sunday.

Erhh, don't forget mate, i very much Tottenham, not Chelsea

[NADTATIDA1]

yes i know and you will be hoping for a draw come sunday also

[smokie36]

yes i know and you will be hoping for a draw come sunday also

If we beat Bolton the result of this game wont matter to us at all mate. Still its got banana skin written all over it for us.

Hope I'm wrong here.

[oldgit]

The most important Premier League game of the season for us and a vital win.Everybody played their part against a largely dispirited and inept Liverpool although Ashley Cole needs to get a decent pair of boots.The pair he had probably cost a grand but they might have well been carpet slippers for what good they were.He spent more time on his arse than his feet.Kalou had a good game and worried the life out of Mascherano every time he got the ball.I think Gerrard must have took a 'bung' before the game.What a pass to Drogba!The English commentator was an irritation throughout and should have been replaced at half time.If we <deleted> up now against Wigan next weekend,then the whole squad need to be put down.

[iwad2010]

Just Wigan at home to win the title, then the FA cup......Could be our 1st double....

Come on the BLUES....

[Seapok]

COME ON YOU BLUES!!!

Malouda frightened of failure

Florent Malouda admits it would be the biggest disappointment of his career if Chelsea fail to wrap up the Premier League title.

The Blues head into the final weekend of the season knowing victory over Wigan at Stamford Bridge will see them clinch their first league title since 2005-06.

And the 29-year-old Frenchman, who was voted Chelsea's player of the year by his team-mates, insists he is not even contemplating anything other than a home win.

"Nobody here even thinks about anything other than a victory. To fail would be a disaster," he said in the Daily Mirror.

"For me, it would be the worst blow in my career, but with our fans at Stamford Bridge behind us we believe that's impossible.

"If you analyse the numbers and statistics in our season, then Chelsea deserve to be champions and yet we know we must still win on Sunday to confirm our achievement.

"We will forget the nerves and we know we will have to play with our heads and be patient. I am totally convinced we will be champions."

If Chelsea do lose at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United could get their hands on a fourth successive league title by beating Stoke at Old Trafford.

Malouda added: "We know Wigan will not give up against us, but our chance of winning the title should be big enough to overcome any obstacle placed in front of us.

"The key to beating Wigan will be to score the first goal. We must not think about Manchester United and for Chelsea the only interest is our match."

Ancelotti was in charge of Juventus when they needed a final-day victory at Perugia in 2000 to be crowned Seria A champions.

However, a 1-0 reverse in torrential rain handed the title to Lazio, and the Italian has warned his players of the horrible feeling they will have to stomach should a similar fate occur.

Top scorer Didier Drogba revealed: "Carlo Ancelotti has told us about how he went through the same experience when he was in charge of Juventus. At least we can't say we haven't been warned.

"Nothing has been decided, but it would be utterly stupid and infuriating for us to miss out with the title so close. I can't bear to think about it."

Edited May 9, 2010 by Seapok

[mrbojangles]

Well done Chelsea. Done tell the RAGS but I am so glad that you won it and not them

[smokie36]

Congratulations Chelsea winning it in style!

[coxhoedave]

Well done Chelsea!

I wrote earlier in the season shortly after witnessing Chelsea demolish my beloved Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. It was the finest display from any team in the 40 years I've been going and, after such a performance, I hoped that the title would go to the Blues.

Enjoy it lads (and lasses) I wish it was Sunderland but what the hel_l, I'm having a beer for you all as I write this.

[StevieH]

get the fuc_king fuc_k in there. dislike you cun_ts intensely but still delighted you sewed it up today. the right champions.

[Seapok]

Champions...Champions...Champions!!

Chelsea 8 - 0 Wigan

Chelsea recaptured the Premier League title in emphatic fashion as Wigan Athletic were thrashed at Stamford Bridge.

Carlo Ancelotti's side needed victory to end Manchester United's three-season reign as champions - and once Nicolas Anelka gave them the lead after only six minutes there was never any doubt they would reclaim the crown.

Chelsea were then able to put the gloss on their triumph with another dazzling display of attacking football that ensured Ancelotti's first season in England ended with the biggest domestic prize in his grasp.

After putting seven past Sunderland, Aston Villa and Stoke City in a season that has seen them score more than a century of goals in the league, they celebrated by going one better against Roberto Martinez's hopelessly outclassed side.

The thumping win is the biggest in their 105-year history and also saw them break the record for the most league goals in a Premier League season with 103.

The previous best was the 97 Manchester United scored in the 1999/2000 season.

Wigan's cause was not helped by the first-half dismissal of defender Gary Caldwell. He was sent off for a foul on Frank Lampard that led to the England midfield man effectively wrapping up the title from the spot before half-time.

The second half was exhibition stuff with Salomon Kalou and Anelka on target again before Didier Drogba added the Golden Boot to Chelsea's title with a rapid-fire hat-trick to take his total to 29 in the league this term. Ashley Cole's crisp strike for number eight on the stroke of full-time provided a fitting finale.

Chelsea's celebrations were suitably flamboyant - a reflection of their delight at ending the Old Trafford spell of supremacy in league combat.

It also marked a personal triumph for the Italian Ancelotti, brought to Stamford Bridge by owner Roman Abramovich to redefine the style of Chelsea's team and put them back among the major trophies.

Chelsea's feat in becoming the first top-flight team to score 100 goals in the league since Spurs in 1963 was a reflection of the attacking intent he has brought, especially on home territory. The ghost of Jose Mourinho, who won the league in 2005 and 2006 to end a 50-year barren spell, may not be banished completely, but Ancelotti has made an indelible mark.

He was loudly acclaimed by Chelsea's fans throughout the second half - and let his normally impassive mask slip as he responded with a fierce clenched-fist salute to an ecstatic Stamford Bridge.

And Ancelotti can now set his sights on history as Chelsea go in search of their first league and FA Cup double when they face Portsmouth at Wembley next Saturday.

For now, however, the Premier League title will do for starters and the respect for Ancelotti was obvious in the way his players and staff raced to embrace him at the final whistle.

Chelsea's early nerves - if indeed there were any - were settled as Anelka put them on the way to the title after only six minutes.

Wigan failed to clear Drogba's free-kick and when Florent Malouda, from a suspiciously offside position, chested the ball into Anelka's path he drilled a finish past Mike Pollitt at his near post.

Despite Wigan enjoying plenty of possession and territory without posing any serious threat to Petr Cech's goal, Chelsea scored the second goal that sealed their title win 13 minutes before half-time

Lampard raced on to Drogba's flick and was hauled down by Caldwell as he closed in on goal. The Wigan defender was shown the red card by referee Martin Atkinson and Lampard scored from the spot with his customary expertise.

As Stamford Bridge celebrated there was one unlikely dissenter in the shape of Drogba, who appeared unhappy that he had not been allowed to take the penalty as he battled with Manchester United's Wayne Rooney for the Golden Boot.

It was a huge over-reaction from the superbly gifted, but on this evidence high-maintenance, striker - with Lampard rightly reasoning the title still needed to be won and came before personal honours.

Chelsea emerged early for the second half and went into a team huddle, before putting their stamp on the title in superb style.

Kalou banished any lingering doubts that this would not be a day of celebration for Chelsea when he exchanged passes with Lampard before beating Pollitt. And two minutes later Anelka started to put the gloss on another goal glut with a perfect right-foot volley from Branislav Ivanovic's cross.

It was the signal for Ancelotti to send on Joe Cole for what might be his final Stamford Bridge appearance as a Chelsea player, with a new contract still unsigned.

No team has been as ruthless as Chelsea at punishing stricken opponents, and they set about putting Wigan to the sword as the home fans revelled in the slaughter.

Drogba finally got the goal he so obviously craved when he headed Chelsea's fifth from Lampard's cross - their 100th league goal this season.

The Ivorian striker was at it again for number six after 68 minutes when he finally got to take a penalty after Mario Melchiot fouled Ashley Cole. Lampard stood to one side as Drogba scored via a post - followed by elaborate celebrations that even involved a touchline hug for Ancelotti.

And they made it another seven-goal show with 10 minutes left as Drogba turned home from close range after Pollitt could only parry Joe Cole's shot.

If the game required the perfect finish, Ashley Cole provided it with a low finish past the shell-shocked Pollitt - before joyous scenes engulfed Stamford Bridge at the final whistle.

Edited May 9, 2010 by Seapok

[bkkjames]

Congratulations.

[rixalex]

Well done. Good job.

[oldgit]

Thanks for the congratulations,lads.We nearly threw it away a couple of times during the season but struggled over the winning line in style! Will that goal difference ever get topped?