In yet another disappointing showing in the premier league, Jose Mourinho’s long standing unbeaten record in the EPL was salvaged by a 94th minute penalty scored by Eden Hazard. It was a questionable call that ruined the day for Steve Clarke’s men, but the result stands as a draw as Jose was lucky not to lose at Stamford Bridge for the first time in EPL.
Starting 11s:
Chelsea FC (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Lampard, Ramires; Hazard, Oscar, Willian; Eto’o
West Brom (4-2-3-1): Myhill; Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Ridgewell; Yacob, Mulumbu; Brunt, Sessegnon, Amalfitano; Long
Summary:
Chelsea started the game at Stamford Bridge to avenge last week’s disappointing lose away at Newcastle. The Blues enjoyed a lot of possession of the ball but, West Brom’s resilient defense made it impossible for our players to make an attempt on goal. Steve Clark’s men played a defensive game attributed by their physical prowess at the back and in midfield.
The referee Andre Mariner made questionable calls through out the opening stages of the game by not giving the right punishments to Yacob and Mulumbu who were fouling and kicking players in the 3rd half of the pitch. We had a good chance at scoring as we earned a free kick from a close range, but Oscar’s curling shot was tipped away by Myhall.
At the other end, it was not to difficult for the defense and Petr Cech as only Shane Long was creating danger around our defense. As we approached the end of the first half, Eden Hazard showed some slick footwork to get past his marker and shot on the far post. Myhall, saved the shot but, Eto’o was there to poach in an incredible goal that no one saw coming.
After the half, West Brom came out in all attacking fashion using long balls and taking advantage of their height and stature to score. They earned a corner kick right around the hour mark and some silly marking mistakes aloud Shane Long to head in despite 3 Chelsea men being around. Cech really could have cleared it by scrambling with the big boys, but didn’t paid the price for it.
Jose finally made a substitute late on as Lampard (who was booked early) made way for Demba Ba and the transition from 4-2-3-1 to 3-5-2 effectively took center stage. The team started attacking and challenged to take the lead but, a silly give away by Ivanovic got West Brom on the counter and Sessegnon got a shot on Cech who didn’t save a shot nearly straight at him yet again.
Another two substitutions for the Blues as Juan Mata and Mikel came on for Oscar and Azpilicueta respectively. The Blues started to send every men forward including our two center backs to head in a goal. Juan Mata started to send in dangerous crosses but, the height and collective defense of West Brom held on until the 94th minute added time.
Controversy took center stage by then as Ramires was fouled in a wick challenge by West Brom’s Mulumbu. Mariner made a questionable goal by giving a penalty and Eden Hazard converted from the spot for a late, late goal to salvage Mourinho’s unbeaten streak at home. The Stamford bridge faithful reacted happily in relief but, the real drama is awaiting to happen in the post match comments and reactions in the following days yet to be seen. Thanks for reading and follow on twitter (@FahmiCFC)
CALM YOURSELVES DOWN!
We got a long ways to go. Mou will figure this all out. In Mourinho I trust.
Pls, the players did their best but Mou got it all wrong by fielding Lamps. He actually did nothing for the team today. Ouch ####
I prefer to see Cesar api plays in midfield with ramires (no mikel, no lamps) but I think mou will NOT do that. How long for him to understand that mikel and lamps cannot play in midfield??
Azpi in the midfield? You need to drop that weed you are smoking son.
@Vaakmeisster: I think you as ADMIN must respect every point of vue. You don’t need this stupid reply. Bayern did the same with Lahm: Philipp Lahm has been switched from right-back to defensive midfield position. So why not do the same for Cesar??
You can disagree but I will not allow to tell me that I smoke weed. Cant!
I prefer David Luiz playing in defensive midfielder, he has good long shot, long pass, some dribble and good vision!!!
[…] Match Report: Chelsea FC 2-2 West Brom […]
It is so disappointed to see this: Chelsea is so slow by the back. No emergency from the back. Every week it is same: P. Cech, terry, Ashley cole and lampard. They all slow down the game from the back and Mou doesn’t want to put them on the bench. The only solution is that we need to play HIGH TEMPO againt team who sit back with 11 players. Let hope we will play champions league next year because if this continue I don’t think we will be in the first 4.
Oscar 4 me is a waste.he is most of d time veri selfish yet mourihno prefer 2 play him in every match why oda gud players are jux there wastin on d bench.its high time oda players are given playin time instead of selectin players on favouratism
Oscar had an okay game please. Lampard is the problem
Mourihno’s team selection is most of d time based on favouratism
This favouritism is killed our game: Terry, Peter, lamps, Cole and Mikel: all these players are slow down the game: we waste time make pass on ourself again and again. The amount of time wasting in the back is incredible. Consequence of this: our attacking midfield cannot receive a lot of bal, the game is so boring and we have no chances in every 45 mn. How long this will continue?? Why this tiki taki football in the back??
@ ADAM i tink u have litle knowledge about footbal.what wrong did mikel do only that you hate him.i bet you if jose had played the whole team that defeated schalke04,chelsea wouldve won the match.not meant 2 abuse you,but try 2 be a better judge next time.
@zyte:
I don’t need to hate him: Against schalke, we got lucky with Mikel errors. Mikel spend his time on the pitch plays back passes like terry, cole. How are you going to win a game when your defenders and midfield defenders are playing back pass??
The best solution for me is to move Csar Api in midfield to pair ramires. If mou continue to plays mikel and lamps in mildfield, we will not finish in the first 4.
Right on point bro. Bam#####
If it were benitez, you guys would have gone for his jugular hypocrites!!!
The only answer to Terry, Peter, lamps, situation is that mou is affective like a father. But he will make himself a joke he continues to put this players who are slow down our game. How can you win a game when your back 4 play tiki taki, no emergency, no HIGH TEMPO? It is a shame to see this week out week in. Our game is so slow by the back, so boring. Has Mou have a plan to solve this?? Since the day one, nothing has changed. So boring!!!
Terry, Peter, lamps, Cole and Mikel: all these players are slow down the game: we waste time make pass on ourself again and again. The amount of time wasting in the back is incredible. Consequence of this: our attacking midfield cannot receive a lot of bal, the game is so boring and we have no chances in every 45 mn. How long this will continue?? Why this tiki taki football in the back??
The best solution for me is to move Csar Api in midfield to pair ramires. If mou continue to plays mikel and lamps in mildfield, we will not finish in the first 4.
may be jose will tell us the same old story of how he made 11 mistakes.if jose fails 2 wake up from lampard concursion,he will may end up loosing his respect @ cfc.i believe if the team that playd schalke04 had played this match,chelsea wouldve won this match.
@Adam, the way you put your suggestions/ points shows you have little knowledge of how a current Chelsea team’s performance can be harnessed.
I’m trying to put up with your imaginations of Ceaser + Ramires in midfield … that ‘Mikel, Lampard are not midfielders’? cm’on man, just how much do you know about this game & a Chelsea side? Please try and be reasonable when you want to comment. Probably if the Manager had retained your now alienated Mikel as a starter in a crazy midfield like today alongside Ramires and a win, it could have spared you the fantasy of ‘Ceaser Azpilicueta in midfield’.
lets not all get worked up with our manager’s recent attitude; we know when he stops the romance with Frank Lampard as it seems, things will fall back in place. until then its still CFC 4 life.
I am not dreaming here. I don’t think you know better! How can you win a game with players making back pass?? Terry and lamps are slow down the game as well with mikel with tiki taki by making back passes. Only Nigerians people refuse to see the truth, that is why Benitez drop mikel along side with Terry.
When we play against a team who sit back with 11 players, we cannot afford to play with mikel because he also slow down the game. We need HIGH TEMPO from the back and midfield and mikel is not the solution: this is the truth: belive it or not.
Stop this stupid sentence who is “shows you have little knowledge of how a current Chelsea team’s performance”.
If mou continue to put on the pitch players who cannot play HIGH TEMPO from the back, we will not play champions league next year.
i really do not understand your sense of judgement, call Nigeria into this matter is uncalled for, i think you should use your finges for better things rather than insult your sense to the whole world.
@ jyde tank you 4 helping me correct adam.lets believe jose knows what he is doing.my dream team 4 now with the present players remains
cech
ivanovic,terry,cahill,bertrand
rami,mikel
schurlle,oscar,hazard
torres
sub schwarzer,azpi,cole,lamp,eto,mata.what do you tink?
I change Mikel for Luiz!!!! And some times mata some times Oscar!!!!
Mikel & ramires is ok when we play against a team like arsenal, tottenam, UTD, city and Liverpool: these teams will not sit down in back with 11 players.
But when we are playing against team like newscatle, west brom, crystal palace,…we need HIGH TEMPO from the back 4 and midfield defenders to move the ball quickly. Mikel is not this kind of player with back pass to make it, that is why Mou has to choose lamps to move the ball quickly but lampds also he is too slow now. So, in this situation, mou has to give david luiz a chance: Ramires – Luiz will be perfect for this kind of game. Also he has to drop Terry and Chech because they are too slow to pass the ball like Benites did otherwise we will not finish in the top 4, trust me!
To Adam. Saying Azpi should should play in the midfield shows how much football you know. Anyway, anyone who has been watching Chelsea knows that we cant play high tempo football. AVB tried it and failed miserably. We don’t have the fastest defenders and our attacking players cant defend
We don’t change a winning team. I expected Mourinho to use the same line up against schalke in this game. We played poorly again. I really don’t know whats happening to us in November a bad luck month things falling apart.
Two things for me: Mata and Mikel.
Mikel Mikel Mikel Mikel, this game was crying out for Mikel from the onset. I don’t know why the Boss sticks with Lamps. Mikel creats the balance needed to win games. Remirez has the stamina to join the attack and also run back to close down the opposition attack, but Lamps lacks the discipline. Lamps has played as attacking midfielder all his life and you can’t expect him to remain disciplined, whil Mikel totally compliments Remirez, releasing to join the attack and shielding the defense.
Mikel bring balance and composure to the team and we know he can’t be intimidated by bulky players.
Mata Mata Mata. Oscar can play as well as he can, harzard and Willian and Andre also, but nobody can touch Mata. He is Chelsea’s best player for a reason. The boss should quit with expecting Mata to defend. Nobody can break a resolute defense like him. Nobody can give the killer pass like him. Nobody can turn opponents inside out quite like him, nobody has as much tricks or flicks or dizzy turns like him. Nobody can make all the components that’s Chelsea to jell together like him. Simply put, we will flatter to decieve unless Mata is reinstated.
Am not saying Oscar isn’t good, but Mata is the heartbeat of Chelsea. We should never forget that.
@ marshal your coment is top notch.@ Martin i concur with u also.@ adam calm down is not good 2 call nigeria in2 this matter if they see it they wont be happy.this is chelsea fc site & we are united by blue blood,we are not tribalistic.love you all & also respect everybodies opinion.blues 4 life.
I agree with you!!!! If Mikel or David Luiz(who has a really good vision, long shot, long pass and some dribble) are playing like defensive Midfielders, Ramírez can be free to play in attack. we need mata too, because he can make the killer pass!!! And he always try to go to the front no to the back like some of our player that always are making passes to the back!!!!
Ivanovic is really good in defensive but some times he is too slow in attack and isn’t the best partner for William, mata or hazard
may God be with you.
This is a neat sumramy. Thanks for sharing!
Personally, I would like Luiz or Oscar to pair Ramires in the DM area. The both offer more of an attacking outlet than Mikel or Lampard and they can both defend (Osacr works hard defensively and playing Luiz as a DM, considering his natural position is a CB gives some protection when with Ramires). Mikel and Lampard can do a job against an attacking team by slowing the game down, but against defensive teams, like West Brom today, we need as much creativity as possible. I also think Azpilicueta should play RB and Ivanovic CB alongside Cahil or Terry with Cole at LB. Then; just keep the ball among the plethora of midfielders in the opposition half and let them do their thing, we’ll be winning again in no time…
Finally, someone says the same thing like me: mikel and lamps are not good when we play against a team who play 11 plays back because the play to slow.
Here is my message:
Mikel & ramires is ok when we play against a team like arsenal, tottenam, UTD, city and Liverpool: these teams will not sit down in back with 11 players.
But when we are playing against team like newscatle, west brom, crystal palace,…we need HIGH TEMPO from the back 4 and midfield defenders to move the ball quickly. Mikel is not this kind of player with back pass to make it, that is why Mou has to choose lamps to move the ball quickly but lampds also he is too slow now. So, in this situation, mou has to give david luiz a chance: Ramires – Luiz will be perfect for this kind of game. Also he has to drop Terry and Chech because they are too slow to pass the ball like Benites did otherwise we will not finish in the top 4, trust me!
I’m fine with Terry as long as we give him protection, but we can’t drop Cech until Courtois returns in my opinion…
Its obvious some of u watch football with ur anus in this gAme that mikel brings brings balance to the team and made wesbrom to fall back and defend mikel gave ramires back up to run forward and to think of it mikel played just about 15mins and some of this plastic fans here are using their leprosy finger to type rubbish about mikel
I never criticised Mikel, I understnad his importance in some games but when we need to attack, to press, he doesn’t have the capabilities required…
i disagree, if u watch closely cdm are always position to stay back ever since mikel came to chelsea where mou converted an attacking player to a defensive player, he has been doing the job rightly, mikel has worked with players at chelsea who do not want to quickly fall back when there is need, and that is why he does not want to go forward because they wont be there to cover his position, he is a good game reader, look at when terry moves into the middle you will see him take terry place, but let him go up front, nobody will except remi who is doing that now because he also plays in that position and he understand what that position brings to the team. Go watch mikel play for his country, you will be suprise how much he goes up front in attacking.
this was mikel quote at the confederation cup
“I always try to do what my coaches tell me. At Chelsea, I have to play for the team and be more defensive. But in Nigeria, the coach allows me to express myself and I enjoy myself. Now, I have to find a balance between the two because it is important for my future.”
“I was very happy to score the goal. When Ideye passed the ball to me, I knew I just needed to beat the defender, and as soon as I did that, I just needed to be calm and put the ball where I wanted it.”
“It felt great to score a goal after so long. Now maybe I can score more”
Adam I respect your opinion and I won’t judge your intellect of football but I have to disagree with you about a few points you made.
Chris Marshall pointed out that Mikel adds balance to the side and I agree a hundred percent with him or her. Mikel’s job is simple,just guard the backline and don’t lose the ball in possession. Okay he lost it once or twice in midweek against Schalke but how rarely does that happen? Adam you also have to consider the fact that he is real match rusty due to lack of games.
Balance is a very important term in football,in all sports actually. Adam how do you see the squad from back to front? If you ask me that,I’d have to say we definitely lack balance and to even play football in this generation without an enforcer in midfield is risky.
Forget Mikel and his importance now. Think of those in advanced positions. Can you maybe spot the poor balance there?
to any Berger mentioning Nigeria God punish your papa. tell us country what have you achieve in football. Rubbish.
I wish they lost the match,does mourinho think lampard is the 28yr old he managed in 2007,he’s 35 idiot!!!!,is that a winning team,if it is y ddint u play d team that played mid week.MOURINHO is confused.
Is true we love lampard Cole but they are not the same that they were!!!! they are too old now and is not the same if we want a winner team and different!!!!! we have to make changes like Barcelona did with eto, Ronaldinho, abidal, Deco, guily, etc. They make changes when they needed and always try to keep their performance!!
I DON’T WANNA SEE CHELSEA LIKE MILAN OR INTER!!!! WITH AN OLD CEMETERY OF LEGENDS!!! THAT ARE NOT THE SAME LIKE IN THE PAST!!!!
Really disappointing that every game we play, we play very poor and may win narrowly. Jose Mistakes are seen first in the selection of squad. Our chances of scoring are not seen because the players make minimal attempts to opponents goal area
What are our front men doing? No creation of chances a problem that Benitez had solved(credits to him) rather than just defending! Our scoring have been out o f luck but not created goals. Azpl can’t produce at the Left Wing making the wing less productive. Oscar is young and should not be frequently used. Lampard is losig tempo. Luiz is important factor at our defence. Poor Chelsea!
Yes you got it right. The first skill of a manager is to know where his players best play.. this is just pathetic for a guy who is reckoned to be a smart manager
Please let us be truthful for once. The cause of this bad results is Jose Mourinho. He has totally rubbished the efforts of RDM and Benitez. Look at what he doing with Juan Mata. It is quite obviouse that Lampard has nothing to offer. Against Man city, he was lost as he gave Toure enough space to glory in the mid field. Check the matches he did not start and the ones he started. Why bench Mikel to play Lampard. Oscar was not in that game too. Why not start Mata. That match changed when Mata entered. I was a Chelsea fan before Mourinho came and I will stay when he will be showned the door. Don’t call me a glory hunter, it can be understood when i lose to Everton not a bottom league occupant. He is too proud and arrogant that he never accepted his stupid decision in post match conference. Mata and Mikel is important and he should bury his face in shame and play them. Cech should get ready to hand over to Courtois
Yes you got it right. The first skill of a manager is to know where his players best play.. this is just pathetic for a guy who is reckoned to be a smart manager
Thank u gozie, a very truthful cfc faithful u are..mourinho is our problem but some sentimental fans ain’t seeing this..they almost killed me with missiles of insults for saying my mind on twitter yesterday..from what I can deduce mou’s team selection ain’t based on form but rather on sentiment cos I see no reason ceaser will be playing on the left when ivah could hardly a good pass and why lamps play in every game even when we know he has been awful….moreover, mata is still meant for that number ten role, get into ur skull mourinho.
ADAM, you’re a hopeless junkie for bringing my country into this! You ghanaians are all full of bile ever since Mikel permanently took Essien’s spot! You guys never fail to jump on any single mistake Mikel makes. You said against Schakle 04 that his many errors weren’t capitalized by the Germans! You sick child! It was just one, at the early minutes and he regained fitness! It is obvious that you know absolutely nothing about football not just about ChelseaFC. Wanting Azpilcueta to play the midfield along side Ramirez. Who will absorb the pressure? Who will be the SHOCK ABSORBER?
Your analysis is as bad as your English grammar! Go and learn more! No! On the bright side continue your hatred of Mikel, it only makes him stronger and better than your entire generations-past, present and future will ever be!
ADMIN: You guys almost made miss the match. Don’t you know your time zone has aligned with that of West Africa! Your 4pm is my 4pm, at least in Nigeria that is!
No. The Uk is now on daylight savings. So their 3pm is 4pm in Nigeria. Has been so since November began
We deserves to lose yesterday. I feel so sorry for West Brom. They got robbed by Ramires & the referee. Mourinho will have to take responsibility for our poor performance. His team selections are a joke. Azpi is not comfortable at left back. Even if we don’t want to play Cole at left back due to poor form, there’s Bertrand who’s been solid so far. Secondly, Lampard had been pedestrian all season. You have Mikel, why play Lamps? Why? Mou doesn’t know what he’s doing right now.
@Vaakmeisster: I think you as ADMIN must respect every point of vue. You don’t need this stupid reply. Bayern did the same with Lahm: Philipp Lahm has been switched from right-back to defensive midfield position. So why not do the same for Cesar??
You can disagree but I will not allow to tell me that I smoke weed. Cant!
tank God for d job well done dat has not take away one of our history book jst like dat mourinho keep on moving we are behinde u d match s not dat easy n dis victory to all d blue fans
mikel is needed on the DM so that ramires can get a free role to venture into attack…. Mata is needed in place of oscar for obvious reason that every ball on mata’s foot is an attack than oscar whoz alwayz knockin e ball against opponents if not trying to shot instead of passing.. Bran is slowin our game thus he needs to rest coz hez not a beast as he used to be. Luiz need to b in that pitch with terry in defense since terry is havin a form of his life.. Willian is a natural choice ahead of shurle… All we need is willan ‘mata’ hazard behind etoo or torres.. Unless mou works on his arogants we might lose out on e league.. Mou is sentimental om lamps and oscar coz of his early comments in e press
is philip lahm on the same level with azpilicueta,its like comparing cech to van der sar,he should be used instead of ivanovic who wastes all d good passes given to him on d right flank,even a 2month old baby can cross the ball than ivanovic.
Brana can’t even make a pull out or a cross.hmph###
@ ken. you a true fan. some Cfc fans just don’t want to take the truth that Mou is the problem but rather not the players. Ken pls give ya twitter name I wanna follow ya
Thought it wodn’lut to give it a shot. I was right.
@Vaakmeisster: , check your preview CFC vs WB, the game started 4pm WAT against the 5pm stated!
@mogshot
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She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I
had to tell someone!