Skip to main content
Category

Chelsea News

Chelsea goal celebration after WIllian scores against Burnley

Can Chelsea Keep Former Player Quiet To Continue Winning Run Against Toffees?

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Chelsea look to extend our run of four consecutive Premier League victories at home to Everton. Things are certainly feeling good around Stamford Bridge. Conte had one of the best Octobers that Chelsea

Things are certainly feeling good around Stamford Bridge. Conte had one of the best Octobers that Chelsea have had in recent months but continuing this into November will be dependent on keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet.

Antonio Conte had one of the best Octobers that Chelsea have had in recent months but continuing this into November will be dependent on keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet.

The former Chelsea striker has been on fire this season and if you believe Football Focus pundit Dean Saunders he will score again today. The man who ended Paul Elliott’s career claims it is inevitable he will score against us.

Lukaku Motivated To Punish Chelsea

The motivation will obviously be there Lukaku felt he was not given a chance at the Blues and despite a Champions League medal. This bitterness to his time here is bound to drive him to produce a performance. He has of course done this before with his goals knocking us out of the FA Cup last season.

The Belgian is a fine player, but lacks the right mentality or consistency for a Premier League season as the number one striker for a top 6 side. On form though he is one of the best strikers in Europe so understandably many want to see him back at the Bridge.

His form will prove a major test for the 3-4-3 formation that has sparked the fine run of results. It will be vital that Lukaku is kept quiet and marshalled by the spare man in the middle, with the wing backs cutting out his supply from out wide.

Let’s hope he has a quiet night at Stamford Bridge and does not raise his game to prove a point once again.

Can we start to mention the “T” word?

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Antonio Conte has played down the significance of being contenders to finish at the summit next May like a cool, calculated poker player who knows he has a very strong hand, but it hard not to believe that Chelsea have a realistic opportunity of challenging for the title.

Four straight wins, combined with four clean sheets, is certainly the form of potential champions. Anyone who tells you otherwise are either cautious of getting their hopes up after just ten games, or support one of the other teams currently at the top.

Betway continue to shorten our odds on finishing as champions in the latest Premier League betting market, and going by our latest performance, it is easy to see why. I was thoroughly impressed by the comprehensive and convincing manner of our 2-0 victory at Southampton, given how difficult it is to go to St. Mary’s and get a result.

Two superb goals and an excellent performance to boot, Conte seems to have found the perfect formula to get us bang on form at both ends of the pitch.

I think it is easy to see just how big an impact Conte has made since arriving at the Bridge. He walked through the doors amid an air of optimism following a strong Euro 2016 campaign in charge of Italy, but instead of rushing in like a bull in a china shop and making wholesale changes, he stuck with the same system that his predecessors used and gave the players an opportunity to impress.

If we are being honest, we should not have felt surprised at what happened; the team looked flat, unorganised and lacking confidence as Chelsea were a carbon copy of the side that endured a never-ending nightmare last season.

It was enough for Conte to enforce the style of play that proved so successful during three years in charge at Juventus, as not only has a switch to a back three made a big difference to how defensively resolute the team are, but a greater emphasis on building from the back and moving the ball quickly allowing us to enjoy some superb football.

We can all agree that Eden Hazard’s return to his brilliant best is more than welcome after a year where he was completely unrecognisable from the player who was simply irresistible throughout the 2014/2015 campaign.

The Belgian wizard has really been on top of his game alongside Diego Costa who, despite the continuous rubbish about his over-aggressive persona, is scoring goals for fun at the moment and may long it continue. You would also be hard pressed to find anyone who has seen Victor Moses play as well as he has been as a Chelsea shirt, with the Nigerian winger reborn as a right-sided wing-back who offers excellent protection at the back and a real threat going forwards.

I could name more who have really stood out, but the greatest quality of Conte’s Chelsea team is their collective spirit and unity; you could see just how much the win at Southampton meant to the players who worked hard for one another, with the only criticism being that they did not win by a greater margin.

It is no surprise that Chelsea’s odds of winning under Antonio Conte on Betway’s website, both in terms of every game that comes along and the Premier League title, are extremely strong right now. Every aspect of our game is on point at the moment, with Conte working wonders to build a structure back three that includes a player in David Luiz that many felt was not disciplined enough to focus on doing the dirty work in defence. Combine that with our ability to break down opposition forays into our half through N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, along with fast-paced attacks and clinical finish at the other end, and what you have is a team capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

Antonio Conte has played down the significance of being contenders to finish at the summit next May like a cool, calculated poker player who knows he has a very strong hand, but it hard not to believe that Chelsea have a realistic opportunity of challenging for the title.

Four straight wins, combined with four clean sheets, is certainly the form of potential champions. Anyone who tells you otherwise are either cautious of getting their hopes up after just ten games, or support one of the other teams currently at the top. Betway continue to shorten our odds on finishing as champions in the latest Premier League betting market, and going by our latest performance, it is easy to see why.

I was thoroughly impressed by the comprehensive and convincing manner of our 2-0 victory at Southampton, given how difficult it is to go to St. Mary’s and get a result. Two superb goals and an excellent performance to boot, Conte seems to have found the perfect formula to get us bang on form at both ends of the pitch.

I think it is easy to see just how big an impact Conte has made since arriving at the Bridge. He walked through the doors amid an air of optimism following a strong Euro 2016 campaign in charge of Italy, but instead of rushing in like a bull in a china shop and making wholesale changes, he stuck with the same system that his predecessors used and gave the players an opportunity to impress. If we are being honest, we

If we are being honest, we should not have felt surprised at what happened; the team looked flat, unorganised and lacking confidence as Chelsea were a carbon copy of the side that endured a never-ending nightmare last season.

It was enough for Conte to enforce the style of play that proved so successful during three years in charge at Juventus, as not only has a switch to a back three made a big difference to how defensively resolute the team are, but a greater emphasis on building from the back and moving the ball quickly allowing us to enjoy some superb football.

We can all agree that Eden Hazard’s return to his brilliant best is more than welcome after a year where he was completely unrecognisable from the player who was simply irresistible throughout the 2014/2015 campaign.

The Belgian wizard has really been on top of his game alongside Diego Costa who, despite the continuous rubbish about his over-aggressive persona, is scoring goals for fun at the moment and may long it continue. You would also be hard pressed to find anyone who has seen Victor Moses play as well as he has been as a Chelsea shirt, with the Nigerian winger reborn as a right-sided wing-back who offers excellent protection at the back and a real threat going forwards. I could name more who have really stood out, but the greatest quality of Conte’s Chelsea team is their collective spirit and unity; you could see just how much the win at Southampton meant to the players who worked hard for one another, with the only criticism being that they did not win by a greater margin.

 

 

It is no surprise that Chelsea’s odds of winning under Antonio Conte on Betway’s website, both in terms of every game that comes along and the Premier League title, are extremely strong right now. Every aspect of our game is on point at the moment, with Conte working wonders to build a structure back three that includes a player in David Luiz that many felt was not disciplined enough to focus on doing the dirty work in defence. Combine that with our ability to break down opposition forays into our half through N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic, along with fast-paced attacks and clinical finish at the other end, and what you have is a team capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

I do not want to get carried away and believe, with some certainty, that we will finish as champions come the end of May, but the next few fixtures could prove decisive. Facing Everton at the Bridge before yet another international break (yawn) will be a strong test of our credentials, with following games against Middlesbrough (A), Tottenham (H) and Manchester City (A) also not standing out as what some would define as “easy.” We are currently a point behind the league leaders at present, and if Chelsea remain in a similar, or better, position at the start of December, then the “T” word could grow in volume.

 

 

Beating Mourinho Allows Chelsea To Move On From Special One

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

It took six years for Chelsea Football Club to get over the impact of Jose Mourinho’s first trophy-laden time at Stamford Bridge. Beating Mourinho on Sunday may help make the mourning period much shorter second time around.

Mourinho The First Time He Left

His presence and the impact he had on the psyche of the team, made the job of meeting expectations and winning over the players impossible for some of the biggest names in football.

Mourinho had the same impact on fans, who pined for his return. As he moved from Milan to Madrid and managers came and went at Stamford Bridge. We felt our true leader was missing, a bar that no one even a double winner could live up to.

Moving On From Mourinho

Whilst Ancelotti was strong enough others such as Felipe Scolari and Andre Villas-Boas were never able to illuminate a team cast in his shadow. AVB tried to move the team forward and phase out the Mourinho diehards but lost the battle of player power.

It was not until age moved the spine of the Mourinho team on that managers were able to move on from what he built. It was not until the Champions League victory in 2012 that you could truly say that the spectre of Mourinho had left the corridors of power at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho returned to Chelsea and after winning the title in his second season things turned sour quickly in his third and he was gone by December.

Although Mourinho had not built the dynasty that he had in his first spell, there was a lingering fear that he would continue to cast a shadow over the team. This was not helped when he moved to Manchester United in the summer, a constant reminder to players and fans of what used to be.

Beating Mourinho Impact

Much was made of his return on Sunday and what the reaction would be, from the fans he got a pleasant one, but it was clear that the spell had been broken. Always a club legend the hero worship of his first spell had diminished.

The result put a clear line between him and new manager Antonio Conte. As Mourinho wheeled out his usual mix of deflection and distraction Conte remained focussed on moving Chelsea forward.

This is why beating Mourinho and Manchester United was more than just three points.

It was the moment that Chelsea were able to move on from his second spell in charge of the club. It was the moment focus shifted.

Mourinho will never be forgotten but the fans have moved onto focus on Chelsea and not his escapades at Old Trafford.

 

Hull A Return To Normality Ahead Of Tough October

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

The best part of this weekend’s result against Hull was that it was unremarkable, the kind of result we need to be grinding out if we want to finish anywhere near the top four.

Two stunning second half finishes put the gloss on a controlled performance from the Blues and put two consecutive defeats behind us. With six games gone we sit in 6th place and within touching distance of the top four.

Failures against Arsenal and Liverpool are painful to take and show that there is some improvement needed, but we are not far from where we need to be.

Win the games against the teams expected to finish in the bottom half and build a rhythm as we face tougher challenges is a good way to look at the first couple of months of the season.

Antonio Conte has been experimenting technically with the line up, playing three at the back against Hull. As we get more options at the back as players come back from injury we should see this more often. It is definitely reassuring to know we have a manager with more than one club in his bag.

As we get more options at the back as players come back from injury we should see this more often. It is definitely reassuring to know we have a manager with more than one club in his bag.

Looking To October

October is going to be a tough month, there is a game against the unpredictable Champions, the return of Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge and then tough trips to Olympic Stadium and St Mary’s.

How we come out of October will give us a real indicator of what our expectations for the season should be. If we can get 7 or more points from these games then we really will be in a good position to push for the top four.

There is very little patience in the Premier League these days and it is hard to avoid the mood and positivity changing game by game. We are not far from where we need to be and let’s see how Conte navigates October.

 

 

Arsenal Defeat Painful and Humiliating

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Yesterday the Arsenal defeat was just embarrassing, after a good few years of having Arsene Wenger’s side in their place we capitulated. At this blog we learnt our lesson for running our mouths, getting ahead of ourselves and are eating humble pie.

The last few years we have had Arsene Wenger’s number, with the Gunners failing to score in three years, however this season it took just minutes for that to change.

There are going to be lots of posts analysing the defeat and what Antonio Conte can do to turn things around so we won’t go into too many details. The main problem yesterday seemed to be desire, Arsenal had plenty and we had next to none.

Arsenal Defeat Terrible From Start To Finish

From the moment Gary Cahill decided to gift Arsenal the lead the game look finished, the way we capitulated made us think that we were watching a re-run of the Liverpool game.

We lacked any potency going forwards and had our arses handed to us by our North London rivals and the game was over as a contest by half-time. It will be up to Conte and the Chelsea players to decide if two consecutive Premier League defeats are blots on the landscape or the new normal.

A Tough Monday For Chelsea Fans

Tomorrow morning will be tough for Chelsea fans after the Arsenal defeat. At offices across the country as casual Arsenal fans come out of the woodwork to casually ask “did you see the score at the weekend”

To any Arsenal fans reading, congratulations on victory, there can be no doubt that you deserved it. I am sure it is a relief to be talking positively after a Chelsea game and this blog in particular deserves some stick.

Look forward to trying to get our revenge at the Bridge later in the season. We do however look forward to trying to get our revenge at the Bridge later in the season.

David Luiz Shows Why He Is A Cult Hero

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

David Luiz may have made a defensively questionable start to his second spell at Stamford Bridge, but on Tuesday night he reinforced why his eccentric personality makes him a cult hero to Chelsea fans.

We overcame Leicester in 120 minutes so it may be understandable why the majority of exhausted players only made a token effort to show their appreciation to the travelling Chelsea fans.

The atmosphere against Leicester was brilliant throughout the game and deserving of more than a token gesture the only one to acknowledge this was David Luiz.

At the end of the game he came jogging over to the Chelsea end picked out a fan and gave his search to the joy of the travelling Chelsea fans. Whilst Chelsea fans will want more from him in the long term, his passion and connection with the fans will go a long way.

Let’s hope the rest of the squad follow his example in the coming weeks.

Some Videos To Prepare for Liverpool Game – FA Cup, Gerrard, Riise and Kalou

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Tonight we play Liverpool, but rather than give you a dry preview looking at the importance of the first real test of Antonio Conte as manager.

Instead we are going to look at some of the overwhelming success we have had against Liverpool in the last decade.

First we go back to 2012 when Roberto Di Matteo led Chelsea to a cup double starting with the FA Cup

How about a little bit of Phil Thompson stropping as Soloman Kalou crosses the ball from the left

Then of course there is this magic moment

Chelsea goal celebration after WIllian scores against Burnley

Defence Not Referee To Blame For Dropped Swansea Points

By Chelsea NewsOne Comment

Despite only getting a point there is very little that Antonio Conte could have done tactically to extend his 100% record.

Conte’s Chelsea dominated Swansea at the Liberty Stadium and despite only leading by one goal at half-time looked like the only team on the pitch.

The team pushed forwards after the break but the failure to score a second cost Chelsea and it was poor decision making by Courtois that gifted Swansea a way back into the game via the penalty spot.

More defensive slackness and a foul put Swansea in dreamland just minutes later and we had to battle back just to get a point.

Why The Referee Cannot Be Blamed

The referee made a mistake for the second Swansea goal, there is no doubt about that Gary Cahill was fouled. However, that close to his own goal with his back to the defender Cahill should not have been given the ball.

A sharper defence would have anticipated the oncoming danger, although it should not have been a goal Chelsea created their own problems. We should have put the game beyond doubt before the made 3 minutes that changed the game and kept calmer heads.

Swansea supporters should be thanking us for the gift of a point they barely deserved.

Still Unbeaten

Last season Chelsea would have lost that game but were able to find a equaliser. Dropping points like that is not the way that potential top 4 teams go about their business. Yet after creeping past Watford and Crystal Palace this was bound to catch up with us at some point.

In order to move forward, there will need to be a continued focus on improving our defensive mindset and removing the risks that cost us points in Wales.

There were plenty of positives to take from the game and hopefully we will play Liverpool on Friday taking the vibes from the performance and not the result back to Stamford Bridge.

Transfer deadline best chelsea starting XI

The Best Chelsea Starting XI For 2016/2017?

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

After transfer deadline day manager Antonio Conte will be trying to figure out the best Chelsea starting XI for 2016/2017.

Having already brought in one guaranteed starter in N’Golo Kante, a second striker in Michy Batshuayi and a backup goalkeeper. There were two late defensive additions that will affect the Chelsea starting XI.

On deadline day Chelsea confirmed the signings of left-back Marcus Alonso and cult hero, occasional defender and full-time maverick David Luiz.

Chelsea Starting XI After Transfer Deadline

The arrival of Luiz and Alonso could seriously shake up the defence. If you : Bet-at-home you will know the most at threat from the new arrivals are Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill.

Defensive Reorganisation

If Marcus Alonso cements his place at left-back then Cesar Azpilicueta will shift to the right-hand side. This means that Ivanovic is no longer a guaranteed starter in Chelsea’s best XI and is instead competing as a rotational full-back and back up central defender.

This combined with the arrival of David Luiz who has been reportedly signed as a central defender puts Ivanovic and Cahill at risk of being dropped. Therefore, if we assume that Terry will start when fit there is a choice of Cahill, Ivanovic and Luiz to partner him.

I think Luiz should be given a chance to partner Terry, giving a back 5 of; Courtois, Alonso, Terry, Luiz and Azpilicueta.

Midfield & Attack

There were no late arrivals for Chelsea in midfield.

Based on Conte sticking with the 4-1-4-1 formation used for the first 3 games. The best Chelsea starting XI in midfield looks set to be Kante Matic, Oscar, Hazard and Willian.

Up front Diego Costa will lead the line with Batshuayi his backup, however the midfield and attack could be dynamic depending on tweaks to the formation by Conte.

This means our best Chelsea starting XI 2016/2017 is as below do you agree with our choice?

Transfer deadline best chelsea starting XI

Eng U21’s – Rashford Grabs Headlines But Three Blues Score

By Chelsea NewsNo Comments

Marcus Rashford rightfully grabbed the headlines as England’s young lions destroyed Norway. His demotion from the senior squad saw him blast a hat-trick that will keep the focus on why he has only had 19 minutes of senior football so far this season for United.

However hidden by this headline is the contribution from Chelsea’s academy normally Chelsea’s youth team is more of a gamble than if you play free slot machines at Royal Vegas casino. But for England’s youth team’s they really come up trumps.

Chelsea had three players in the starting XI for the game played in Colchester. The trio were Lewis Baker, Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The stand out was Loftus-Cheek, who showed the influence he can have.

The stand out was Loftus-Cheek, who showed the influence he can have on a game when given the freedom to express himself. Around the 65 minute mark he took a royal vegas casino style gamble from the edge of the area to score a well-deserved goal.

Chalobah who now has more than 80 England youth caps and Baker were also on the scoresheet but with the game over the focus will be on if they will ever make it to the national squad.

Joining the Chelsea academy is a bit like playing royal vegas online casino and hoping for the best, there are no guarantees of success. Hopefully this English trio can buck the trend.

Much of this will rest on whether they break into the Chelsea first team or are forced to move away on loan or permanently to get the game time they will need to develop.

Lack of First Team Experience

Playing youth internationals is great but despite having made their senior debuts it is unlikely that any of these players will make more than 10 league appearances for the Blues between them.

This is a reflection of the strength of the Chelsea squad, but also how hard it is to break into the team. The pressure on a Chelsea manager for instant results is so huge that Conte will not have the chance to bring them into the team for a run of games regardless of performances.

 

So whilst it is great that three Chelsea players score for England it is sad that it highlights the challenge of developing youth players and meeting performance expectations.

We do however live in eternal hope that John Terry will not be the last academy player to play for England whilst still on Chelsea’s books.