Joe Cole's first half goal gave Chelsea a narrow victory in their Champions League semi final first leg clash with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Fair result?
I think it was fair but only because we fought back in the second half. In the first we played poorly and suffered from the team seslection. Zenden made hardly any impact and was controlled all night by Ferraria, I can't remember him getting behind the Chelsea defence once! Gerrard was frustrated and didn't stick to his position on the right and kept coming into the centre, which just crowded us out.
Drogba was brilliant and we just didn't have an answer to his power. We produced nothing on the right, and kept sending the ball out to Zenden who, as I've already said, was pretty ineffectual. The Chelsea midfield won the first half quite easily, forcing us back, especially by crowding us out so we couldn't play the ball forward. Having to play it square or back meant Bellamy didn't get a chance.
The second half was better, as we began to impose our authority in midfield but Chelsea managed to keep us to long range efforts. As much as I dislkie Mourhino after his comments this past week, he organised Chelsea superbly. It was only when Crouch came on and drew Drogba back into defence that we looked anywhere near a threat.
I think we can win at Anfield though, but it'll be tough. We need Finnan for reassurance at the back and his distribution. We sorely missed that last night. Chelsea'll have Ballack back but, if it means he's replacing Joe Cole, that's a good thing for us! As long as we mix up our play and don't just use Crouch as an aerial threat and play down both wings, I reckon we'll be in with a shout!
I'll be surprised if Liverpool come through this.
Chelsea will score at Anfield, Liverpool are going to need Gerrard to do something magical again because goals are not going to come from anywhere else.
also ... how wrong would it be to have a cvnt like Bellamy playing in the Champions League final ?
You may score at Anfield, but I think our defence's strong enough to stop you. I can see us matching your 1-0 and taking it to penalties with Reina doing a Dudek and taking to Champions League glory once again!
Maybe Chelsea should start every game with a penalty to try and even things out as every match they never get one. Then, all the other teams should only field 8 players because it'd save the ref the embarrassment of not sending off any players for horrific challenges on Drogba that send him flying.
Wonder what Maureen'd whinge about then?
Maybe Chelsea should start every game with a penalty to try and even things out as every match they never get one. Then, all the other teams should only field 8 players because it'd save the ref the embarrassment of not sending off any players for horrific challenges on Drogba that send him flying.
Wonder what Maureen'd whinge about then?
Great point! And then 'Carra' wouldn't repeatedly try and get fellow pros booked for diving...
