Michael Ballack was again Chelsea's hero as the Blues won 2-0 at Newcastle to take the Premier League title race to the season's final day.
On a day where Chelsea HAD to win to have anywhere near a realistic shot at winning the title, Grant sprung five changes from the team that beat Liverpool to reach the Champions League final.
Out went Ashley Cole, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, and Salomon Kalou. Three of those weren't even in the squad, with only Joe Cole and Lampard the ones that made the bench. They were replaced by Malouda, Anelka, Obi Mikel, Bridge, and Ferreira.
Newcastle had the best of the early running, with Owen in particular, but were guilty of wasteful finishing. He left John Terry for dead with just six minutes gone to collect Nicky Butt's pass, but lifted his first-time effort over Cech's crossbar.
Chelsea had dominated possession, as expected, but all the chances in the first half were falling to Newcastle.
In the second half, Chelsea upped the tempo and finally, after 61 minutes, a resillient, stubborn Newcastle defence gave in. Drogba curled in a freekick that was met brilliantly by Ballack, who with a glanced header, gave Chelsea the lead.
But it was not until Florent Malouda added a second, eight minutes from time that the points were safe, as the spirited Magpies did their best to preserve a seven-game unbeaten run.
Chelsea play Bolton next week, but in all honesty, I don't think anybody has any doubts that United will go and do their business against Wigan, who have nothing to play for.
Last year, Chelsea drew at home to Bolton, handing United the title. Chelsea then came back and beat United in the FA Cup final.
Knowing United will most likely do the job next weekend, I would love for us to repeat last years feat and beat them in the Champions League final this time.
It's the least Chelsea deserve after a torrid season, with all kinds of turmoil behind the scenes.
Chelsea did a excellent job in getting where they are now. As much as I like to give Avram Grant all the credit, I can't. He does deserve SOME credit, but there are a lot of contributing factors.
Is it down to Grant's strength or is it down to the squad's strength?
That's up to debate...
While everybody thinks next week will be a "grand finale", I'd rather think Chelsea just delayed the inevitable.
Well done both Chelsea and United...
Comments (6) Add a comment »
from 11 days ago
I'd rather think Chelsea just delayed the inevitable.
AGREED..
The Geordies were good up until the hour mark.
from 10 days ago
Still holding out hope though...
from 10 days ago
Avram Grant deserves a lot of credit whatever the outcome next weekend and in Moscow.
Wigan wont be an easy game for Man Utd, Arsenal failed to win there playing on that awful pitch will not suit Man Utd's game and they also drew against Chelsea, so whatever happens Wigan will have had a massive say in where the Premier league crown ends up.
If Chelsea miss out on the title on goal difference, how costly that 91st minute equaliser would have been to the blues.
from 10 days ago
He deserves "some" credit. Somehow, I cant past the thought if Grant standing clueless while Terry and Clarkey were motivating the players in the Cup final. Im assuming its like that most games, where he just lets the captain and assistant manager do the motivating...
He definetely deserves some praise though, He's made some very sound substitutions of late and I applaud him for that.
By de way, what did you think about YOUR teams peformance ??
from 10 days ago
I thought we did realy well until Viduka went off at half-time. We created some good chances, and who knows, on another day we might have taken the lead. Chelsea always looked dangerous and once they scored I couldnt see us getting back into the game.
Viduka has been the key to our recent success with his hold-up play, but Smith cannot play that role, or any other role for that matter.
I hear your views on the motivating issue, but if players cant motivate themselves in a cup-final, there is something sadly wrong.
from 10 days ago
Chelsea players can easily motivate themselves but they were having all round bad game. When players are having bad game, its the manager's job gear up them up again. Thats where the likes of Jose, SAF have excelled and Grant has failed...
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