Many Chelsea fans will be aware that young defender Sam Hutchinson was forced into a premature retirement last summer. After struggling with severe pain in both knees for years, Hutchinson felt that the time had come to call a day on his playing career and to focus his attentions elsewhere going forward. And whilst he is no longer playing in a blue shirt, Sam has shown in the immediate months…
The Four Horsemen Of The Fixture Apocalypse
Well, it’s been a reasonably pleasant season thus far. Now the “difficult moment” is behind us, it looked like we were about to make progress on all fronts. However, events of the last 7 days, some of which were beyond our control, have unleashed a near perfect storm of fixture congestion, one might even refer to them as The Four Horsemen of the Fixture List Apocalypse. Weather Whilst the decision…
Reserves: Chelsea 2-2 Arsenal
In the end, everything ended all square. After three meetings in thirteen days, Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils of their mini series, each notching one win apiece before this afternoon’s entertaining draw at an overcast Cobham. A first half goal from Rhys Murphy had given Arsenal a lead very much against the run of play, but the Blues turned it around in the second half with strikes from Conor…
A Nice Headache To Have
As good as it is to sign a player like Fernando Torres, it’s made me question that just how is Ancelotti going to adapt his team to play with Torres, Malouda, Drogba and Anelka up front? A change back to 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield? A switch to a traditional 4-4-2? Personally I don’t think these suits Chelsea style of play, and as a team we play best in the…
Chelsea Maintain Momentum
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…
Back To The Main Course
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…
A Transfer Window For The Ages
Oft-maligned, and for good reason, January transfer windows typically bring about much speculation and no shortage of hot air, but little by way of tangible product. The first business of 2011 has blown that out of the water. An unusually busy few weeks for Chelsea saw the club set a new British transfer record, acquire one of the world’s brightest young defensive talents, and allow a number of youngsters to…
Welcome To Chelsea, Fernando Torres
Chelsea have completed the signing of Fernando Torres from Liverpool for a UK record fee of £50million. Torres has reportedly signed a deal to stay at Stamford Bridge until 2016. Chelsea originally enquired about Torres in the summer, however despite the overtures from the club, the Spaniard elected to stay on Merseyside. However with their season collapsing, he submitted a transfer request in order to fulfil his quest for trophies….
The Loan Report: January 24-30
The past seven days have seen the number of Chelsea loanees increase to somewhere near what we would expect at this stage of the season, but circumstance has prevented a great deal of action. Let’s dive in. Gael Kakuta and Patrick van Aanholt embarked on new adventures for the remainder of the current campaign with moves to Fulham and Leicester City respectively, but neither has made an appearance in a…
Kalou Strikes To Force Replay
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…