The international break was finally over and it was Premier League as usual on the weekend. Chelsea were facing newly promoted Cardiff City, at home. Torres was fit but Jose decided to start with Eto’o upfront. Oscar was rested which meant that Hazard, Mata and Willian were the 3 behind the striker. Bertrand started as a LB for Chelsea in the absence of Ashley Cole.
Chelsea had a shaky start as an error of judgement from David Luiz as he left the ball for Cech to gather but Mutch pounced on it and put Cardiff City one up in the tenth minute. After that it was all Chelsea as the blues piled on the pressure on the Cardiff goal and looked for opportunity to unlock their defense. Cardiff sat deep with almost all our outfield players in their half. Cardiff had a chance as Odemwingie flicked but it was brilliantly saved by Cech. Mr reliable.
The breakthrough finally came in the 32nd minute in controversial fashion to say the least as Eto’o snatched the bouncing ball from the keeper and passed it to Eden, who returned the favor but Eto’o couldn’t finish it but Eden pounced on and buried it. The teams went level at half time.
There wasn’t much to choose between the two sides so Jose weaved his magic. Torres was introduced in place of Ryan Bertrand which meant Chelsea were playing 3 at the back, similar to the tactical change made vs Norwich. The change paid immediate dividends as Eto’o cut inside and scored for Chelsea.
Chelsea went to basics after the goal and introduced Azpi in place of Eto’o. Oscar was thrown in the mix as well and again the Brazilian found the back of the net for Chelsea. It was his third goal in the week and fifth of the season for Chelsea, he is in some form right now.
Chelsea wrapped up the points and put the result beyond any doubt in the 82nd minute when Hazard cut in and scored his 2nd of the game, a goalkeeping error one might say but it was a goal and Chelsea moved to 2nd with that win. A clinical performance in the 2nd half!
What We Learned Today?
Jose has it under control:
It is visible that Jose finally has things under control and he has steadied the ship that looked a bit wavy at the start of the season. His tactics are spot on and most importantly he knows his best playing XI. Everything in short is falling in place and we are all set for a great season it seems.
That self-belief is back. Whenever Chelsea go a goal down you just know that being Mourinho’s men we will make a comeback. We are assured at the back and beginning to look menacing going forward.
Terry is back to his imperious best:
Jose’s said in midweek that he wanted to make him the Terry he was and he is doing just that. Since Jose has taken over we are seeing the Terry of old. He is brilliant and has still got it in him. People said he is on a decline (including me) but here he is proving us all wrong. Let’s just hope he stays fit and gets better and better with every passing game!
Way to go JT. Captain, Leader, Legend.
Luiz: One day a Maldini, on another day a Titus Bramble
Luiz is brilliant, he is world class and he is one of my favorite defenders but he has lapses in concentration. One day he is at his imperious best but on another day he makes an error which is so very hard to defend. Imagine, if the error was made in the 86th minute and Chelsea went on to lose the game he would have been battered but since it happened early on and we covered up he is off the hook. Surely Jose will not be impressed and I’d be surprised if he starts the next game. Luiz needs to stay focused if he wants to keep his place in the side as we have Cahill waiting on the bench.
C’mon Luiz we love you! We know how good you are, JUST STAY FOCUSED!
The monkey is off the back Eto’o
Samuel finally scored and the monkey is off his back now, we hope the pressure is off now and it will be the first of many he scores for us. The goal itself was remarkable really lovely cut in great presence of mind and slotted in it. That’s like the Eto’o of old.
Also his part in the equalizer, a goal that may not have stood but it was his presence of mind again as he pounced on the bouncing ball. Signs are good, hope he scores more often now.
Till now it was his finishing was the question mark today’s goal was quite impressive.
Jose indeed is one of us
Jose was sent off to the stands and sat with the supporters and celebrated with them. He really proved his words that he is indeed one of us. A Chelsea fan!
A great win today. 3 points! Sets up perfectly for next week. KTBFFH!
