bridge views - the thinking fan's chelsea blog

Chelsea season in stats: goals galore, effective Malouda and when they don't win

It’s been a funny old couple of months for Chelsea fans. A rich vein of form brought top of the league elation by the beginning of December, but turgid performances over the next few weeks saw new anxiety set in. January brought both the African Cup of Nations and some emphatic victories, but reviving fortunes were punctured by a dismal showing at Hull. In the very next game came a professional performance and a two nil win over Wenger’s Arsenal.

The top Premier League sides have been dropping more points and conceding more goals than in previous seasons, and it’s been a roller coaster ride. On the surface, however, it’s not looking bad for Chelsea who can boast a 72% win record under Ancelotti (Mourinho managed 71% in his three years), twenty clean sheets and having only failed to score once. What better time, then, for bridgeviews.co.uk’s monthly look back over the stats to look at what they can tell us about Chelsea’s progress?

Goals galore: and four players are getting all of them
In contrast to recent years, Chelsea have been prolific in front of goal this season, scoring 85 goals in total. Most have come at home, where the Stamford Bridge faithful have already celebrated 56 goals.

It’s in the league that the improvement in front of goal under Ancelotti is most marked. We are now two thirds (66%) of the way through the Premier League season and, having scored 60 goals, Chelsea are already 88% of the way towards matching the total number of goals scored last season, and 83% of the way to matching the club’s Premier League record (72). Scoring at rate of 2.4 goals per game, Chelsea are on target to score 92 over the course of the season, just five less than Man Utd’s current record of 97.

Perhaps even more surprising is that Chelsea are keeping up with their normally more attacking counterparts this season, having scored just one less than Man Utd and the same number as Arsenal. And they said our attack was ageing... 

 
Looking at the goals that have been scored however, it’s clear that the vast majority are being scored or created by four players: Drogba, Lampard, Anelka and Malouda. Between them they have scored 53 goals – 62% of all Chelsea’s goals – and made 31 assists. Drogba’s worth is clear for all to see, contributing (by way of scoring or providing an assist) a goal every 0.8 games, but Malouda’s effectiveness is perhaps more surprising. He’s made far less appearances than Drogba and Lampard (just 19, many from the subs bench) and has contributed a goal every 1.2 games. Lampard’s record stands at having contributed a goal every 1.3 games.

But a leaky defence is costing points
On the face of it, 20 clean sheets – that’s one in 56% of all the games Chelsea have played this season – looks a very good record.

If Chelsea don’t pick up any silverware this season however it will be because the defence is not what it once was. Petr Cech has been beaten 20 times in the league already this season – just four less than were conceded in all of last season combined. The club is comfortably on course for its worst defensive record in the league for five years, when 30 goals were conceded in 03/04.

A goal down? Chelsea probably won’t come back
Over the last five years Chelsea have earned a reputation for composure, resilience and mental toughness. But the stats suggest something a little different this season. In all of Chelsea’s 36 games so far this season, Ancelotti’s men have conceded the first goal 11 times (that’s nearly one in every three games). And in those games Chelsea have only come back to win four times, drawing six of them.

That might not seem so bad, but consider those stats in the face of Chelsea’s record against the so-called ‘big four’, which reads four games played, four wins, eight for zero against. Those eleven teams who have scored against Chelsea first aren’t typically the league’s best clubs, but mid to lower table opposition. The reason Chelsea aren’t further ahead of Man Utd is because of a worse than normal record against lower table opposition, and too many draws having conceded an early goal – the West Ham game being a case in point.

Playing away isn’t so easy
And no, I’m not referring to John Terry’s private life. Chelsea’s record at home – in contrast to last season – has been astonishing under Ancelotti, with 89% of all games played at Stamford Bridge ending in Chelsea victory. Chelsea have won 92% of all home league games, racking up an average of 2.9 points per game.

Away from the safety of SW6 however there is a very different picture. Chelsea have won just 50% of all away games in the league, and scored just 1.8 points per game in the process. Across all competitions, they have scored half as many goals away (21 compared to 39 at the Bridge) and concede more, too (12 compared with 8). Only a third of Chelsea’s clean sheets have come on their travels.

Many of the stats above can be rationalised – you can understand why they’re working out that way. Many, for example, have speculated that Drogba’s increased return is down to him being more consistently partnered with Anelka or Ancelotti understanding how to ‘man manage’ him. But the difference between home and away performance – such a dramatic change on last season’s form – is more difficult to explain. I’ll be posting on this later in the week. In the meantime, if you have any ideas why Chelsea’s luck is drying up away from home, please post a comment.

You might also be interested to read:

• How the stats looked in January: prolific scorers and losing form
• How the stats looked in December: all or nothing football and the trouble with playing away

No Mr Wenger, Chelsea did give Arsenal a 'football demonstration'

Wenger’s post-match comments yesterday seemed unfathomable following another defeat to Chelsea, but he gives himself little choice but to adopt such a stubborn demeanour. In the face of such a carbon-copy defeat in which Arsenal’s weaknesses were again so clinically exposed, the Frenchman really has nothing left to fall back on but a defence of footballing aesthetics.

Despite the scoreline – the second time this season his team have failed to score past Petr Cech – Wenger nevertheless insisted his team were ‘completely dominant’ at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

He said: “You have to congratulate Chelsea but we did not get a demonstration of football. But Chelsea were very efficient. We had mountains of possession and could not create it into a goal. We had 70 per cent of the possession. We were not running after the ball for 90 minutes. We were not in a position where we were dominated. We were always in an attacking position and had to risk things going wrong. Our spirit was great. I am completely happy with the performance and the spirit.”

Wenger also added: “They (Chelsea) are very experienced at the back. They make the foul at the right part of the pitch, in the middle of the pitch, to stop a counter-attack. A little push, not enough to be a yellow card. They have a lot of tricks and are very experienced. They do that very well. They got one or two decisions from the referee."

It is Wenger’s suggestion that Chelsea did not give a ‘demonstration of football’ that is, to me, most telling. To him there is only one definition for the game, one way in which it should be played. Whilst we should respect the football that his Arsenal side sometimes produce, the weaknesses in his team created by his single-mindedness should be met by derision in equal measure.

It’s often written about, but in contrast to their north London rivals Chelsea offer a far more complete brand of football. Ancelotti’s team – yes, to an extent courtesy of some very significant expenditure between 2003 and 2006 – have a rich blend of skill, pace, tactical maturity, composure and strength. Against the better teams, Arsenal seem only capable of bringing the first two to the table, and in those circumstances only a perfect performance is likely to yield results.

Chelsea certainly weren’t at their best yesterday, but their more complete brand of football – centred around a club ethos that values winning first - saw them through. That’s not to say of course that there weren’t glittering performances across the pitch: Lampard’s distribution was excellent, and his commitment in the tackle exemplary. Ballack’s radar was occasionally a little off, but he was tireless in midfield and must have covered more ground than any other player. Mikel’s first 45 minutes were probably his best for the club, and the defence – particularly Ashley Cole – were a picture of concentration and professionalism.

And, of course, it was a superlative performance from Drogba, who is surely the league’s best player this season despite Rooney’s reinvigorated showings.

Arsenal did dominate possession (although nothing like to the extent Wenger suggested at around 58%) and yes, they did show good spirit, but both are immaterial. Chelsea knew how to play them and set their stall out to render that possession and spirit redundant in the knowledge that if it didn’t work for Arsenal the game was there for the taking. Both teams had similar numbers of shots on goal yesterday, but it’s no coincidence that Chelsea managed four more inside the penalty box than Arsenal.

So actually – and contrary to Wenger’s assertions – it was Chelsea that gave the ‘footballing demonstration’ to Arsenal yesterday. It was a demonstration of football being all that it can be: a pass, a tackle, a driving run into the box, a steadfast concentration in defence or an intelligent ploy to break an opponent’s move down. Who knows, next time the teams line up against big four opposition it might all click for Arsenal and they’ll get the win they’re looking for - but it remains unlikely while Wenger refuses to play the percentages.

After yesterday’s elation at Stamford Bridge, long may his obduracy continue.

What Chelsea fans really think about John Terry scandal and England captaincy

Journalists have had their say on John Terry – both the allegations and the likely fallout – and so has Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe MP. Hundreds of thousands, probably millions, of people have heard and been influenced by the views of these qualified individuals.

But what about the people who watch football week-in, week-out, people who have invested time and money in the game? What are their views? Over the weekend, I asked for the views of the more than 3,000 Chelsea fans this blog is connected with on facebook. There were more than 130 responses within just half an hour.

Broadly, and as you would expect from a group made up exclusively of Chelsea fans, there is support for John Terry. But the extent to which people are prepared to overlook his off-field misdemeanours varies wildly, with some feeling deeply ashamed of their captain’s actions while others are ready to ignore them.

Either side of the debate, it’s certainly an issue that kicks up some emotional responses. Here are the pick of them.

Terry supporters

“I still think he's a top man. He's just human”

“Chelsea are my team and passion. What happens off the pitch is no business of true fans”

“I can’t believe you’re disappointed in him. he's still our captain, leader and legend”

“So that stuff is actually true? I don't really believe it, JT has been attacked by the press numerous times since he became captain and I think it's just one of those times”

“Other players did the same thing. Why blamed only JT? Don't tell me it’s because he is captain of England”

“Blimey people, do we REALLY have a right to judge him and his personal life? and more importantly do we really know ALL THE FACTS to talk about him and insult him that way??”

Terry sceptics

“There’s been no real mention of what Wayne Bridge probably went though, he probably left Chelsea because of it and now I doubt he wants play for England when given the chance. Not only did JT ruin Bridge’s relationship, he also played a part in messing with his career. Terry has a highly questionable character and as soon as Chelsea fans realise that the better! You all seem to think the press has it in for him, but have a look at all the things he's ever done, not just this. He's a disgrace and I'm ashamed to call him the captain of my club and country”

“As shown here whatever JT does the majority of Chelsea fans will worship him, and we wonder why no one likes us - it has nothing to do with our recent success. Terry’s not even our best centre back for god’s sake! He's a good leader but who would really want him as their leader after hearing this and what he's done to a fellow teammate? Bring back the good old days of the 90s Chelsea”

“I don’t think these are just allegations. Yes I agree this doesn’t change his performance on the pitch and he’s still a great captain, but there are certain boundaries. It’s not like this is the first time he’s done something absolutely stupid. People all over look up to him and then he just goes and lets us down”

"Affairs are par for the course in life." Well that's ok then. Listen, I'm not suggesting we abandon JT. I wouldn't take the England captaincy from him either. But that's not to say we can't - or shouldn't - be disappointed with his behaviour. And, on a very practical level, he should be more savvy and realise that someone in his position is more vulnerable to their mistakes than you or I”

On the England captaincy

“Why sack him from being England captain? These things happen 100 times day in people’s lives. It’s just because he’s high profile - if he played for a lower league club it wouldn’t make the papers”

“He Should Stay As England Captain! He is The Best man For The Job tbh”

“This will not have any effect on John Terry's Chelsea career but probably does spell the end of his England captaincy. Despite the fact that he is the only natural leader in the England squad, many think that because of his past, his family, etc he's image is not what they want for England captain. Now he's done something that can genuinely effect the mood in the England dressing room, there will definitely be people pressing for him to go.”

“He is simply the best man to lead England to victory, don’t let his private life get in the way”

“Let’s Hope the captaincy goes to franky lamps! not Rooney, Gerrard or Rio.”

“As England/ Chelsea captain it’s about setting an example as he is a role model to youngsters. It’s a tough one, give Lamps the armband for England, Terry’s not even our best defender!!”

On the media

“There’s an appalling holier than thou article in the Telegraph saying that he must resign now. They should be critical of the witch-hunt the NotW are leading against him. Could the NotW not wait until after the world cup? I mean I admit his parents are clearly very dodgy and he's not the sharpest knife in the box when it comes to the people he surrounds himself with but why expect him a footballer to have a squeaky clean existence? He's immaculate on the field. A great player and a true pro. Surely the constant investigative rubbish is intrusive and ultimately counter productive?”

“The Media don't care if they kill his career. As long as they're getting paid for the stories the expose. Absolute roaches”

“They can't unsettle us on the field so will dig as much dirt as they can off it. Chelsea are offering their full support to JT and so should we. No-one is perfect. Should he be stripped of Chelsea and/or England captaincy over these allegations'? absolutely not. This goes on all the time and if everyone who did it lost their status in the workplace or their jobs, the dole payouts would be unaffordable”


What do you think – agree with any of the above? Post a comment.

You might also be interested to:

• Read why money, not morality will lose Terry the England captaincy
• Link up with www.bridgeviews.co.uk on facebook

Money not morality will cost Chelsea's John Terry the England captaincy

This one is going to rumble on and on. The papers are desperately trying to tell us that the pressure on Terry to resign the England captaincy is growing, almost oblivious to the fact that it is indeed they that are manufacturing the storm. The one real exception to that is Gerry Sutcliffe MP, the Sports Minister, who today inexplicably added to the squall by calling for the FA to take a stance on the Terry issue and suggesting Terry’s actions weren’t becoming of an England captain.

Why on earth is he getting involved? What has it got to do with him? Firm proof that the issue is spiralling far out of control, and may well end up costing John Terry his England captaincy.

Ironically however, for all the talk of John Terry’s leadership and command in the dressing room being called into question over his alleged dubious morality, the papers are largely missing the point. Surely the primary driver behind John Terry losing the England captaincy – rather than a loss of respect from team-mates or any sporting reasoning – will be a factor far more powerful than Fabio Capello’s opinion: money. 

Imagine you’re Umbro. Or Nationwide. Or whatever England sponsor the FA are wheeling out next week. How do you feel about your investment being tarnished in the eyes of your customers by association with a man of John Terry’s rapidly declining status? Would you want your brand associated with his image? In the case of Umbro for example, John Terry has always fronted the launch of all new England strips. To have John Terry leading an Umbro-sponsored launch would imply tacit support of John Terry – and his lifestyle - from Umbro, support they almost certainly wouldn’t want to give.

Tiger Woods sets the precedent here. After his similar fall from grace, arguably the world’s biggest sportsman was dropped by a myriad of the world’s largest brand names including Gillette, Accenture, Pepsi, Tag Heuer and AT & T within weeks of his misdemeanours hitting the headlines.

Perhaps – perhaps - John Terry’s situation is slightly different – the likes of Umbro are sponsoring a team, not an individual. It is possible too that sponsors have very different expectations of footballers than golfers. But it’s very likely marketing chiefs at those organisations will err on the side of caution, and threaten to pull the plug if Terry is not removed. If that happens the FA will probably have no choice but to force Capello’s hand.

As each new John-Terry-love-rat headline appears, so the potential damage to sponsors’ brands – as they see it – grows. Far more than their efforts to suggest team-mates are turning against him, this is by a margin the greatest damage journalists can do to John Terry’s prospects of leading his country in South Africa. In my view, John Terry is the only man for the job. But all the speculation around when Capello will make his decision on the captaincy could well be a red herring.

In reality, the Italian might end up not even having a choice - in which case Terry might have to hang up his Umbro-endorsed England boots for good.

You might also be interested to read:

• Terry rescues Chelsea Ladies FC to prove he has a heart
• Remembering the good side of John Terry

Amidst the scandal, remembering the good side of Chelsea's John Terry

It's been a big weekend for John Terry. Since news that a High Court Injunction granted last week had been lifted broke on Friday afternoon, rumours and headlines about the Chelsea and England captain have been rife.

He has been castigated in all quarters as national newspapers, football pundits and pub-goers alike have all taken turns to pass judgement on the star's private life - qualified as they are to do so.

Like many Chelsea fans, I was certainly very disappointed to hear the stories as they emerged on Friday evening. It's saddening to see a player who you have supported and held in such high esteem supposedly make so great a mistake, and it is very easy to feel sympathy for Wayne Bridge, whose feelings have been entirely neglected by the newspapers so keen to get one over on John Terry.

Publicity disasters flow from Chelsea Football Club and its employees like water from a dripping tap.

At the end of the day though, this really is none of our business. Yes, the job of England captain does demand setting standards both on and off the pitch, but there are boundaries over which the media intrusion should not invade. The bottom line is that we - 'we' being either journalists or just the man on the street - are in no position to pass judgement on John Terry's private life.  
 
The debate over John Terry's actions is everywhere. There's relatively little I can usefully add to the mix (though I'm sure I'll try over the coming days). But, as the criticism reaches a crescendo, I think it is worth reminding ourselves of the better side of John Terry: him as a professional, as a leader.

Despite the accusations of fans of other teams, Terry is a defender of unquestionable quality. He has twice been voted the best defender in the Champions League (2005 and 2008), and was considered the best player in the Premier League by his peers in 2005. He was also included in the FIFPro World XI for four consecutive seasons between 2005 and 2008, and his international exploits led to him being named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

Most recently Terry was named in the UEFA 2009 team of the year (the only Englishman to do so), a compilation of players put together by over four million fan votes. The Sun seemed pretty proud of our JT when they reported the news just last week. 

At club level, he has been by far Chelsea's most successful captain, winning two league titles (on the way being a crucial part of the best defence ever to grace the Premier League), two FA Cups and two League Cups. He's also steered the club to a seemingly endless number of Champions League semi finals and its first ever final. 

And in a footballing context he is a proven leader. Chelsea managers Mourinho, Grant, Scolari, Hiddink and latterly Ancelotti - managers who have between them won untold numbers of league titles, four European Cups and one World Cup - all chose Terry as their captain without a moment's hesitation. England managers McLaren and Capello (himself a European Cup winning coach) all identified Terry as the man for the job. 

And those leadership skills are evident to see. Since he took the captaincy back in the summer of 2004, a truly special team spirit has emerged at Chelsea, and with it a never-say-die team spirit in the image of it's captain. He himself has had a number of hurdles to overcome - some of them self-inflicted, yes - but he has time and again overcome them on the pitch. 

Yesterday's performance against Burnley was one such example. At the moment it's is certainly difficult to 'admire' John Terry the man, but rather easier to admire him as a footballer. He wasn't called on to do much yesterday, but he didn't put a foot wrong. His goal was a classically John Terry - a powerful bullet header of the type we haven't actually seen from him for a long while, and a great response to adversity.

None of this takes away from what he has supposedly done, and most of all won't take anything away from how his alleged actions have hurt people around him. From that perspective, I guess that some of the outrage is understandable to a point. But the crucial thing is that John Terry is a footballer, and isn't it in that field that he should be judged? 

And, as it happens, he's rather good at it.

What do you think? Post a comment...  

Chelsea 3 Birmingham 0 - match report and analysis from the fans

One side came to Stamford Bridge last night with a fifteen match unbeaten record in the league – and it wasn’t Chelsea. Alex McLeish’s Birmingham have had a great season so far and many Chelsea fans – me included – felt yesterday’s must-win game would be a tough encounter for Chelsea.

As it was, Chelsea put three goals past their opponents without ever looking like getting out of second gear. Birmingham’s defence shot the team in its collective foot on six minutes by failing to pick up Malouda’s run into the box and, from that moment, the game never really looked in doubt save for a ten minute spell in the second half.

To shake things up, bridgeviews.co.uk has drawn together a virtual panel of football fans – of both Birmingham and Chelsea – to talk through last night’s game: where it was won (or lost, in Birmingham’s case); the managers’ tactics; the man and villain of the match; and the moment of the game.

Those submitting views included Joe and Chris of Eastern Blues, a club set up for Chelsea supporters in Norfolk; Josh, a member of Chelsea in America, who had to get up early Kentucky-time to get his thoughts over; Deirdrie, a long-time Chelsea fan I ‘met’ over on the bridgeviews.co.uk facebook page; Paul, a season ticket holder in the Matthew Harding upper; and Kev, a true gent and a writer over on the Birmingham City FC blog called Joys and Sorrows.

You can read all the match reports in the newspapers you like, but these are the views that really matter – those of the fans. We often know better anyway. Read and digest. And if you would like to read the views of fans more often drop a comment below – I’m considering setting up group of fans to regularly report back on matches on this site. Let me know if this is a good idea, how it could be improved and, if you’re a Chelsea regular, if you’d like to be involved…

Where was the game won?

“The quality of our possession seemed to be too much for Birmingham to handle tonight. But for five minute spells in each half, I thought we looked comfortable with Birmingham not really offering a threat. They've gained a reputation for being an extremely organised side this season, able to see out 1-0 victories like we did under Mourinho, but they're not as good at chasing the game yet. Being two up by half time gave us the confidence to see the rest of the game out.”
Chris, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“Formidable might be the word to best describe the way we played. A great result made even better by Arsenal failing to win!”
Deirdrie, Chelsea fan since 1964

"Birmingham, for all their great results of late, haven't played away to a team of our strength during that run. Basically we were the better side and we made our quality count by doing what we do best: holding the ball for long periods, moving it around patiently but purposefully, making hte other team chase us and enforcing our tempo on the game. It's hard to imagine how demoralising that must be for opponents. Of course, we were afforded that luxury by the fact we scored early."
Paul, season ticket holder, Matthew Harding upper

“In the midfield. It’s good to see the Lampard of old—we’ve missed him. There’s no doubt he’s been a presence on the pitch all season, just not necessarily as a scoring machine. Well, no more. His two goals against Birmingham were absolute beauties. And let’s give Deco his due. I’ve never felt like he’s really fit in well at Chelsea, but last night he showed he’s still got it.”
Josh, Chelsea in America member, Kentucky USA

“Ball retention, Birmingham just could not get possession.”
Joe, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“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. We did look tired, but I think that was more to do with the fact we were chasing blue shirts all over the pitch. 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 than one goal.”
Kev, Writer for Joys and Sorrows, Birmingham City FC blog

Views on the managers’ tactics – starting XI, formation and substitutions

“I think Carlo made the right move in going with a Christmas tree for this game as it helped us to keep the ball away from Birmingham and give them minimal opportunity to catch us on the break. The fluidity of the formation is very impressive, and it's interesting to see Joe Cole drifting towards the right to give us the width on that side we miss slightly with Bosingwa still out injured. With our three specialist defensive midfielders missing, I was a little concerned about how Deco would deal with Birmingham's runs from deep; he did OK, but I hope Mikel is back in time for Arsenal.”
Chris, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“Last night, I think it was more about how Chelsea passed the ball with clinical accuracy and the performance of key players. 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. It was a lesson of how to play with a fluid formation.”
Kev, Writer for Joys and Sorrows, Birmingham City FC blog

"Playing Deco in holding midfield rather than Ballack was an excellent move because of the way Birmingham play so deep. I would have liked to see Carlo give Matic 5-10 minutes, as it annoys me when we don't use all our subs, but I'm nit-picking."
Paul, season ticket holder, Matthew Harding upper

“He played a 4-3-3, which gave the team width and space, which against teams of a lower standard is always a good tactic, however Anelka was isolated. I was disappointed not to see Sturridge start as he has impressed recently.”
Joe, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“I’m loving the 4-3-3. Joe Cole has come alive out wide. Malouda is back in the mix—and on the score sheet. Lamps, Deco and Ballack are more comfortable, too. And with the added threat of Ashley Cole and Ivanovic, pushing forward, we not only look unstoppable—but beautiful, too. As happy as I am to have Drogba back for Burnley this weekend, I almost hate to see the 4-3-3 go away. Even though we won early in the season with the diamond, we rarely looked this dominating. I read somewhere after the Sunderland game that Roman had finally got his wish—a high scoring, free-flowing team that wins. Based on the last few results, I’d say it’s true.”
Josh, Chelsea in America member, Kentucky USA

Man of the match, villain of the match

“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. Man of the match for Chelsea is a tough one, I'd struggle to choose between Cole, Lampard and Deco.”
Kev, Writer for Joys and Sorrows, Birmingham City FC blog

"Man of the match for Chelsea was a toss-up between Deco and Malouda for me. Two of our most heavily criticised players, but they were both excellent. Deco not only made us tick in midfield, but has been tenacious and committed defensively for the last two games, something Chelsea fans love to see. Malouda has fantastic ability and is starting to reach the levels he did under Hiddink. Villain for me was Joe Cole. I know, I know: he did fantastically for the first goal, but he again descended into a series of pointless flicks and wasted positions. If Deco played like he did then boy, would he get barracked".
Paul, season ticket holder, Matthew Harding upper

“I think all of our players played well tonight so it's difficult to pick a stand-out performer. If I had to, I'd give it to Lamps for his two goals - he's well on the way to his usual twenty for the season! No one on either side was a villain really, so I'll give it to Ivan for his Bond baddie henchman look!”
Chris, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“If I had to single anyone out, Malouda was immense and would get my Man of the Match, Joe Cole was involved here there and everywhere again which was great to see and as ever Lamps was instrumental in midfield. The whole team played well, fast-paced, flowing and attacking football. Just what Roman ordered!”
Deirdrie, Chelsea fan since 1964

“Man of the match for Chelsea was Lampard, 2 cracking strikes although no player particularly stood out. A Cole and Ivanovich had solid games, as did Ballack, and Anelka as usual never gave the ball away. Villain was Joe Cole, started well and went downhill. 9 times out of 10 tries the difficult option when the simple one would have been more affective and as a result keeps loosing possession. Man of the match for Birmingham, Joe Hart. Looks like a great prospect for England and needs to be in the World Cup squad. Villain, James Mcfadden, had a poor game and miss Birmingham’s only real opening by a long way.”
Joe, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“Until the last few minutes of the match, I would have given it to Joe Cole. First half he looked great. He simply outpaced Bowyer for the assist to Malouda, and his hard work on the ball and off for the first 45 was great to see. He did look fatigued going into the last 30 minutes—something you can’t say about Lampard. Frankie’s run that led to his second goal was the epitome of heart and desire. He wanted that goal. For him. For the team. For the Bridge. And he got it. For that, he’s my MoM. As for Villain of the Match, it was a pretty civil game. Very few fouls. The reffing was pretty spot on. I guess I’d give it to the whole Chelsea team—for ruining a pretty impressive unbeaten streak by Birmingham, a team no one gave much of a chance at the start of the season. Don’t get me wrong, I was well pleased to see Chelsea take the win, but it’s always nice to see a smaller club work hard and get results. Heck, it wasn’t too awfully long ago that smaller team was Chelsea.”
Josh, Chelsea in America member, Kentucky USA

Moment of the match?

“Frankie’s second goal. Beautifully executed from the get go, plus it put the game away. It showed our pace and our team work, not to mention put Super Frank a goal closer to 20 this season.”
Josh, Chelsea in America member, Kentucky USA

“Undoubtedly Malouda's opening goal. If we hadn't scored early, Birmingham would have grown in confidence as the game stayed goalless, possibly thinking they could have come away with a draw, so that goal was vital in allowing us to settle down quickly and control the structure of the game.”
Chris, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“Everyone will talk about the moments that decided yesterday’s match, but to sneak a negative in: we must stay focused at the back, one piece of over-confident play tonight ended up with Cech having to make a brilliant save, ok the game was won at that stage really but it was unnecessary.”
Deirdrie, Chelsea fan since 1964

"Malouda's goal set the tone for the evening, but the break for the 3rd goal was poetry in motion and epitomised everything we did well all night. Deco - tenacious, creative, deft; Malouda - driving, quick, powerful; Frank - well, he was Frank. Brilliant."
Paul, season ticket holder, Matthew Harding upper

“John Terry’s tackle and fantastic pass all in one motion midway through the first half to release Joe Cole, if he’d had pulled the ball back to Lampard, who was unmarked on the edge of the box, instead of crossing, it should have been a goal.”
Joe, member of Eastern Blues, supporters club for Chelsea fans in Norfolk

“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!”
Kev, Writer for Joys and Sorrows, Birmingham City FC blog