Chelsea FC

Drogba is back in CL... ( Chelsea 2-2 Atletico Madrid)

2009-11-04T19:26:00.000+05:30

It was all Drogba show again... after completing the four match ban for the emotional out burst on last years champions league semis ; the Chelsea striker Drogba is back to Champions League and that too in real style by netting two superb goals and almost bagging the game for Chelsea. But the Atletico striker Aguero didn't wanted to lose the game just because of Drogba and he remained adamant and scored his second at 90 th minute to make the game even. But still Chelsea managed to enter the knock out session of CL on behalf of 4-0 victory Atletico side two weeks back.

It was Atletico Madrid who started the game in style and created the chances. While Chelsea was slowly building their game up and it was Drogba who came back to the side after a four match ban who was looking very aggressive. But the first half ended goalless. In the second half Atletico introduced Aguero as substitute and on 66th minute he made his side take lead by producing a powerful strike for which Peter Cech didn't had any answers. But the brilliant Drogba pulled the game to Chelsea's side by finding the net twice on 82 and 87th minutes; the second one being a powerful display of his class and strength. But Aguero whom once the great Maradona called as the best player in the world , made the scores level by striking a beautiful free kick on 90th minute.

As Chelsea went into the knock out stages with this draw with Atletico Madrid and Drogba's return has ignited teams ambition for winning the Champions League under the new coach Ancelotti.

Chelsea won d battle against Liverpool @ Bridge in style.... (Chelsea 2-0 Liverpool)

2009-10-04T22:41:00.000+05:30

It was all chelsea again... under the new manager Ancelotti, the blues made an impressive win against Liverpool with Anelka and Malooda netting the ball , both from Drogba's cross.

Liverpool started off well and tend to attack the inexperienced Hilario who was on for suspended cech. But Chelsea found the rhythm slowly and they passed brilliantly. Deco had a start today and was at a good form, though his through balls didn't produced much of an effect with the determined Liverpool defence.

Anelka and Deco celebrating goal

It was Anelka who ended the goal scarcity from a brilliant pass from all exuberent Didier Drogba. After the goal , Chelsea seemed to hang on to the lead with Liverpool again at the driving seat. But Drogba again unleashed his spirit that show a beautiful cross in the extra time which found Malooda who came as Deco was substituted.

So with this win over Liverpool , Chelsea are once again on top of the league table with two points clear of rivals Manchester United.
Good go Chelsea , Keep it up!!!

Apoel Nicosia 0 - 1 Chelsea

2009-10-02T12:07:00.000+05:30

Chelsea made harder work than necessary of a second Champions League Group D win as they beat Apoel Nicosia.

Nicolas Anelka steered home a precise angled strike just inside the far post to open the scoring.

Chelsea were in control but nearly paid the price for not adding to their lead when Savvas Poursaetides' deflected shot was saved by Petr Cech's legs.

Constantinos Charalambides also headed a far post header agonisingly high late on for Apoel as Chelsea held on.

It ended in unconvincing fashion for the visitors as it seemed they let complacency get the better of them.

They were far superior to their Cypriot rivals but - after their domination of the first half - stepped off the gas and almost gave the vociferous home fans an unlikely cause for celebration.

Apoel's supporters had been in party mood from the start at the GSP Stadium as they enjoyed their team's first ever home game in the group stages of the Champions League.

But they had little to cheer as Chelsea slowly started dominating possession and it did not take long for the pressure to create a breakthrough.

The ball was spread wide on the right to Juliano Belletti and he jinked past two defenders before pulling the ball back for Anelka to finish with aplomb.

Chelsea switched off momentarily to give Charalambides a sight of their goal but - under pressure - he sliced a 15-yard shot well wide.

It was a rare chance for the home side whose intentions did not match their executions.

Too often when in promising positions they were guilty of wayward passing and lacked the belief that they could score against their more illustrious opponents.

But Chelsea were failing to turn their dominance into a second and this served as encouragement for Apoel as they started to test their visitors.

Savvas had a shot on goal after Florent Malouda had given the ball away and his effort clipped the inside of the diving John Terry's leg before being kept out by keeper Cech.

Blues centre-back Ricardo Carvalho also had to crucially block a cross with unmarked striker Nenad Mirosavljevic lurking.

The late header high from Charalambides would have angered Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti but he will be satisfied that his side got back to winning ways after their first defeat of the season to Wigan last Saturday.

Chelsea 1-0 Porto: No Drog? No Prob - Anelka Strike Leaves Dragoes Empty Handed

2009-09-17T10:58:00.001+05:30

chelsea 1-0 Porto
Porto's brave performance against a superior Chelsea side was marred by a late red card to Fernando in the two sides' introductory fixture in the group stage of the Champions League. By winning 1-0, the Blues bucked a motif that had fast developed in the Premier League - having to come from behind to take the three points. Nicolas Anelka, within minutes of the commencement of the second half, scored the games only goal.

Due to a combination of both injuries, and suspensions, Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti was forced to name a vastly inexperienced bench. With academy graduates such as Jeffrey Bruma, Fabio Borini, and Sam Hutchinson among the seven substitutes, Chelsea fans may have been granted a window into the future. As, in the event that the transfer embargo inflicted upon the Stamford Bridge side is upheld by FIFA, Ancelotti may have to call on the aforementioned trio in order to cover January absentees when the Africa Cup of Nations begins.

Aside from a few minor chances from the Portuguese outfit, Chelsea began to stamp their authority early on, with Frank Lampard forcing a seventh minute save from Helton after the versatile midfielder was allowed room to nod goal-ward a free header. Ten minutes later and the rigid rear-guard in front of the Dragoes' glovesman began to grow in confidence as a strong effort from Anelka was blocked.

Helton was again on guard just moments later when a Florent Malouda, Anelka, and Lampard all combined neatly, with Anelka granted licence to strike again, only for the Brazilian shot-stopper to stand strong during the initial sparring.

Seven minutes before half-time and the home side were issued a warning that they would not be allowed to have it all their way, as Freddy Guarin, a Colombia international, met a looping cross but he guided his header the wrong side of the bar.

During added time, battling Ghanean Michael Essien sent a delicately dinked ball into Lampard's path. The Englishman, whose movements suggested he had been deployed "in the hole", passed to Salomon Kalou with aid of a well-judged chested cushion, but right back Jorge Fucile ensured the teams would enter the dressing rooms at half-time with their sheets still clean, as the Uruguayan timed his tackle impeccably.

Anelka spoiled any half-time team-talk that Jesualdo Ferreira issued, as the Frenchman executed an intuitive finish from 12 yards after Helton parried an initial effort.

On the hour mark, the probing Branislav Ivanovic found Kalou but Helton was on guard once more to nullify the threat.

Porto, hoping for rejuvenation in the latter stages, had a chance to level the scoreline 16 minutes from time as Guarin capitalised on a counter, but his skipped shot was denied entrance into Chelsea's net as headguarded goalkeeper Petr Cech saved with his feet.

A resiliant Porto display, though, was marred slightly with the sending off of midfielder Fernando, who was sent for an early bath after attracting a second yellow for a rash challenge on Ashley Cole. However, maximum points was no less than Chelsea deserved.

UEFA president Michel Platini advocates FIFA's imposed sanctions on Chelsea

2009-09-05T20:52:00.002+05:30

FIFA's decision to slap Chelsea with a ban from entering the transfer market for the next two windows - applicable until January 2011 - for their apparent poaching of French teenager Gael Kakuta, has received the support of UEFA president Michel Platini who has long opposed the transfers of younger players.

The west London side, as well as Kakuta, were also handed penalty fines for their involvement in the affair.

Platini, speaking to The Sun, explained that he supports any sanctions imposed on offenders, as the transfers, and the tapping-up of, youngsters must cease to exist.

"It's a Fifa decision but we're interested in what happens. It is necessary to make rules in the transfer market of young players. I say this not because Chelsea or another team is involved, but the illegal traffic of young players has to be stopped."

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea could also find themselves in further hot water for the manner in which they attempted to sign 11-year-old Jeremy Boga, who spent five years with amateur French club ASPTT Marseille.

FIFA ban Chelsea from signing players until 2011

2009-09-05T20:51:00.002+05:30

Chelsea have been found guilty of breaking rules by inducing a player to break his contract and as a result have been banned from signing players until 2011.

The breach of rules revolves around former Lens player Gael Kakuta who was adjudged to have breached his contract with the French club when he signed for Chelsea.

FIFA published a statement on their own website that announced the decision of their Dispute Resolution Chamber which announced huge punishments for both the club and player.

The statement read, "The DRC found that the player had indeed breached a contract signed with the French club. Equally, the DRC deemed it to be established that the English club induced the player to such a breach.

"As a result the player was condemned to pay compensation in the amount of EUR 780,000, for which the club, Chelsea, are jointly and severally liable, and sporting sanctions were imposed on both the player and Chelsea in accordance with art. 17 par. 3 and 4 of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

"A restriction of four months on his eligibility to play in official matches has been imposed on Kakuta. Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the two next entire and consecutive registration periods following the notification of the present decision.

"Furthermore, the club, Chelsea, have to pay Lens training compensation in the amount of EUR 130,000."

The Premier League outfit will not be able to sign any players until January 2011 and the player himself, who is yet to feature in the first team, has also received a ban of four months.

Kakuta, just eighteen-years-old was voted Chelsea's Academy Scholar of the Year by staff and peers, and enjoyed an eye-catching first year after signing on with the Blues.

Chelsea angered by signings ban

2009-09-04T11:27:00.001+05:30

Chelsea have been banned from signing any new players until January 2011.

The punishment was meted out by world governing body Fifa after the club was found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to break his contract with Lens in 2007.

A Fifa statement said the Blues would not be able to register new players in the next two transfer windows.

Chelsea insist they will "mount the strongest appeal possible" and say the sanctions are "totally disproportionate to the alleged offence".

A statement from the Premier League club, who will make their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), added: "We cannot comment further until we receive the full written rationale for this extraordinarily arbitrary decision."

Fifa's dispute resolution chamber (DRC) ruled French winger Kakuta, now 18, must also pay compensation of 780,000 euros (£682,000), for which Chelsea are "jointly and severally liable".

PHIL McNULTY'S BLOG
If Fifa actually believes Chelsea are the only club guilty of this particular offence in world football, then naivety is being stretched to its furthest point

Lens lodged a complaint with Fifa after Chelsea signed Kakuta two years ago.

Now the DRC has ruled the player breached his contract with Lens and Chelsea induced him to do so.

Fifa's statement said: "The French club had lodged a claim with Fifa seeking compensation for breach of contract from the player and requesting also sporting sanctions to be imposed on the player and the English club for breach of contract and inducement to breach of contract.

"The DRC found that the player had indeed breached a contract signed with the French club. Equally, the DRC deemed it to be established that the English club induced the player to such breach."

Chelsea must pay additional "training compensation" of 130,000 euros (£114,000) to Lens, while the player has been banned from playing in official matches for four months.

Kakuta ended 2007/8, his first season with Chelsea, as the youth team's top scorer and was voted the academy's player of the year.

He played five times for the youth team and twice for the reserves in his second season before it was brought to an abrupt end in February when he suffered a double fracture of his ankle.

The Lille-born youngster has never played for Chelsea's first team, although he is back to full fitness and has been featuring in the reserves this season.

Fifa's decision to ban Chelsea means they will not be able to sign players in the January and summer 2010 transfer windows.

The player was under contract with us, and they came and stole him away from us

Lens president Gervais Martel

"Chelsea are banned from registering any new players, either nationally or internationally, for the next two entire and consecutive registration periods," said the Fifa statement.

Lens president Gervais Martel said he felt the judgement was fair and would send out a warning message to any clubs breaking the rules.

"We expected this kind of decision. The player was under contract with us and they came and stole him away from us," he said.

"Chelsea didn't follow the rules. They contacted the player when he wasn't even 16 and while he had been contracted to our training group from the age of eight.

"The financial sanction isn't over the top given the nature of the infringement, but it's really quite significant when it comes to not being able to recruit players.

"It's an important message given that protecting up-and-coming youth players who are contracted to clubs is an issue being followed closely by Uefa president Michel Platini."

Fifa punished Switzerland's FC Sion for a similar offence in April and the club was told it could not sign players until the 2010 off-season.

This was punishment for signing Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary in 2008 before his deal with Al-Ahly had expired.

If I'm a lawyer advising my club, I would ensure at all times they are not seen to be inducing that breach of contract

Sports lawyer Oliver Hunt

Like Kakuta, El Hadary received a four-month ban from playing.

Sion have appealed to Cas, which has frozen the sanctions while it considers the case, allowing the club to trade before the current season began. A ruling is expected later this year.

In the meantime, Chelsea have found themselves in the firing line - and leading sports lawyers said the decision to punish the Blues is a warning shot to the game's biggest clubs.

"This is an example of Fifa showing just how important it views the regulations," Dan Harrington, of sports business law firm Couchman Harrington Associates, told the BBC.

"The ramifications at the club are potentially huge."

Chelsea were fined in 2005 by the Premier League for tapping up Arsenal defender Ashley Cole.

That case may have been a factor in Fifa's punishment, according to Adam Morallee, of London law firm Mishcon de Reya.

"With Ashley Cole it was £300,000, but it didn't matter," he said, referring to what is a relatively small sum for a club backed by billionaire Roman Abramovich.

"This does matter. It's a case of a governing body laying down a punishment that actually affects a big club."

If Chelsea have made a mistake on this one, it's a very, very heavy price to pay

Ex-Chelsea player Pat Nevin

Oliver Hunt, of online law, thinks clubs will think twice before inducing a player to break a contract.

"To be effectively banned from two transfer windows is a huge, huge sanction," he told the BBC.

"That sanction is in the regulations and people will now take it very, very seriously. If I'm a lawyer advising my club, I would ensure at all times they are not seen to be inducing that breach of contract."

Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 live that club's have been guilty of "tapping up" players for years.

"It has gone on forever," said the ex-Chelsea winger. "If it's done in a really subtle way, usually clubs can get away with it. If Chelsea have made a mistake on this one, it's a very, very heavy price to pay."

Terry pens five-year Chelsea deal

2009-09-04T11:26:00.000+05:30

Terry has made 276 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals

Chelsea captain John Terry has signed a new five-year contract which is reported to be worth £150,000 per week.

The defender was the subject of much transfer speculation in the summer, with claims of a £40m bid from Manchester City for the 28-year-old.

A statement on the official Chelsea website stated the club was "delighted" that Terry had signed the new deal.

It added that the move reaffirms the England skipper's desire to end his career at Stamford Bridge.

After prolonged rumours suggesting Terry was considering a move to Manchester City this summer, the centre-back eventually ended his silence by pledging his future to the club in July.

Terry was wanted by City boss Mark Hughes as a key part of the Manchester club's recent revolution that has seen them spend in excess of £120m on the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.

It was reported that City were willing to offer Terry £200,000 a week to sign for them.

City subsequently turned their attention to alternative defensive targets.

They signed Kolo Toure from Arsenal for £14m on 29 July and Terry's England colleague Joleon Lescott from Everton for £22m on 25 August.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti said in his first media conference after taking the reigns at the club that he would not consider selling Terry.

It was reported Terry wanted assurances from owner Roman Abramovich that the Londoners were still able to match his own ambitions before committing to the club.

So far this season, Terry has played every minute of Chelsea's 100% start to the season, which has seen them win four straight matches to top the Premier League along with Tottenham.

Terry has been with Chelsea since the age of 14 and has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and a Cup Winners Cup in the last 11 years, leading to his nickname of "Mr Chelsea".

He also led Chelsea to the Champions League final against Manchester United in 2008, although his missed penalty in the shoot-out after the teams had fought out a 1-1 extra time draw in Moscow allowed United to lift the European Cup instead.

Terry has made 276 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 17 goals and has been capped 54 times by England since his international debut in 2003.

Chelsea 3 - 0 Burnley

2009-09-04T11:23:00.000+05:30

High-flying Chelsea crushed Burnley with a destructive display of flowing football to make it maximum points in their first four Premier League games.

Burnley's Martin Paterson wasted an early chance but Nicolas Anelka hooked in the opener just before half-time after Didier Drogba's square pass.

Frank Lampard chipped in for Michael Ballack to head the second and Ashley Cole volleyed in a stunning third.

Burnley's Brian Jensen was inspired in goal as Chelsea eased to victory.

It had been 35 years since the two sides met in the top flight - a 2-1 win to Chelsea at Turf Moor in 1974 - and apart from a couple of early scares the result was never in doubt for the rampant Blues.

Despite claiming the scalps of Manchester United and Everton in an impressive start to their Premier League campaign, Burnley began the match like a team overawed in the company of their west London opponents.

On the same turf where they dumped Chelsea out of the Carling Cup last year in a penalty shoot-out, the Clarets could easily have conceded three times in the opening six minutes.

The best of these chances fell to Anelka, chosen as the second layer, alongside the effervescent Deco, of manager Carlo Ancelotti's 'Christmas tree' behind Drogba.

With Andre Bikey dithering on the ball, the French striker stole the ball and was through on goal but after Anelka's sloppy second touch, a relieved Jensen - impressive throughout - was able to smother the ball.

For all the confidence and swagger you would expect from a team who have not lost a league game since March, the hosts amazingly allowed Burnley to have two early opportunities.

Ancelotti - Our best match so far

Midfielder Chris McCann weaved his way through the defence and chipped wastefully over the bar, and then Paterson almost made Lampard pay for falling asleep on the edge of the box.

Defender Tyrone Mears nicked the ball off the English midfielder and squared the ball to Paterson who skewed his shot disappointingly wide of Peter Cech's right post.

The Blues, though, kept piling forward with Michael Essien and Deco dominating the midfield and it seemed only Jensen in the sticks was the only man capable of preventing a goal.

The Danish shot-stopper continued to take centre stage in the first-half, denying Ballack, a John Terry left-foot volley and a close-range blast from Lampard.

But with half-time looming, the opener arrived and fully deserved it was too.

The tireless Essien linked up well with Drogba down the right and after squaring a pass across to the back post, Anelka, under close supervision by defender Clarke Carlisle, slid the ball in off the right post.

It would have been a deflated away changing room and worse was to follow after their interval cups of tea.

Anelka, finding room on the left, fed in Lampard who chipped over to the German Ballack to head the ball firmly into the back of the net.

Coyle - We have to pick ourselves up

With the comfort of a two-goal lead, Burnley looked shocked and with the shackles removed from the hungry Chelsea players, another goal soon arrived making it three strikes in seven minutes either side of half-time.

Lampard was again involved and after a cute one-two, Cole burst into the box to volley a stunning strike into the top left corner to notch only the third goal for his club.

The Blue tide showed no sign of stopping with an Essien shot pushed wide by Jensen, and the keeper was immediately in the thick of the action, tipping over another Ballack header.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle had spent 88 minutes screaming at his hard-working but out-classed players, but as the match neared its finish, the lively Scot even found time to laugh as he watched Mears clear Salomon Kalou's effort off the line.

Chelsea defender John Terry:
"The overall performance, the work-rate, working for each other all over the pitch shows we are desperate to win this Premier League.

"In the first half we had a lot of chances and maybe should have scored more. They made it difficult and overall I thought we were fantastic."

Burnley boss Owen Coyle:
"Chelsea were the better side and deservedly got the three points. I was a bit disappointed.

"I thought we competed well in the first half and there was a suspicion of offside with the goal.

"Then we lost two early goals in the second half but in the first half we competed well and had a couple of opportunities."

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea: Drogba & Anelka Net In Craven Cottage Stroll

2009-08-24T14:05:00.000+05:30

Chelsea continued their excellent early season form with a comfortable 2-0 win over London neigbours Fulham this afternoon, to make it three wins out of three in the Premier League.

Didier Drogba scored his third of the season in the first half, before the Ivory Coast international played in his striker partner Nicolas Anelka to secure the win, and consign a lacklustre Fulham to a home defeat.

This was a match with little in the way of clear goal-scoring opportunities. Fulham are extremely well organised under Roy Hodgson, who prides his teams on being difficult to break down, while Chelsea under Carlo Ancelotti look as strong and as powerful as ever.

The Italian has been tinkering profusely with formations and personnel in order to find the right blend, and today was no different, with Michael Ballack preferred to Michael Essien in midfield, while Florent Malouda returned to replace Deco.

Fulham’s best opportunity arose in the opening exchanges of the match. Clint Dempsey, playing as an auxiliary striker today due to the absence of Andy Johnson, turned sweetly inside the area, but could only scoop his effort over the crossbar from an angle.

From that point on though, Chelsea looked comfortable, and while they were at no point their formidable best, they did enough to ensure that once they had managed to establish an advantage, they were never likely to let it slip.

Jon Obi Mikel fired in a sighter, that whizzed past Mark Schwarzer’s post before the Blues eventually secured the lead, thanks to the prolific Didier Drogba.

He strode confidently on to a through pass that split the Fulham rearguard, having kept himself just onside, before slamming the ball into the corner past Schwarzer, and giving Chelsea a deserved advantage.

In the second period, there was little more in the way of action in the final third. Ricardo Carvalho had to be vigilant to head away a long through ball as Demspey lurked behind him, while Lampard fired in a speculative effort that failed to trouble the Fulham goal.

However, Chelsea rarely looked in danger, and with 15 minutes left on the clock a slick move from Ancelotti’s men put the game to bed, and secured the points.

A first-time pass from Ballack found Drogba, who instantly controlled and played a teasing pass into the path of strike partner Nicolas Anelka, who duly walked the ball around the advancing Schwarzer and tapped into the empty net.

Chelsea, even this early in the campaign, have the hallmarks of a side that will be challenging for honours up until the dying embers of the season, and today they continued their hunt to wrestle the title from rivals Manchester United with another confident victory.

Chelsea 2-1 Hull City: Didier Drogba's Persistence Two Much For Tigers

2009-08-17T10:31:00.001+05:30

EPL: Didier Drogba, Chelsea v Hull City (PA)

The highly anticipated start to the 2009-10 Premier League season began in fiery fashion on Saturday lunchtime, as Chelsea entertained Hull City at Stamford Bridge with Stephen Hunt - the man whose challenge in a Reading shirt led to Petr Cech requiring the headgear that is now synonymous with his frame - pencilled in for potential catcalling by unforgiving Blues fans.

As had been widely expected, new manager Carlo Ancelotti fielded a strong line-up in the promised 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Frank Lampard sitting 'in the hole' behind powerfully-built nuisance box-player Didier Drogba and last season's Golden Boot winner Nicolas Anelka. Michael Essien - a driving engine from deep - initially lined up on the right, while Nigerian John Obi Mikel sat in front of a four-man defence that picked itself.

Hull City, meanwhile, would have gone into the game looking at damage limitation. Under the guidance of Phil Brown, the last season's Premier League new-boys won more points on away turf than they did at home, but any positive result gained at the bookies' favourite for the title would have surely been regarded as a bonus.

It did not take long for Republic of Ireland international Hunt to raise the hackles on the backs of the home crowd as, in the opening minute, he went in studs-up on Chelsea favourite Lampard.

Moments later, and the Blues could have gotten off to the perfect start as Drogba was gifted a pin-point opportunity from close-range to blast the ball into goal. The delivery from roaming right-back Jose Bosingwa - who needs no invitation to hurl himself forward - was met on the volley by Drogba, but he fired agonisingly wide of the mark.

Down the other end and Hull's patient build-up play began to pay dividends, after Chelsea were so dominant in possession, as a Hunt corner eventually fell to captain George Boateng but Cech - off-balance - managed to block the chance with his feet.

Ten minutes later Boateng was again trying to drive the Tigers forth and his blocked shot opened up a route through to goal for boo-boy Hunt and the former Royal, fresh from his summer transfer, silenced his west London critics by sneaking Hull City in front.

Chelsea equalised in the 37th minute as Drogba capitalised from set-play. The Ivory Coast hero opened up his right foot and accurately found the corner of goal after guiding the ball up-and-down the wall and past Boaz Myhill.

On The Hunt | Tiger Steph strikes on debut

Chelsea's midfield, despite containing four established members, was new in layout, yet Ancelotti must have been working hard on the fluency in training. Understanding was evident, communication had been key. When Mikel strode forward, Essien remained central, and Frank Lampard - a fierce box to box player last season - was again one of the most prominent players in the team's drive. The Italian boss, though, deemed Mikel to be worthy of replacement, as Ballack was brought on in the second half.

Chelsea could have gotten themselves in front within seconds of the commencement of the concluding half, as Drogba fed in Anelka, but the Champions League winner with Real Madrid shot tamely at Myhill. The Blues looked a lot livelier than they did in the opening stages, and the two-man strike partnership that had drawn criticism from some quarters appeared to be working in tandem.

The SW6 side were relentless in attack, and Anelka took it upon himself to try to penetrate through to a strikeable area, but the timing in the challenge of Andy Dawson - brother of Tottenham Hotspur's Michael - was impeccable.

Salomon Kalou was brought on with ten minutes to the game's death in order to win his outfit maximum points, and almost scored with his first touch when fellow sub Deco chipped the ball into his path, but the technically-gifted Ivorian headed high.

As Brown could be seen mock-laughing to himself that six minutes of added time would be played out, Drogba went on search for the winner, but some good defending from Turner denied Didier, however, that did not perturb the no. 11, as Deco - whose passing since his introduction to the game was nothing short of decisive - found Drogba on the left and the striker ingeniously dinked the ball over Myhill from an acute angle to give Ancelotti a winning start to life in England.

Chelsea 2-2 Manchester United (Chelsea Win 4-1 On Pens): The Blues Seal Penalty Shoot-Out Victory

2009-08-11T20:56:00.000+05:30

Chelsea were triumphant in today's Community Shield encounter on penalty kicks after their clash with Manchester United ended 2-2 after normal time.

Nani had given United the lead before goals from Ricardo Carvalho and Frank Lampard had seemingly clinched victory for the Blues, but a Wayne Rooney goal in injury time sent the match to spot kicks.

Carlo Ancelotti and his men were not to be denied, however, and they sealed a straightforward win on penalties after Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra both missed from twelve yards.

First Half

In what was an open and free-flowing encounter, both sides had a number of opportunities, with the Red Devils just edging the first-half in terms of possession and clear cut attempts on goal.

Chelsea, however should have taken the lead inside the first five minutes. Frank Lampard whipped in a tremendous delivery, finding Didier Drogba unmarked, but the Ivorian’s flick header found the crossbar via the head of Patrice Evra on the goal line.

The English champions then moved into the ascendency, and took the lead on ten minutes thanks to their mercurial Portuguese winger Nani.

The heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo on the United wing seized his chance, drifting inside from the right hand side to unleash a powerful shot that flew into Peter Cech’s net. The Czech stopper will undoubtedly feel he should have done better, with the ball flapping through his fingers, but it took nothing away from the vicious nature of the strike.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men looked to press home their advantage, and not long after Dimitar Berbatov broke clear on the right hand side. His floated cross was knocked back across goal by Wayne Rooney, and Park Ji Sung managed to get some kind of connection on his volley that Cech on this occasion did well to palm away.

Berbatov once again broke clear after a neat one-two with Park that left him in on goal and Jon Obi Mikel trailing in his wake, but Cech stayed big to block his effort and keep his side just one goal behind.

As the match edged towards half-time, the Londoners began to enjoy more sustained levels of possession without really showing any hint of penetration. Nicolas Anelka did well to shift and shoot low inside the area, but his shot drifted wide, and so ended the first half.

Second Half

Coach Carlo Ancelotti had set his Chelsea side up in a 4-4-2 diamond formation that his players looked uncomfortable employing in the opening period, but the second half belonged to the Italian and his players, and the equaliser arrived on 54 minutes.

Malouda played a teasing chip across goal and as Drogba jumped with the somewhat nervous Ben Foster, the ball broke to Ricardo Carvalho who accepted the gift to nod into the empty goal. 1-1, and probably a fair reflection of the game as a whole up until that point.

After the equaliser the contest became rather disjointed, but in the end it was Chelsea who moved into the lead, and the goal was a contentious one.

Patrice Evra was clearly blocked off on the left touchline by Michael Ballack, but with Wayne Rooney with the ball at his feet, referee Chris Foy waved play on. Evra remained flat out as Chelsea regained the ball and ignored pleas to knock out of play to allow the Frenchman to receive treatment. Drogba crossed to Frank Lampard, who drilled the ball into the net via the hand of Foster and the post. The Manchester United players protested, but to no avail – the goal stood and Chelsea had the advantage.

The Red Devils’ response was to make a quadruple substitution, with Giggs, Scholes, Owen and young Fabio entering the fray, but Chelsea appeared more likely to extend their lead. The ever-dangerous Drogba powered a low shot from the edge of the area that Foster instinctively smothered with his right hand.

The match looked to petering out to a Chelsea win, with United largely ineffectual in the closing moments as they laboured in their attempts to draw level.

But, as so often has been proven in the past, it is foolish to write off Manchester United, and in injury time they clinched a superb equaliser thanks to Wayne Rooney.

The imperious Ryan Giggs slipped through a beautiful pass into the path of the 23-year old, who drove in on goal and dinked the ball precisely over the despairing Cech.

No extra time is played in the Community Shield, and so we were straight to penalties. United entered the shoot-out with a mixed record, having lost to Everton in the FA Cup semi-final but defeating Spurs in the Carling Cup final, while Chelsea's agonising loss in the 2008 Champions League final was still fresh in the mind.

It was Chelsea who were to clinch the victory in the showpiece thanks to efficient penalty taking coupled with two dreadful efforts from Giggs and Evra, winning 4-1 and striking the first blow prior to the Premier League campaign commencing next weekend.

Reading 2-2 Chelsea: Blues Comeback Holds Royals

2009-08-02T14:02:00.004+05:30

Ancelotti
Brendan Rodgers, who learned at the feet of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, almost masterminded a win over the current Blues crop at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Chelsea had dominated the early moments, with John Terry heading over from a Frank Lampard corner and Deco, making a start despite much speculation over his future, seeing a penalty appeal turned down.

However, Jimmy Kebe gave Reading the lead less than ten minutes before the interval. Hal Robson-Kanu's effort bounced to the Malian off Ashley Cole, and the wide man was able to follow-up and stun the visitors.

Chelsea had their chances, though. Nicola Anelka had had a shot cleared off the line not long before Adam Federici saved well from Didier Drogba, but it was the Royals who struck first.

Before Carlo Ancelotti's side were able to regroup in the dressing room, Reading had doubled their advantage. Shane Long was brought down by a combination of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho as he charged through, allowing Scott Davies, impressive in midfield, to slot home the subsequent free-kick from the edge of the box.

After the interval, Chelsea would make numerous changes and continue to get closer to finally making the net bulge. However, Alex, Michael Essien and Drogba haven't quite found their touch in front of goal yet and couldn't take advantage of far better second half play.

However, the Premier League side showed good character to salvage a result in the dying moments of the contest.

First, Salomon Kalou latched onto a Mikel John Obi through-ball and chipped home.

Then, Alex Pearce was the unlucky one as his header turned Florent Malouda's last-gasp free-kick into his own net.

Reading: Federici, Rosenior, Cisse, Pearce, Bertrand, Gunnarsson (Bikey 45), Tabb (Harper, 56), Davies, Robson-Kanu (Hunt 45), Kebe (Henry 78), Long (Church, 56).

Chelsea: Cech (Turnbull 76), Ivanovic (Bosingwa 45), Terry, Carvalho (Alex 45), Cole, Essien (Belletti 63), Lampard, Mikel, Deco (Malouda 45), Anelka (Kalou 63), Drogba (Sturridge 63).

Pirlo to Chelsea

2009-08-01T19:29:00.003+05:30

Andrea Pirlo is just a signature away from becoming a Chelsea player after agreeing personal terms with the Premier League side.

According to Milan-based paper Il Giornale, the Italian international has been offered a four-year deal worth €6 million-per-season - the same amount he earns with the Rossoneri.

Roman Abramovich will also pay Milan between €18m and €20m for the player, who is dearly wanted by Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

A move has been propelled forward rapidly after the player's agent, Tulio Tinti, flew to London late on Friday night.

Tinti is in the capital to tie up the deal. Pirlo is then expected to fly to England on Monday morning, leaving his Milan team-mates behind at Milanello.

On Friday evening, Chelsea's press officer, Steve Atkins, claimed there was "nothing official" when asked about the speculation surrounding the Italian ace.

Despite the report from Il Giornale, neither Pirlo nor Milan have made a comment just yet.

John Terry: I'm staying! Chelsea offer captain £150k a week to see off Manchester City

2009-07-27T17:27:00.002+05:30

John Terry has snubbed Manchester City and committed his future to Chelsea, citing their ambition and Carlo Ancelotti among his key reasons for staying.

Terry ended weeks of speculation when he issued a statement from the team hotel here ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Club America of Mexico in which he said leaving ‘was never a possibility’.

It is a major blow to City manager Mark Hughes, who had identified the 28-year-old England captain as the man to lead the revolution at Eastlands and was ready to pay him £250,000 a week.

Chelsea are expected to open talks with Terry on improved terms for the remaining three years of his contract and, although owner Roman Abramovich is not prepared to go anywhere near City’s offer, he will make him the club’s highest earner, above Frank Lampard, on more than £150,000 a week.

Terry said: ‘There has been a lot of speculation recently about my future, and I want to clear this up once and for all. I am totally committed to Chelsea and always have been.

‘Chelsea have also made it clear to me consistently that there was never any intention to accept any kind of offer.

‘When you are linked with any club, or with a manager who I have huge respect for, it will always make headlines, but me leaving Chelsea was never a possibility.

‘I know there has been comment that I should have made a statement earlier.

‘However, throughout this period, there have been numerous discussions between myself, the owner and the Chelsea board, and we all agreed that the timing of any statement would suit everyone involved in those talks, not any outside influences or agendas.

‘What is clear to me following those discussions is that Chelsea’s ambition remains as high as ever.

'This has been further proved by the appointment of manager Carlo Ancelotti. I am certain he will take this club on to the next level.

‘Another important factor was knowing Chelsea would be securing key current players for the long term. The strengthening of the squad around this core is crucial to pushing us on to greater success.

‘I’m as committed as ever to helping drive Chelsea forward and I will be proud to lead the team for as long as I can.’

It is understood Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery is high on the list of targets wanted to strengthen the squad. Hughes will take little consolation from the fact that City went close to luring Terry.

The Chelsea skipper was certainly tempted by the financial offer and the brand new challenge but there is no guarantee when City will be able to offer Champions League football to their recruits.

It is the second major public snub for City, who tried and failed to land Kaka in January.

They have spent £80million this summer on Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz but still need reinforcements in defence.

It appears a £15m deal for Arsenal’s Kolo Toure is close, though Hughes is expected to intensify his efforts to sign Everton’s Joleon Lescott while he may also turn to West Ham defender Matthew Upson after missing out on Terry.

Terry later added in an TV interview: 'Yes of course, I've put a statement out today, and it's been a long time since I said anything but there were talks between myself and the club, a few things I wanted to get resolved and I think the club made it quite clear early on they weren't interested in a bid.

'We had discussions about that, about a few players staying which was very important for me. Once we got those issues out of the way which we have done now it is finally time to make a statement and move on and get the lads settled.'
Carlo Ancelotti, John Terry

Key factor: Terry says the appointment of Ancelotti was integral to his staying at Stamford Bridge

'We've had a good pre-season so far, a couple of wins and now we can concentrate on the football side of things.'

When quizzed on why he allowed the saga to roll on without making his own feelings clear, the England skipper said:''I was on holiday when I got the call from Peter [Kenyon] to tell me about Man City. I've been here for 14 years now, I want to keep it that way and win a lot more trophies here.

'Roman was out of the country, I wanted to have talks with him and Peter, Peter was busy trying to do things for the Football Club so it's hard to get everyone together at the same time.

'I was on holiday and was due back four days later so we arranged to meet and we had a few meetings back in London and a couple here as well since we have been in America and finally it has all been resolved and we can move on now.'
Frank Ribery (R) of Bayern Munich

French fancy: Ribery is the next Chelsea target

The centre half added that he understood the fears of the fans but reassured them that he never intended to leave Stamford Bridge.

'Of course, I've known all along the outcome of all events, it's just a case of taking its time and getting it right. It's a case of doing things correctly and we feel as though from a club and personal point of view we have done things how we wanted to do things, we haven't reacted to the press and come out an done a statement to please them, we have done things right and that has been key because people have been out of the country.
True Blue: Terry can now focus on Chelsea's quest for honours this season

True Blue: Terry can now focus on Chelsea's quest for honours this season

'I've been trying to concentrate on pre-season and keeping fit, Peter has been away and it has been difficult to sit down and have proper talks but we can move on now.'

'I've been here 14 years and the manager has made me captain and hopefully for the years ahead. I've had a great rapport with the fans since I came through and they have played a massive role in where I am today and I think that relationship will never be broken between us.'

Terry was also eager to stress the Ancelotti-factor was important in persuading him to stay.

'I've been really impressed [with Ancelotti], and as a man as well. I've had conversations with him on the training field and his knowledge speaks for itself.

'He has been very successful as a player and a manager and he can relate to the players playing nowadays and I think that will be key in the season ahead of us.

'He was a proper player, he lets us know and joins in a bit as well. He says he didn't have much ability but I think he is undermining himself a little bit, and he has a great respect in the game for what he has done as a player and as a manager.'

'We are fortunate to have him and everyone is fighting for their places again. For people who were out of the frame last year it's a chance for them to wipe the slate clean and maybe push for a place in the team, so things are buzzing around the camp at the moment.'

The Chelsea captain also had a few words of praise for the latest additions to the Chelsea squad.

'Yes, they've done well, come in and done their songs.

'"Studge" [Daniel Sturridge] wasn't bad at all, he's got a good voice on him, Yuri [Zhirkov] is quite a shy lad but great ability and Ross [Turnbull] as well. It's great to have him in addition to the other two keepers. We've made some good signings in the summer and we'll be seeing them playing a key part in Chelsea's success this season.

'Liverpool, Man United have lost big players, we haven't and we are looking to strengthen as well. The ambition of the club has really impressed me and the other guys and we are pushing in the right direction of where we want to be, pushing for the Premiership and the Champions League again, and the other trophies available to us.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1202284/John-Terry-Im-staying-Chelsea-offer-captain-150k-week-Manchester-City.html#ixzz0MSbANoQH

Chelsea Two Good For Club America

2009-07-27T17:11:00.003+05:30

Franco Di Santo
Chelsea claimed a 2-0 win over Club America in Arlington, Texas, thus sealing their place atop the standings in the World Football Challenge.

It was the English who had the first clear chance of the game, and early on too. A dangerous cross from Salomon Kalou gave young Daniel Sturridge a glorious opportunity in the ninth minute - but the new boy's touch let him down and the effort looped over.

It didn't take America long to get into the game, however, and they gradually won the ascendancy as Enrique Esqueda, in particular, gave the Blues' back line a headache or several.

The young Mexican attacker was ubiquitous as America began to slice through the Londoners, especially down the flanks, and could have put his side ahead in the 22nd minute. His side-foot shot, though, bent agonisingly wide.

Chelsea picked up their intensity as the half progressed, however, and were clearly the dominant side as the whistle neared. Kalou hammered a Florent Malouda set-piece into the woodwork in the 35th minute, and Ricardo Carvalho did the same just moments later.

Still, it was goalless as the interval arrived. Carlo Ancelotti made a number of changes for the start of the second 45, with Andriy Shevchenko replacing Daniel Sturridge, Franco di Santo on for Scott Sinclair, and Hilario making way for Ross Turnbull.

The two sides traded some promising, but ultimately fruitless, attacks after the restart - Shevchenko getting involved for the Pensioners, CA sub Joaquin Marquez threatening to open things up at the other end.

Chelsea, who had thus far been untroubled by set-pieces, were lucky not to concede from such a play just after the hour. Salvador Cabanas couldn't quite get his head on a looping free kick, which proceeded to ricochet off the upright.

And yet it was Ancelotti's men who, on 75 minutes, got the breakthrough. Ashley Cole - only just introduced - fed Malouda, who then found Di Santo streaming through the America defence to poke home from close range.
Glory boys: John Terry lifts Chelsea's reward for winning the tournament

Three minutes later, it was 2-0, as the assistant and scorer of the first goal exchanged roles. The young Argentine cut back towards Claudio Pizarro, who left it for Malouda stroke into an unguarded net.

Their spirits shattered, the Mexicans could not find an answer as Chelsea maintained their advantage to claim top spot in the World Football Challenge.

Chelsea 2 (Di Santo 75', Malouda 78')
Club America 0

Zhirkov Nets Chelsea a Win Against AC Milan

2009-07-25T23:00:00.001+05:30

BALTIMORE, July 24 -- Oguchi Onyewu jogged toward the sideline, removing his warmup gear as he headed toward midfield, and the crowd rose along with him, recognizing the U.S. international as he prepared to enter for AC Milan in a friendly against English power Chelsea.

The sellout crowd of 71,203 at M&T Bank Stadium stood and roared its approval as Onyewu's No. 14 lit up in green on the referee's glowing board at midfield, and the Sherwood graduate entered for just his second appearance with the Rossoneri.

But just two minutes after his warm entrance, Onyewu's homecoming was spoiled on a shot by Chelsea's Yuri Zhirkov following a frantic flurry of shots near the top of the box that gave Chelsea a 2-1 win.

And though Onyewu nearly played hero with a 90th-minute header that missed wide left, he was instead left still searching for his first win with his new club.

The fans came out en masse in Baltimore, arriving well before kickoff and filling in the stands 90 minutes prior to the first kick.

As the two starting lineups filed into the stadium, a survey of the purple seats showed nary a supporter without a camera or cellphone raised to capture the moment. And in the first half the crowd was treated to the world class soccer they sought.

Two brilliant goals in the first 45 minutes were worth the admission alone, the first a 35-yard laser from Chelsea forward Didier Drogba that found the upper corner on the far post. The second, Milan's equalizer, a powerful shot from the seemingly ageless Clarence Seedorf on top of the 18-yard box on a feed from Brazilian star Ronaldinho, who held off a defender and touched back to the Dutch midfielder.

Ronaldinho, who was greeted with the loudest cheers during player introductions, seemed aware of the need to entertain the fans, showing his brilliance all over the field at different moments -- a bicycle-kick attempt inside the box that caromed off a teammate and a cheeky hop-touch pass in the first half and a nutmeg of a defender and curling free kick off the crossbar in the second.
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But it was Chelsea's Juliano Belletti that received the first cheers from the crowd for his on-field actions when a blistering shot from distance forced a sprawling save from Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac in the third minute.

Four minutes later, however, Drogba put the crowd on its feet.

Chelsea's John Terry played a quick pass to the Ivory Coast native about 40 yards from net on the right side, and Drogba took two touches toward goal before unleashing a shot to the far corner and past a helpless Kalac, then stood straight up in admiration of his own work.

Milan pushed in search of an equalizer, and in the 20th minute Andrea Pirlo's shot forced a kick save from Petr Cech. The save left a rebound in the box and Ronaldinho promptly sent it back towards net on a bicycle attempt that was blocked unintentionally by teammate Marco Borriello.

In the 29th minute, Borriello got on the end of a pass on the right side of the box and as Cech slid out to make the save, the 27-year-old Italian instead stepped over the ball, turning his back, and touched it to Seedorf.

With Cech out of the net, Seedorf chipped toward the far post, but the ball caromed off the crossbar and out.

Nine minutes later, however, Ronaldinho did well to hold of a defender and again laid a ball back into the path of the 33-year-old Seedorf. This time the veteran made no mistake, crushing a shot past Cech, who managed to get a touch on the ball but not enough to keep it out.

The second half brought more brilliance between the two skillful midfielders as Seedorf played a quick one-two with Ronaldinho. The Brazilian's return pass was chipped slightly in the air and, leaping, Seedorf one-timed a half-volley that didn't miss the far upper corner by much.

Ronaldinho provided another sampling of his skill in the 58th minute, curling a right-footed free kick over the wall and past Cech only for it to ring off the crossbar and out.

But despite Milan's entertaining play, they remained winless in the World Football Challenge thanks to Zhirkov, who found the back of the net on a rebound after shots by Andriy Shevchenko and Frank Lampard were turned away.

Chelsea beats Inter Milan, 2-0, at Rose Bowl

2009-07-23T14:03:00.002+05:30

Didier Drogba, right, of Chelsea is hugged by teammate Salomon Kalou after Drogba's first-half goal against Inter Milan.
Didier Drogba as goal scorer? Sure. Happens all the time.

Drogba as peacemaker? Not so common, but it happened at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday night.
Drogba as fantasist, inventor of surprising passes and superlative moves? Sure. Apparently there isn't much the Ivory Coast international is not capable of doing on a soccer field.

Tormentor of referees? User of sometimes shocking language? Yes, also true, but there are few who would claim Chelsea's 31-year-old striker is not worth the price of admission.

On Tuesday, 81,224 showed up in Pasadena's Arroyo Seco to watch Drogba and the rest of the Blues defeat Italian champion Inter Milan, 2-0, in a first-rate international friendly.

Drogba scored the first goal, combining vision with touch to steer the ball just inside the right post from 30 or more yards a mere 10:22 into the match.

Frank Lampard grabbed the second goal, confidently stroking a penalty kick past Vid Belec, Inter's 19-year-old Slovenian goalkeeper, in the 50th minute after Inter's Ivan Cordoba had been called for handling the ball.

It seemed a harsh call by referee Ricardo Salazar because Cordoba had turned his back on the play when the ball struck him. He did not appear to intentionally handle the ball.

But back to Drogba.

There isn't a soccer fan who will not remember him from May's run-in with Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after Chelsea had been knocked out in the semifinals of the European Champions League by eventual champion Barcelona.

Scenes of Drogba's wild-eyed tirade against the referee were beamed around the world. Viewers in Britain were also treated, much to their surprise, to the colorful language he used.

Drogba was given a suspension for that meltdown and will miss some of Chelsea's early Champions League matches in the upcoming season that begins next month.

On Tuesday, however, he was keeping the peace.

About 20 minutes into the game, as both were chasing the ball, Lampard sent Inter Milan defender Nicholas Burdisso crashing head-first into the advertising boards to the right of the goal.

Burdisso was ready to take Lampard on right there and then, but Drogba intervened and the incident was over.

Quicker to the ball, smoother in its passing and closer to its Aug. 15 English Premier League season opener than Inter Milan is to its own Serie A opener a week later, Chelsea carried the game to the Italian champions.

Not surprisingly, Drogba was involved in most of the first-half highlight moments.

He looked to be in mid-season form, and perhaps he is because reports Tuesday suggested that, rather than being traded away as was rumored earlier this year, the veteran forward is about to sign a contract extension with Chelsea.

New Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has moved over to Chelsea from AC Milan, must like what he sees in Drogba.

Inter Milan Coach Jose Mourinho, who coached Chelsea to two Premier League titles before being released in 2007, could have told Ancelotti of Drogba's quality.

"It's easy for a coach to work with a player that has this type of character," Mourinho said this year, "because he is someone born to work, to win, to be loyal, a friend, a team player."

Drogba played only the first half Tuesday, but that was enough for the largest crowd to see a soccer game in Southern California since the U.S. defeated China in the 1999 Women's World Cup final, also at the Rose Bowl, and the biggest for men's soccer since the 1984 Olympics.

Chelsea sinks Seattle 2-0

2009-07-19T11:42:00.003+05:30

Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge (right) takes on Jhon Kennedy Hurtado of Seattle.
In his first game in charge of the club, Carlo Ancelotti selected an almost full-strength starting XI, with Deco curiously being deployed as a holding midfielder.

John Terry, strongly linked with a move to Manchester City for the past two weeks, was given parity with Alex at the heart of the defence, while Daniel Sturridge played alongside Nicolas Anelka up front.

And it would be Sturridge, the club's only debutant in action, who broke the deadlock, when he found the net on 11 minutes with a low effort after being played in by Deco.

The Portugal international was, in fact, one of Chelsea's most inspired players, having created chances on goal on a number of occasions from his holding position, sending Ancelotti a clear message that he is ready for the Premier League challenge.

In the 35th minute, Chelsea doubled their lead as Sturridge's reverse pass found Anelka, who served Frank Lampard with a cut-back for the midfielder's close-range finish.

At the interval, Ancelotti made a total of nine changes to the team, keeping just Lampard and Michael Ballack from his starting line-up.

Chelsea came close to adding a third on 56 minutes but Franco Di Santo's close-range effort was denied by Seattle goalkeeper Terry Boss' reflex save.

Hilario, who had come on for Petr Cech, was not having a good day and Seattle almost scored in the 73rd minute, when Sanna Nyass attempted to send the ball over the Portuguese keeper but his effort went narrowly over the bar.

It was a good first test for Ancelotti, who was certaintly impressed by the contribution of Deco in a position he is not familiar with. Sturridge and Di Santo proved they are ready to challenge for a place in the Blues' attack.

Ancelotti has Faith in Terry

2009-07-18T19:17:00.002+05:30

JT is staying
The Blues skipper tops Manchester City's summer wish list and the big spenders have already had a £30million bid rejected.

But Ancelotti is confident the 28-year-old centre-back has no intention of quitting Stamford Bridge.

He said: "I am sure he will remain at Chelsea.

"I am sure, 100 per cent. He has a contract for three years more."

Despite continued speculation about Terry's future, his team-mates insist it has not affected the England man's focus.

Keeper Petr Cech said: "He's the same captain he was three months ago, five months ago, one year ago, five years ago, so I don't see any difference.

"I don't have to ask him because I can see with my eyes he is committed."

Striker Salomon Kalou added: "He doesn't pay attention to the rumours.

"Maybe if he was paying attention it might disturb a little bit of the team.

"But you can tell he is not disturbed by this situation."

Sounders set for Premiership power Chelsea

2009-07-18T19:10:00.004+05:30

Chelsea ready 2 meet American Rivals
It was the foreign dignitary treatment, blue lights flashing and sirens chirping.

The three police officers on motorcycles cleared a path this morning down Alaskan Way leading a tan bus filled with blue jerseys toward the Seahawks' posh practice facility in Renton.

The Chelsea side had arrived.

The 104-year-old club owned by a Russian, chaired by an American and managed by an Italian will be running over the imported grass Saturday at Qwest Field. As part of its four-match American tour, the Blues will face Sounders FC on Saturday at noon, the only MLS matchup for the 2008-09 third-place finishers in the Premier League.

On the bus this morning were names with worldwide recognition. Midfielder Michael Ballack, the German national team captain and potent international scorer. Didier Drogba, the strongman from the Ivory Coast with headers as lethal as any in the world. Michael Essien, the versatile Ghanaian who is the most expensive African footballer in history. Frank Lampard, the club's all-time leading scorer from the midfield, just the second midfielder in Premier League history to score more than 100 goals. Nicolas Anelka, the Frenchman who led the Premier League in goals last season.

But none are more central to the cause than John Terry. Terry, the center back and captain of Chelsea as well as the English national team, is "under siege" as one British reporter put it, from rival Manchester City. The secondary of Manchester's two clubs is after Terry's services and willing to pay an unheard of amount of 200,000 pounds a week. That's roughly $326,000 a week.

There's also a new head man feeling the pressure, though the club has yet to play under him. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has been at the helm since June 1, one day after the mutual termination of his contract with Milan. He's the club's fifth manager in 21 months.

"The pressure is on them, as always," Sounders forward and London native Steve Zakuani said. "For us, as a team, it's a chance to have fun. The result isn't too important."

What is there for the younger Sounders -- Kasey Keller and Freddie Ljungberg having dealt with the Blues in Europe -- is a chance for personal assessment. Zakuani, often too fast for his MLS counterparts, will be trying to run past 10-year veterans of the Premiership. Fredy Montero will test his stepovers and trickery against international stars. Yes, the intensity of the match will be turned down. Sigi Schmid said the Sounders will play everyone, including Ljungberg, who injured his ankle in training Thursday. But it will be a proving ground just the same.

"Just get a bit of perspective," Zakuani said of playing the upper level of Europe. "You dream about it, dream about it, and never really know how far off you are. But when they're right there on your own pitch, then you can see it."

Zakuani's perspective will not include viewing the African players on the Chelsea side. Drogba, Essien, Salomon Kalou and Obi Mikel are unlikely to play after joining the club late. Though Ancelotti promised many of his stars will see the pitch Saturday.

One of those will be Petr Cech, Chelsea's keeper for the last six years. Cech was in Seattle in 2004, when the Blues defeated Celtic 4-2, during another tour of friendly matches. Cech said things stateside and for Chelsea have since changed.

"It's not something we can compare at this moment because soccer in the USA (has) gain(ed) a lot of supporters and has made a lot of progress since 2004," Cech said. "I think Chelsea has made a huge step forward in being (a) worldwide known club and I think you can see that here this year that we brought many more supporters."

Proof of that was in the form of a blue-clad line outside of Qwest Field prior to the open Chelsea training session. Around 2,000 people waited to pour into the stadium and shout encouragement to Terry and the Blues. Among them a local couple in blue Chelsea jerseys hauling their young daughter on their back. Her name? Chelsea, naturally.

Even the Sounders' famous owners were there to take a peak. Hollywood titans Joe Roth and Drew Carey showed up to the training.

The process feels more of good show than strict competition. Zakuani, Keller, Ljungberg all contend the result is of little relevance, and the experience is the bigger issue. For Chelsea, despite it's maniacal supporters and ever-dredging press, the feeling is the same.

Though a match against a MLS expansion team, it's the first preseason go. Would a 10-0 Sounders win cause rumblings in West London? Of course. A close loss? Not so much.

But a win for the Sounders would have it's benefits in Zakuani's eyes. After all, this is an MLS side, not the police-led cash cows from the Premiership.

"Any victory the MLS can get is good for the awareness and respect back (in London)," Zakuani said. "I personally don't think the level is that far as they make it, but, I think with a Chelsea and a (Barcelona) it can be. But the rest of the teams, not so.

"If you can knock off a team like Chelsea and people see that result flash across the screen, people will be like, 'Who are these guys?' I think it's good for the awareness of the league."

No untouchables at Chelsea, says Carlo Ancelotti

2009-07-18T10:22:00.001+05:30

Carlo Ancelotti, the Chelsea manager, will employ a different philosophy to previous managers

Carlo Ancelotti intends to drive Chelsea yet further away from the culture of "untouchables" employed by the club's most successful manager, Jose Mourinho, after admitting no player will be guaranteed a place in his starting line-up.

Mourinho, who rapidly became Ancelotti's nemesis after taking over at Internazionale last season, had listed nine players – Michael Essien, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Petr Cech – he effectively considered to be undroppable midway through his third year at the club. All but one of those remain, but Ancelotti appears to have placed his faith in a squad system.

"I don't want to choose my first-team," said the Italian, who takes charge of his first match, against the Seattle Sounders, tomorrow. "I think Chelsea is a great team because it has 25 great players, and for me it is impossible to choose the first-team. It may be never I want to choose. I want 25 players that can play well for Chelsea."

The other managers employed since Mourinho departed Stamford Bridge in September 2007 – Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink – had all picked relatively settled sides over their brief periods and it seems inconceivable that Ancelotti will not rely on a core group of players as he comes to terms with the Premier League. Yet the Italian, who says his English is improving after overseeing 15 training sessions, concedes he had been surprised at the level of professionalism and drive within the squad.

"Most important I found a very good team with quality, and a very good mental attitude to the job," he said. "They work and concentrate very hard. I like [this] and, for me, it is a surprise because I didn't think to find this situation. I am very happy for this because teamwork is the most important thing to win. The training is very hard, different to Italy. Here the players run very hard and this is also a surprise for me."

Ancelotti is understood even to have requested Italian journalists who have contacted him since his appointment to speak English. "The language is not so easy but I think I am improving every day, because I speak always in English," he said. "I have a lot of meetings where I speak English and now is better than 10 days ago. It has not been a problem to speak with the players. They help me, speak slowly and I understand. It is no problem. I live in a nice house, in a nice place and I have seen London two times, shopping and as a tourist – all very good."

Chelsea will take on Ancelotti's former club, Milan, and Inter during the pre-season tour with the focus inevitably drawn to his latest meeting with Mourinho. "I don't play against Mourinho, also I don't play against Inter, it's a friendly match," he added. "I want to see my team play well and win because that's important.

"The Milan game is a particular game for sure, but it's the same. I want to see against Milan a fantastic moment. For sure, it will be strange because I never played against Milan in the last eight years, but it can be a success."

Drogba and Bosingwa bans reduced

2009-07-18T10:15:00.004+05:30

The Convicted

Chelsea pair Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa have had their European bans reduced by one match by Uefa.

Striker Drogba was suspended for "offensive comments" made when reacting to his side's Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona in May.

However, Drogba, 31, successfully pleaded his case in person alongside team-mate Bosingwa, 26, who had his ban reduced from three matches to two.

A suspended ban for another two games is still in place for Drogba.

Bosingwa, who was suspended for offensive comments about Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo, also has a one-match suspended ban.
The suspended bans will be deferred for a probationary period of three years.

Uefa confirmed Chelsea will be fined £86,000 for the club's failings in the incident.

"The 100,000 euros fine imposed against Chelsea by the Uefa control and disciplinary body remains confirmed (as the club withdrew their appeal), for the improper conduct of their players and the throwing of missiles by their supporters at the match against Barcelona," said a Uefa statement.

"We're happy with the outcome and we've had a fair hearing," said Chelsea lawyer Jim Sturman.
Drogba in Action
Referee Ovrebo, who also appeared at the hearings, denied several penalty appeals in the match at Stamford Bridge.

And the referee said the post-match incidents were "regrettable and occurred only because of the high emotions and frustrations which arose from the disappointment of a controversial defeat in such an important game."

Ivory Coast forward Drogba, who has also been fined £15,000 by Uefa, will now miss the first three of Chelsea's Champions League games this season while Bosingwa, who was fined £10,000, will miss the first two.

Chelsea Suffer Midfield Blow As Joe Cole Suffers Further Injury

2009-07-18T10:13:00.000+05:30

Joe Cole looking worse for wear in Chelsea's FA Cup replay with Southend United
Chelsea and England attack-minded midfielder Joe Cole, who had been recovering following a serious knee injury - the same sustained by club team-mates Michael Essien and Paulo Ferriera - has had to undergo another operation in order to help aid his rehabilitation.

Cole was a notable absentee from the Blues' potentially money-spinning pre-season tour of the United States of America, as he had minor surgery that intended to correct a minor meniscus tear in his right knee.

The club's official website confirmed, "In light of his previous surgery, excellent rehab and recent return to full training, this is only a minor setback and we expect Cole to return to full training in approximately one month."

Cole developed the injury, a rupture to his anterior cruciate ligament, during a victorious FA Cup clash against minnows Southend United in January (pictured).

The seriousness of his continued absence perhaps adds further credence to the speculation that the west Londoners are in the market for Aston Villa flanker Ashley Young.

Premier League Team Of The Decade 2000-2010

2009-07-18T10:04:00.001+05:30

Terry - Chelsea 1998-
Courtesy :: Goal.com

This has been the decade in which the Premier League's brand building has come good. The early years bore little fruit on the world stage, but now, the money is rolling in and the football is a force to be reckoned with.

English clubs currently set the marker in European competition, both tactically and technically, with many other clubs having to follow their blueprint to keep pace.

This is, in no small part, due to the squad depth afforded by the top clubs in England, not to mention their consistent acquisition of top coaches and, perhaps post-Mourinho Chelsea notwithstanding, sticking by their man.

On top of that, it might also be worth mentioning the absolutely outstanding players to take into account, as well. Only two managed to win the Ballon d'Or - one of whom doesn't even make the XI - but this has been a league saturated with stars; a trend that, regardless of Real Madrid's Nuevo Galacticos, only looks like continuing in the decade to come.

Formation: 3-5-2

Shay Given (Newcastle United & Manchester City)

The only player to make the grade that has never played for one of the 'big four', but he has played in the Champions League. Yes, it was closer to the beginning of the decade, back when Newcastle weren't ... well, in the Championship ... but Shay Given has been nothing short of outstanding all decade.

Some have even gone as far as to declare him the best goalkeeper in the world, which is perhaps an accolade too far, but his consistent heroics, outstanding shot-stopping and leadership have been enough to see him past the likes of Petr Cech (due in part to his unfortunate injury).

His loyalty to Newcastle proved finite right towards the end of the decade, when they approached their ultimate low and Manchester City, with their party-crashing ambitions and promises of greatness, proved too great a lure to resist. His performances haven't let up - already proving a hero in vain in the failed UEFA Cup campaign - but his aim now will simply be to get back into the Champions League before hanging up his gloves.

Rio Ferdinand (West Ham United, Leeds United & Manchester United)

One of several outstandingly talented English talents from the West Ham youth system, Rio made the switch to a high-flying Leeds side at the beginning of the decade for a mammoth £18m, a British transfer record, when he was still just 21. And a defender.

The last thing Leeds would have been expecting was to make almost a 40 per cent profit after just two seasons. He got even better, and fast, before Manchester United broke the British transfer record for a second time, and also saw Rio overtake the legendary Lilian Thuram to become the most expensive defender in the world for a second time.

And now, after seven seasons at Old Trafford, he has done it all. Following the decline of legendary Italian duo, Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta, Rio became considered by many to be the best centre-back in the world on his way to leading the Red Devils and then lifting the Champions League in 2008, completing his journey to the pinnacle of club football off the back of skilful, effortless, yet athletic and domineering defending.

Sol Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal & Portsmouth)

Something of a forgotten man since joining Portsmouth in 2006, it cannot be forgotten what an incredible defender Sol Campbell was in his prime. Having already made his name as one of the best defenders in the country in the previous decade with Spurs, he was being courted by Barcelona, no less, before controversially opting instead to join Arsenal, reigniting the bitter local rivalry that needed no reignition.

Let that not detract from his simply incredible performances for the Gunners during his five seasons with the club. He was part of the Invincibles side, winning two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups, and of course scoring in a Champions League final, his final ever game for the club, that was to end in defeat.

Even when labelled past it when joining Portsmouth at the age of 30, he has upheld a marked level of consistency, even if he was eventually ousted from the national team by John Terry. Sol has rarely looked short of class, and testimony to his influence is that Arsenal have yet to truly replace his calming and confident presence at the back.

John Terry (Chelsea)

For fun, I was half-way tempted to add Manchester City, with a little question mark, to the club in brackets above, but we all know that just wouldn't be right. John Terry is the first of three one-club men to make it into this list, and it would take a brave man, despite the speculation and despite his silence, to bet against him finishing his career as one.

He rose through the ranks at Chelsea as an archetypal die-hard English defender and carved himself a real niche as one of the best of his kind out there. Elegance and grace he might not have in abundance, but his bottomless reserve of determination and energy have always led him to success.

Now 28, Terry is captain of his club and country, with the only major blight in his career being a slip on the soaking wet Moscow turf that sent an otherwise perfect penalty - that had wrong-footed Edwin van der Sar - six inches too wide, off the post and out. It would have won the Champions League, completing Terry's club trophy haul. He remains determined to bounce back, and continues to be one of the most consistent, match-saving defenders in the league.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

The first player in the XI to have gone abroad - there are three more - but none managed it with quite such a level of accompanying awe-inspiring media coverage. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the Premier League just 18 years of age still skilful but erratic, and left probably the most complete attacking player in the world, for an all-time record-smashing £80m, to his boyhood club, Real Madrid.

The way in which United, kings of English football, were made to feel small by the Portuguese did his local reputation few favours, and nor did his perceived persona as an arrogant superstar, but his performances eventually won over everyone in the league, the country and grudgingly, the world.

Having narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Kaka in 2007, he ran away with it in 2008, following that 42-goal season - all this after the World Cup winking allegations had threatened to cut short his United career. His desire to be the best and incredible work ethic allowed him to get there. He won it all, was absolutely instrumental the whole way, and left on top - just as he will have wanted.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

The only outfield player to make it into the Premier League team of the decade without having won the Premier League, Steven Gerrard has done everything but. He has in the past been regarded as a one-man team, though now he has some pretty handy team-mates for company, and is edging ever closer to that one title that has eluded him all this time.

Yes, Gerrard has also won the Champions League, of course, without being a champion. His role in every significant Liverpool triumph over the years, none less so than Istanbul, has been quite literally unbelievable. Very few can produce the goods on demand quite like him: the big goals, the big runs, even the big tackles from time to time.

As his team-mates have increased in calibre, so has his own play. It would be fair, to a degree, to say that the 29-year-old was something of a typical English midfielder, with the stamina, work ethic, and big shot - but his awareness and passing, both short and long, have come on leaps and bounds. As a player, he will struggle to get any better - and he won't be in this team ten years from now - but he won't worry about that for so much as a second as long as he has a Premier League title to show for it, come quitting time.

Patrick Vieira (Arsenal)

Vieira arrived at Highbury little known to the English public, but the fact he had been signed by Milan just a year previous should have made it somewhat obvious that he was far from a nothing player. Indeed, he fast became the driving force behind Arsenal's midfield and the leader of their charge to the pinnacle of Premier League football. It takes a lot to beat Makelele into any XI, and it was Vieira's uncontainable influence that did just that.

Strong, athletic and just that little bit skilful, Vieira made all the right moves in midfield to make his opponents look ordinary. Perhaps only one player can take greater credit for Arsenal's golden era than Vieira - and we all know who that is - and the only real low point in the midfielder's Arsenal career was his penalty miss in the 2001 UEFA Cup final, which contributed to the Gunners' heartbreaking defeat.

Nevertheless, the man courted in consecutive summers by Real Madrid's Galacticos captained the Gunners during their unbeaten league season . He was the heartbeat of Arsenal at their peak - silverware came and went with him - so it's no surprise Arsene Wenger demanded his signing before he even officially started as coach. Vieira, a born champion, left to pursue Champions League glory - it didn't work out, and Gooners the world around wonder still whether he could have taken them that extra mile in Paris, in that fateful final against Barcelona.

Frank Lampard (West Ham United & Chelsea)

Not many players can lay claim to being quite as good, goalscoring and yet unfashionable as Frank Lampard. The man nicknamed Supergoals has scored 20 or more goals from midfield in five consecutive seasons, having now spent seven exceptional seasons at Stamford Bridge, since joining from a club where his roots run deep, West Ham United, in 2001.

He was undoubtedly the key player behind Chelsea's initial success under Jose Mourinho. Millions were spent, Drogba was a force, Makelele made defensive midfielders seemingly fashionable again, Terry was a rock, Cech considered the best in the world by some, Duff and Robben full of flair and excitement - but picking just one star player from 2004-2006 would produce the same vote almost every single time. The enormity of that feat cannot be underplayed.

Lampard always produces big goals in big games, whether scrappy or spectacular, and plays an efficient and disciplined game in midfield that, despite being unfancy, is highly effective. Jose Mourinho told him he was the best, but I don't think he ever really believed it - remaining a modest professional is what has enabled him to be the understated superstar that he is - similarly to Paul Scholes, whom Lampard edged into the side due sheerly to his influence as an individual over his side's success through the decade.

Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)

He has played and scored in every season of the Premier League to date. Ryan Giggs is a living, breathing, running, shooting and scoring legend. He has been at the height of the game for so long that many might even argue he peaked, at least as a traditional winger, last decade. Yet he's still going.

There were accusations of tokenism when he won last season's PFA Player of the Year award, but that was more a flaw in the voting system - taken midway through the season, at which point the Welshman was performing at the peak of his powers - than anything sinister.

His creativity, consistency and contribution to unending success saw him edge out Robert Pires, who spent six scintillating and successful years with Arsenal. It was close-run, and though Ryan perhaps wasn't quite as fast, furious and full of flair as he has been in the past, with his slower and more intricate game undoubtedly hindering United at times, it was his modest mastery that saw him come good more often than not, with the trophies to show for it.

Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United)

There has never been a more prolific striker in Premier League history than Van Nistelrooy, despite Alan Shearer being far and away in the lead on the goalscoring charts, but taking many more games to get there, and Fernando Torres having made a sensational start to his time in England, but likely to struggle to continue at the same rate as Ruud, who arrived after having been courted for several years by Sir Alex Ferguson, but only managed to make his dream move after a series of serious injuries.

It was the goalscoring touch, though, that never escaped him. He wasn't able to do it in as much style as he perhaps would have liked, but in five seasons, he scored 150 goals in 219 appearances, winning each domestic honour on offer with the Red Devils. He missed out on European glory, left Old Trafford under a cloud after a row with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo, but was still seen as something of a fan favourite, a feeling he reciprocated both towards the club and even his former manager.

He is perhaps the best out-and-out goalscorer the Premier League has ever seen, someone who Michael Owen, of all people, has the job of now replacing at Old Trafford. This, the same Michael Owen who Ruud pipped to this spot, who won the Ballon d'Or and who also left the Premier League for Real Madrid. A phenomenon though Owen was, his position was compromised by his injuries and subsequent dip in goalscoring form - Ruud, on the other hand, was relentless.

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

If you're looking for quantity of quality, the search for the Premier League's greatest ever player starts and ends with Ryan Giggs. If you're looking for game-to-greatness ratio, it is, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, the one and only Thierry Henry.

It's astonishing to think he arrived a reject from Juventus, being deployed as a left-winger at a club and in a league that was not a fit for his budding talents. Arsene Wenger knew exactly what he was doing when he signed him for £10m, a value he repaid at least ten times over, perhaps not literally, but certainly for his quality over seven seasons in north London.

At a club that was never considered one of the genuine, ever-present heavyweights in European football, Henry nevertheless leapt past Raul, Van Nistelrooy, Jardel, Shevchenko, Crespo and even Ronaldo as the greatest forward in the world at one stage (editor's note: following on users' comments, it should be clarified that this was at the time, not in terms of all-time legacy). Think influence on the fortunes of his team, think goals-to-games and assists, think show-stopping skill, pace, power and think that somehow, for all his unbelievable ability and performances, he never won the Ballon d'Or nor the Champions League with Arsenal, and ended his time there by proving something of a hindrance to his side - a slight on the way they were heading rather than him, you would think.

At the peak of his powers, he was the most complete and outstanding forward in the world - yet it took that move to Barcelona, where at first he struggled to find his rhythm for a variety of reasons, to finally reach undisputed greatness. It is that which he needed to feel he had accomplished everything as a player, but he was truly most complete during his time in the Premier League, where he will be remembered as one of the greatest ever players for not just years, but decades to come.

Given

Ferdinand - Campbell - Terry

Vieira

Ronaldo - Gerrard - Lampard - Giggs

Van Nistelrooy - Henry
BDV-27276-BDV

BREAKING NEWS: Chelsea Chief Peter Kenyon: John Terry Is Not For Sale At Any Price

2009-07-15T21:37:00.001+05:30

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has forcefully affirmed this afternoon that Blues skipper John Terry, heavily linked with mammoth money moves to Manchester City in recent days, will not be sold by the Londoners.

According to Kenyon, Terry is literally priceless, with no offer City could possibly make being large enough to tempt the club into selling the centre-back.

Terry was picture alongside new manager Carlo Ancelotti in publicity shots with the club today, lending some weight to Kenyon's assertions that the England international is not for sale.

"He is not for sale at any price," Kenyon is reported by Sky Sports News to have said.

This affirmation echoes that of Ancelotti's last week, when the Italian stated that Terry would be Chelsea captain "forever". Terry himself has, so far, been conspicuously silent about the potential switch, adding fuel to the fires of speculation that a concrete offer from the Citizens would be soon be forthcoming.

Liverpool On Alert As Chelsea Set For Sensational Fernando Torres Raid

2009-06-21T14:13:00.002+05:30

Torres
According to a sensational report in today's News of the World, Chelsea are putting together a shock £50 million bid for Liverpool ace Fernando Torres.

New Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly made the Spanish striking sensation a top transfer priority, and the powers that be at Stamford Bridge are said to be secretly confident that they can pull off what would be an absolutely stunning coup as a result of Liverpool's well-documented financial problems.

Kop Holdings, the company set up by Tom Hicks and George Gillett to run Liverpool, reportedly lost £42.6m last year, and there are more than just murmurs that the under-fire American owners are not in a position to turn down any deals that make good financial sense.

Fiscally speaking, the sale of Torres for £50m would be a great bit of business, considering he was recruited from Atletico Madrid for around £20m just in 2007.

The News of the World goes on to suggest that Chelsea are ready to go all out to recreate Spain's dream forward tandem of Torres and David Villa at Stamford Bridge, the latter of whom the west London side reportedly submitted a £35m offer to Valencia for last week.

chelsea fixtures 09-10

2009-06-21T02:04:00.002+05:30

August

15 Hull (H)
18 Sunderland (A)
22 Fulham (A)
29 Burnley (H)
September

12 Stoke (A)
19 Tottenham (H)
26 Wigan (A)
October

3 Liverpool (H)
17 Aston Villa (A)
24 Blackburn (H)
31 Bolton (A)
November

7 Man Utd (H)
21 Wolverhampton (H)
28 Arsenal (A)
December
5 Man City (A)
12 Everton (H)
16 Portsmouth (H)
19 West Ham (A)
26 Birmingham (A)
28 Fulham (H)
January

9 Hull (A)
16 Sunderland (H)
27 Birmingham (H)
30 Burnley (A)
February

6 Arsenal (H)
10 Everton (A)
20 Wolverhampton (A)
27 Man City (H)
March

6 Portsmouth (A)
13 West Ham (H)
20 Blackburn (A)
27 Aston Villa (H)
April

3 Man Utd (A)
10 Bolton (H)
17 Tottenham (A)
24 Stoke (H)
May

1 Liverpool (A)
9 Wigan (H)

Chelsea to begin against HULL

2009-06-20T21:40:00.003+05:30

Carlo Ancelotti's first game in charge at Chelsea will be against Hull at Stamford Bridge as the campaign gets under way on the weekend of August 15.

Liverpool open at Tottenham while Arsenal face Everton at Goodison Park.

Wolves play West Ham at Molineux and Burnley visit Stoke on their return to the top flight before facing Manchester United at Turf Moor 18 August.

Big-spending Manchester City make the journey to Blackburn on the opening day before hosting Everton at Eastlands on 19 August.

New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez starts his reign at Aston Villa, while Bolton are at home to Steve Bruce's Sunderland and Portsmouth meet Fulham at Fratton Park.

FOOTBALL BLOG
The issue of sensible travel is a big factor in this year's list - but what do you make of it?

Paul Fletcher

Manchester United have to wait until the end of the month before they play one of the top four clubs as they take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on 29 August, with the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium on 30 January.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side visit Anfield to play Liverpool on 24 October and last season's runners-up are at Old Trafford on 20 March. Chelsea are the last of the other top four sides to face United when they play the champions at Stamford Bridge on 7 November, with the return fixture on 3 April.

Last season's losing Champions League finalists close the season at home to Stoke on 9 May, while Liverpool finish their season at Hull on 9 May.

Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on October 3, while Chelsea travel to Anfield on 1 May.

Wolves fans will be looking forward to a December 15 trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United and a home fixture against the champions on March 6, while fellow top-flight newcomers Birmingham play the champions at St Andrews on 9 January.

Full Premier League fixtures English club-by-club fixtures

Opening weekend - Saturday, 15 August

Aston Villa v Wigan
Blackburn v Manchester City
Bolton v Sunderland
Chelsea v Hull
Everton v Arsenal
Manchester Utd v Birmingham
Portsmouth v Fulham
Stoke v Burnley
Tottenham v Liverpool
Wolves v West Ham

Tuesday, 18 August

Arsenal v Bolton
Birmingham v Portsmouth
Burnley v Manchester United
Fulham v Blackburn
Hull v Tottenham
Sunderland v Chelsea
West Ham v Aston Villa
Wigan v Wolves

Wednesday, 19 August

Liverpool v Stoke

AC Milan Prodigy Pato ‘Seriously’ Interested In Chelsea Move

2009-06-20T21:36:00.001+05:30

Carlo Ancelotti & Alexandre Pato
AC Milan wunderkind, Alexandre Pato recently reaffirmed his commitment to the Rossoneri after he pledged to remain true to his current contract.

But the 19-year-old appears to have made a sudden U-turn as he dropped a massive hint to Chelsea, asking Roman Abramovich and Co. to come get him so that he can be reunited with his former coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

“Ancelotti is very important to me,” he was quoted as saying by Setanta Sports. “He was the one who wanted me in Milan and he gave me the chance to grow as a player.

“I have a contract with Milan, but I would be seriously interested if Chelsea called me,” he added.

Ever since the arrival of Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge as the Blues’ new coach, Pato has been constantly linked with a switch to west London to join up with his mentor. But Milan vice-president, Adriano Galliani, having just lost Kaka, has so far fervently refused to consider the ex-Internacional teenager for sale.

Reports also emerged yesterday that midfield hardman, Gennaro Gattuso is open to a move to Chelsea.

Drogba given lengthy European ban

2009-06-20T21:28:00.003+05:30

Didier Drogba will miss at least four European matches after being banned for his reaction to Chelsea's Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona.

The striker was banned for six games, with two suspended for two years.

Team-mate Jose Bosingwa was banned for three European games, with a further one-match ban also suspended.

Chelsea have three days to appeal and assistant coach Ray Wilkins told BBC Sport he was sure a decision would be made on Thursday.

Both players were found guilty of making insulting comments to the referee by Uefa at the end of the game at Stamford Bridge on 6 May where Barcelona scored an injury-time equaliser which eliminated the Blues from the competition.

Terry urges Chelsea to appeal against Drogba ban

The club was also fined £85,000 for the improper conduct of its players and the throwing of missiles by their fans.

"They're severe, we do play in an emotional game and it was an emotional evening," Wilkins, speaking about the punishments, told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"To lose a goal so late in a Champions League semi-final was galling to say the least and players react in different ways - Didier reacted and Jose reacted, and we have been punished.

"The club will digest all the information they can and I'm sure a decision will be taken today what we're about to do."

The Blues went out of the tournament after a series of disputed decisions by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo.

He turned down a host of strong penalty appeals from Chelsea during the 1-1 draw in the second leg at Stamford Bridge, which saw Barca go through on away goals.
Drogba and several other players surrounded Ovrebo after the final whistle to remonstrate with the Norwegian.

The Ivorian continued his verbal attack even after being cautioned, and had to be restrained as Ovrebo went down the tunnel.

Rob Faulkner, Uefa's head of communications, told Radio 5 Live: "The actions of the players were certainly not of a sporting nature.

"Everything has been taken into account. The club will be informed officially in writing and then they have three days in which to consider whether to appeal or not."

Faulkner added it was a "fairly strict but fairly appropriate" level of punishment.

He insisted the disciplinary panel took into account the importance of the game and the fact that the match was settled in such dramatic fashion, with Andres Iniesta's injury-time goal sending Chelsea out.

But he added: "We have to set certain standards. We do have a 'Respect' campaign and the Uefa president (Michel Platini) is instrumental behind that.

"The players are key to that, in setting a good example both on and off the pitch. The club obviously has a responsibility for the way their players behave as well.

"All in all, that's the reasoning for the decision."

Drogba had stated that he would accept any punishment given to him by Uefa over his actions.

"My behaviour was not what Uefa and everyone wants to see in a football stadium," Drogba said ahead of the governing body's verdict.

"It's not easy but I think that whatever I did and the decision they take I will accept it.

"I will do my suspension and, after that, I will come back stronger."

Carlos Tevez Has Not Ruled Out The Possibility Of Staying At Manchester United

2009-06-17T11:15:00.002+05:30

According to a report emanating from Sky Sports, Carlos Tevez is still open to remaining with Manchester United.

It had been thought that the Argentina international was likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, with rivals Manchester City being tipped as a possible destination.

Indeed it was reported earlier on Monday that the Citizens are ready to offer the 25-year-old wages in the region of £140,000-a-week in order to persuade him to move to Eastlands.

However, it is now claimed that sources close to the 5ft 6in forward have revealed that he has not ruled out the possibility of remaining with the Premier League champions.

Indeed, United's option to buy the 50-time capped Argentina international's economic rights is yet to expire, and they may well decide to take it up following the news that Cristiano Ronaldo is set to move to Real Madrid.

However, it appears that 'El Apache' has all but ruled out a move to Liverpool because he believes it would be disrespectful to Manchester United and their fans.

It is thought that Tevez would be open to joining Manchester City as he does not see the rivalry between them and the Red Devils as being quite so fierce as that involving Liverpool.

It is also said that the player, and not his advisors, will decide who he plays his football for come the beginning of the 2009/10 campaign.

An Italian club and a Spanish outfit are also thought to be in the running to acquire his services, as are Chelsea.

Chelsea Tempt Milan Legend Paolo Maldini With Bench Role

2009-06-13T23:05:00.001+05:30

Chelsea are trying to lure Paolo Maldini to Stamford Bridge by offering him a role on the bench, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The legendary defender, who retired from football and is pondering his next move, could be reunited with former coach Carlo Ancelotti sooner than expected. The report suggests Maldini met with Ancelotti and a Chelsea director earlier this week to discuss a potential move to London.

It is suggested the Blues made an offer to the Italian and the former stopper told them of his requirements. Voices claim Maldini could be employed as a team manager to work alongside Ancelotti and his assistant, Ray Wilkins.

Maldini then flew out to Miami for his holidays in order to ponders his future. Earlier reports suggested the former No. 3 would be offered a coaching role in Milan's youth academy.

On Monday, Maldini held a press conference in Milan, where he revealed he would be thinking about what to do next over the summer. He also hinted that he would evaluate offers.

KAKA !!!!!! CR7 !!!!!!!!!! Wht next Villa????

2009-06-11T22:06:00.003+05:30

Wow........... I cant say anything otherthan that like most of u do..... Perez u r d Guy....... Is it Real???? i mean real="truth" ; indeed it Is..... dats wht perez @ Real Madrid is known for....... He made a team where we saw d likes of Zidane, Ronaldo,Becks,Figo etc etc in d same team.....now its tym 4 a rebuild up.... after losing Both Laliga and Champions League to Barca last season... Now its Perez tym @ Real Madrid.... Hope His EXTRAWAGANT team do wonders this season.....

Its Ancelotti Now....Hope he prove himself @ Chelsea

2009-06-02T20:21:00.002+05:30

Ancelotti 2 bring Champions League 2 Stamford???
Former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed Chelsea manager on a three-year deal.

The 49-year-old Italian left the Rossoneri on Sunday after guiding them to a third-place finish in Serie A.

He will officially take over on 1 July and replaces Russia coach Guus Hiddink, who ended his stint as Blues manager with an FA Cup triumph on Saturday.

"Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job," read a statement on the Chelsea website.

"He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions.

"He also had a highly successful playing career in those competitions and therefore brings unparalleled all round experience to the job."

Ancelotti, whose English is limited, spent eight seasons at Milan and becomes the club's fifth manager in 21 months following Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Hiddink.

Ancelotti released an autobiography last week in which he described a meeting with Roman Abramovich following the sacking of Grant, with the Chelsea owner telling Ancelotti he wanted a team with more "personality".

Since agreeing to the switch, Ancelotti has revealed the attraction of the Premier League was behind his decision.

"I would like to thank the Milan team, the Milan company, players and Milan fans. I had eight very good years there, and five years as a player, but now I think is the right moment for a new challenge and I want to put all my energy into Chelsea," he told Chelsea TV.

"Now it is time to change and I think Chelsea was a great opportunity and a great team to do a new experience.

Report - Chelsea find new special one?
"I like the Premier League because there are great teams and they play good football. Now there are more tactical matches and very speedy, I like this football. The teams think to defend well and afterwards to attack. I watch Chelsea, I watch Liverpool I watch Manchester United, I know very well English football."

Although he gave what is believed to be his first full interview in English to announce his arrival at Chelsea, Ancelotti conceded it would be hard to grasp the language immediately - something that former Blues manager Scolari was criticised for.

He stated: "For me, it is not easy. I want to learn, I want to improve and when we start the new season I want to speak well because it is important to speak with the players, the team, the assistant and the people who will work with me.

"I believe in teamwork. It is the most important thing to create a group that work together to build a dream. The players must have a strong organisation and strong discipline and strong motivation. I hope to do this the right way to arrive at success."

During his time at Milan, Ancelotti twice won the Champions League, in 2003 and 2007, as well as the Serie A title in 2004 and believes he is the man to deliver Chelsea their elusive first Champions League title.

Ancelotti needs time and money - Nevin
"For me, the Champions League is a beautiful sensation because when I played I won two times in 1989 and 1990 and it was a fantastic achievement," he enthused. "And it was the same as a coach in 2003 and 2007. Champions League, for me, is the best competition in the world and all teams want to win it.

"Five semi-finals in six years is a beautiful score but now we need to win."

With key players such as Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack and Nicolas Anelka in their thirties, former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes Ancelotti will have to oversee a period of transition.

"His English is good. I don't think he will have a problem with the language," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"But he may well have other problems. Over the next period of time he will be a coach trying to build a dynasty at Chelsea. This is what they have tried to do all the way through and they have not been able to do so.

Ancelotti beat Liverpool to clinch the Champions League in 2007
"Then he will have to change and adapt that team as he goes along. They are still a great team as Guus Hiddink has shown that they can be. However, they are not getting any younger. A number of players will need to be replaced in the next two, three or four years. So Ancelotti will be expected to adapt. And in the meantime keep winning things. It's not going to be easy.

"He's capable of doing it but has a lot to live up to. Hiddink was fantastic and Jose Mourinho still casts a shadow over the club. Anytime he trips up at all he will be caught out.

"With Milan it's the kind of football we all like to watch generally. I would suggest that if he can get a team playing as Milan did at their very best it will be a joy to watch, if not necessarily as open as Barcelona."

A 2-1 victory over Everton at Wembley last weekend delivered the Blues' only silverware of the season, as they finished third in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals.

I am still in a bit of shock with the emotion of the game and then in the dressing room

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani
Ancelotti also coached Italian sides Reggiana, Parma and Juventus as well as having a successful playing career, winning two league titles and two European Cups with Milan.

However the side were absent from this season's Champions League after a disappointing fifth-place finish in the previous year's Serie A.

An underwhelming Uefa Cup campaign, which featured a 2-2 draw with Portsmouth, ended with defeat by eventual finalists Werder Bremen in the round of 32.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, who criticised Ancelotti's tactics in May, had previously suggested that former Netherlands coach Marco Van Basten could succeed him, but Leonardo was confirmed in the role earlier on Monday.

The former Brazil international will rebuild without the services of veteran defender Paolo Maldini, who retired after Sunday's 2-0 win over Fiorentina - an emotional day for the seven-times European champions.

"My relationship with Ancelotti has been more as a friend than as a manager and to see him on the Chelsea website holding a Chelsea shirt has left its mark on me," said Milan general manager Adriano Galliani.

"I am still in a bit of shock after yesterday, with the emotion of the game and then in the dressing room. I spoke first and thanked him and Maldini and remembered these eight years and a lot of players were crying.

"Above all I can remember Gennaro Gattuso, who was the closest to me, and he had tears in his eyes."

Former Rangers midfielder Gattuso played the final ten minutes of the win as fellow substitute Alexandre Pato added to Brazilian forward Kaka's strike to confirm their place in the group stages of next season's Champions League

Hiddink revels in Cup achievement

2009-06-01T20:36:00.000+05:30

d Best Chelsea Coach Ever
Chelsea's departing manager Guus Hiddink says winning the FA Cup is one of the greatest achievements in his decorated managerial career.

The Blues capped the Dutchman's four-month spell as boss with a 2-1 victory over Everton in the 128th Cup final at Wembley on Saturday.

"It was one of the biggest achievements of my career, winning in the Mecca of world football," said Hiddink.

"The FA Cup is something you truly cannot believe."

Blues interim boss Hiddink - who enjoyed European Cup-winning success with PSV Eindhoven, as well as impressive World Cup campaigns with Australia and South Korea - will resume his role as Russia coach on a full-time basis in June and was granted a farewell to remember thanks to Frank Lampard's second-half winner.

Cannot play media.You do not have the correct version of the flash player. Download the correct version
Earlier, Didier Drogba had headed Chelsea level after Everton's Louis Saha scored the quickest goal in an FA Cup final after just 25 seconds.

The Cup victory marks a fitting end to an impressive run of only a single defeat in 22 matches the Dutchman has been in charge of that resulted in the club finish third in the Premier League and narrowly miss out on a place in the Champions League final.

"We had some wonderful performances in the Premier League and also in the Champions League and this is the highlight, to win the FA Cup," said Hiddink.

"I loved it so much, I enjoyed working with big stars but they knew what it's all about. They showed in the Premier League and Champions League and here, a lot of character.

"We have worked so hard since February and I respect these guys very much."

Captain John Terry paid tribute to the impact Hiddink has made - not just in the final but during the whole 104 days of his tenure - and revealed the players had clubbed together to buy him a thank-you gift.

"Credit to him. At half-time he kept things calm. There were no rash changes," Terry said.

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"Two years without a trophy, it's been too long. We've seen Man Utd and others winning trophies and it's good to get it (the winning feeling) back.

"We gave him (Hiddink) an engraved watch and a shirt signed by all the lads. He was really touched."

Match-winner Lampard echoed Terry's sentiments, saying: "He's a great manager and a great man.

"It's a great send-off for him and we're delighted to give him a trophy."

Its Ours Now..........Chelsea triumphs FA cup....Chelsea 2-1 Everton

2009-06-01T20:31:00.002+05:30

Hiddink deserved such a superb send off...
A stunning Frank Lampard strike ended Everton's resistance and ensured Chelsea's interim boss Guus Hiddink brought the curtain down on his brief spell in English football by collecting the FA Cup.

The Toffees had made a dream start when Louis Saha put them ahead after just 25 seconds - the quickest goal in Cup final history.

But Chelsea came back strongly and equalised through Didier Drogba's header before Lampard fired home the winner from 25 yards with 18 minutes left.

The margin of victory should have been greater as TV replays showed that Florent Malouda's spectacular strike moments later had crossed the line after bouncing down off the bar, but referee Howard Webb did not give the goal.

In the end it made no difference to Chelsea, or Hiddink, who deservedly has a trophy to show for the impressive work he has done at Stamford Bridge as he returns to his job with Russia.

Victory at a sweltering Wembley brings to an end the Dutchman's brief love affair with the Blues, which began when he watched from the stands as they beat Watford in the fifth round on Valentine's Day.

And his side again demonstrated the patience and power he has instilled them as they fought back to overhaul a dogged Everton side that took the lead with a terrific early strike.

Steven Pienaar's cross was only half-cleared by Jon Mikel Obi and Marouane Fellaini headed down for Louis Saha to smash the ball past Petr Cech.

The goal clearly rattled Chelsea and their back-four looked nervous whenever the ball came near them immediately afterwards.

But the complexion of the game changed as soon as Hiddink's side settled and began coming forward themselves, using the width offered by Nicolas Anelka and, in particular, Malouda on the left.

Everton right-back Tony Hibbert was given an early yellow card for clipping Malouda's heels, and he spent the rest of the half trying to keep up with the Frenchman, mostly unsuccessfully.

Hibbert was not the only player at fault - he should have received more support from Leon Osman on that flank - but the amount of space they were leaving invited trouble, and Chelsea took full advantage to equalise after 21 minutes.

Malouda, who was completely unmarked, ran on to Lampard's pass and, from his inviting cross, Drogba rose above Joleon Lescott to power home his header.

By now, Hiddink's side were completely on top, with the Toffees unable to keep hold of the ball, let alone use it constructively.

Everton did at least tighten up at the back, with the exception of the hapless Hibbert who was caught out time and time again before the break.

The closest Chelsea came to punishing him further came when a deflected pass span into Cole's path, but the England defender sliced his shot well wide.

Saha's opening goal, after 25 seconds, is the fastest in FA Cup final history
Unsurprisingly, Toffees boss David Moyes made changes at the break - hauling off Hibbert for Lars Jacobsen and moving Tim Cahill further forward in an attempt to wrestle back the initiative.

Even after his reshuffle, Chelsea were still enjoying the lions share of possession and Anelka should have done better when he lobbed over after running clear, but Everton did threaten too.

They showed their intent when from a short free-kick, Leighton Baines whipped the ball into the Chelsea area and Saha's header flew only inches over the bar.

Indeed, the game was still wide open until Lampard's goal on 72 minutes.

The England midfielder collected Michael Ballack's pass, turned inside Phil Neville, and, despite losing his footing, let fly with a tremendous strike that was still rising as it flew into the top corner.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard got a hand to the ball but could not stop it hitting the net - and from there, there was no way back for Everton.

Malouda could have sealed victory when Lampard slid him through but lashed the ball over, then was wrongly denied after his long-range shot hit the woodwork and bounced in.

But, despite that let-off, Everton could not find a response and Chelsea remained in control of the match in the closing stages to win the Cup for a fifth time.

Chelsea's future looks increasingly likely to be placed in the hands of AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, but the 2009 FA Cup final will be remembered for how the Blues gave Hiddink a fairytale finish.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Ballack 61), Mikel, Lampard, Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne.

Booked: Mikel, Lampard.

Goals: Drogba 21, Lampard 72.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert (Jacobsen 46), Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Osman (Gosling 82), Neville, Pienaar, Cahill, Fellaini, Saha (Vaughan 77).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Castillo, Rodwell, Baxter.

Booked: Hibbert, Neville, Baines.

Goals: Saha 1.

Att: 89,391.

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

man of the match: Everton's Louis Saha with 7.96 (on 90 minutes).

Chelsea Engaged In Negotiations For Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery

2009-05-28T14:57:00.001+05:30

Is Riberry Gonna Show His Magic at Chelsea
According to various reports in the British press, Premier League giants Chelsea are locked in advanced talks for Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Apparently, the Blues have tabled an offer in the region of €50 million (£43.7m) for the 26-year-old, which, according to The Sun, has been accepted.

It is thought that the biggest potential stumbling block at present is the France international's wage demands - Ribery is said to be asking for approximately €144,000-a-week (£125,000), while the Blues are reluctant to offer more than €103,600-a-week (£90,000).

The news comes after Tuesday's revelations that Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti had held secret meetings with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and recommended he sign the former Marseille star, as well as Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.

Manchester United have also been linked with the versatile forward, and it was claimed that they had a bid of €70m (£62.5m) rejected by Bayern.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL (ManU 0-2 Barca)

2009-05-28T10:06:00.002+05:30

Barca The Winners

Barca The European Winners !!!!!! (Barcelona 2-0 Man Utd)

2009-05-28T09:50:00.003+05:30

Manchester United's attempt to make history and become the first club to defend the Champions League ended in failure against Barcelona in Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's hopes of repeating last year's triumph against Chelsea barely got off the ground as they ended well beaten by a Barcelona side inspired by the genius of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

United started the final, played in stifling heat, as if retaining their crown would be little more than a formality, creating a host of early chances against the nervous-looking Catalans, with Cristiano Ronaldo a constant threat.

But once Samuel Eto'o scored at Edwin van der Sar's near post in the 10th minute after escaping Nemanja Vidic, the credits were rolling on their bid to add the Champions League to the Premier League for the second successive season.

Barcelona were the better team - Ferguson

Barcelona's peerless midfield pair of Andres Iniesta and Xavi ruled midfield with a display of passing perfection, starving United of further opportunities to strike at a defence weakened by injuries and suspension.

Xavi hit the post with a free-kick and Thierry Henry was denied by Van der Sar before Messi crowned a glorious personal performance with a stunning header to clinch victory with 20 minutes remaining.

He made a mockery of his tiny stature to rise and head home Xavi's cross - and in that magical moment any hopes United harboured of a recovery were snuffed out.

If the showdown between Messi and Ronaldo was billed as the spectacular sub-plot within this showpiece, there was only one winner as Barcelona's playmaker terrorised United throughout.

Ronaldo, for all his obvious frustrations that ended almost inevitably in a yellow card for a late barge on Carles Puyol, never stopped running but this was not to be his night or United's.

Ferguson warned in the build-up that Iniesta - arguably the game's most influential performer - and Xavi could put opponents "on a carousel" with their passing, and his prediction proved ominously correct as United were on a rough ride after the optimism of those opening 10 minutes.

Once Barcelona had settled after the early goal, there was no way back for United as several changes in formation failed to produce a spark and Wayne Rooney was unable to exert any influence on events, first from the left flank and then from the centre.

And as Barcelona's name was carved on the giant trophy at the final whistle, with the celebrations of the Catalan fans a sharp contrast to the subdued Manchester United supporters, there was no doubting their right to claim Europe's elite trophy for the third time.

United will bounce back - Giggs

Ryan Giggs took the place of the suspended Darren Fletcher in the United line-up - and for the first 10 minutes they penned a nervous Barcelona back in their own territory.

The game was only two minutes old when Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes fumbled Ronaldo's free-kick, and only the crucial intervention of former United defender Gerard Pique prevented Ji-Sung Park turning in the rebound.

Ronaldo was then twice narrowly off target before Barcelona made their first serious incursion into United territory. And it was to devastating effect as they turned the opening exchanges upside down to take the lead.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo shows his frustration as United stumble to a limp defeat

Barcelona will credit the brilliance of Eto'o, but it was a cheap shot from United's viewpoint as the Cameroon striker was allowed to escape by Vidic and keeper Van der Sar's effort to block the effort at his near post was flimsy, to put it kindly.

It was against the run of play, but gave Barcelona a visible injection of confidence and adrenalin, allowing Messi to pull the strings up front and Xavi and Iniesta to take control of midfield.

Iniesta may have been an injury doubt prior to this final, but there was little evidence of fitness problems as he produced a virtuoso demonstration of the modern midfield arts, leaving United to chase in vain in an attempt to regain possession for the latter stages of the opening half.

In one magical moment, all three of Vidic, Michael Carrick and Rooney were foiled in an attempt to take the ball away from Messi, with the Argentine eventually forcing a foul.

Rooney was a peripheral figure, pushed to the margins of the game on the left flank. He was too important a figure to be starved of possession and influence in this system, and it was no surprise when Ferguson pushed him inside as half-time approached.

Ferguson made another switch during the interval, sending on Carlos Tevez for the ineffective Anderson, a positive move that reflected United's failure to build on their early domination.

It was not a quick fix as Barcelona simply continued in their imperious stride after the break, Thierry Henry tricking his way inside Rio Ferdinand only to be denied by the legs of Van der Sar.

Everything went wrong - Ronaldo

Xavi then almost doubled Barcelona's lead with a 20-yard free-kick following Vidic's foul on Messi. He beat Van der Sar with his curling effort, but it rebounded off an upright to safety.

United were struggling to get a clear sight of Barcelona's goal, and in a bid to remedy this problem Ferguson sent on Dimitar Berbatov for Park with 25 minutes remaining.

The change had no chance to take effect before Barcelona deservedly went two up five minutes later. Xavi was the creator with a cross that looked too high for Messi, but he expertly soared to send a header over Van der Sar.

United looked to mount an instant response, with Valdes blocking crucially from Ronaldo, but there was no way back and it was Barcelona who looked more likely to add to their lead.

Van der Sar saved well from Puyol as Barcelona dominated until the final whistle - and not even the most partisan Manchester United follower can doubt that Pep Guardiola deserved to round off a dream first season in charge by adding the Champions League to the La Liga title and the Spanish Cup.

Barcelona: Valdes, Puyol, Toure Yaya, Pique, Sylvinho, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta (Pedrito 90), Messi, Eto'o, Henry (Keita 72).
Subs Not Used: Pinto, Caceres, Muniesa, Gudjohnsen, Bojan.

Booked: Pique.

Goals: Eto'o 10, Messi 70.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson (Tevez 46), Carrick, Giggs (Scholes 75), Park (Berbatov 66), Ronaldo, Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Evans, Nani.

Booked: Ronaldo, Scholes, Vidic.

Att: 72,700

Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).

man of the match: Barcelona's Andres Iniesta 8.39 (on 90 minutes).

Chelsea Ends the Season in Style.....(Sunderland 2-3 Chelsea )

2009-05-27T14:27:00.003+05:30

Sunderland were beaten by Chelsea but avoided relegation only for their manager Ricky Sbragia to resign.

Nicolas Anelka put Chelsea in front with a 22-yard shot but keeper Petr Cech missed a cross and Kieran Richardson lashed in an equaliser.

Salomon Kalou drove in a shot to put Chelsea ahead again before Ashley Cole slotted in the visitors' third.

Kenwyne Jones headed in late on for the Black Cats, who stayed up after rivals Newcastle lost 1-0 at Aston Villa.

The Magpies' result came through after the final whistle and will have provided extra satisfaction for the Stadium of Light faithful as, along with Hull losing to Manchester United, it made sure they stayed in the top-flight.

Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia's future was as uncertain as the club's Premier League status before the game and, although the Black Cats survived, he stood down after the match.

He achieved his primary goal of keeping the club in the top flight but would have achieved that aim a lot easier if Sunderland had shown the same sort of endeavour, energy and enthusiasm as they did for the most part against Chelsea.

The visitors put out a strong line-up with only Frank Lampard and Alex missing but any thoughts they would be distracted by having one eye on next Saturday's FA Cup final proved ill-founded.

Sunderland may have been putting in the work-rate but Chelsea carried the greater threat with their crisp passing and movement, with Michael Essien putting a near post header into the side-netting.

The Black Cats fans were doing all they could to help their players and gradually the home side settled before building up a head of steam.

Grant Leadbitter had Sunderland's first shot in anger as he struck a 22-yard effort wide before Kenwyne Jones just failed to get a crucial headed touch to divert cross past keeper Petr Cech.

Sbragia steps down at Sunderland

The loudest roar of the game then cheered a goal but, rather than one for either of the teams at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland fans were celebrating Aston Villa taking the lead against relegation rivals Newcastle.

The visitors had too much experience to let the sometimes surreal atmosphere affect their play and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba's drive forced Black Cats keeper Marton Fulop into a sprawling save.

Sunderland cheers turned to relief when Florent Malouda struck the crossbar with a sweetly struck strike but Anelka was not to be denied as he found the top corner with an angled drive to claim the Premier League's golden boot award with 19 goals.

But the lead did not last long as Cech - under pressure from Jones - missed an attempted catch from Leadbitter's cross to allow Richardson the chance equalise.

Chelsea kept testing Sunderland's resolve and eventually restored their lead when Kalou controlled and shot from just outside the area.

The home side refused to give in and felt they should have had a penalty when Michael Mancienne appeared to block a cross with an outstretched arm.

Hiddink bows out with a win

Chelsea went up the other end and scored to increase Sunderland's injustice.

Anelka flicked on a long ball, which Malouda ran on to only to have his shot blocked before Cole pounced on the loose ball and scored with a right foot shot.

Jones headed in Andy Reid's cross for a consolation goal for Sunderland, who survived with a total of 36 points.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink:
"We finished off with a good win and especially with a world class goal from Nicolas Anelka.

"My time here has been amazing. Every minute there was good work. The boys responded to what we wanted.

"I challenged them and they responded very well. They are big names and were very good in their attitude."

Sunderland: Fulop, Bardsley, Davenport, Ferdinand, Collins, Malbranque (Healy 78), Whitehead, Tainio (Reid 65), Leadbitter, Richardson (Murphy 87), Jones.
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Edwards, Cisse, McShane.

Booked: Bardsley.

Goals: Richardson 53, Jones 90.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Ashley Cole, Essien (Kalou 65), Mikel (Mancienne 78), Belletti (Ballack 27), Malouda, Drogba, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Di Santo, Sinclair, Stoch.

Booked: Ashley Cole.

Goals: Anelka 47, Kalou 74, Ashley Cole 86.

Att: 42,468

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

man of the match: Nicolas Anelka with 8.5 (on 90 minutes).

Hiddink braced for Blues farewell

2009-05-18T12:12:00.000+05:30

Chelsea interim coach Guus Hiddink expects he will find it hard to leave the club at the end of the season.

Hiddink, who is also Russia's coach, has turned the club's fortunes around after succeeding Luiz Felipe Scolari on a temporary basis in February.

"It's not easy to say goodbye but let's not be too dramatic," said Hiddink.

"Sadness is not the right word. I'm not going to cry. I don't know my emotions. I have enjoyed very much working at this club, with these players."

I though there was a pre-set mind that the players would be untouchable, but we touched each other

Guus Hiddink

Hiddink will take charge of a Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge for the final time on Sunday against Blackburn and admitted he is likely to return in an unofficial capacity in the future.

"Unofficially, I will keep my connection with the club. By supporting them, by coming to visit every now and then," he said.

The 62-year-old also revealed that he was aware the club were making moves with regard to his successor.

"There are names, but we haven't spoken about names," he said. "It's up to them. It's none of my business.

"They have to go forward and there's no responsibility whatsoever on their side to inform me.

"They are doing so but I don't need to be informed every day. Generally, I know a bit what is going on. I can tell you, but I won't."

Chelsea have suffered only one defeat in 19 games under Hiddink, ensuring Champions League football next year with a top-four Premier League finish.

They could also be the holders of the FA Cup, with Chelsea due to face Everton in the final on 30 May.

Hiddink admitted that he expected his relationship with the players to be a difficult one but that had not been the case.

"To be honest, when I started, I thought I'd have to fight a lot with the status of players," he said. "I though there was a pre-set mind that they would be untouchable, but we touched each other.

"I'm proud of that. Now we split, so there's a feeling of respect. Not regret, but respect."

Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn

2009-05-17T22:52:00.001+05:30

Nicolas Anelka set up one goal and scored another as Chelsea strolled past Blackburn in manager Guus Hiddink's final match at Stamford Bridge.

Florent Malouda met Anelka's cross with a fine header to score his third goal in four games and put Chelsea ahead.

Ryan Nelsen and Christopher Samba headed over for Blackburn while Frank Lampard saw a shot rebound off the bar.

Anelka made it two with a low drive into the bottom corner and Chelsea had numerous chances to double their lead.

They remain three points behind second-place Liverpool with one game remaining while Blackburn stay 14th, a point behind Bolton and two adrift of Wigan.

The margin of Chelsea's victory could have been far greater but that did little to dampen the carnival atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge as the home fans bid an emotional farewell to Hiddink.

He was greeted with placards and banners begging him to stay on at the end of the season, when he is due to resume his full-time job as Russia coach.

The Dutchman named an unchanged side from that which started the 4-1 victory over Arsenal last time out and his decision to give Anelka another opportunity alongside Didier Drogba in attack paid immediate dividends.

Just four minutes had passed when Jose Bosingwa broke forward and fed Anelka, who crossed accurately from the right for an on-rushing Malouda to power a near-post header beyond Paul Robinson.

Right-back Keith Andrews seemed to be daydreaming as the Chelsea winger ghosted into the Blackburn penalty area, but the hosts deserved credit for their slick build-up and Malouda for a fine run and finish.

With little at stake for either team, they both looked to surge forward whenever possible and it resulted in an open, free-flowing and attractive first half in which goalscoring opportunities were plentiful.

Inside a minute Morten Gamst Pedersen cut in from the left and opened the home defence before shooting straight at Petr Cech and, shortly after Chelsea's opener, Nelsen nodded over from El-Hadji Diouf's right-wing cross.

Robinson saved well with his feet to deny Anelka before Frank Lampard met the Frenchman's cut-back and crashed a first-time effort against the bar.

As Chelsea went in search of a second, Diouf was afforded too much time on the right and, having sidestepped Ashley Cole, he centred for Samba to head over from a glorious position six yards out.

The crowd were being treated to an end-to-end encounter and Chelsea almost doubled their lead when Malouda again got inside Andrews, collected Drogba's chip and flicked the ball over Robinson, only for Nelsen to clear off the line.

It was understandable that the intensity dropped somewhat as half-time approach and Blackburn were not helped by an injury to Nelson, which meant makeshift striker Christopher Samba had to drop back into defence.

That said, the second half ebbed and flowed from the off - Stephen Warnock was foiled by Cech and Malouda, sliding in at the back post, diverted Lampard's cross into Robinson's hands when it would have been easier tap into the net.

The home supporters showed their appreciation of Chelsea's attacking endeavour by serenading Hiddink with standing ovations and songs urging owner Roman Abramovich not to let him depart at the end of the season.

Cole had a penalty shout rejected after a shove from Andrews prevented him from reaching Drogba's cross but moments later crossed for Anelka to drill home from the edge of the box.

Lampard was thwarted expertly by Robinson when one-on-one with the goalkeeper and Drogba, Anelka twice and Michael Essien all came close with fierce shots.

Cech clung on well to deny Tugay from long range but the result was never in doubt and Chelsea's preparations for the FA Cup final on 30 May continued in style.

man of the match: Florent Malouda with 7.61 (on 90 minutes).

Chelsea to offer Ashley Cole new five-year contract

2009-05-17T22:14:00.003+05:30

Chelsea are ready to offer England left-back Ashley Cole a contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge for the next five years.

Cole has two years left on his current deal and Chelsea want to ensure that the future of the 28-year-old is signed and sealed before the deal runs into its final year.

His wages are set to take him into the 100,000-a-weekplus bracket and make him one of the club's top earners.

Cole has been in impressive form this season. He is one of the players who have flourished under Guus Hiddink and has developed his all-round game.

Chelsea were aware of his attacking qualities when they finally signed him from Arsenal in 2006 after an acrimonious transfer that involved a swap deal with William Gallas plus £5million going to the Emirates.

But under Hiddink, Cole has sharpened up his defensive play and is now regarded as one of the best players in his role in Europe.

Chelsea are also confident his namesake Joe Cole will sign a new deal before the start of next season.

Talks with the former West Ham midfield star have been put on hold until the close season.

Chelsea Set To Swoop For Middlesbrough Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on a free transfer

2009-05-17T22:04:00.002+05:30

According to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mirror, Premier League giants Chelsea are set to land Middlesbrough's Ross Turnbull at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper's contract at the Riverside Stadium is due to expire this summer and it is thought that he has turned down their latest offer of a contract extension.

It seems that the 6ft 4in shot-stopper is ready to leave Boro having lost his first-team spot to Brad Jones during the 2008-09 campaign.

Apparently, the Blues have identified the former England Under-20 international as ideal cover for Czech Republic star Petr Cech, who only has Henrique Hilario as competition following Carlo Cudicini's transfer to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that Newcastle United and Scottish outfit Celtic were also interested in acquiring the Bishop Auckland-born 'keeper's services, however, it seems the west London club will win the race for his signature.

Turnbull has made 26 first team appearances for Middlesbrough this season

Chelsea and Arsenal join Manchester City and Tottenham in Carlos Tevez race

2009-05-17T21:45:00.001+05:30

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all vying to sign the Argentine striker this summer.

But none of the clubs is prepared to meet the £28million asking price that Tevez's owner Kia Joorabchian is believed to be demanding for his protegee.

The issue is further complicated by the issue of third-party ownership, which has now been outlawed by the Premier League.

No club can recruit Tevez on a loan deal. They must acquire his registration outright and become the player's sole owner.

The Premier League has also informed prospective buyers that their understanding is that Tevez is within his legal rights to break his contract with Joorabchian and negotiate his own deal. But that is an unlikely option given his close relationship with Joorabchian, the 38-year-old Iranian-born businessman.

United have the first option to sign Tevez after brokering an initial two-year loan deal with an option to clinch a permanent deal at £32m.

But the United hierarchy have become embroiled in a war of words with the Joorabchian camp, who claim the club are misleading fans, painting a false picture about on-going negotiations.

Joorabchian and his advisers maintain United have not yet tabled an offer for the player.

Joorabchian is furious with United after they reneged on their original agreement to take up the option to buy him when they signed the player on loan from West Ham in the summer of 2007.

Joorabchian is likely to be further incensed when United do eventually table on offer for Tevez. It is likely to be no more than £15m.

United maintain the initial agreement struck with Joorabchian does not reflect his present market value following the worldwide economic recession.

And although the player has stated publicly his desire to stay at Old Trafford it appears increasingly likely that following the Champions League final in Rome he will walk away from the club.

Manchester City and Chelsea have the financial resources to negotiate a cash deal but Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa would have to raise any fee by off-loading players before they even contemplate entering transfer and salary negotiations.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to sell Nicklas Bendtner to West Ham in a £10m move to help fund his move for Tevez. And Villa boss Martin O'Neill accepts he would have to trade one of his crop of young strikers like Gabriel Agbonlahor to raise the required funds.

As for Joorabchian, he makes no secret he is in football with a view to making money.

In an interview he gave in September 2006 he said: "I'm involved in football because I love it. I think in life, because life is so short, you need to do a business, which you really love. I think it can potentially make money and I think it will give a lot of pleasure to a lot of people."

There is no doubt he stands to prosper considerably from Tevez sale but suggestions that Real Madrid were prepared to pay as much as £40m to acquire the player were dismissed last night.

ManU fteches the EPL silverware onec more

2009-05-16T22:09:00.003+05:30

Wid a goalless draw wid Arsenal , Ferguson's Man Utd once again fetched the premier league title with one game to spare... This time they did it with much ease compared to last season which saw a dramatic end at the last match....

Liverpool is now 2nd in tables with 2 games remaining and Chelsea being the third place holders. This is the frst tym Chelsea is goin below 2nd Place in EPL after Abromavich has taken over at Stamford

Chelsea v Blackburn

2009-05-15T19:43:00.003+05:30

ITS HIDDINK's LAST HOME GAME

Chelsea head into their final home game of the season against Blackburn still harbouring hopes of claiming second place in the Premier League.

Visitors Rovers go into the weekend needing one more point to be certain of playing top-flight football again next season, although their top-flight status could be assured by kick-off, depending on Saturday's results.

The match will mark Guus Hiddink's Stamford Bridge farewell if, as expected, he ends his spell with the West London club to return to his duties as manager of Russia.

Hiddink's contract after replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari only took him until the end of the season and despite pleas from many members of his squad to stay on, the Dutchman appears destined to depart.

Chelsea currently trail second-placed Liverpool by three points, but with two games of the season remaining there is still time for them to overhaul the Anfield outfit.

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce, brought to the club to stave off the threat of relegation which was looming large under Paul Ince, is confident he has already achieved his brief for the season.

The Ewood Park outfit have struggled on the road recently, losing four games in succession conceding 12 goals and scoring just one, and are up against a Chelsea side brimming with attacking talent who scored four against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium last weekend.
Team news

Hiddink has no new injury problems to contend with and could be tempted to stick with an unchanged starting XI from the victory over the Gunners.

Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have impressed up front together after the coach switched to a 4-4-2 formation, but the Ivory Coast international's future remains the subject of speculation.

Allardyce may also go with the players on duty for Blackburn's last match, a 2-0 home success over Portsmouth which took them to 40 points.

Injured striker Roque Santa Cruz remains on the sidelines but has again hinted that he will be looking to move away from Ewood Park in the summer.

With the Paraguay international and Jason Roberts both ruled out, defender Chris Samba may partner Benni McCarthy up front, or could drop back into defence with the South African playing as a lone frontman.

Possible starting XIs

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, A Cole, Essien, Mikel, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka.

Blackburn: Robinson, Andrews, Nelsen, Givet, Warnock, Diouf, Grella, Tugay, Pedersen, Samba, McCarthy.

Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger Hints He Could Sell Emmanuel Adebayor To Chelsea

2009-05-15T19:40:00.001+05:30

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested that there is a chance that Emmanuel Adebayor could join Premier League rivals Chelsea at the end of the season.

Recent reports in the British press have claimed that the Blues will target the Togo international as a replacement for Didier Drogba, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge if Carlo Ancelotti takes over as manager.

It seems that the Milan head coach is a keen admirer of the 25-year-old forward as he was strongly linked with a move to the San Siro last summer.

The Gunners boss has revealed that should he decide to cash-in on a member of his squad, he will consider bids from fellow English clubs.

"I don't want to go into any individual assessment of who we want to keep and who not at the moment, and normally Adebayor is part of our plans for the future," Wenger is quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror.

"But if I feel that a player should go, or could go, why not sell him to one of the other top four? It's unusual, but we sold [Ashley] Cole to Chelsea and we bought [William] Gallas, so you can never say I never do it, because I've already done it."

Adebayor has struggled to hit the heights of the 2007-08 campaign, when he scored 30 goals, finding the back of the net on just 16 occasions in the 2008-09 season.

Asked whether he could explain his dip in form, Wenger replied, "I believe he has been disturbed a little bit by bad feelings from the fans because he was close to leaving the club and it [has] unsettled him a little bit."

Indian Film Actor Abhishek Bachchan first to own Chelsea's latest jersey

2009-05-14T19:39:00.001+05:30

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, an ardent football fan, was on cloud nine when he became the first owner of the latest jersey of the Chelsea Football Club.

Abhishek, a supporter of the famous club was at Stamford Bridge in London recently to watch the team's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona when he was presented with the jersey by Peter Kenyon, the club's CEO.

"My first trip to the Stamford Bridge was while filming Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, where I played a Chelsea fan. This is my seventh trip and I only flew into London for the game. I am a big fan and am trying to bring the world of Chelsea back home in India," Abhishek told chelseafc.com after receiving the jersey.

Though Chelsea lost the match to Barcelona, Abhishek was still happy to be able to attend it.

Even Abhishek's father, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, is a religious follower of football. He even posted comments about the particular match on his blog.

"Chelsea lost to Barcelona in the semis in a match that can only be described by all as most unfortunate. Not for the loss, but for the way the loss happened," Amitabh

Crocked Chelsea Star Joe Cole Vows To Come Back A Stronger Player

2009-05-13T21:41:00.002+05:30

Chelsea ace Joe Cole has admitted his heartache at missing much of the season but has vowed to come back stronger.

The England midfielder suffered a serious knee-ligament injury back in January that ruled him out of the rest of the season. He is now looking to make the most productive use of his time off the field by working on raising his game through alternative means than practising and playing.

"The way I see it is when I get injured then I will come back stronger," Cole told Chelsea TV recently.

"I'm so focused on coming back better and stronger than before. You get knocks in life and you can talk in victory and in glory but when the chips are down and you are in adversity you need to come through that.

"I come in every day and do what the physiotherapists say I need to do to the letter. Then I'll see where it takes me."

The ex-West Ham United prodigy went on to admit that he has paid the price for not listening to his body when it was telling him that he needed time to recuperate from smaller complaints which became compounded as a result.

"I think why I got injured was because at the start of the season I was playing with little niggles. I had an ankle injury and came back too soon," he added.

"The manager wanted me back, and I tend to want to play through the pain. Maybe that is a lesson learned. It's a hard lesson learned, but I will come back when I'm ready whenever that may be.

"I'm coming into my peak years. The next five years will be the best of my career so I want to get myself bullet-proof.

"I want to tick every box and win some major trophies again.

"I won't let it get me down. Being an injured Chelsea player is probably the second best job in the world behind being a Chelsea player."

Referee Breaks the Silence !!!!!!

2009-05-13T21:33:00.001+05:30

The controversial decisions made by Tom Henning Ovrebo during the second leg of Barcelona and Chelsea's Champions League semi-final have left bad tastes in many a mouth, but a week after the game that turned into a circus, the Norwegian referee has spoken to the press.

The Guardian has reported the referee as being highly motivated to continue a career in officiating football matches, refusing to let 'one little incident' hamper his love for the beautiful game, even if last week's antics were anything but.

"I won't comment on what has happened since Wednesday," began Ovrebo.

"My focus is now on my coming matches in Norway and the future. But since this happened I have been noticed more in the street and people are pointing."

After several missed penalty claims, a dodgy red card, a police escort back to Norway, and copious amounts of bad press, the 42-year-old still remains adamant that his affection for football has not been soured.

"Why do I like football? Why shouldn't I? It's always been part of my life since I was seven — I was playing football since that age so it's hard to stop liking it because of one incident," he continued.

Ovrebo went on to talk about how his second profession as a psychologist helps him to keep on top of things during matches.

"Of course there's a lot of psychology in refereeing and of course its [about] man-management, things like this. And it's also important to know of stress-management," the said.

The Norwegian was asked finally if he would continue being a referee long into the future.

"That's hard to tell, but at the moment I'm still very motivated," he concluded.

Chelsea too hot for Arsenal........ Chelsea 4-1 Arsenal

2009-05-10T22:39:00.001+05:30

Chelsea secured a top three Premier League spot and automatic qualification into next season's Champions League group stages with a win at Arsenal.

Alex powerfully headed Chelsea in front and Nicolas Anelka thundered in a 25-yard strike to add to Chelsea's lead.

Arsenal's Kolo Toure put Ashley Cole's cross into his own net before a Nicklas Bendtner header pulled it back to 3-1.

The Gunners rallied but Chelsea wrapped up the win when Florent Malouda slotted in after Anelka's shot hit the post.

Arsenal will now be left to negotiate an open draw qualification for next season's Champions League, which could potentially pit them against a team from the stronger German, Spanish or Italian leagues.

Both teams were coming off the back of elimination from this season's competition in midweek and, while the win will provide some consolation for Chelsea, Arsenal's misery will only be compounded by the loss.

It was a defeat which seemed unlikely when Arsenal burst out of the blocks and seemed set to score as they swarmed all over Chelsea.

Theo Walcott played a one-two with Robin van Persie, who appeared in an offside position, only to blaze high with his shot.

Walcott forced a save from keeper Petr Cech with a strike from a tight angle as Chelsea struggled to contain an Arsenal side showing the kind of determination and stylish passing that deserted them in their Champions League semi-final against Manchester United.

Abou Diaby sidefooted wide from a Walcott cross but might have been better leaving it for Cesc Fabregas, who was running in directly behind him and was better placed to shoot, as Arsenal again went close.

Chelsea did pose a threat through Florent Malouda but his tame effort from 10 yards was blocked by Kieran Gibbs after neat build up play by Cole and Drogba.

Alexander Song turned and shot wide as Arsenal squandered another chance before they were punished by the visitors.

Drogba flighted in a free-kick for Alex to beat keeper Lukas Fabianski with a 12 yard header, which went in off the crossbar.

Former Gunners striker Anelka was allowed to run on the Arsenal goal from midfield and he took advantage by beating Fabianski from 25-yards to add a Chelsea second.

It was a harsh lesson in the benefits of clinical finishing for Arsenal and their predicament got worse after the break when a sliding Toure could only put the ball into his own net from Cole's cross.

A profligate Arsenal saw Walcott screw a shot across goal before substitute Bendtner's header from a Bacary Sagna cross inspired a late rally from Arsenal.

Cech saved well from Mikael Silvestre as Arsenal's pride saw them continue to try to continue to battle away.

But any feint hopes of a comeback were ended when Malouda struck late on after his initial shot was saved and Anelka's strike from the follow-up came back to him off the post.

man of the match: Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka (7.58 on 90 minutes).

Chelsea had everything except LUCK!!!!!

2009-05-08T22:01:00.005+05:30

The Aweful Curse Continues

Till 92nd minute they had the game in hand....... 2 be specific they were jus 2minutes away from beating the so called World's Best eleven this Season........
Barca dint have any reply to the tactics that Chelsea had worked out till then... as they dint had a shot on target!!!!!! mind u the same team who beat The Real Madrid for 6-2 in their fortress dint had a Shot On Target till 92nd minute.... can u beleiv it??? Dat was wht Chelsea showed on dat night...... they were on the high...... But the curse was yet to show its vengence..... jus 1 more minute to the final vistle... Chelsea all set to go to Rome......... Ders he Iniesta strikes the ball from 20 yards off the post....... Goal.......Chelsea Out!!!!! can u beleiv it???
Such a great team who play the real football based on their superb tactics yet to lift a CHAMPIONs League CUP.... yet again fell on the track on the last minute........ Last year it was just a kick away when Fait( The Curse ) made john Terry so called Mr Chelsea slipped off while taking the decisive kick....... Now the curse came as Referee first den the lats goal which made them suffer again...... oh God.......

Seriously im sad...... Chelsea should have made it this year..... Still i cant beleiv it was a coincidence dat the referee couldnt giv 4 penalties out of which two even a 10 year old kid would have Given..... Had the referee been bought as majority of the Chelsea fans beleiv???? Still not clear......... Anywaz Its ManU whoz gonna lift the cup this year too.... coz Chelsea have shown how shallow a club Barcelona is..... they couldnt even take a free kick or corner directly to goal instead alwayz keep sm possession.......

HARD LUCK CHELSEA>>>>>>>>>> Next time we'l pray to God den play ok???

Drogba rages at ref for Euro exit

2009-05-08T14:58:00.001+05:30

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba labelled referee Tom Henning Ovrebo a "disgrace" after his side's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

The Blues felt they had four strong shouts for penalties before Barcelona won the semi-final on away goals with a 93rd-minute Andres Iniesta strike.

After the 1-1 second-leg draw, Drogba ran on to the pitch to confront Ovrebo at the final whistle and was booked.

He then shouted and swore into TV cameras and may face action from Uefa.

A Uefa spokesman said: "We will see the report from the referee and match delegate before deciding whether to take any action or not."

Drogba, who had been substituted after 72 minutes, had to be restrained as Norwegian Ovrebo went down the tunnel.

Blues captain John Terry, who also strongly remonstrated with Ovrebo, defended the reactions of the Chelsea players and Drogba in particular.

"I am fully behind Didier for the way he reacted," declared Terry. "The man wants to win. You can see the passion that he played with during the game and the passion afterwards.

"People are saying we shouldn't have reacted the way we did but the fact is, six decisions went against us in front of 40,000 people. And for the ref to not give one of them is unusual."

The central defender also condemned the decision to select Ovrebo for such a high-profile tie.

"We get a referee who has officiated in 10 Champions League games in his career. For me, for him to be given a semi-final at Stamford Bridge, that's not good enough," Terry

In fact, the match official has been in charge of 28 Champions League games since 1999, but midfielder Frank Lampard was equally damning of the decisions to reject Chelsea's penalty appeals.

"The penalties are clear as day," he added. "The linesman's in line, the referee's nearby. There were about three of them that were clear as anything and I can't understand why they weren't given."

Fellow midfielder Michael Ballack, who was booked for running 40 yards alongside Ovrebo to protest over the final penalty appeal being dismissed, said: "Everybody saw it and it was not one or two decisions, there were at least three, four five maybe we can discuss.

Hiddink unhappy with penalty decisions

"It was not just the last-minute decision. If you have the history of the situations before maybe he should give this one at least."

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink supported his players for their actions and revealed he would stand by them.

"I can fully understand in the emotion of the game, as long as they don't touch him, I can fully understand this disappointment," he said of his players' reactions to the referee's rulings.

"It's not just one decision in doubt but it's several.

"I can fully understand and I protect my players for this when they have this emotion, just with loads of energy and adrenalin in their bodies."

In 2005, Swedish referee Anders Frisk was heavily criticised by then Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho after Drogba was controversially sent off in the first leg of a last-16 Champions League tie against Barcelona, which the Spanish side won 2-1.

Frisk then received death threats and subsequently decided to retire from the game.

At the time, Chelsea issued a statement condemning the actions of those who had abused Frisk.

Police in Ovrebo's home city of Oslo said they would be vigilant over any threats made against the referee.

An Oslo police spokesman said: "We are watching closely what is being posted on the internet. Anything we believe would threaten his personal safety will be taken seriously."

Former Uefa ref Graham Poll was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the governing body had influenced Ovrebo to ensure Barcelona reached the final on 27 May against Manchester United.

He told the BBC: "I refereed in Uefa for 13 years, 11 in their top group of referees, and never, ever, ever was there any suggestion of 'it would be nice if this team won' or 'could you do this team a favour' - I promise you, absolutely nothing.

"I'm 99.9% certain that there was nothing untoward going on here."

Poll added: "Tom had a bad day at work and, unfortunately, for a referee that gets highlighted.

"Irrespective of that, you can't possibly condone the behaviour of the Chelsea players at the final whistle and even before that."

Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona (agg 1-1)

2009-05-08T14:50:00.002+05:30

Andres Iniesta's spectacular strike deep into stoppage time wrecked Chelsea's dreams of a second successive Champions League final against Manchester United amid chaotic scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea looked to have kept Barcelona at bay and sealed an all-Premier League clash in Rome on a night of nerve-jangling tension after Michael Essien's 20-yard blockbuster in the ninth minute.

But with Guus Hiddink's side hanging on - and fuelled by a sense of injustice after referee Tom Ovrebo rejected a succession of penalty appeals - Iniesta beat Petr Cech from the edge of the area to send Barcelona into the final on away goals.

It was a heartbreaking moment for Chelsea and one that was too much to bear for Didier Drogba, on the sidelines after being substituted with an injury.

Hiddink unhappy with penalty decisions

There had already been angry scenes in the technical area after Barcelona's leveller, with Hiddink appearing to be buffeted on the touchline, but at the final whistle, Drogba marched on to the field to subject referee Ovrebo to a prolonged verbal tirade.

He rightly received a yellow card but Drogba refused to be deterred by this punishment and continued to pursue the official while being held back.

It was an unpalatable conclusion to a dramatic encounter in which Chelsea had four appeals for penalties ignored, the strongest being a clear handball by Gerard Pique after the break.

Barcelona now face United in the final - but it was victory at a price, with Dani Alves ruled out of the final after a booking and Eric Abidal will also miss out after he was unluckily sent off for tangling with Nicolas Anelka.

Chelsea, meanwhile, must now gather their forces for the end of the Premier League campaign and the FA Cup final against Everton.

They looked to be on their way to a European final after a superb defensive display that restricted the visitors all night until Iniesta's deadly strike.

Barcelona's attempt to secure a crucial away goal suffered a blow before kick-off when Thierry Henry was ruled out with a knee injury - while Chelsea included both Drogba and Anelka in their line-up.

The Catalan giants posed the first threat when Xavi's effort took two deflections before Jose Bosingwa cleared from almost on the goal-line.

And Chelsea took advantage of that escape to make the breakthrough after only nine minutes.

Frank Lampard's pass was half-cleared and even though there seemed little danger, Essien met the loose ball with a thunderous left-foot volley that left Valdes stranded as it ripped high past him and into the net off the bar.

FOOTBALL BLOG
Chelsea were left with the bitter after-taste of defeat and the potential consequences of another loss of control from Drogba

Phil McNulty

Barcelona's response was predictably measured as they refused to stray from their trademark passing approach but it failed to reap any rewards as Chelsea keeper Cech remained well protected by his defenders.

Indeed, it was Chelsea who had the better chances despite having less of the possession, with Valdes just beating Drogba to Lampard's long ball before diverting away the striker's angled free-kick with his knees.

Chelsea made the first of a series of penalty appeals when Malouda appeared to be hauled down by Alves inside the box, only for the referee to signal a free-kick just outside the area.

Drogba was the next to appeal when he was tugged back by Abidal but Ovrebo ignored his claims - much to the obvious disgust of Chelsea's high-maintenance striker.

The home side, predictably, came under pressure in the opening exchanges after the break but they broke away to great effect, only to see Drogba waste a perfect chance to double their lead.

Anelka set him up 12 yards out but after cutting inside Pique, Drogba shot against the legs of Valdes, with Malouda striking the rebound into the side-netting.

Drogba was again left appealing in vain for a penalty after colliding with Yaya Toure but Barcelona's giant midfield man looked to have just got a touch on the ball.

Referee Ovrebo was on the receiving end of Barcelona's anger after 65 minutes when he sent off defender Abidal for what only appeared to be an unwitting tangle of legs with Anelka.

And Ovrebo was in action again 10 minutes from time when Pique handled under pressure from Anelka but once again the referee was in no mood to point to the spot.

Sending off made it hard - Guardiola

As the game entered the final minutes of stoppage time, the one moment of magic Chelsea feared from this gifted Barcelona side arrived to steal their dreams of a second successive final away from them at the last gasp.

Essien sliced his clearance and the ball came to Iniesta, who sent a rising 20-yard drive past Cech into the top corner to spark chaotic scenes on the touchline.

More drama was to follow when Chelsea's players appealed one last time for a penalty when Michael Ballack's volley appeared to strike Samuel Eto'o's arm - and the German midfielder chased the referee back up the pitch to express his fury when the spot-kick never came.

And when the final whistle blew, Drogba marched on to direct his tirade at referee Ovrebo - it was an act that only increased the sense of anger and injustice on the air on a night of bitter disappointment for Chelsea.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Essien, Ballack, Anelka, Drogba (Belletti 72), Malouda.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Mikel, Kalou, Mancienne.

Booked: Essien, Alex, Ballack.

Goals: Essien 9.

Barcelona: Valdes, Dani Alves, Toure Yaya, Pique, Abidal, Busquets (Bojan 85), Xavi, Keita, Messi, Eto'o (Sylvinho 90), Iniesta (Gudjohnsen 90).
Subs Not Used: Pinto, Caceres, Hleb, Pedrito.

Sent Off: Abidal (66).

Booked: Dani Alves, Eto'o.

Goals: Iniesta 90.

Att: 37,857

Ref: Tom Ovrebo (Norway).

man of the match: Chelsea's Michael Essien (8.40 on 90 minutes).

Chelsea’s Jose Bosingwa Reveals How To Stop Lionel Messi

2009-05-04T06:55:00.002+05:30

Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa has revealed how studying videos of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi helped him stop the Argentine ace in the Champions League in midweek.

The Blues managed to hold the Catalan side to a goalless draw in the Camp Nou in the first leg of their semi-final with a stubborn defensive display that frustrated Pep Guardiola’s team.

Bosingwa played a key role in the Blues' performance, despite having to play out of position at left-back.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, he revealed the hours of research he had been forced to put in, in order to prevent Messi wreaking havoc.

“The key to stopping Messi? I studied his movements all day on video and I managed to show people you can stop him without kicking him,” he explained.

“I am not the hero, I just did what I was asked to do.

“If I get the same order in London, I will repeat my work.

“Playing at left-back was unusual for me, but I was happy with my work.”

Barcelona now travel to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night for the second leg in fine goalscoring form having beaten Real Madrid 6-2 on Saturday.

Yet home advantage may well hand Guus Hiddink’s side a slight advantage, although Bosingwa warned the game was far from over, concluding, “We should warn ourselves this tie is not won.”

Thierry Henry calls for Barcelona to stage a Real repeat at Chelsea

2009-05-04T06:35:00.004+05:30

Thierry Henry has urged his Barcelona team-mates to produce a repeat performance of last night's demolition of Real Madrid when they take on Chelsea this week.

Barça are now the overwhelming favourites to replace Madrid as Spanish champions after thrashing their arch rivals 6–2 at the Bernabéu in a stunning display of attacking football.

Madrid's defence simply had no answer as the capital club conceded six goals at home for the first time in almost 60 years, leaving the Blaugranas on course for a historic trophy treble this season.

To keep those hopes alive Barcelona must overcome Chelsea in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, following a frustrating goalless draw at Camp Nou, but they will have taken heart from their humbling of Juande Ramos's side and Henry wants to see more of the same in west London next week.

"Against Chelsea we must have another incredible game," said Henry, who scored two of his side's goals at the Bernabéu, including an 18th-minute equaliser after Gonzalo Higuaín had put Madrid ahead. "We are a team who fight. After we went 1–0 down we didn't know how things would finish up. So we had to fight, and more so away from home."

The Barça defender Gerard Piqué, who was also on target with the club's 100th league goal of the season, added: "We will go to Chelsea looking for the win like we did here – it's the only way we know." His 82nd-minute effort has left Barcelona just seven goals shy of the single-season record set by Real Madrid in 1989-90.

Samuel Eto'o, who is the leading scorer in La Liga this season with 27 goals but for once did not manage to get his name on the scoresheet, warned his side not to get too carried away with the victory.

They may have one hand on the Spanish league title, but, with huge matches coming up in the Champions League and the Copa del Rey final, Eto'o insists that Barcelona cannot relax. "We still aren't the champions," he said. "We have to treat the other teams that are coming up with respect. But it's true they [Madrid] need a miracle to stop us.

"Now we have to forget about this win and think about Chelsea, where we must go out with the same desire and with humility, as if this match didn't happen."

The Barcelona president Joan Laporta added: "It will be a very difficult game in London. To get through to the final we will have to make a heroic effort. It will be difficult, but this Barça side is capable of everything."

Chelsea 3-1 Fulham

2009-05-03T13:58:00.001+05:30

Chelsea warmed up for their Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona by comfortably seeing off west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues made a lightning start as Nicolas Anelka bundled them ahead after 51 seconds, but Erik Nevland drilled in a leveller only three minutes later.

Florent Malouda fired Chelsea back in front from Didier Drogba's cross and then Drogba slotted home Anelka's pass.

Chelsea could have had plenty more goals after dominating throughout.

But the manner of the performance will have delighted boss Guus Hiddink, coming only four days before their crucial second leg tie at home against Barca.

Hiddink resisted the chance to rest some of his big stars with only Branislav Ivanovic and Michael Ballack making way after the 0-0 Camp Nou draw on Tuesday.

Along with Ashley Cole, Anelka was brought back in as Hiddink sprang a major surprise by ditching his favoured 4-3-3 formation and playing 4-4-2, with Anelka and Drogba up front.

With 51 seconds on the clock, it was already looking like an inspired move.

Anelka broke with pace and fed the ball out to the left to Malouda and the winger fired over a cross that Drogba cushioned into Anelka's path for the Frenchman to prod home.

Stamford Bridge was buzzing, but Fulham had a surprise up their sleeve too and within three minutes parity had been restored.

Danny Murphy's pass from inside his own half found Alex unsuccessfully trying to play the offside trap, as Nevland latched on to the ball and ran clear of the Brazilian.

Hiddink criticises 'sloppy' Chelsea

Having got into the box, Nevland drilled a low shot from a tight angle on the right that brushed the gloves of Petr Cech - who should have done better - before nestling into the far corner.

It was an electric start and Chelsea immediately set about regaining their lead, which they achieved with barely 10 minutes gone.

The same trio that fashioned the first again came up trumps as Anelka played Drogba in down the right and his cross was fired past Mark Schwarzer by the impressive Malouda.

Fulham fought to stay in the game and Nevland showed fine technique to volley narrowly over, but Chelsea's dominance increased as the game wore on.

Drogba had the ball in the net from a Frank Lampard cross only to be wrongly flagged offside, while Lampard saw his shot deflected inches wide by Zoltan Gera.

Perhaps with a nod to Wednesday's encounter, Hiddink brought off Alex and Michael Essien at the interval for Ivanovic and Ballack.

Fulham caught out by counter-attacks - Hodgson

It did not take the Blues long to make the three points safe, and Anelka and Drogba were starting to really enjoy their partnership.

It was Anelka's turn to play creator as he slipped a slide-rule pass in for his colleague, Drogba seamlessly gliding past Schwarzer and tucking home number three.

From then on, it was a case of how many Chelsea wanted, such was the control they exerted over their neighbours.

Lampard had a free-kick brilliantly tipped over by Schwarzer, before Drogba poked Anelka's right-wing cross just wide.

But they had already done enough to win and in the process fired a warning shot that will have been heard all the way to Catalonia.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink on playing 4-4-2:
"We needed the points for today, but we are always trying to look ahead as well, especially with such a big game coming up.

"We wanted to give Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba the chance to play up front together, to increase our options in the future.

"If we ever need another gear in another game we must be able to adjust, to play differently."

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"We made a bad start and then went 2-1 down after our defender slipped, so you're trying very hard not to concede another goal after that.

"Unfortunately they caught us on the break with a third and from then on you are just trying to avoid embarrassment.

"We thought we could come here and get a result, but we were nowhere near our best today and we paid the price."

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Alex (Ivanovic 46), Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Essien (Ballack 46), Mikel, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba (Di Santo 84).
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Kalou, Belletti, Mancienne.

Goals: Anelka 1, Malouda 10, Drogba 53.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Etuhu, Murphy, Gera, Zamora (Dacourt 76), Nevland (Kamara 35).
Subs Not Used: Zuberbuhler, Gray, Stoor, Baird, Smalling.

Booked: Murphy.

Goals: Nevland 4.

Att: 41,801.

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

man of the match: Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka on 8.44 (on 90 minutes).

Chelsea midfielders Michael Ballack and Michael Essien dismiss Barcelona’s moans

2009-05-02T14:16:00.000+05:30

Chelsea set out their stall to stifle Barcelona’s talented players effectively but Andres Iniesta claimed Ballack should have been sent off, while Xavi, Yaya Toure and Gerard Pique all accused Chelsea of persistent and deliberate fouling.

However, Chelsea’s midfield enforcers on the night were in no mood to apologise and have promised more of the same when the Catalan side visits London next week.
“In modern football you need to be strong,” said Essien. “That is the way we play. Any time we tackled them they seemed to fall over.”

Ballack echoed his team-mates assessment, claiming Barcelona’s gripping was simply a function of Chelsea becoming the first team this season to stop the Champions League favourites from scoring on their home turf.

“Oh! That’s always how footballers react if they don’t get what they want,” said the German.

“That’s football and they should know that. Maybe they expected us to roll over for them – and because we didn’t they don’t think it’s fair.

“What can I say? That’s part of English football, physical football. It’s not like we’ve gone there not wanting to play, as they’ve been saying.

“But if you go to the Nou Camp you have to know how you have to play. It’s not about giving them an open game because that is what they want.

“You have to play differently against Barcelona than you do against Liverpool. That was also part of our strategy. The coach spoke with us and put the game plan in place, telling us how we had to play.

“Every team has its strengths and weaknesses. We know the strengths of Barcelona and so for us it was the game we expected. We showed what we wanted to do with what we did there.

“They can say what they want about us if they want. But we know our strengths. Even if they spend the next week trying to provoke us we have our strategy for the home leg.

“We have to be focused in exactly the same way we were in the first leg. We know we can surprise them and be even more difficult for them to play against here than we were at the Nou Camp.”

Iniesta’s had also raised questions over referee Wolfgang Stark’s objectivity in failing to send of a compatriot in Ballack, something the German again dismissed as sour grapes.

“He’s a great footballer and doesn’t need to speak like this,” Ballack told the Sun newspaper. “It wasn’t a game where we needed to speak about the referee. He did a great job.

“It’s always difficult to make 100 per cent of the decisions right, no matter for what team. But the big decisions were right. He gave both teams two yellow cards.

“There’s no point in talking about him and I don’t know why they are doing this.”

“If you look at the games they’ve had against English sides, it seems that they do not find it easy to deal with the power we have.

“United showed it last season, drawing 0-0 there and winning 1-0 at home and we’ve now shown it again, in the Nou Camp. Yes, they have fantastic players, fantastic technical players, at an outstanding level.

“But if they play against a team like us or United, who are physically very strong and organised, who are experienced defending teams, it is much more difficult for them.”

Chelsea v Fulham

2009-05-02T14:15:00.001+05:30

PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Saturday, 2 May Kick-off: 1500 BST

Chelsea will face their west London neighbours without Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, who are struggling to regain fitness following hamstring problems.

Joe Cole and Paulo Ferreira are out with knee ligament injuries.

Fulham striker Andrew Johnson is out because of a knee injury he suffered in last weekend's win over Stoke.

Bobby Zamora will start in Johnson's place after he was passed fit despite suffering a back injury in that game, but Simon Davies (foot) is sidelined.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ivanovic, A Cole, Bosingwa, Mancienne, Terry, Lampard, Ballack, Obi, Kalou, Essien, Malouda, Di Santo, Anelka, Stoch, Drogba.

Fulham (from): Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Baird, Dempsey, Murphy, Etuhu, Gera, Zamora, Nevland, Kamara, Dacourt, Gray, Stoor, Zuberbuhler.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink:
"There might be one or two changes.

"We have players on the bench with the quality to perform well. Maybe one or two will start on Saturday. We take this game very seriously.

Hiddink pays respects to Hodgson

"Roy Hodgson is doing a tremendous job at Fulham. He's one of the older managers, like me, who knows that the job is difficult.

"I respect the job he's doing. He's a man with a lot of experience and dignity.

"They've proved what can be achieved with a small squad for a prolonged period."

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson:
"It is difficult to second guess people but one is tempted to think that he will rest players and give others a chance.

"Now whether that works for us or against us I don't know. It might be better if he played the team he may be going to field against Barcelona next week because they may not be firing on all cylinders.

"The reserves could be busting a gut to show what they can do."

Make your Premier League predictions

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Chelsea turn their attention away from the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona, and onto the race with Liverpool for the Premier League's runners-up spot. The Blues have not finished outside the top two for five seasons. They could at least clinch third place and entry to the group stages of the Champions League, by winning this match and beating Arsenal next weekend.

Fulham are on course for the highest finish in their 130-year history, eclipsing ninth in 2003-04. If they can hold onto seventh, it will be probably be good enough to earn a place in the third qualifying round for next season's Europa League.

This West London showdown matches the best and fourth best Premier League defences; Chelsea have conceded just 20 goals, Fulham 28.

Aston Villa is the only one of the top seven clubs that Chelsea have beaten in this Premier League season.

Chelsea won a London Premier League derby for the first time this season with last weekend's 0-1 win at West Ham, now they're targeting two in a row.

The Cottagers lead the Blues on goal difference in the Premier League's "Last Six Current Form" table at third and fourth respectively with 13 points out of the 18.

Fulham are hoping to clinch a first top-flight victory at Stamford Bridge in 45 years, since their 1-2 triumph on 7 March 1964.

Distance between the clubs: 1.9 miles (3 kilometres)
Fulham make their shortest journey of the Premier League season and the shortest trip of any top-flight club in this round of fixtures.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA
Club stats

3rd 71 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 2nd
Lowest could fall: 3rd
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League

1. Ever-presents in the Premier League, with an average finishing position of fifth; won the title in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

2. Undefeated in eight in all competitions; five wins, three draws.

3. Lost one of 10 top-flight games, and won seven of the nine under Guus Hiddick.

4. Four points down on this same stage last season; their lowest return for six years.

5. Dropped a league low seven points from winning positions; drawn two, lost one.

6. Hoping to complete three successive clean sheets for the first time in 20 Premier League outings.

7. Won 19 and lost just one of the 21 league games this season in which they have opened the scoring. The defeat was home to Arsenal.

8. Won six of the last eight home league games and unbeaten in nine at the Bridge; won six and drawn three since losing 1-2 to Arsenal on 30 November.

9. The league run-in after this is:- Arsenal (a), Blackburn (h) and Sunderland (a).
Fixtures

FULHAM
Club stats

7th 47 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 10th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League

1. Won four and lost one of the last six Premier League outings.

2. One draw short of 700 in post war league football.

3. The current tally of 47 points after 34 matches is 20 points up on last season and their best ever return to this stage of a Premier League campaign, beating by two the mark set in 2003-04 when they finished a Premier League best, ninth.

4. Averaging a goal per Premier League game; 34 in 34.

5. Involved in an unequalled eight goalless draws in this Premier League season, and completed 15 top-flight matches without a score draw; 2-2 home to Chelsea on 28 December being the most recent.

6. Took 14 matches to pick up their first away league win of the season. Now they have collected eight points from the last 12 available on the road.

7. The 2-0 home win over Manchester United on 21 March is their only victory against a 'Big Four' club this term.

8. Won two of the last 15 against the quartet of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United, and not beaten a 'Big Four' club on the road since the 1-3 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford on 25 October 2003.

9. The 0-3 victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane on 30 August 2003 is the last time they won a top-flight London derby away from home.

10. The full run-in after that is:- Aston Villa (h), Newcastle (a) and Everton (h).
Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES

CHELSEA
Squad profiles

Nicolas ANEKLA is Chelsea's top Premier League scorer with 15 goals.

Frank LAMPARD is the only remaining player to have started all of Chelsea's Premier League matches this season.

LAMPARD has 14 goals in his 14 Premier League starts for Chelsea against Fulham.

If selected:-

John TERRY will be making his 400th appearance for Chelsea.

ALEX will be making his 50th Premier League appearance - all in Chelsea colours.

FULHAM
Squad profiles

Mark SCHWARZER is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Fulham's Premier League matches this season.

Aaron HUGHES and Danny MURPHY have also started every one of Fulham's Premier League matches this term.

Andrew JOHNSON and Clint DEMPSEY are the club's top Premier League scorers with seven goals a piece.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea have only lost once to Fulham in 15 Premier League meetings, but three of the last four have been drawn.

Fulham's only victory in 24 home and away meetings with their West London neighbours was 1-0 at the Cottage on 19 March 2006; Luis Boa Morte was their scorer.

Fulham have not claimed maximum points off their near neighbours on enemy territory in nearly 30 years since a 0-2 second tier triumph on 27 October 1979.

Chelsea formed the opposition for Roy Hodgson's first match in charge of Fulham, which resulted in a 1-2 home loss at the Cottage on New Years Day 2008.

The Blues hold an unbeaten home record against the Whites in the Premier League of four wins and three draws. They need to score four times to bring their total of home league goals against their near neighbours to 50.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Chelsea 34 wins, Fulham 7, Draws 18
Prem: Chelsea 8 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 6

at Chelsea only
League (inc PL): Chelsea 16 wins, Fulham 2, Draws 11
Prem: Chelsea 4 wins, Fulham 0, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
29 September 2007 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
Sent Off: Drogba (Chelsea) 74

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Fulham 2-2 Chelsea
28 December 2008 - Ref: Andre Marriner
Fulham scorers: Dempsey 10, 89
Chelsea scorers: Lampard 50, 72

REFEREE

Alan Wiley (Stafforshire)

Champions League Semis Leg 1 Photos ( Chelsea vs Barcelona)

2009-05-02T14:06:00.003+05:30

Chelsea did a great job to get a 0-0 draw at Nou Camp
The Tacticians!!!!!!

d Best Chance in d Match..... But Valdes stops Drogba with his brilliance

Bosingwa did a good job by marking Messi tightly

It was d Real Peter Cech at his best....... He was Awesome.............

Marquez missed an early opertunity........ later in the match he went limping out of the ground with a muscle cramp

Chelsea held their nerves !!!!!!! (Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea )

2009-05-02T13:57:00.003+05:30

Defensive tactics does d work for Chelsea

Chelsea produced a spirited defensive display to stop Barcelona from scoring in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in the Nou Camp.

The Spanish league leaders enjoyed plenty of possession, but struggled to create many clear-cut chances.

Thierry Henry forced Petr Cech to save and Bojan headed over from two yards, before Cech stopped Alex Hleb's effort.

Chelsea almost nicked a goal as Didier Drogba was foiled by Victor Valdes, while Michael Ballack headed just over.

But Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink will be delighted with his side's defensive fortitude in keeping a clean sheet - a feat not achieved by any visiting side at Barca this season.

It means the Blues will fancy their chances of reaching a second successive Champions League final when they meet in the second leg at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

For long periods Chelsea had to be content with watching Barca knock the ball around as they gave another masterclass in possession.

Chelsea played right into their hands, with Cech among the main protagonists as his long, aimless kicks only served to gift the ball straight back to the home side.

But for a team that this season has scored four goals in a game six times, five goals five times and six goals four times, the hosts were unable to broker many genuine chances.

For all the twinkle-toed approach play of the industrious Andres Iniesta and Henry down the left, they struggled to get close to the Chelsea goal with the regularity their build-up demanded.

Twice in the opening stages Cech flapped at crosses from the left but the Blues survived and they fashioned a half-chance of their own when Florent Malouda's cross found Frank Lampard and he curled wide from 25 yards.

Barca were seeing far more of the ball, but they grew increasingly frustrated by Chelsea's solid rearguard action and were quickly reduced to shooting from outside the area.

Henry twice chanced his arm, once testing Cech with a low drive and then lashing in a fierce shot from 22 yards that the Czech keeper did well to parry behind.

It seemed as though Barca were trying to wear Chelsea down, but they were very close to going in at half-time a goal down.

Rafael Marquez's backpass was woefully short and Drogba fastened on to the loose ball only to see his shot well saved by Valdes, the keeper getting up quickly to deny the Ivorian from the rebound.
Lionel Messi (left) and Jose Bosingwa
Barca's Messi (left) takes on Chelsea's Bosingwa at the Camp Nou

Chelsea's spirits were lifted by their sudden involvement in the match and right at the start of the second half they nearly took the lead again, Ballack flashing a header wide from Drogba's free-kick.

The Barca fans were growing increasingly restless at their team's lack of openings and a serious-looking injury to Marquez and a booking for his replacement Puyol that rules him out of the second leg did little to pacify them.

But Pep Guardiola's side continued to probe away in their usual manner and half-chances came and went as the off-key Lionel Messi volleyed over before Daniel Alves, in typically fiery mood throughout, stung the palms of Cech from out on the right.

Alves went even closer when his 30-yard free-kick brushed the top of Cech's net before Samuel Eto'o, on the day he was linked with a move to Manchester City, raced through only to shoot at Cech's outstretched left leg.

Barcelona's best chances came deep into injury time as Bojan, on for Henry, remarkably headed an Alves cross over from point-blank range, before fellow substitute Alex Hleb was foiled by a fine Cech save.

Chelsea may not have got the away goal Hiddink craved before the game, but their Dutch manager will surely be delighted by the outcome.

Barcelona: Valdes, Dani Alves, Marquez (Puyol 52), Pique, Abidal, Xavi, Toure Yaya, Iniesta, Messi, Eto'o (Bojan 82), Henry (Hleb 87).
Subs Not Used: Jorquera, Gudjohnsen, Keita, Sylvinho.

Booked: Toure Yaya, Puyol.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Bosingwa, Mikel, Ballack (Anelka 90), Essien, Lampard (Belletti 71), Malouda, Drogba.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Di Santo, Kalou, Mancienne, Stoch.

Booked: Alex, Ballack.

Att: 95,000.

Ref: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).

man of the match: Barcelona's Andres Iniesta on 7.57 (on 90 minutes).

Camp Nou all set for a Great Battle ( Barcelona v Chelsea )

2009-04-28T14:07:00.001+05:30

Uefa Champions League, Semi-final first leg
Venue: Camp Nou Date: Tuesday, 28 April Kick-off: 1945 BST

Chelsea will be without the suspended Ashley Cole and injured Ricardo Carvalho in Barcelona.

Portugal right-back Jose Bosingwa is likely to cover for Cole at left-back, while Alex is expected to continue with John Terry in central defence.

Barcelona have no injury worries, with Henry set to return to the starting line-up having come off the bench in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Valencia.

Andres Iniesta will revert to central midfield alongside Xavi.

BIG MATCH STATS

FC Barcelona and Chelsea are crossing swords for the fifth time in the Champions League.

Chelsea progressed twice; in the 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons. The Catalans beat the Londoners 5-1 after extra time in the 1999-2000 quarter-finals after losing the away match 3-1 in London. Barca's Carles Puyol is the only remaining player from those two encounters, although Barca's current coach Josep Guardiola played in the second leg.

Their other encounters were in the semi-finals of the 1965-66 Fairs Cup. Barca proceeded to the final after a 5-0 win in the decisive match on home territory. Both clubs had won their regular home ties 2-0.

In total, Barcelona have won five of the 11 matches played against Chelsea, with the Londoners winning four.

Barca have won four of their six home matches against the Blues and drawn the last two.

Barcelona have played 62 matches against English clubs, winning 19 of their 30 home matches and losing two. Their last home tie against an English club was on 23 February 2005 when they defeated Chelsea 2-1.

In the last four CL seasons the Spanish club have been eliminated by Chelsea (2004-05), Liverpool (2006-07) and Manchester United (2007-08). In the 2005-06 season, they won the CL final against Arsenal 2-1.

Chelsea have won three of their 12 away matches against Spanish opposition and lost seven. The Westenders have won their last two matches in Spain, both against Valencia CF, and are undefeated in their last four visits to Spain. Chelsea's last defeat in the country was against Real Betis 1-0 in the group phase of the CL on 1 November 2005.

The 2-2 draw between these clubs on 31 October 2006 saw 10 players receiving a yellow card. The record number of yellow cards in a CL match is 11.

CLUB FORM

BARCELONA

Reached the CL semi-finals for a record equalling sixth time and for the second time in succession.

Could suffer their 100th defeat in all European competitions (won 238, drawn 100, lost 99).

Two goals shy of Real Madrid's record total of 850 goals scored in European competition.

Scored the most goals this CL season (29). Their average of 2.90 goals per match is the equal highest ever in a CL season with Olympique Lyon (2004-05).

On a CL record running streak of 103 CL matches without receiving a red card; current coach Josep Guardiola was their last player to be sent off - in the away match against Brondby on 9 December 1998.

CHELSEA

Reached the semi-finals of the CL for the third consecutive season and the fifth time in the last six seasons.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

Barcelona's Lionel MESSI is the top scorer in this season's Champions League with eight goals from nine matches.

With six assists, XAVI (Barcelona) is joint assist leader this CL season together with Bayern Munich's Franck RIBERY. Chelsea's Frank LAMPARD has five assists this CL season.

Carles PUYOL has played in all of Barcelona's eight CL matches against Chelsea.

Eidur GUDJOHSEN was on Chelsea's books from 2000 until 2006. He played four matches against Barcelona as a Chelsea player and scored once; in the 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge on 8 March 2005.

Rafael MARQUEZ returns from suspension. PUYOL, Daniel ALVES and Sergio BUSQUETS will face suspension if booked.

Didier DROGBA has scored in each of Chelsea's last five CL matches. He needs one more goal to break the CL record for scoring in most consecutive matches played by a club.

DROGBA received a red card during Barcelona's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the last 16 of the 2004-05 competition.

If he plays, Michael ESSIEN will be making his 50th appearance in a CL match.

BELLETTI (2004-2007) and DECO (2004-2008) won the Champions League with Barcelona. Ricardo QUARESMA (2003-04) also played for the Spanish club.

Ashley COLE is suspended for the first leg.

John TERRY returns from suspension. Nicolas ANELKA will face suspension if booked.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FACTS

Barcelona beat Chelsea 2-1 in the last 16 on 23 February 2005. Afterwards Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho criticised Barca coach Frank Rijkaard for speaking to referee Anders Frisk during half-time. The issue turned into a major row, prompting Frisk to end his refereeing career two weeks later after threats to him and his family. Mourinho had to serve a two-match touchline ban during the quarter-finals.

Definitions of terms used:-

Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

Pep Guardiola Wants Barcelona To Build Lead Over Chelsea

2009-04-28T12:17:00.003+05:30

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has ordered his side to attack Chelsea in their Champions League clash on Tuesday evening, in order to ensure that they take a considerable advantage to London for the second leg.

The last time the two sides met in a two-legged clash was in 2005, and although Barcelona managed to clinch a 2-1 victory at the Camp Nou, Chelsea managed to win 4-2 at Stamford Bridge to progress.

Guardiola is fully aware of the importance of keeping a clean sheet at home, but also the merits of establishing a lead that they can defend in the second leg.

He told journalists at this evening's press conference, "We must work hard from the very first minute to counteract the power of the English side[Chelsea].

"It will be important to us to focus on our own goals, and focus on working hard."

The Catalonian also expressed his concern at Chelsea's aerial presence in the area and warned his side to be more vigilant than normal on set-pieces.

He added, "People like [Branislav] Ivanovic, [John]Terry and [Didier]Drogba are very powerful in the air, and we must make sure we make no mistakes at corners because they have the ability to be better than us.

"We will not change our style. I cannot see football any differently."

Bosingwa can stop Messi - Hiddink

2009-04-28T12:13:00.002+05:30

Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink is confident that Jose Bosingwa can keep Barcelona winger Lionel Messi quiet in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

The Argentine has been in spectacular form, and with regular left-back Ashley Cole suspended, Chelsea will rely on Bosingwa to switch from right-back.

"I have full confidence Bosingwa can do the job on Tuesday," said Hiddink ahead of the clash at Camp Nou.

"We have some more options, but if he is doing well he can do the job."

Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and Hiddink is well aware that the likes of Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o also pose a huge threat.

I am very impressed with Chelsea, they are a powerful team and a lot stronger than us, so we must keep hold of the ball and make the difference at home

Pep Guardiola

"If you go to a double man-marking system and focus too much on that you forget there are other big players that can do the damage," said the Dutchman.

"A lot of teams have shown that it is very difficult to stop them. The front line is world class, Henry has class and experience and Samuel Eto'o I had as a young player at Real Madrid when he was 17.

"At that time he was already impressive and then he got titles and experience."

Messi, 21, remains the star attraction at Barcelona, however, with 21 goals so far this season as the club go for the Champions League and domestic Copa del Rey and La Liga titles.

"At a young age, Messi is one of the best players in the world already," said Hiddink. "He is the kind of player who is playing in a big club because of his style of play.

"He had big promise and within a short period he has made it happen completely.

"I like very much the way he plays, he does like the stardom of playing and it's very effective. It looks very simple but it is very difficult."

Despite the attacking talent available to the opposition, Hiddink insisted that his side will not sit back in Spain.

"Both teams have the style to attack when they can," said Hiddink. "Chelsea is not a team with a strategy to sit back and wait until something happens.

"The team is showing a lot of initiative. It is more or less an open clash between two teams who like to go forward."

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola believes that Chelsea's dramatic 7-5 aggregate win over Liverpool in the previous round proved his side are at a physical disadvantage against the Premier League outfit.

"I am very impressed with Chelsea, they are a powerful team and a lot stronger than us, so we must keep hold of the ball and make the difference at home," said Guardiola.

"Our intention is to play our usual style which means attacking while at the same time making sure that we do not concede a goal.

"I saw in Chelsea's game against Liverpool the danger they pose in the air especially from (Didier) Drogba and so we have to be careful to concede as few free-kicks and corners as possible.

"Chelsea have more to their game though than just power and if you let them play then they can create a lot of danger with footballers who can run 20 or 30 yards with a ball and we just have to be aware of that.

"We have played other teams though that have a similar approach to Chelsea so we do know what to expect."

Chelsea Midfielder Michael Essien Hails English Spirit

2009-04-28T12:02:00.001+05:30

Chelsea's Michael Essien has hailed English teams' spirit when chasing games and thinks that the attitude of never giving up is why the Premier League is dominating the Champions League.

The former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder is revelling in his role at Stamford Bridge and enjoys the physical and mental battle of the domestic scene in England every week.

That level of competition and the belief that no game is ever lost has helped teams like Chelsea and Manchester United to progress, Essien believes.

“English clubs dominate in Europe because every week in the Premier League we have to fight to win," he told the English media.

“Against Liverpool, we continued to attack even at 4-4 when they were virtually eliminated.”

Having spent several months on the sidelines, Essien is back in action but does not believe that he is fully fit yet and still has plenty of work to do.

“I’ve not returned to my best level yet, even though my first few games have been satisfactory," he added.

“I was struggling a bit to finish matches at the start but it’s getting better and better.”

Chelsea Boss Guus Hiddink Not Worried About Lionel Messi

2009-04-26T20:38:00.000+05:30

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has insisted that facing Lionel Messi in the Champions League does not worry him.

The Blues take on Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final in midweek and Hiddink admitted he is a huge fan of the Argentinean.

“I love the way he plays. Nature gave him a lot of gifts. Players like him make football very attractive to see,” he told the News of the World.

“Of course, we want to stop him, but we will never use means that are outside the rules or that are violent.”

Messi has been in sparkling form this season and is expected to have a major influence on the game, particularly as Chelsea will be without Ashley Cole for the first leg in the Camp Nou.

The job of marking Messi is therefore likely to fall to Jose Bosingwa, who played at left-back for the Blues against West Ham United yesterday, although Chelsea do have other options such as Michael Mancienne, Branislav Ivanovic and Juliano Belletti.

Whoever plays is likely to endure a difficult evening, yet Hiddink insisted that his side could stop Messi as a team, rather than relying on one player.

“I know it will be difficult to stop him. He is world-class. But I am not waking up in the night worrying about it,” he explained.

“I just know that everybody in my team must be ready to mark and tackle, because Messi and Barcelona interchange positions so much.

We will stop him as a team, not through any individual.”

West Ham 0-1 Chelsea

2009-04-26T20:28:00.002+05:30

Chelsea kept their slim title hopes alive with victory at West Ham.

Florent Malouda went close as Chelsea dominated before Kieron Dyer was denied by Peter Cech and Diego Tristan's flick was cleared off the line.

Salomon Kalou put Chelsea ahead when he volleyed in from Frank Lampard's cross, and later Ashley Cole hit the bar as the Hammers were pinned back.

West Ham had a chance to equalise when Kalou fouled Hireta Ilunga but Cech superbly saved Mark Noble's penalty.

The win briefly saw Chelsea move to within three points of leaders Manchester United, but their rivals later beat Tottenham 5-2.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink had already conceded the title after his side's 0-0 midweek draw against at Everton, but ahead of the trip to Upton Park, the Dutchman had insisted his side were keen to finish as runners-up.
Guus Hiddink

Hiddink critical despite Blues win

However, the wholesale changes to his line-up suggested there was far more focus on the midweek Champions League match at Barcelona than catching second-placed Liverpool.

Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Michael Ballack were all on the bench, though their absence was hardly noticed as Chelsea outplayed their hosts in the opening 45 minutes.

Malouda had the best of Chelsea's first-half chances but struck a low, diagonal shot just wide after being played in by Lampard.

The England international midfielder, following his radio row on Friday experienced another hostile reception at his former club, inevitably fired in a few shots.

But he, along with Nicolas Anelka, who also had a shoot on sight policy, failed to trouble keeper Robert Green.

Instead it was West Ham who created the first-half's best two openings.

The first fell to Dyer, who was making his first start since breaking his leg in August 2007, but he shot weakly at Cech.

The second chance came just before the interval - from West Ham's first corner - when Matthew Upson headed the ball on and Tristan flicked the ball goalwards only for Jon Mikel Obi to clear off the line.

Zola blames poor passing for defeat

Chelsea finally got the goal their superiority deserved when Lampard crossed from the left and Kalou controlled with his chest before clipping the ball home on the volley.

Anelka had a great opportunity to double the lead when through one-on-one with Green but the keeper spread himself well to make a fine stop.

Shortly after Green was beaten by a fierce Cole drive but the ball bounced off the top of the bar.

It seemed Chelsea had three points wrapped up but they had to survive a scare when Kalou conceded a penalty for tugging back Ilunga.

Noble stepped up and struck the kick well, but Cech was equal to it as he dived to his left to make an excellent save.

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola on Frank Lampard:
"They didn't forgive him for leaving.

"Frank is a very good professional, a very good boy and it makes me sorry to think he has a problem with this crowd."

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink:
"I have rested some players but if I had suggested doing the same to Frank Lampard, well, I didn't even talk to him about it.

"He would have looked at me as if to say, 'Why are you doing that?' These guys with big personalities, they want to play every game.

"Maybe some time in the near future I will have to tell him he's not going to play, but without looking at him I think."

West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Nsereko 72), Noble, Stanislas, Dyer (Sears 61), Tristan, Di Michele (Kovac 61).
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Payne.

Booked: Stanislas.

Chelsea: Cech, Mancienne (Ballack 83), Ivanovic, Terry, Bosingwa (Ashley Cole 58), Mikel, Belletti, Kalou (Essien 73), Lampard, Malouda, Anelka.
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Di Santo, Drogba, Stoch.

Goals: Kalou 55.

Att: 34,749

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

man of the match: Chelsea's Frank Lampard 7.94 (on 90 minutes).

Yet Again Chelsea failed to make an advantage!!!!!(Chelsea 0-0 Everton )

2009-04-23T10:08:00.002+05:30

Chelsea produced a far from convincing display at Stamford Bridge as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton that all but ends their title challenge.

The hosts enjoyed all the possession, but Everton had the better chances.

Jo twice fluffed when through on goal, while Leighton Baines was denied a penalty when he was fouled by Alex.

At the other end Didier Drogba shot onto the bar, but otherwise the hosts were pretty toothless and they now lie six points behind Manchester United.

The league leaders also have a game in hand over Guus Hiddink's side, meaning the Blues' hopes of silverware this season must surely now rest on the Champions League and FA Cup.

Their success in the latter, of course, will come down to their final against Everton - and the stalemate at Stamford Bridge will only fuel the Toffees' belief that they can compete with Chelsea on 30 May.

There was some suspicion before kick-off that it would be a good time to play Everton, following the Toffees' FA Cup semi-final exploits at the weekend and with qualification to next season's Europa League all but guaranteed.

Hiddink admits Chelsea title chase is over

However, for all their possession, it was Chelsea rather than the visitors who appeared to lack verve and spark in the attacking third.

Some cause of that was possibly Guus Hiddink's decision not to freshen up the side that beat Arsenal at Wembley on Saturday, but credit also to Everton, who got their tactics spot on.

Defending deep and in numbers, David Moyes's side allowed Chelsea plenty of possession up until 30 yards from their goal, at which point they nullified the Blues' threat and ensured a relatively quiet night for keeper Tim Howard.

Frank Lampard and Michael Essien tried their luck - unsuccessfully - from range in the first half, but it was the other end that saw the clearer chances.

Twice Jo was sent clear on goal, first by Tim Cahill and then by Steven Pienaar, but first the Brazilian shot straight at keeper Petr Cech and then he slipped at the vital moment, fluffing his effort wide of goal.

And Everton also had a big penalty shout when Baines went over Alex's outstretched leg, but referee Mark Halsey was unmoved.

The appeals were strangely muted from Everton, but TV replays suggested the Chelsea defender was lucky to get the decision.

It ensured the Blues entered half-time on level terms, but if they had hoped to use the break to collect themselves, it failed, with Everton picking up where they left off after the interval when Lars Jacobsen set Tim Cahill up to force another Cech save with a diving header.

Moyes pleased with Everton resilience

Chelsea again dominated the ball, with Everton happy to play on the break, but Howard remained little more than a spectator despite the Blues' increasingly desperate forays into the area.

With the hosts looking increasingly impotent up front, it was left to the unlikeliest of sources to force their best effort of the night on the hour, John Terry unleashing a 40-yard piledriver that Howard tipped wide.

And when Chelsea did eventually find room in the box - twice in a minute - first Yobo blocked Lampard's goalbound effort and then Salomon Kalou headed narrowly over.

The hosts did launch a late rally, with Everton defending desperately at times to keep out the likes of Alex, Drogba and Lampard.

And Drogba went agonisingly close with the hosts' best effort of the night in the 93rd minute when he turned brilliantly in the box and crashed a beauty of a shot onto Howard's crossbar.

However, Cahill and then Pienaar also had pot-shots at the other end and when the final whistle went it was hard to argue that a draw was the right result.

Everton manager David Moyes:
"I thought we played extraordinarily well, passed it beautifully and made a few chances, as well as having a good shout for a penalty.

"You come to Chelsea and you know it'll be a tough game and they made it hard for us at times in the second half, so you can't be too disappointed with a draw.

"They have other fish to fry with the Champions League and so on so maybe they had their eye off the ball this evening, but we certainly didn't and I'm happy with how we did against them."

Chelsea : Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Essien (Mikel 60), Lampard, Drogba, Anelka (Kalou 60), Malouda (Di Santo 77).
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Belletti, Mancienne, Mellis.

Everton : Howard, Jacobsen (Jagielka 87), Lescott, Yobo, Baines, Osman (Rodwell 89), Castillo, Neville, Pienaar, Jo (Saha 90), Cahill.
Subs Not Used: Nash, Hibbert, Vaughan, Gosling.

Booked : Neville.

Att : 41,556

Ref : Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

man of the match: Everton's Tim Cahill 7.82 (on 90 minutes).

Chelsea v Everton

2009-04-22T16:57:00.000+05:30

PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Wednesday, 22 April Kick-off: 2000 BST

Chelsea are without midfielder Deco and right-back Jose Bosingwa (both hamstring) for the clash with Everton.

Playmaker Joe Cole and defender Paulo Ferreira are both out for the season with knee ligament injuries.

Everton striker Jo is available for the Merseysiders after being cup-tied for the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United.

That game went to penalties and boss David Moyes could rest some of his players after their efforts.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Mancienne, A Cole, Terry, Lampard, Ballack, Obi, Kalou, Essien, Malouda, Di Santo, Anelka, Quaresma, Stoch, Drogba.

Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Neville, Fellaini, Vaughan, Pienaar, Cahill, Saha, Rodwell, Nash, Yobo, Castillo, Jacobsen, Gosling, Jo.

Make your Premier League predictions

BIG-MATCH FACTS

This is a dress rehearsal for the all-blue 2009 FA Cup final.

Chelsea go into this match chasing silverware on three fronts. But trailing Manchester United by four points in the Premier League table having played one more game, a Champions League and FA Cup double has probably now become their more realistic goal, with the first leg of the semi-final of the former, away to Barcelona next Tuesday.

Everton are on course for a Europa League place, and will be sizing Chelsea up ahead of their end-of-season Wembley showpiece, which could result in a first FA Cup since 1995.

Victory for the Toffees would see them replacing Aston Villa in fifth place. Both clubs would then have five to play.

Everton have not prevailed in 21 league and cup matches against Chelsea , since a 2-1 home league victory on 25 November 2000, when Danny Cadamarteri and Kevin Campbell got their goals.

Chelsea have not lost their last 13 home Premier League games against Everton. They have won seven and drawn six since the Toffees' 0-1 win on 26 November 1994, when Paul Rideout scored the only goal of the game.

Distance between the clubs: 221 miles (356 kilometres)

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA
Club stats

3rd 67 points
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of the midweek fixtures)

1. Won six of seven Premier League matches.

2. The 1-0 defeat, away to Tottenham on 21 March, are the only points dropped under Guus Hiddink.

3. The current tally of 67 points after 32 games is their lowest for six years, and four points down on last season.

4. Won 18 and lost just one of the 20 league games this season in which they have opened the scoring. The defeat was home to Arsenal.

5. Boasting the tightest defence in the highest league. More details

6. Accumulated 20 points out of 24 at home, since losing 1-2 to Arsenal on 30 November; their only defeat in 11 at Stamford Bridge.

7. Lost two of 98 home league games.

8. Tottenham is the only club outside the top four to have beaten them.

9. The league run-in after this is:- West Ham (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), Blackburn (h) and Sunderland (a).
Fixtures

EVERTON
Club stats

6th 52 points
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of the midweek fixtures)

1. Victory would bring their total of Premier League points under David Moyes to exactly 400.

2. Not beaten any of the five clubs above them in the Premier League table.

3. Lost one of eight Premier League outings; 2-1, away to Portsmouth on 21 March.

4. Kept clean sheets in five of the last eight top-flight matches.

5. The current total of 51 points after 31 games is five points down on last season.

6. On their longest winless away run of the season of six games; drawn four and lost two on the road since beating Middlesbrough 0-1 on Boxing Day.

7. Lost only one of six Premier League matches against London clubs this season; 3-1, away to Arsenal on 18 October. In the five subsequent games from clubs from the capital, three were won and two drawn

7. The Premier League run-in after this is:- Manchester City (h), Sunderland (a), Tottenham (h), West Ham (h) and Fulham (a).
Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES

CHELSEA
Squad profiles

Nicolas ANELKA has scored seven goals in 16 Premier League starts against Everton; one goal as an Arsenal player, one for Liverpool, four for Manchester City and one for Bolton.

Nicolas ANELKA is one of three Premier League players going into the midweek fixtures with 21 club goals this season; the others are Steve GERRARD of Liverpool and Manchester United's RONALDO.

ANELKA and RONALDO jointly lead the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, with 15 Premier League goals each.

Frank LAMPARD is the only remaining player to have started all of Chelsea's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

John Obi MIKEL will be playing on his 22nd birthday.

EVERTON
Squad profiles

Tim HOWARD and Phil JAGIELKA are the only remaining players to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Everton's league and cup matches this season.

Tim CAHILL is the club's leading Premier League scorer with eight goals.

If selected:-

Victor ANICHEBE will be playing on the eve of his 21st birthday.

HEAD TO HEAD

Everton have failed to score in their last three league and cup games against Chelsea.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Chelsea 50 wins, Everton 45, Draws 44
Prem: Chelsea 16 wins, Everton 4, Draws 13

at Chelsea only
League (inc PL): Chelsea 35 wins, Everton 12, Draws 22
Prem: Chelsea 9 wins, Everton 1, Draws 6

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Chelsea 1-1 Everton
11 November 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley
Chelsea scorer: Drogba 70
Everton scorer: Cahill 90

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Everton 0-0 Chelsea
22 December 2008 - Ref: Phil Dowd
Sent Off: Terry (Chelsea) 35

REFEREE

Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

Chelsea Sign Austrian Upcoming striker Prosenik

2009-04-22T16:54:00.001+05:30

Premier League outfit Chelsea have secured the services of Austrian youngster Philipp Prosenik. The 16-year-old will leave his current club Rapid Vienna for the London side this summer.

Prosenik is considered to be one of the worlds most promising players of his age and the young striker had attracted the interest of several European giants.

Bayern Munich, Milan and Juventus were reportedly all closely monitoring the talented attacker's situation at Rapid Vienna too. The Austria under-17 is the son of former Austrian international Christian Prosenik.

Initially, Prosenik was part of the 1860 Munich youth academy. However, he eventually left the German outfit to return to his native country and play for Rapid Vienna.

The hot prospect made twelve appearances for Austria under-17 so far, scoring eight goals.

Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal Goals!!!!

2009-04-19T02:50:00.002+05:30

Theo Walcott gave gunners an early lead

Malouda made no mistake and chelsea equalled the scores

It was Drogba who netted a 84th minute winner and Chelsea won the match by 2-1

The Blues keeps the wheels rolling.......its Arsenal who got crushed this time (Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal)

2009-04-18T23:41:00.002+05:30

Chelsea once again proved their credence as they put on a quality performance against Arsenal to move on to FA cup Final..... The Hiddink's army continued their good form and they came back from 0-1 lead by an early strike from Theo Walcott. Blues dint lost their nerves and finally came into match with a beatiful goal by Florant Malouda assisted by Lampard the great... Later in 84th minute it was Drogba who sealed the match with a close range strike and made Chelsea's seat Reserved for d Finals...

Chelsea to face Wenger's Arsenal In FA cup Semi today

2009-04-18T09:55:00.002+05:30

Arsenal and Chelsea head to Wembley on Saturday to battle it out for a place in the FA Cup final. Both clubs have a strong recent history in the competition, having secured the trophy in seven of the past twelve years between them. Chelsea's most recent success came in 2007, but for Arsenal their 2005 victory marked the beginning of a barren four-year spell that they will be desperate to break this time round. And with the North Londoners seemingly out of the title race and facing a tough UEFA Champions League tie with Manchester United, the FA Cup may well be Arsenal's best chance of silverware this year. History does appear to be on the side of Arsene Wenger's men for the competition as Chelsea have failed to defeat Arsenal in the FA Cup for over sixty years, including the 2002 final between the two clubs. Moreover, Arsenal have won the only meeting between the sides this season - a Robin Van Persie double seeing off Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Despite their good form against their rivals, Arsenal will have to overcome further injury problems at the back if they wish to maintain their long-held record over Chelsea.

Kieran Gibbs is a doubt with a groin problem picked up against Villarreal on Wednesday, while Bacary Sagna has been ruled out after failing to shake-off the virus that kept him out of his side's Champions League tie.

With Gael Clichy, Johann Djourou and William Gallas also out injured, Arsene Wenger could shift Mikael Silvestre to the left-back slot and bring in Alex Song to fill the centre-back vacancy alongside Kolo Toure.

Meanwhile, options further up the pitch are far more plentiful for Arsenal, with Andrey Arshavin and Eduardo available to complement the in-form trio of Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adeybayor and Theo Walcott.

Arshavin is likely to make the line-up after being cup-tied in Europe, and Eduardo will be hoping to have finally shaken off a series of injury problems to take his place on the bench.
Defensive Blues

Chelsea are likely to stick with a similar starting XI that secured a 4-4 Champions League draw with Liverpool in midweek, although the return of John Terry to the defence will be a welcome inclusion.

The Blues have shipped a worrying seven goals in their last two games, but regardless of the statistics, manager Guus Hiddink is likely to return to the back four that almost capitulated to Bolton in the league.

Branislav Ivanovic should retain his place at right-back as Jose Bosingwa continues to struggle with a hamstring strain, and John Terry will return to the line-up in place of Alex after serving a one-match ban in Europe.

Up front, Hiddink may opt to start Nicholas Anelka in place of Salomon Kalou in light of the striker's impressive substitute appearance against Liverpool.

The Chelsea boss may also take into account Anelka's history with their opponents, while fellow former Gunner Ashley Cole will once again line-up against the club he left so acrimoniously in 2006.

Possible starting XIs:

Arsenal: Fabianski, Eboue, Toure, Song, Silvestre, Walcott, Diaby, Arshavin, Fabregas, Van Persie, Adebayor.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Anelka, Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba.

Its ManU vs Arsenal now........

2009-04-16T07:02:00.001+05:30

As ManU and Arsenal breeze past their rivals in second leg of Champion's league quarter finals Now its time for Yet another English battle in Champion's League Semi's. Last year it was Chelsea vs Liverpool in d semis

English teams once again proved they are the best among europeans by making three out of final four in the Champions League Tie.

Manu 1-0 Porto (Agg 3-2)

It was Ronaldo's stumner in d 6th minute which put ManU in command. He produced a strike from 30yards away from the goal which landed on the top corner

Arsenal 3-0 Villareal (Agg 4-1)

It was Wenger's Arsenal who climbed to semis with much ease scoring thrice in their castle Emirates stadium. Theo Walcot provided the earlier advantage followed by Adabayour in 60th and VanPersy scoring from the spot on 69th minute.

Cesc Fabregas's flick plays in Theo Walcott to chip the keeper as the Gunners dominate the first 10 minutes

Arsenal control the second half, too, and Van Persie's precise through-ball finds Adebayor's calm finish to make it 2-0

Walcott beats the Yellow Submarine defence again, drawing a foul from Godin in the box and Van Persie tucks away the resulting penalty

Tactics hold key to beat Barcelona, says Gabriele Marcotti

2009-04-15T22:43:00.002+05:30

Does last night's match at Stamford Bridge show Chelsea can trouble Barcelona?

First of all, everyone is revelling in what they're calling a phenomenal game. Yes, it was an exciting match, but there were so many mistakes that it was actually a badly played game for long periods.

The first thing Chelsea have to do is cut out the kind of errors that we saw last night. They had a lot of issues: the defending for Dirk Kuyt's header and for free kicks and Petr Cech's form - he is nowhere near getting back to his best.

You just cannot defend like that against Barcelona. If you give up four goals at home against a Liverpool side without Steven Gerrard, you have a problem. Chelsea must sit down, review the game and fix all the things that went wrong.
Are there any areas in which Chelsea will have an advantage over Barcelona?

They will have a tremendous advantage at set-pieces. In Didier Drogba, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry and Alex, Chelsea have some outstanding headers of a ball. Apart from the central defenders Rafael Marquez and Gerard Piqué, and Yaya Toure, Barcelona have few aerial threats. So, Chelsea's fourth-best header of a ball is likely to be marked by a considerably lesser player in the air. Chelsea will need a good delivery and will need to make the most of that advantage at every opportunity.

Will Chelsea struggle in terms of possession?

Barcelona are very good at regaining possession without committing fouls, while Chelsea do not have many runners who can attack a defence and draw the free kicks that I mentioned they need.

The answer, though, might be Michael Essien. I want to see him let loose on Barcelona. You do not want to compromise the roles of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack, but give Essien the freedom to attack and he will give the team great energy.

Between now and then Guus Hiddink may have to tinker a bit and find a way to get Essien in a position where he can hurt opponents. Hiddink was right to use him in front of the back four against Liverpool, but it's time to set him free.

So you don't expect Essien to man-mark Lionel Messi?

I don't buy into man-marking Messi, I don't know anyone who can do it. If you put Essien on him, you deprive the team of an outstanding player and you still have the problem of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o, who can all hurt you. I think you have to defend against Messi zonally.

How do you stop Barcelona's front three?

Messi, Eto'o and Henry base their play entirely on movement and are not a huge threat at set-pieces. So, to some degree, Chelsea can afford to be a little more physical and give a way a few more free kicks against them.

That three tend to stay forward, relying on the ball coming through Xavi and Iniesta in midfield. Chelsea need to cut off that supply. They need to outmuscle both players, deprive them of time on the ball and make it difficult for them to create plays.

The other way Barcelona attack is through Daniel Alves running from deep, creating a devastating partnership with Messi on the right wing. Alves is a lot more difficult to stop because he just gets the ball and runs at the defender. You can only foul him so many times before the yellow cards come out. If Chelsea are going to focus on marking one player, it's Alves.

Who could do that job?

Possibly Florent Malouda. He has had an indifferent time throughout much of his Chelsea career, but he is an extremely intelligent footballer and would be able to fill such a tactical role.

So there is hope for Chelsea?

Yes, Barca are a very attacking side but they almost always offer you chances at the other end. They have played an awful lot of matches and they are not going to win every game. Plus, we have seen they are beatable this season: Shakhtar Donetsk deserved to beat them at home and Espanyol defeated them in the league.

But, hey, Hiddink didn't heed my advice against Liverpool and he went through. Why would listen to me this time?

Goals!!!!! Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool

2009-04-15T11:39:00.002+05:30

Fabio Aurelio Free Kick gives Liverpool an earlier advantage

Xabi Alonso takes a thrashing penalty (Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea)

Drogba scores as Blues return to the match straight after d break (Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool)

Alex's furious free kick ensures Blues more confidence as they level d scores ( Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool)

Frank Lampard makes no mistake and Blues takes lead for the first time in the match (Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool)

Lucas Leiva's deflected shot Gives Liverpool some hope as they levels d score ( Chelsea 3-3 Liverpool)

A stunning header by Kuyt makes Liverpool just one goal away from Victory

Lampard........Lampard........ 89th minute strike ensures Chelsea their seat in Semi Finals (Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool ) (Agg 7-5 )

The Emphatic Victory!!!!!!!!

2009-04-15T11:30:00.004+05:30

The visitors bring the tie to life as a Fabio Aurelio free-kick flies in at the near post when everybody else expects a cross

A second Aurelio free-kick brings trouble as Xavi Alonso is pulled down in the box but steps up to score the resulting penalty

Another incredible Liverpool Champions League comeback looks on by half-time given Chelsea's nervous defending without John Terry

Chelsea are out early for the second half but still look edgy until Didier Drogba nips in at the near post to draw a goal back

Six minutes later and Chelsea are back in control of the tie through Alex's unstoppable dead-ball strike

With 14 minutes left Liverpool give away the ball, Chelsea break and Frank Lampard pounces to surely sink the Reds

If anything, Chelsea taking the lead on the night reawakens the Reds, with Lucas Leiva's deflected shot squirming past the hapless Cech

Moments later Dirk Kuyt's heads in Albert Riera's cross, meaning for the second time Liverpool need just one more goal to win the tie

For all Liverpool's efforts Lampard ends the goal-crazy night with his second, the ball ricocheting off both posts, in the 89th minute

I Lost my temper @ Half Time :: HIDDINK

2009-04-15T11:25:00.002+05:30

Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink has revealed that an angry half-time team talk was the inspiration behind the Champions League fightback against Liverpool.

The Blues trailed 2-0 at half-time but scored three times in 15 minutes after the break.

The Reds scored twice more but Chelsea levelled again to make it 4-4 and book a semi-final tie against Barcelona.

"Sometimes you lose your temper. But they reacted and they knew the first half was not OK," said Hiddink.

"We were angry because we didn't start as we planned and we know Liverpool are a good team tactically with very skilful players.

"Tactically but also mentally we said to each other, that it was not the way we would start the second half. That's why I like to work with this team, it reacts."

Chelsea were lacklustre in the first half and goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso gave the visitors a deserved lead.

"You cannot give them a lot of space but we did. We dropped back too much and looked for safety," said Hiddink.

However, goals from Didier Drogba, Alex and Frank Lampard put the Blues back in charge and despite late goals from Lucas Leiva and Dirk Kuyt, Lampard's second sealed a thrilling 7-5 aggregate result.

"We knew that we could score and happily we did rather early after the beginning of the second half," said Hiddink.

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez was immensely proud of his players after they almost achieved another sensational European fightback.

"We showed character, quality and we have to be really proud," said Benitez.

"The players have done a fantastic job and the fans will be very pleased with the team.

"We are not happy with the result. When you lose you are disappointed but to lose in this way, the players have to be really proud and hold their heads up high."

Benitez also revealed that captain Steven Gerrard was not selected in the squad because of the injury problem that kept him out of the 4-0 Premier League win over Blackburn last Saturday.

"We thought he could be OK but in the end he felt something. It was an easy decision because he could not play," said Benitez.

"To lose a key player is always important and especially a player like Gerrard but credit to the other players because they did a fantastic job.

Chelsea will face Barcelona in the last four of the competition after the Spanish club drew 1-1 at Bayern Munich to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory in their quarter-final tie.

"Barcelona are a very advanced team with very skilful players. They know how to handle the pace. I like their philosophy of football," Hiddink added.

"They sign players who are attractive to watch. They like to play advanced attacking football and it is difficult to play them because they are a top side."

Wht a Match!!!!!!! (Chelsea 4- 4 Liverpool --> Agg 7-5 )

2009-04-15T11:20:00.001+05:30

Chelsea survived a huge scare before drawing one of the most entertaining Champions League games of recent times to seal a 7-5 aggregate win over Liverpool and book a semi-final against Barcelona.

Guus Hiddink's team led 3-1 after the first leg at Anfield but Fabio Aurelio's free-kick after an awful misjudgement from Petr Cech and Xabi Alonso's penalty put Liverpool in control at the break.

Jose Reina fumbled Didier Drogba's deft touch into his own net and Alex's thunderbolt free-kick levelled the scores on the night with two goals in six dramatic second-half minutes.

The inspirational Frank Lampard put the Blues 3-2 ahead, slotting home Drogba's intelligent cross.

The tie looked finished but Liverpool were not done yet and Lucas Leiva's deflected strike was quickly followed by Dirk Kuyt's near-post header.

It was 4-3 to Liverpool with seven minutes of normal time remaining and Stamford Bridge was stunned, while the Reds required just one more goal to complete a sensational victory on away goals.

But Lampard converted Nicolas Anelka's pass to level at 4-4 in the final dramatic action of a truly memorable game of football.

Liverpool were without their skipper Steven Gerrard because of an injury but came close to pulling off a memorable victory without their inspirational leader.

Liverpool gave the hosts an early warning when a delightful touch from Yossi Benayoun after 13 minutes created a clear opening for Fernando Torres, who failed to hit the target with his left-foot strike.

It was a poor miss and Liverpool's slim hopes were almost completely extinguished a minute later but Lampard narrowly missed the target with a free-kick.

Then came the moment that embarrassed Cech and handed Liverpool a lifeline, as Aurelio smashed his free-kick into the bottom corner.

Alex (left) and Michael Ballack (right)
Alex celebrates with Michael Ballack after scoring Chelsea's second

Chelsea had only bothered to put one man in the wall and Cech was so focused on dealing with a floated ball into the congested area that he neglected the possibility of a low shot at goal.

Even so, it was a terrible error as the Czech keeper was caught completely out of position and scrambled across goal in vain.

Buoyed by their goal, Liverpool suddenly found an incisiveness and rhythm to their play, while Chelsea, with suspended skipper John Terry watching from the stands, looked uncharacteristically brittle.

Terry will be back for the semi-final first leg tie against 2006 champions Barcelona at the Nou Camp in two weeks, but left-back Ashley Cole will be absent after picking up a yellow card for a foul on Alvaro Arbeloa.

The Blues defensive unit struggled to cope with the passing and movement of an attacking line that had struggled so manifestly at Anfield eight days earlier.

And the Reds doubled their lead through Alonso's unstoppable penalty after the Spaniard had been fouled by Chelsea's first-leg hero Branislav Ivanovic.

Chelsea boss Hiddink withdrew Salomon Kalou and brought on Anelka after 35 minutes.

And his bold decision was vindicated when the Frenchman's low cross from the right shortly after the restart was deflected by Drogba past Liverpool keeper Reina, who could only parry the ball into his own net.

Drogba was inches away with a free-kick as Chelsea found the attacking menace that had almost completely eluded them in the first-half and it came as no huge surprise when they did draw level, Alex drilling home his long-range free-kick.

Dirk Kuyt celebrates his 82nd-minute goal
Kuyt's goal gave Liverpool renewed hope of a famous result

Liverpool now needed to score twice more but Michael Ballack should have put the result beyond doubt after Drogba broke down the right and picked out the unmarked German with a precise low cross. Ballack, however, shot tamely and Reina dived to his left to save.

Torres, an increasingly marginal figure, went close from distance but it was Chelsea who were in control now and Lampard put his team ahead with a close-range finish from Drogba's cross.

The tie seemed to be dead and buried before Lucas' deflected strike after 81 minutes was quickly followed by Kuyt's bullet header from substitute Albert Riera's cross.

Suddenly it was only the visiting supporters who could be heard but the final goal of a pulsating match fell to Lampard, whose strike went in off both posts.

There was hardly any time remaining but the fragile Cech still managed to fumble a cross that David N'Gog drilled towards goal, forcing a superb headed clearance from Michael Essien.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Carvalho, Ashley Cole, Kalou (Anelka 36), Ballack, Essien, Lampard, Malouda, Drogba (Di Santo 90).
Subs Not Used: Hilario, Mikel, Deco, Belletti, Mancienne.

Booked: Ivanovic, Carvalho, Ashley Cole.

Goals: Drogba 52, Alex 57, Lampard 76, 89.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa (Babel 85), Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Lucas, Mascherano (Riera 69), Alonso, Kuyt, Torres (Ngog 80), Benayoun.
Subs Not Used: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Agger.

Booked: Benayoun, Arbeloa.

Goals: Aurelio 19, Alonso 28 pen, Lucas 81, Kuyt 82.

Agg (7-5)

Att: 38,286

Ref: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain).
man of the match: Chelsea's Frank Lampard 7.78 (on 90 minutes).

Chelsea v Liverpool --> Champions League Second Leg

2009-04-14T11:41:00.004+05:30

First leg result: Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea
Uefa Champions League, Quarter-final second leg
Venue: Stamford Bridge Date: Tuesday, 14 April Kick-off: 1945 BST

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is winning his battle to be fit for the Champions League clash with Chelsea as he recovers from a groin injury.

The Reds will also have midfielder Javier Mascherano back from suspension.

Chelsea will be without centre-back and skipper John Terry, who is suspended after being booked during the Blues' 3-1 first-leg victory at Anfield.

Ricardo Carvalho will be joined by Alex in the centre of the Blues defence but Jose Bosingwa (hamstring) is still out.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez revealed that Gerrard was responding well to treatment ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge, with the Reds facing a major uphill battle to overturn the 3-1 deficit from the first leg.

"Steven is getting better, he has been working with the physio and will train later today (Monday)," he said.

"We will then discuss the situation with the doctors, but Steven will travel with the party to London and I will make a decision tomorrow (Tuesday).

"We are 3-1 down and we know that everything can change if we have Steven in the side and he plays well."

Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink is hoping his side can continue where they left off at Anfield and maintain their impressive form under his stewardship.

"It is important that we take the momentum gained from winning at Anfield into this game and keep our level of performance up," he said.

"There is a fantastic spirit around this club at the moment - everyone believes in what we can achieve this season and it is exciting to be a part of that.

"But we must not lose our focus for one game or one minute and that means each game is as important as the next one. We have the same aim, which is to try and win all of them."

BIG MATCH STATS

Liverpool and Chelsea will face each other for the 10th time and in the fifth consecutive season in the Champions League. Only Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have met more often in the CL (12 times).

The first leg ended in a 1-3 win for Chelsea. Branislav Ivanovic scored twice in his second CL appearance.

Chelsea knocked Liverpool out of the CL in last year's semi-final: 1-1 and 3-2 AET.

In 2004-05 and 2006-07 Liverpool eliminated Chelsea in the last four of Europe's premier club competition.

Liverpool have failed to score in three of their previous four CL matches at Stamford Bridge. Last season they scored twice in their 3-2 defeat after extra time at Chelsea. Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel providing the goals.

This will be their 24th meeting in five seasons in all competitions and their fourth clash this term. Liverpool have already done the double in the Premier League (0-1 at Stamford Bridge and 2-0 at Anfield), but Chelsea lead 10-7 over the piece, with six draws.

CLUB FORM

CHELSEA

Can reach the semi-finals of the CL for the third consecutive season and the fifth time in the last six seasons.

Won their last seven CL home matches.

Strong favourites following the 1-3 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield. Sides winning the first leg 1-3 away, historically have a 97% chance of advancing in European competition.

LIVERPOOL

This is their 300th match in European competition. They have won 169, lost 64 and drawn 66.

Won the last two CL away matches and undefeated in four.

Scored at least once in each of their last 19 CL matches; last failed to score on 3 November 2007 at home against Olympique Marseille, losing 0-1.

Four of 151 teams losing their home leg 1-3 in Europe have recovered and moved on, most recently VfB Stuttgart against Feyenoord in the 1998-99 Uefa Cup.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

Petr Cech, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba have played in all of Chelsea's nine CL matches against Liverpool.

John Terry has also played all nine previous matches against Liverpool but he will be suspended for this match.

Didier Drogba has scored in each of Chelsea's last four CL matches. If he nets against Liverpool he will equal the CL record for scoring in most consecutive matches. It has been achieved on eight occasions; the most recent by Liverpool's Steven Gerrard in 2007-08.

Drogba is the top scorer against the Reds in this competition, with three goals.

Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka played for Liverpool from December 2001 until June 2002.

Anelka and Ashley Cole will face suspension if they receive a yellow card.

Gerrard has scored seven goals in this season's CL for Liverpool, one less than top scorer Lionel Messi.

Gerrard needs two goals to equal Manchester United's Paul Scholes as English CL top scorer with 21 goals.

Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have played in all of Liverpool's nine CL matches against Chelsea.

Javier Mascherano is available after suspension.

Alvaro Arbeloa and Andrea Dossena will be suspended if booked.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS FACTS

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink have both won the CL, or its equivalent, once as a manager. Both successes came after a penalty shoot out in the final.

Benitez and Hiddink have faced each other once, before last week's quarter-final first leg. Benitez coached La Liga side Extremadura when Hiddink's Real Madrid came to visit on 31 October 1998. Real won the league match 1-5.

The pair have also both worked as head coach of Valencia.

Letz Conquer Europe!!!!!

2009-04-14T00:40:00.002+05:30

Chelsea dynamo Michael Essien has admitted that he craves the Champions League trophy more than anything else.

The indomitable Ghanaian international is one of the major reasons why the Blues are practically assured a place in the final four of the competition, his shackling job on Liverpool fulcrum Steven Gerrard being roundly touted as fundamental to his side's historic 3-1 win at Anfield in the first leg.

With the Premier league title looking like a long shot, and the pain of missing out on European glory due to one botched up penalty-kick in the driving rain in Moscow still burning deep, Essien left little doubt as to which piece of silverware figures most prominently in his dreams.

“With the Premiership, we just have to win and see what happens but, like every member of the squad, I want to win the Champions League especially after how close we were last season,” Essien was quoted as saying in The Telegraph.

The ex Lyon star, who missed much of the campaign due to injury, was rested for the Blues' 4-3 Premier League win over Bolton on Saturday but will surely return to the line-up on Tuesday as the London side look to avoid a cataclysmic collapse in order to seal their place in the semifinals.

hiddink is d Special ONE!!!!!! Terry

2009-04-12T15:49:00.003+05:30

Chelsea captain John Terry has revealed that the Blues are not interested in seeing Jose Mourinho return to Stamford Bridge and would rather Guus Hiddink stayed on instead.

The Dutchman has proved an instant hit in west London after replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari at the Chelsea helm.

Hiddink has improved the Blues’ form, keeping them in touch at the top of the Premier League whilst also guiding them to a superb 3-1 victory over Liverpool in the Champions League.

His role as manager of the Russian national team, however, means his future at the club is far from clear, which has led to speculation that former boss Mourinho may return.

Yet speaking to The Observer, Terry hailed Hiddink’s influence and hinted that the 62-year-old may be persuaded to stay, particularly if the club ended the season with some silverware.

“He has a good relationship with Roman Abramovich,” said the defender.

“Things have gone very well and I'm sure there will be talks ongoing. If we keep progressing there's only going to be one option. He's done brilliantly. He's on at us every day in training, and he doesn't let anyone get away with anything.”

When asked whether Mourinho was wanted back at Stamford Bridge, Terry’s reply was as revealing as it was emphatic.

“Listen, Jose was a great manager and had some great times here. But it's someone else's turn now to kick on,” he explained.

“Mourinho is a world class manager, a lot of the players are still in contact with him. But we need stability at the club now.

“The manager's done brilliantly and got us playing freely. But it's down to the board to make those decisions.”