Phew. Well, if there’s one thing to say about Chelsea – they keep fans on their toes.
Saturday’s game against Stoke was certainly a battle and, make no mistake, Chelsea were far from in top form. This was an understandably sluggish performance (probably because of the recent international fixtures), particularly in the first half, that was rescued by the dual virtues of determination and unwavering belief.
Once again, Stoke fans will have woken up the morning after a Chelsea game with a good claim to feeling aggrieved after their players worked so hard for over 100 minutes to try and hold a technically superior side and had two key players injured in the first half. They had managed to go ahead after thirty minutes, but in reality that goal had more than a slice of luck attached to it (after Cech had basically gifted them the one nil lead) and opportunities to add to their tally were few and far between. The first half’s only real moment of real quality came two minutes into extra time and probably defined the game – Lampard executing an exquisite reverse ball to Didier Drogba who expertly evaded his marker before lashing the ball over the keeper with his left boot. Certainly Chelsea’s goal of the season so far, but the game could have looked very different had Stoke kept their lead going into the second half.
As it was, the second 45 had an entirely different complexion to the first, and was almost exclusively played in Stoke’s penalty area as Chelsea took full control of the game. In total, Chelsea had 75% of possession – something not usually seen in the Premier League – but on the whole were unable to carve out good opportunities.
And if there is a lesson to be learned from the game this is it – on their off days Chelsea probably still have the quality (and determination) to outplay most Premier League sides, but outplaying them may not always be enough to win three points. Arsenal frequently have the same problem – having the ball is a pointless exercise if you don’t create a certain quantity of cast iron chances. Stoke lined up with five across the back who played very deep, making Chelsea play in front of them, knowing that Chelsea’s lack of natural width would probably mean the Blues would struggle as things got congested down the middle. They were entitled to do this – and they won’t be the last side to try such ‘negative’ tactics this season.
This time around Malouda was able to score the winner in the fourth minute of second-half extra time. But, without a little more variety to the play, the next time a tired performance comes against such determined opposition that winning goal might not be forthcoming.
Chelsea just about had enough to take three points on Saturday - that’s what matters - and there’s an art to winning when you’re not playing at your peak of which Chelsea have proved to be masters. A far sterner test awaits at Stamford Bridge next week when Spurs come to town…
What the papers said:
The Times
“When players, coaches and the latest incumbent of the Stamford Bridge hot seat, Carlo Ancelotti, embraced on the touchline — were reminiscent of happier days under the charismatic Portuguese. Of course, it would be foolhardy to get carried away after five games. Chelsea may have won them all, but they have yet to face any opposition of real calibre and…the prospect of losing Drogba, Essien, Mikel and Kalou for a few weeks in January is a disconcerting thought.”
The Telegraph
“It is now or never for these players and the way in which they threw themselves into gaining these three points was something primal. Chelsea dug deep and then dug deeper. To equalise in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half was impressive, to score a winning goal in the fourth minute of added time at the end of this draining encounter was even more so.”
On Drogba’s first goal: “Chelsea scored a sublime goal. Lampard’s reverse pass was wonderful, Drogba rolled Faye and lashed a vicious left-footed cross shot which silenced a raucous stadium.”
Guardian
“The Ivory Coast international scored a fine equaliser here against a Stoke side who are hearty but short of quality. That moment was possible because of the excellent Frank Lampard's brilliant turn and deftly geometric pass into the striker's left channel. Drogba still had much to do. And he accomplished it with a flourish. Faye, whose opener came from a looping header over a culpable Petr Cech, was turned by Drogba. An instinctive finish followed, a sweetly vicious left-foot strike beyond Steve Simonsen.”
The Sun
“For this had been a Hard Day's Night as Stoke tried to out-muscle and out-tussle the Premier League leaders, chasing every ball, blocking every shot and generally getting on their nerves.”
What the managers said:
Ancelotti
“We showed character and heart and this is very important. We are at the top and we want to stay there for as long as possible. The manner of the way we won here showed great quality and character. We were worried about their long throws but we wanted to play football from the start. Yes, our winner came from a throw but we deserved it because of the football we played.”
Pulis
“They've scored in the 47th minute and 93rd minute, so there you go. They keep the ball so well and work you so hard. Teams work so hard against them, to stop them from playing, and you expend so much energy, that the last 10-15 minutes against these top teams are always very difficult. They've (Chelsea) a great chance. Their biggest problem will be in January when the African Nations Cup comes and they lose several of their players."
You may be interested to read:
- Full, up-to-date Chelsea stats for the 09/10 season – the games, goals and players
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