Chelsea Maintain Momentum

February 2, 2011

Chelsea are back, Chelsea are back!! These were the chants that were on everybody’s mind after the transfer window shut down and Chelsea gave further credence to this belief with a mighty impressive 4-2 victory at the Stadium of Light. Chelsea’s record signing, Fernando Torres, and Brazilian David Luiz were not available for the match, but Carlo Ancelotti was able to call upon the young, yet experienced, duo of John…

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Back To The Main Course

February 1, 2011

With yesterday’s incredible deadline deals still fresh in the memory, focus shifts to the main course of Premiership football. Neither of yesterday’s signings will be available to play this evening, and with the departure of those out on loan too, it means the squad may be a little stretched for the journey north and we may see some newer names on the bench. Sunderland served up a shock last time…

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Kalou Strikes To Force Replay

January 30, 2011

Chelsea had to come from behind to earn a replay in the 4th round of the FA Cup against Everton. Louis Saha gave Everton the lead early in the second half, but a Saloman Kalou goal fifteen minutes from time gave the FA Cup holders a draw, despite not being at their best. Carlo Ancelotti picked a full-strength starting line-up, some of this being owed to the fact that we…

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Blues Getting Back To Their Best

January 25, 2011

Chelsea continued their improvement in performances after notching up another win against the high-lying Bolton Wanderers with an impressive 4-0 win at the Reebok Stadium. The build-up to this game was rather unusual with Bolton fans paying tributes to their Legend, Nat Lofthouse, who sadly passed away this past week. On the other hand, the rest of the footballing community in England were busy casting their eye on the Sky…

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Injuries To Force Carlo’s Hand?

January 24, 2011

When I first heard Chelsea would be missing Frank Lampard this season, I felt that we could cope without him considering the form the team was in (that was back in August). My hope was short-lived though as Chelsea started to slump, and eventually lost their place at the top of the table, slipping to fifth in the worst run of form for 15 years. Even after Lampard’s comeback against…

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The Harding Perspective: Bolton

January 22, 2011

Bolton’s signing of Wheater may mean that the former Middlesbrough player will start on Monday ahead of Knight, but the absence of Davis in midfield should see a start for Tamir Cohen in a central midfield berth. I would expect Cahill, Robinson and Ricketts to all start the game in the back four. Davies is a certainty to start up front and Elmander will perform two functions as a strike…

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First Step On Road To Recovery

January 16, 2011

Ivanovic and Anelka returned to haunt Blackburn Rovers again as Chelsea returned to winning ways with a rather nervous 2-0 win over Blackburn Rover at Stamford Bridge. Branislav Ivanovic got his fifth goal of the season to put Chelsea ahead, before Nicloas Anelka made it three goals in two for him to ensure three points for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Given Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match comments about Josh McEachran being ready to…

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The Harding Perspective: Blackburn

January 15, 2011

I should state that first of all I am not entirely sure as to what formation Blackburn are likely to opt for, but I expect the personnel to be similar to the team below. Pedersen perhaps tucked in with Olsson operating from a slightly wider berth. I expect the tactic to be similar to the one they employed against Liverpool with a lot of success: pace, pace and some more…

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A Statistical Preview: Blackburn Rovers

January 14, 2011

CHELSEA vs BLACKBURN ROVERS 15/01/11 Chelsea meet Blackburn Rovers at the Bridge as they get back to the Premier League after an emphatic 7-0 demolition of Ipswich Town. Daniel Sturridge is the man of the moment having scored 7 goals in 2 games, 5 coming in the reserves in a 7-3 win over rivals Spurs. Daniel recorded a 31.0% accuracy rate (shots on target of total shots) and averaged 0.714…

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Road To Wembley Starts In Emphatic Style

January 9, 2011

Well, I think we can all agree that that was needed. As Chelsea embarked on another FA Cup campaign, seeking to become the first side in 125 years to win three on the trot, the feeling around the club could have been better. Another defeat in midweek against Wolves followed by ‘Bannergate’ brought more doom-mongering to the club’s doorstep, something which received only a brief respite when Ipswich sacked manager…

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