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.
Showing posts with label fa cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fa cup. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Still in line for a double
It has been difficult to see Jose's Inter "killing" Chelsea at the Bridge. Promise is a promise, Jose certainly promised to do so year ago and finally delivered on that promise. This loss was very difficult for each and single Chelsea fan as we've been reminded what we've been missing so much, Jose!
Next League game we've tied against Blackburn, clearly team was still affected by exit from Champions League. What made things worse is that we've managed to drop as low as 3rd in standings, thankfully that didn't last too long. After couple of amazing results, we were facing United at Old Trafford, mission impossible as some would suggest. You could see why, United only lost to Villa this year.. not a bad record if you ask me. In any case, we've emerged as well deserved winners. Some would question officials, Drogba's goal was clear offside, then again Nevilles shoulder barge should have been a penalty. Some would suggest that United deserved a penalty too, but I'd say to those people that diving is a bad karma :)
Kudos should be given to Arsenal, they seemed down and out after we beat them, yet they are only 3 points back, only time will show if "Wenger Knows". Messi have demolished them in the second leg and I should note that Robben scorred a spectacular goal against United to ensure Bayern's progress to the semis of CL.
So here we have it, atop of the league at Easter and facing Villa at Wembeley this Saturday (FA Cup Semis), we're still in hunt for a double!
Next League game we've tied against Blackburn, clearly team was still affected by exit from Champions League. What made things worse is that we've managed to drop as low as 3rd in standings, thankfully that didn't last too long. After couple of amazing results, we were facing United at Old Trafford, mission impossible as some would suggest. You could see why, United only lost to Villa this year.. not a bad record if you ask me. In any case, we've emerged as well deserved winners. Some would question officials, Drogba's goal was clear offside, then again Nevilles shoulder barge should have been a penalty. Some would suggest that United deserved a penalty too, but I'd say to those people that diving is a bad karma :)
Kudos should be given to Arsenal, they seemed down and out after we beat them, yet they are only 3 points back, only time will show if "Wenger Knows". Messi have demolished them in the second leg and I should note that Robben scorred a spectacular goal against United to ensure Bayern's progress to the semis of CL.
So here we have it, atop of the league at Easter and facing Villa at Wembeley this Saturday (FA Cup Semis), we're still in hunt for a double!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Two year wait is over
At times it felt much longer than 2 years without silverware for Chelsea FC. How painful was it to watch Manchester United celebrate yet another Premier League win? It took more than one manager but only Dutch Magician managed to finally deliver! Perfect farewell present for all of us. I am still walking around with a silly grin, it gets wider once I think of celebrations after
the game.
It was a cracking match, under sweltering +40C temperature, it was Everton who drew first blood in record breaking fashion. Move on Roberto Di Matteo, here comes Saha! It only took 25 seconds for Louis Saha to unleash unstoppable volley after weak clearance from Mikel. First record on this record breaking day, have fallen. Fastest goal in FA Cup final has been scored.
No matter what tv commentators we saying, Chelsea did not panic. Ball possession was key. Crisp passes, flank attacks. Malouda and Ashley Cole were starting to dominate Hibbert whom Moyes replaced during half time. One of the Malouda's crosses eventually found Didier Drogba who out muscled Lescott and unleashed textbook header into Evertons goal, 1-1. Drogba has a wonderful habbit of scoring in Finals. In fact he's first to score in new Wembley when Maurinho's Chelsea beat Manchester United two years ago.
It took 21 minutes to respond but respond we did. Everton rarely threatened with occasional cross here and there. Saha came closest again with a header, but his missed the goal. Rest of the game went on like this:
Chelsea attacks, Everton's stubborn defense. Ashley Cole, Malouda and Anelka had close chances but somehow managed not to score.
Thoughts of another draw were flooding my head. After all, we're yet to beat Everton this year. Memories of their shootout victory against Manchester United were not welcome and worrisome.
Then there was Frank Lampard. As per his usual, he was having another fine game. Eventual game winner was a testament to everything that Lampard is to Chelsea. And as Simon Mullock wrote, Franks strike keeps up Lampard family tradition. You see, it was Frank Lampard Sr. who famously danced around the corner flag after scoring his goal, coincidentally against Everton.
Franks effort on goal was brilliant. Not only he regained his footing after stumbling due to Phil Neville's challenge, he was able to strike ball with his left foot. Strike had enough power to get by the keeper Tim Howard. He was able to get his hand on the ball, but that was not enough.
It was game winning goal, Franks 100th in 5 years. No wonder some call Frank a machine!
There was another goal, that didn't count. Malouda's shot. What a wonderful effort, Howard was helpless. Alas ref nor linesman were not in position to make proper call. Once again it was proven to the whole world that video technology is needed.
Fortunately in the end it didn't matter. Evertonian hearts were broken once again and Moyes walked away from yet another Cup Final empty handed. Hopefully they will continue to win games and able to crack top four as soon as next year.
Post game celebrations were joy to watch for any Chelsea fan and it is sad to see Guus leave. He shall remain in our hearts forever.
the game.It was a cracking match, under sweltering +40C temperature, it was Everton who drew first blood in record breaking fashion. Move on Roberto Di Matteo, here comes Saha! It only took 25 seconds for Louis Saha to unleash unstoppable volley after weak clearance from Mikel. First record on this record breaking day, have fallen. Fastest goal in FA Cup final has been scored.
No matter what tv commentators we saying, Chelsea did not panic. Ball possession was key. Crisp passes, flank attacks. Malouda and Ashley Cole were starting to dominate Hibbert whom Moyes replaced during half time. One of the Malouda's crosses eventually found Didier Drogba who out muscled Lescott and unleashed textbook header into Evertons goal, 1-1. Drogba has a wonderful habbit of scoring in Finals. In fact he's first to score in new Wembley when Maurinho's Chelsea beat Manchester United two years ago.
It took 21 minutes to respond but respond we did. Everton rarely threatened with occasional cross here and there. Saha came closest again with a header, but his missed the goal. Rest of the game went on like this:Chelsea attacks, Everton's stubborn defense. Ashley Cole, Malouda and Anelka had close chances but somehow managed not to score.
Thoughts of another draw were flooding my head. After all, we're yet to beat Everton this year. Memories of their shootout victory against Manchester United were not welcome and worrisome.
Then there was Frank Lampard. As per his usual, he was having another fine game. Eventual game winner was a testament to everything that Lampard is to Chelsea. And as Simon Mullock wrote, Franks strike keeps up Lampard family tradition. You see, it was Frank Lampard Sr. who famously danced around the corner flag after scoring his goal, coincidentally against Everton.
Franks effort on goal was brilliant. Not only he regained his footing after stumbling due to Phil Neville's challenge, he was able to strike ball with his left foot. Strike had enough power to get by the keeper Tim Howard. He was able to get his hand on the ball, but that was not enough.
It was game winning goal, Franks 100th in 5 years. No wonder some call Frank a machine!
There was another goal, that didn't count. Malouda's shot. What a wonderful effort, Howard was helpless. Alas ref nor linesman were not in position to make proper call. Once again it was proven to the whole world that video technology is needed.
Fortunately in the end it didn't matter. Evertonian hearts were broken once again and Moyes walked away from yet another Cup Final empty handed. Hopefully they will continue to win games and able to crack top four as soon as next year.Post game celebrations were joy to watch for any Chelsea fan and it is sad to see Guus leave. He shall remain in our hearts forever.
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