We'll meet Avi in FA Cup Final

Something has to be said about Avram Grant's ability to get to finals. He went as far as Champions League Final in 08, we all know how that ended. Pompey dumped sorry Spuds out of FA Cup, which sets all blue Wembley final and a possibility for Avi to loose yet another final ;)
Both games were played on "famous" Wembley pitch, it resembled Japanese TV show, players were sliding all over the place, clumps of pitch were flying, refs missing penalties... I am not going into too much detail of both Semi's, let's say I am happy that Fortune smiled upon us this time!
I was pleasantly surprised to see Drogba come off and Anelka take his place, kudos to Carlo, he sees what Avi seen, Drogs and Nic play better without partnering each other. Not to say that Didier didn't play his part once again, he was the one who scored first goal, which changed whole game, we all secretly knew that Villa will fold if we score.
This weekend got even better once I found out that ManU has dropped points at Blackburn, Fergie hastily declared that we have "easy game vs Bolton"... perhaps a play to relax our players, surely Carlo will not allow that to happen, will he?
I am also hoping that Spurs can give us a bit of favor and beat or tie Arsenal this week.. something that I am not counting on. Surely Wenger will wince and cringe and do everything he can to rally his troops, they need positive result after being dumped from CL by Barca.

Mixed bag of nuts

It has been quite a few weeks. We've lost to Everton, in a hard though battle. Bounced back by progressing to the next round of FA Cup. Week later, Everton goes on and beats Manchester United, while we take advantage and beat Wolves. If not for Petr Cech, surely we'd not be sitting 4 points clear on top of the League.
In other news, apparently Ashley Cole's marriage is over. According to some "newspapers" in England he's prime rib, ready to be consumed by Barcelona and/or Real Madrid. You see, he's supposedly angry at a supposed fine by a club due to improper conduct...
He's listed at 25 Million pound.... For best left back in the world? Clearly whoever came up with that number didn't sniff enough glue.
Speaking of Spain, it appears Dani Alves welcomes trade talk from Chelsea. I'd not mind seeing him in blue, that's for sure.
Jose Mourinho, current coach of Inter (whom we play tomorrow (Wednesday) in Champions League) cant' stay out of trouble. He's managed to get himself suspended and fined. You see, he's been on ref case for some time now and is doing very good job getting under their skin. In fact so many in Italy are fed up with Jose they will be supporting Chelsea tomorrow. Even current coach of AC Milan will be on our side. How touchy, perhaps he better concentrate on beating United instead...
Ancelotti has been quoted saying that most Italians will be cheering on Chelsea tomorrow, to which Jose suggested that Carlo could be part of anti Inter clan. naturally, Carlo has distanced himself from such suggestion.
I do wonder if those two will ever see eye to eye, probably not.
Tomorrows game is picked as the one to watch, but guess what, here in Canada it will be not that easy to find on TV. Setanta showing another game and regular channels are full of Olympic junk... Internet stream it is!

0 for 2 for Carlo

After beating Arsenal, life looked rosy. We were cruising on top of the table and starting to open pretty good gap between us and United.
Then came Carling Cup tie against Blackburn...
Carlo decided to imitate Wenger and play kids! Sure, a noble gesture to give them some playing time, but was there such a huge need for it, especially when we have all but meaningless game against Apoel in Champions league? Sure, some kids will not be able to play, but I'd rather see Jose like mentality. Play first squad, get a few goals ahead, then introduce kids. Instead, we start weak, then rush into decision to replace 3 players during half time. Love and behold, Kalou is injured, we go down a man, fight back to force penalties, but loose. Should have Kakuta been last to take penalty? Another point to debate.
Hughes didn't make this mistake, while playing strong squad, they have dismantled Arsenal and we ready for us. It's amazing what confidence can do, isn't it? Citeh's work rate was incredible. We were all but bullied all game long. Terry and Carvalho had no better ideas but to pass back to Cech, who in turn would kick ball and we'd eventually loose ball possession. Citeh were fantastic. Tevez and De Jong were playing like a madmen. I think everyone, but Carlo has anticipated a physical game, otherwise, why was Deco playing again? He is not good when it comes to physical games, nor he is good when he doesn't have time to sit on the ball. Deco also drifts in and out of the games and usually doesn't start playing well until clock hists 70th minute mark.
There is no need to moan about ref calls nor about potential hand ball that lead to first goal by Citeh, there is a reason to whine about Carlo's tactics and team selection.