VIEW FROM THE SOUTH – CHELSEA vs BIRMINGHAM CITY

January 28, 2010 by KevB8ll · 3 Comments
Filed under: Blues News, Match reports, Reports By Bazza 

Here is Bazza’s match report from last night’s game.

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All successful runs in sport come to an end sooner or later and the smart money was on Chelsea to put Birmingham in their place and so it was to prove on a cold January night in West London. Blues had been receiving plaudits rightly for the high standard of their defending over the season so far but this was evidently lacking after only six minutes of this encounter when Joe Cole who normally marauds down the left for Chelsea and England was switched to the right to exploit the obvious deficiency that we have in the left back berth. This is not meant to be a criticism of Liam Ridgewell personally but a statement of fact. He is not, and never will be, a left full back and he lacks the pace to deal with truly top class wide men coming at him especially as James McFadden cannot be relied upon to add much in the way of defensive help. Cole aided and abetted by Ivanovic got behind us far too easily and this was to be a long evening for our much vaunted defence as a result. Cole had all the time in the world to dink over a simple cross to the waiting Malouda who had a completely unchallenged and therefore free header right in the middle of our six yard box. Where the rest of the defence were is a matter for debate but the outcome of such diabolical defending could only result in the game virtually being over with most of it yet to come.

Chelsea proceeded to strut their funky stuff for the rest of the half with the outstanding Frank Lampard the pick of the Chelsea midfield whose collective pace, power and movement made a mockery of Birmingham’s recent reputation for being tough to beat. Blues did manage to settle after the early setback but were under the cosh for most of the time offering no threat going forward. Apart from a couple of easy catches Cech in the Chelsea goal had more chance of perishing from hypothermia than conceding a score. Blues looked tired and listless and spent their time chasing shadows. However, they stuck to the task and kept their illustrious hosts at bay until the 32nd minute when Lampard, 25 yards out was not closed down and anyone who has been watching Premier League football over the last few years will know how dangerous the England internationals shooting can be. It is easy to be critical of one’s own team for not going to the ball in this situation but Lampard still had a lot to do from where he was. His shot skimmed across the turf like a bullet to caress the netting attached to the far post. I cannot describe how good this strike was. Two or three inches nearer to the diving Joe Hart who had another impressive game and the keeper would have saved it. The tiny gap that Lampard found was the only place he could have selected to score and he needed the necessary pace on the ball to convert the chance; a truly beautiful goal and a pleasure to watch.

Blues were better in the second period and showed a little more going forward but even so Chelsea remained by far the better side. Fahey came on for Jerome after 56 minutes and McFadden was pushed up front with Benitez. The latter created a glorious chance for McFadden with twenty minutes to go but the Scot’s right footed effort across the keeper was so wide it was never threatening Cech who calmly watched the ball skid by. Our only other worthwhile attempt was from Fahey who once again fed by Benitez, toe poked the ball goalwards. The shot destined for the top corner was well saved by Cech and that as they say was that. Blues tried manfully to give the travelling faithful something to cheer and did have a go at Chelsea towards the end and it was to cause their downfall for the remaining goal. Caught up field, Chelsea broke with pace and Malouda put Lampard in for an easy finish for 3 – 0 in the final minute. Some might feel that this was a little harsh on a brave but outclassed Birmingham side but the simple fact of the matter is that Blues were comprehensively beaten by a better team who to my mind are the champions elect. The depth of their squad and the talent they have to return from Africa should deliver the title come May.

It is not all doom and gloom where Birmingham are concerned. Chelsea were terrific last night and played beautifully. They came very close to scoring on a number of other occasions and in one case, I counted no less than 18 passes without a Blues player getting anywhere near the ball despite their best efforts which were considerable and could not be faulted. It was just that last night, Chelsea were just too good and even at 3 – 0 there was no disgrace in defeat. The lads have been fantastic during the run which I will remember for the rest of my time on this earth. I have been privileged to have witnessed all the games except the Wigan and Everton matches. We do need to bounce back from this however and not rest on the laurels of a great run and look to set off on another one. On another positive note, Michel came on for his debut for the last twenty minutes or so and from this little cameo the signs look good. He is a much bigger man than I’d expected but he is comfortable on the ball has good touch, gets his head up and obviously likes to pick a pass. Hopefully a new striker will arrive before the deadline but we desperately need a top quality left back soon – Gareth Bale? Should get a look at him one way or another on Saturday eh?

KRO SOTV

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Post Match Thoughts Chelsea v Birmingham City

January 28, 2010 by KevB8ll · 2 Comments
Filed under: Blues News, Kev's Ramblings, Match reports, Matches 

So the run is over. Last night’s match was a lesson in clinical football, you have to take your hat off to Chelsea they were awesome. The strength they have through their side is frightening! I genuinely believe they will win this league.

Last night, they passed the ball with clinical accuracy, their interplay was wonderful to watch to be honest – and they outplayed us all over the field. I thought Cole was brilliant and Lampard and Deco played really well too.

We did look tired, but I think that was more to do with the fact we were chasing blue shirts all over the pitch. Going a goal down was a killer to be honest, although we did have a decent 1st 10 minutes. Jerome had a decent effort that was deflected over and we had a shout for a penalty turned down. If we had scored, it might have made it interesting. Mind you, you can’t help but think that it would have only made Chelsea VERY cross!

To be honest, it could have been a lot worse, we could have had a Sunderland experience. We did battle hard in the 2nd half, and I thought it was credit to the side that we prevented Chelsea from scoring more that 1 goal.

I thought Dann did well, and Michel looked promising when he came on. He looks like he will be a really good player. Hart pulled off a couple of very good saves too.

So how should we respond? Well I think we just need to take it on the chin, say we were beaten by a superior side, and look to bounce back on Saturday against Spurs. Spurs are a side that have great firepower, however can be vulnerable at the back and I think we can get something from the game.

Kev

Now the run has finished, what were your memories? Let us know via the contact page. If I get a few – I’ll put them together as a blog post.

Russ from the Chelsea blog “Bridge Views” has used a number of my comments in his round up of last nights game.

Check it out here.

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Penny For Your Thoughts?

November 11, 2009 by KevB8ll · 1 Comment
Filed under: Articles by akvbcfc, Blog News, General Football 

Here is akvbcfc’s latest article.

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Not all Blue
Pundits and fans alike have been quick to accredit Carlo Ancelotti and his side for their brilliant start to the season – and they are right to. They have been solid at the back, only conceding 1 goal at Stamford Bridge in the league this term. At the other end, the diamond midfield formation has worked a treat, freeing up the likes of Deco and Lampard, while also giving a new lease of life to Drogba and Anelka. The front 2 can be absolutely awesome sometimes, but they are only one game away from the ridiculous. Talking of Drogba…The man that everybody loves to hate. However, he claims that he has turned over a new leaf, especially since his 8 year old son embarrassed him after his on field antics in recent times. He says that he sees officials and the term ‘respect’ in a new light while learning how to act on a football pitch. In the long-term, that may be debatable, but what’s for sure, is that Didier Drogba has been on top form this season.

The return of Joe Cole has, and will add a whole new dimension to the side who seem to be rampant. They are efficient and ruthless, grinding out results against top rivals while hammering middle-of-the-road sides.

Blah blah blah…oh, hold on…what’s that? Arsenal in second? Playing sublime, sensational football? A goal difference better than the all conquering Blues? well, why haven’t they been given the credit they deserve then?

Wenger’s side have been simply phenomenal this season. Blues fans can testify to this, given the efficient way that Wenger’s side brushed McLeish’s men to one side. Arsenal scored 3, they could have scored 10. The defence, while not perfect, has come on leaps and bounds. Thomas Vermaelen looks an absolute star and Cesc Fabregas has continued to do what Cesc Fabregas does; he runs games single handedly, pushing the side forward, spreading the play and creating countless chances for the other forwards. However, the real improvement has come in the squad overall. Players have now played together for 2-3 years, maturing together, and growing up together. Robin Van Persie has come out as more Van Basten than Bergkamp, showing a ruthless eye for goal and great strength in leading the line alone. Abou Diaby and Alex Song have started to show their true quality in midfield, freeing up the likes of Fabregas and Arshavin to go on and support Van Persie. Oh, and Arshavin? He’s a genius. Simple. His movement is top notch and with the ball at his feet, anything is possible.

That sounds impressive, but there’s more! Nasri, Ramsey, Rosicky and Walcott. All top class midfielders who have been injured or just not selected so far this season, yet all 4 would find a place in nearly every side in the Premier League with ease. Things are looking good for Wenger and his side.

The pressure will now be on Wenger to make sure that the side keeps its nerve, while rotating the side whenever possible. Two years ago, the side lost their nerve after that game at St Andrews, but Arsenal fans need to pray that this season is different. Thomas Vermaelen has given the side a real threat while also providing stability to a back 4 that has learnt how to grow and develop together.

Let the games begin.

Cheat
Liverpool fans protested that since they were denied points at Sunderland due to a stray beach ball, Blues fans should not complain about David N’Gog’s dive to win a penalty at Anfield.

One problem. N’Gog didn’t have to dive. He didn’t have to cheat. But he did. Well done David, there’s a great example to young fans of the game. Cheating shouldn’t pay. Disgraceful.

By akvbcfc

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