Chelsea FC 2010/11 - A True Champions Story

[nakul]

# Mauro Zarate - Napoli - 24M
# Liedson - Sporting CF - 15M
# Joao Moutinho - Sporting CF - 13M
# Maxi Rodriguez - Atletico Madrid - 13M
# Nicolas Otamendi - V?lez S?rsfield - 10M
# Angel Di Maria - Benfica - 9M

Oops saw only the players with dots.

 

[iridescentt]

Chelsea 3 - 2 Manchester United: Chelsea down Manchester
Drogba brace proved to be the difference in Chelsea's Community Shield win
8th of August 2010

The last time these two sides met it was during last years Champions League final in which Chelsea took home the title after a comprehensive 2 - 0 victory. Sir Alex Ferguson has fielded a similar team to the one that beat Tottenham Hotspurs 4 - 0 at Old Trafford midweek. The only change reported was exiled striker Dimitar Berbatov come onto the bench for Federico Macheda who suffered an overnight blow to the knee; who was then swapped once more with one half of the striker duo Giuseppe Rossi, thus being move onto the bench subsequently.

The match, played in blazing London sunshine, began at a decent tempo, although neither side created any chances during the opening 10 minutes. Suddenly a soaring Joe Cole came down the right flank as the Manchester United back line was caught off guard. With Cole shifting his direction towards goal central defender Rio Ferdinand had no other option but to make a potentially dangerous tackle which payed off as the play was cut off and a corner was given. As the corner was taken, rising from the pack was John Terry as he converted a Zhirkov deflection that saw the ball jump up wickedly in the air. The positioning and timing was perfect as the ball was headed into the back of the net past Manchester keeper Ben Foster at the 16th minute mark.

Terry's early header put the visitors in front​

The Blues enjoyed their share of possession in the opening exchanges but found United in determined mood after Terry's header. It was only 8 minutes later when a counter attack led by Mirko Vucinic took even manager Jon Williamson by surprise. Vucinic eventually capped off a brilliant run with a cross into the penalty area past Terry and Alex to be easily put away by an incoming Wayne Rooney. Both teams were back to square one; 1-1.

It took another 23 minutes for any real chance at goal was created by either team. The lead up play was bitter sweet for the Red Devil's. Darren Fletecher created an awesome chance for Rooney with a through ball from nowhere when Chelsea were looking to exploit the Manchester midfield. Fans were on the edge of their seat. Rooney was charging in on goal, Ricardo Carvalho was catching up ever so fast behind him. With no other choice left the only real defender with a chance at breaking down the play Ricardo Carvalho leapt for the ball - but instead fouled Rooney in the process resulting and picked up a yellow card. Wayne Rooney was then sent from the field momentarily to get some much needed attention after gripping what seemed to be his ankle. In what proved be both the most controversial and decisive decision for the match, Park Ji-Sung's late strike at goal just before half-time was wrongly declared offside by linesman Callum O'Brien after he managed to break away from the pack and get the ball past the tips of Chelsea keeper Petr Cech. After that brilliant set-piece the half-time siren was sounded and play ceased with the score locked a one all (1-1). What would it take for one of these two teams to break away and quite possibly score the winner in this tense bout.

Right after the break saw Chelsea manager Jon Williamson bravely bring on 3 of his new signings Nicolas Otamendi (Replacing Carvalho), Angel di Maria (Replacing Yury Zhirkov) and Mauro Zarate (Replacing Liedson) in a triple substitution. It proved to be a masterstroke as di Maria capitalised on a loose ball in the 58th minute to connect with the Ivorian international Didier Drogba who easily slotted into the corner past Foster. Where was the defence? Thats what will be on the mind of Sir Alex Ferguson as Chelsea broke the deadlock; 2-1. Wes Brown was left stunned as he failed to even take notice of the play. He was then taken off to what was thought to be a harsh substitution as he and 'predicted-key-man' Nemanja Vidic made way for John O'Shea and Johnny Evans respectively - obviously in a move to try and combat United woeful defending.

After retaining most of the possession since Drogba's last goal in Man Utd. halve, Chelsea were looking to strike once more. After several corners and crosses it seemed as if United's defence had finally consolidated and adapted to Chelsea's attacking prowess. But it wasn't to be as Ballack was soon taken down after a quick surge into the box was on the cards after eyeing a small opening. With the free kick awarded Chelsea veteran Frank Lampard stepped up to take the free kick with Drogba standing by his side. It turned out to be a dummy strike which surprisingly fooled the United players. Drogba came soon after as he struck with venom finding the back of the net once more after the stroke of the 67th minute.

Another double substitution by Sir Alex Ferguson saw striker Giuseppe Rossi come on for the ineffective Dimitar Berbatov while Anderson comes on to replace Mirko Vucinic who was solid during the first half of the match.

The 2nd of Drogba's brace for the day with a
free kick 34 yards out.​

A late consolation prize for Manchester as Park Ji-Sung finally got on the scorecard during the 5 minute Old Trafford injury time signalled by the match official as a header from a cross was converted. Although it wasn't called offside this time it was too late for Man Utd. to force a signature late comeback. Even though an eleventh-hour surge saw them create half a chance from a volley which went wide of the post via Giuseppe Rossi. The match didn't end there though as Chelsea midfielder Joao Moutinho fouled Rooney. Although Moutinho did pick up a yellow card Wayne Rooney was helped off the pitch as the final siren ran. Howard Webb signalled full time here at Wembley Stadium after a clinical performance from striker Didier Drogba saw Chelsea trump rivals Manchester United for the Community Shield. Final score; 3-2 Chelsea's way.

Drogba, Terry and Lampard celebrate bitter sweet
victory alongside the Chelsea faithful​

Goals:

John Terry (12')
Wayne Rooney (22')
Didier Drogba (58', 67')
Park Ji-Sung (90 + 2')
​

Bookings:

Ricardo Carvalho - Chelsea (42')
Joao Moutinho - Chelsea (87')​

Lineups w/Substitutions:

Chelsea; 3 - 3 - 4: Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry, Alex, Joao Moutinho, Frank Lampard, Yury Zhirkov, Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Didier Drogba, Liedson.

Substitutions: Michael Essien, Nicolas Otamendi (Replaced Ricardo Carvalho, 45'), Gael Kakuta, Mauro Zarate (Replaced Liedson, 45'), Ashley Cole, Angel di Maria (Replaced Yury Zhirkov, 45')

Manchester United; 4 - 4 - 2: Ben Foster, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Wes Brown, Mark Vucinic, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Parki Ji-Sung, Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney

Substitutions: Joe Lewis, Giuseppe Rossi (Replaced Dimitar Berbatov, 71'), Owen Hargreaves (Replaced Michael Carrick, 82'), Johnny Evans (Replaced Nemenja Vidic, 59'), Danny Wellbeck, Anderson (Replaced Mirko Vucinic, '), John O'Shea (Replaced for Wes Brown, 59') ​

Man of the Match:

The man of the match award goes to none other than Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Drogba was the real difference today scoring a brace within the space of eleven minutes to sink the hearts of the Red Devils. He was really in form today so I wouldn't be surprised if this continues to be a trend in future matches for the Ivorian striker.​

Leigh Stringer, Goal.com UK

 

[ZoraxDoom]

Very nice update.


And I'm rooting for Man C, so you better not beat them

 

[iridescentt]

Haha. Manchester City. Last season they surprised me to be honest. Adebayor was gun, scored a hat-trick. Beat me 3-0. Though next time I we met I beat em' 1-0, but I think that was only because Ireland had gotten red carded.

They came 3rd on the ladder last season. They had a 17 match unbeaten streak If I remember correctly.

 

[drainpipe32]

*pukes* Nah this has been good mate

Wait till you play Liverpool, at Anfield you shall meet your match :

 

[ZoraxDoom]

w00t w00t!

I'll be eagerly following those games then


And since I hate Chelsea and Man U, I'll be sincerely hoping that you fail and end up bottom of the table

 

[BKB1991]

Aye!! Dont worry United will bounce back.
Dont care about Chelsea though

 

[hedger_14]

I hate Chelsea but Man Utd are my favourite team so I'm hoping they will win.

 

[shantanu_rooney]

Good win for Chelsea in the C.Shield. They will get some good confidence before the start of the season, and even the fans must be happy of their new manager winning them a trophy..

 

[rahuldravidfan]

Aha. Good to see Chelsea beating W*nk Utd (as always).

Chelsea rocks, even virtually :hpraise

 

[iridescentt]

Williamson: Hands off Liedson
Chelsea boss rejects claims that the prized striker will leave Stamford Bridge
11th of August 2010

Liedson prior to the 15M move to Chelsea FC​

Chelsea manager Jon Williamson has revealed that there are no intentions to allow Liedson to leave Stamford Bridge after the question was raised by a reporter on the future of the star 2009 signing. Jon was quick to issue a "Hands off warning" for the Portuguese striker.

Chelsea striker Liedson has been of much talk in the transfer market after reportedly being far from happy in recent weeks. Although considered a first team regular, the striker is said to be weighing his options with newspapers and radio stations saying that Spanish team Sevilla FC are looking for the 32 year old's signature. They have reportedly mustered up an 18M bid for the player and look to lure him in wake of the departure of striker Luis Fabiano.

In other news, Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has extended his contract until 2014. While Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Manchester United are rumoured to be preparing bids for wingers Yury Zhirkov, Maxi Rodriguez and midfielder Joao Moutinho respectively.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com UK

 

[mattfb]

Just had a look through this, looks the goods. Nice update mate, will be following.

 

[iridescentt]

Chelsea Football Club - Monthly Round Up
This month's August round-up
31st of August 2010

EPL: Chelsea FC Vs. Fulham - 14th of August 2010
Prior to the London derby and the opener for the new 2010 EPL season, Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was the first to start the verbal mind games stating Williamson does not have the composure nor the skill to even compete for the title this season. Williamson responded by stating that he'll be "Relishing his chance to claim victory over their rivals". It took 20 whole minutes for any team to create any real chance at goal with Joe Cole clipping the top of the crossbar after a blinding run down the right flank. Although 14 minutes later it was a strike from winger Angel di Maria (34") and a volley from John Terry (47") which helped sealed all three points for Chelsea as di Maria ran Fulham ragged at Stamford Bridge. It was no other than di Maria who picked up the Man of the Match away here tonight after an exceptional performance by the left winger. Real Madrid manager Manuel Pelligrini was seen in the crowd rumoured to be keeping an eye for Joe Cole and Maxi Rodriguez.
Result: Chelsea FC 2 - 0 Fulham

EPL: Man Utd. Vs. Chelsea FC - 18th of August 2010
In what set to be a dream match given the current context, this match didn't disappoint and stayed true to its word. Although blows to Michael Carrick and John O'Shea sidelined them from today's match-up Man Utd. were still deemed favourites to win the match at home (Old Trafford). In the opening minutes a defiant Wayne Rooney broke the makeshift offside trap and only had Cech to beat. To everyone's astonishment he drove the ball right to the keeper as everyone in the crowd gasped. How could someone flop such a chance? But it was the Ivorian forward Didier Drogba (11") who chipped the ball above Man Utd. keeper Edwin Van Der Sar on the other side of the pitch after a brilliant move executed by winger Angel di Maria saw the opportunity arise during a swift counter-attack. This time Wayne Rooney (23") didn't make any mistake as his shot at goal just outside the penalty area sneaked past the gloves of Petr Cech. Darren Fletcher's long rage shot at goal and Vidic's header from a corner nearly put Man Utd. in front after both shots at goal literally skidded over the crossbar. From then on it took up until 3 minutes into injury time before another goal was put into the net. This time through makeshift striker Mauro Zarate (45+3") as he put a simple touch off Joe Cole past the keeper.

Fans gasp in disbelief at Rooney's shocking
strike at goal in the opening half.​

New signing Nicolas Otamendi meant business when he quickly cut off a move by Park Ji Sung who was advancing into the danger areas just after kic koff of the second halve - not only nullifying the movement but regained possession in the process. It was an eventful final 20 minutes of the second half as 2 yellow cards were handed out to Man Utd. One of those cards were given to defender Nemanja Vidic after fouling Chelsea player Mauro Zarate (76"). Zarate then suffered a knock and was ordered off the field with Liedson coming off the bench as his replacement. As well as Liedson coming on, Alex (Replacing Nicolas Otamendi) came onto the pitch along with Maxi Rodriguez (Replacing Joe Cole). But it was Frank Lampard (87") which put Man Utd. chances of winning beyond doubt and the three points for the Blues after a Wes Brown foul saw Lampard set up a free kick 27 yards out. His strike beat the wall and curled it into the corner out of Van Der Sar's reach. 3 minutes of added time were declared but Manchester struggled to penetrate the the Blues defence as referee Mike Jones blew the whistle signalling full-time.
Result: Man Utd. 1 - 3 Chelsea FC

FR: Chelsea Reserves Vs. Chelsea FC - 22nd of August 2010
In a match set up by manager Jon Williamson, the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry, Didier Drogba, Joe Cole, Petr Cech and etc. were absent. Instead players like Gael Kakuta, Liedson, Nicolas Otamendi, Joao Moutinho and Angel di Maria injected youth and depth into the Chelsea lineup. In what was suppose to be a match to prove your worth, the Chelsea lineup really did prove there worth thumping the reserve side 6 - 1. Liedson declared his willingness to break into the first team once more with a hattrick of his own ( 3", 30", 84"). Moutinho (20") proved why he is considered the next Frank Lampard in the free kick department scoring a screamer from nearly 40 yards out. Alex (28") and Saloman Kalou (86") also added goals next to their name as they found the back of the net. Unfortunately, during the match Gael Kakuta picked up a knock sustained by defender Jeffrey Bruma and limped off the pitch at the 51st minute, not a good sign for the young Frenchman - instead, a Michael Ballack recovering from an off-season injury comes on instead to take on the AMC role. A late consolation for the Reserve side though as promising striker Franco di Santo (90+1") score a goal in injury time.
Result: Chelsea Reserves 1 - 6 Chelsea FC

UEFA CL: CSKA Moscow Vs. Chelsea FC- 27th of August 2010
A quiet yet throughourly entertaining match saw an early Liedson strike in the 13th minute determine the winner of the match. Although only one goal was score, some brilliant football was played between the two sides. Milos Krasic came desperately close to equalising the score during the 79th minute but his bicycle kick went wide of the far post. Chelsea came out trumps in the end and as the whistle blows they win yet another match on the trot.
Result: CSKA Moscow 0 - 1 Chelsea FC

EPL: Chelsea FC Vs. West Ham- 31st of August 2010
If it were to be any team to hold Chelsea nil-all at half time many punters wouldn't put a bet on the Hammers to do so. But so valiantly they did - for 64 minutes to be exact, still no mean feat. It wasn't until a Moutinho (64") free kick soared past the wall and keeper that West Ham were thinking they could escape with a draw. An ill disciplined Chelsea lineup saw 3 yellow cards given to Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Joao Moutinho while West Ham were still going strong with Noble coming close to equalising via a long range effort. A goal was bound to come from West Ham but it never did. As soon as the 86th minute struck the Ivorian hitman Didier Drogba scored yet another goal to add onto his tally as he put one past keeper Robert Green and ended West Ham's hope of a draw. In the post-press conference Chelsea manager praised the Hammers defence and discipline while West Ham coach placed his respect with Chelsea midfielder Joao Moutinho, comparing him with fellow team mate and former Hammer Frank Lampard; only mirroring what the press had though about Moutinho.
Result: Chelsea FC 2 - 0 West Ham

Barclays English Premier League Table


Injury Updates:​

• Mauro Zarate
  - Injury Sustained - 18/8/10
  - Recovery Period - 4 weeks
  
• Gael Kakuta
  - Injury Sustained - 22/8/10
  - Recovery Period - 2 to 3 weeks

Transfer Updates:​

• Klass Jan-Huntelaar (AC Milan -> Chelsea) - 21M
• Glen Johnson (Liverpool -> Chelsea) - 16M
• Frank Ribery (Bayern Munich -> Chelsea) - 47M
• Ashley Young (Aston Villa -> Chelsea) - 12M
  .
• Maxi Rodriguez (Chelsea -> Real Madrid) - 29M
• Yury Zhirkov (Chelsea -> AC Milan) - 22.5M
• Joe Cole (Chelsea -> Real Madrid) - 18M
• Gael Kakuta (Chelsea - > Liverpool) - 8M

Leigh Stringer, Goal.com UK

 

[BKB1991]

Strong signings and You beat United
It will be interesting to see how Huntelaar and Ribery adapt to the English conditions. A perfect month for you, in good form and the United win is crucial in establishing a good start to the season. KIU

 

[mattfb]

Ribery is a legend, good signing that.

You haven't done much wrong, winning all your games so far. Nice work.