Bleacher Report - Articles by Alan McGuinness

Chelsea 3-0 Tottenham: Derby Delight for Ancelotti's Blues

Alan McGuinness — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:05:31 -0400

Recent clashes between these two London rivals have been the stage for many Chelsea defenders to make themselves unlikely heroes. Juliano Belletti has scored twice against Spurs, and both William Gallas and Ricardo Carvalho have hit memorable winners.

Yesterday, Ashley Cole added his name to that list.

The left back stooped low to head beyond Carlo Cudicini just past the half hour mark to set Carlo Ancelotti’s side on their way to a win that keeps them top of the Premier League and maintains their 100 percent start to the season.

But to pretend this was all plain sailing for the home side would be wrong. Harry Rednapp’s team looked the most likely to take the lead before Cole scored.

And Robbie Keane was adamant he had won a penalty minutes into the second half which could have changed the complexion of the game.

Jose Bosingwa came the closest of any Chelsea player to opening the scoring with seven minutes on the clock, hitting the angle between post and bar, but apart from that, it was Spurs who could lay claim to creating the best chances.

Wilson Palacios put Jermain Defoe through for the away side’s first opportunity, but the England striker’s shot was blocked by Cech.

Tom Huddlestone and Jermaine Jenas also came close to finding the net—demonstrating why Spurs had a 100 percent record before last weekend’s meeting with Manchester United.

Then with just over 30 minutes gone, Chelsea took the lead.

Those inside Stamford Bridge could hardly believe the sight of Cole wheeling away in celebration, having headed in from Didier Drogba’s cross. The former Arsenal man has now scored in consecutive league games.

Drogba had the last chance of the first half, firing a free kick into the Spurs wall.

Two minutes into the second period it should have been 2-0. Drogba pulled the ball back for Lampard in the penalty area, and everyone expected the net to bulge. However, the usually clinical midfielder shot wide when many would have put money on him scoring.

Ledley King—who had gone down injured in the course of the move—was forced off, and Alan Hutton replaced him.

The game then turned decisively on 54 minutes.

Robbie Keane raced into the box and appeared to be caught by Carvalho, but no penalty was given. The striker was incredulous, running to remonstrate with referee Howard Webb.

A spot kick could have given Spurs a way back into the game, but minutes later Chelsea doubled their lead.

Lampard turned provider after Cudicini had parried Drogba’s shot, and Michael Ballack was on hand to put the ball into the net.

Five minutes later it was three. Cole played a high ball over the top and Drogba held off Vedran Corluka and bore down on goal.

The Croatian defender attempted to nick the ball away from the Ivorian, but in doing so only diverted the ball past his keeper, and Drogba smashed the ball in for good measure.

Chelsea could have had a penalty of their own soon afterwards. The ball struck Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s arm from a Lampard free kick, but it wasn’t spotted by Howard Webb.

Substitute Peter Crouch came close to scoring for Tottenham, sending a shot from 25 yards out not far over the bar.

John Obi Mikel, who replaced Ballack, sent in a volley that squirmed under Cudicini and was then pushed round the post by the Italian stopper.

An injury apiece on either side then broke up the play and gave everyone a chance to catch their breath. First, Sebastian Bassong fell awkwardly when challenging with Nicolas Anelka, and then Drogba went down after slicing a shot.

His replacement, Salomon Kalou, struck the post as eight minutes of injury time were signaled. He was joined up top by 18-year-old Fabio Borini, who made his first team debut.

This is the club’s 11th successive league win. Life continues to be good for Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea.

Peter Kenyon to Leave Chief Executive Role at Chelsea

Alan McGuinness — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:24:03 -0400

Peter Kenyon will leave his role as Chelsea chief executive on October 31, the club has announced.

Kenyon will, however, remain a non-executive director at the club and represent Carlo Ancelotti’s side at various UEFA and European meetings.

The news comes just weeks after Chelsea were banned from making transfers until 2011 by FIFA as punishment for their pursuit of French youngster Gael Kakuta.

In a statement released on the club’s official Web site, Kenyon said, "I am extremely proud of my time at Chelsea, and of the friendships I have forged with everyone here.

"I have been in football for 15 years, and I can say with great certainty and pleasure that the experience at Chelsea is one of the best I have had.

"When I joined Chelsea, it was an incredible challenge and together with all the staff, the players, the board, and Roman, I think we have really built a club in a relatively short space of time that can be in the forefront of European football for many years to come. That is a major achievement."

He added, "I am also delighted that our relationship is not ending and I can continue to make a contribution to keeping Chelsea in that position and to go back to visit friends."

Chairman Bruce Buck said:

"Peter has done a fantastic job for Chelsea in the last five-and-a-half years, and has been absolutely central to the success on and off the field we have had during that time. Without his football knowledge and business acumen, Chelsea would not be where we are today.

"Everyone at Chelsea thanks him for that contribution and, although he will not be with us on a permanent basis, he will have an important role to play as a non-executive director and in the various roles he holds in European football bodies."

Lacklustre Chelsea Do Enough To See Off Porto in Champions League Opener

Alan McGuinness — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:45:18 -0400

As far as first steps on the road to potential Champions League glory go, this was a fairly uninspiring start for Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti will pleased with the three points - which were secured with a strike just after half time from Nicolas Anelka - but he will know that his side can play much better than this.

The Italian could counter that at this stage it is points, not performances that matter. And these points were gained without Didier Drogba, Jose Bosingwa, Joe Cole, and Yuri Zhirkov.

On a rain-sodden night in West London, Frank Lampard was the first player to get an effort on target, forcing Porto’s Helton into making a save.

The Portuguese champions then had two efforts at goal in a frantic opening few minutes.

First, Hulk let rip with a shot that Cech chose to save with his legs. From the resulting corner Rodriguez, under pressure from Michael Essien, headed over.

With eight minutes on the clock there was a coming together between the captains (John Terry and Bruno Alves) and the England defender needed treatment before being able to continue.

Lampard was getting right into the thick of things, setting up Nicolas Anelka for a shot on goal and having two chances himself, both of which he squandered.

Michael Ballack and Salomon Kalou came as close as any Chelsea player to opening the scoring when they both slid in and just failed to make contact with a teasing Branislav Ivanovic cross.

But as the game began to drift towards half time, the Blues began to concede possession cheaply, and Porto could so easily have taken the lead.

Gaurin found himself in space but could only head over the bar. His teammate, Raul Meireles, also found himself unmarked, but again he couldn’t get his effort on target.

Then just minutes after the restart Ancelotti’s side took the lead. Kalou was the provider, prodding the ball through to Anelka, who finished nimbly at the second time of asking after his initial shot had been saved by Helton.

Florent Malouda nearly made it two five minutes later, however his header only hit the side netting.

Ivanovic, deputising for Bosingwa at right back, then sent in another excellent cross on 58 minutes and Helton had to be at his best to keep out Kalou’s header.

1-0 is always a precarious winning margin, as Chelsea found to their heartbreaking cost against Barcelona last season, and, aided by some slack play from the home side, Porto sensed they could get something from this game.

This translated into shots from Hulk, Guarin, Falcao and Varela as those inside Stamford Bridge nervously waited for the final whistle to go.

There was still time for Fernando to be shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Ashley Cole.

When the final whistle blew the sense of relief around the stadium was tangible. An improvement will need to be made on this performance, but there is a long way to Madrid yet.

Is Chelsea's Transfer Ban a Precedent or Simply a Notable Exception?

Alan McGuinness — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:28:58 -0400

As the world of football reels from the shock of Chelsea’s 18-month transfer ban, thoughts will now begin to turn to the long-term implications of FIFA’s decision.

The penalty handed down yesterday by the organisation’s Dispute Resolution Chamber isn’t completely unprecedented—Roma were banned from signing players during the January 2006 transfer window as a result of their pursuit of Auxerre’s Philippe Mexes—but there is no doubt the Blues are the most high-profile victims to fall foul of FIFA’s attempt to stamp out clubs’ questionable practices in poaching young talent.

As I digested the news yesterday afternoon, my overriding emotion was not, as you might think, anger. In all honesty, I agree with FIFA’s decision.

Something should be done to stop big clubs taking young talent from abroad with seemingly little disregard for the rules.

However, my support will waver if this isn’t followed up with further action to combat a problem that is endemic in football—and not just with youth players.

Chelsea may be guiltier than most clubs when it comes to breaking the rules, but to pretend that they are the only club which has tapped up players is despairingly naive.

Arsenal have faced questions regarding their pursuits of Cesc Fabregas and Mathieu Flamini and also their links to the Ivorian side Beveren. Tottenham recently faced criticism for the manner in which they signed Peter Crouch and John Bostock.

Allegations surrounding the transfers of Owen Hargreaves, Dimitar Berbatov, and Federico Macheda to Manchester United have been made in the last three years. The Premier League champions could very well be the next to feel the wrath in FIFA’s crackdown.

The Red Devils are in hot water over their conduct in securing Paul Pogba from Le Havre. According to a number of newspapers this morning, the French side intend to take their case to FIFA, seeking a similar punishment to the one handed down to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

FIFA should also be mindful of extending their remit to punishing clubs from other countries as well.

That is unless they want to give further credence to the idea of there being some sort of anti-English conspiracy after Arsenal’s Eduardo was banned for two matches in a bid to combat another endemic problem in modern football—diving.

I certainly won’t be holding my breath.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti will be hoping Chelsea’s latest indiscretion won’t damage his chances of winning either the Premier League or the Holy Grail—the Champions League.

FIFA Hits Chelsea with Transfer Ban

Alan McGuinness — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:17:34 -0400

Chelsea has said they will mount "the strongest appeal possible" after being banned from making any transfers until 2011 by Fifa.

The sanction comes as a result of Chelsea's signing of the French youngster Gael Kakuta from Ligue 1 side Lens in 2007.

FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) has found that the club induced Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens.

A statement on the Blues' official website read: "Chelsea will mount the strongest appeal possible following the decision of FIFA's Dispute Resolution Chamber over Gaël Kakuta.

"The sanctions are without precedent to this level and totally disproportionate to the alleged offence and the financial penalty imposed.

"We cannot comment further until we receive the full written rationale for this extraordinarily arbitrary decision."

The player has been fined 780,000 euros and banned from playing for four months. A statement on FIFA's web site earlier on this afternoon stated:

"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."

The Blues will also have to pay Lens 130,000 euros in compensation.

Kakuta was voted scholar of the year by Chelsea's Academy staff in 2008 and ended that season as the youth team's top scorer.

John Terry Pens New Contract at Chelsea

Alan McGuinness — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:38:36 -0400

Chelsea captain John Terry has signed a new five-year deal with the club.

The England captain was the subject of interest from Manchester City in the summer, with rumours circulating that Mark Hughes' side made a £40 million offer for Terry.

But last month the defender, who has made over 400 appearances for the club since making his debut in 1998, reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

A statement on Chelsea's official web site read:

"Chelsea is delighted to confirm that John Terry has signed a new five-year contract that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2013-14 season.

"This reaffirms both John's and Chelsea's long stated desire for John to be at Stamford Bridge for the rest of his playing career."

Terry's wages are reported to be in the region of £150,000 a week.

He has played every minute of the Blues' season so far, helping them to the top of the Premier League table.

Burnley Brought Crashing Back Down to Earth by Slick Chelsea

Alan McGuinness — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:36:16 -0400

For most of the first half, it seemed as if this game would be another chapter in Burnley's fairytale start to the season.

Goalkeeper Brian Jensen was in inspired form yet again, repelling wave after wave of Chelsea attacks and frustrating the home side.

For those inside Stamford Bridge, it seemed reminiscent of many a home game under Luiz Felipe Scolari last season. The Blues were dominating possession and creating plenty of chances, but they just couldn’t put the ball into the net.

Nicolas Anelka wasted a golden opportunity for the home side after just six minutes when he was clean through on goal after dispossessing Andre Bikey. The Frenchman tried to go around Jensen, but the Burnley keeper was able to grab the ball.

But Burnley were far from over-awed, and they should have taken a shock lead three minutes later. Frank Lampard was careless in possession, presenting the ball to Tyrone Mears, who fed the ball to Martin Paterson in acres of space. But the midfielder only managed to screw his shot wide of Petr Cech’s right hand post.

With the amount of chances Chelsea were creating, it seemed a question of when they would score, not if. Jensen, however, had other ideas, keeping out shots from Michael Ballack, John Terry, and Lampard.

The crowd began to voice its frustration, but a trio of goals seven minutes on either side of halftime had them grinning from ear to ear. Anelka gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side the lead, sliding in to convert a Didier Drogba cross.

Lampard stood the ball up for Ballack to nod home the second, and the England midfielder was involved in Chelsea’s third, playing a one-two with left back Ashley Cole, who volleyed a fantastic finish past Jensen for only his third goal in Chelsea colours.

A goal fest seemed on the cards. Anelka almost added a fourth, but he hit the bar from Ballack’s pass.

The tempo dropped noticeably after that flurry of goal-mouth action, with Burnley seemingly resigned to their fate and Chelsea relaxed, safe in the knowledge that three points had been secured.

Michael Essien did his best to add his name to the scoresheet, first calling Jensen into action in the 66th minute and then again with 14 minutes left on the clock.

Substitute Salomon Kalou was inches away from scoring his first goal of the season as the game edged towards stoppage time, but his poked shot was cleared off the line by Mears with Jensen stranded.

The 100 percent start to the season continues for Ancelotti’s men, and they go to the top of the Premier League on goal difference.

Burnley, meanwhile, have been brought back down to Earth after shock wins over Manchester United and Everton.

Carlo Ancelotti Will Allow Andriy Shevchenko to Leave Chelsea

Alan McGuinness — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:54:51 -0400

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti says striker Andriy Shevchenko will be allowed to leave the club.

The Ukraine international held talks with Ancelotti where it was decided he would be allowed to go.

"We don't have news of players that will come into Chelsea, only that Shevchenko will decide to return to go to play in another team," the Italian said.

"I spoke with Shevchenko, and he would like to play with continuity. Here for me it is difficult to give him this possibility to play a lot of matches and I think he will take the right decision for him.

"He will take his decision, it is not our problem, and he will choose the team that is right for him."

Shevchenko arrived at Stamford Bridge to much fanfare for £30 million in 2006. But he struggled to impress—scoring only 22 goals in two seasons—before being shipped back to Milan on loan for the 2008/09 season.

He returned to West London and took part in the Blues' preseason preparations, and has made one appearance so far this season, coming off the bench against Sunderland.

Fulham 0-2 Chelsea: Blues Cruise at The Cottage

Alan McGuinness — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 14:44:02 -0400

Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka struck in either half to give Chelsea a comfortable victory over neighbours Fulham at Craven Cottage. Carlo Ancelotti maintained his impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues continued where they left off against Sunderland in midweek, spraying the ball across the pitch and dominating possession.

Fulham’s players found themselves chasing shadows for much of this contest. Despite Chelsea’s seemingly iron grip on possession, Mark Schwarzer was an untroubled spectator for the majority of the first half.

It was Fulham that had the first notable effort of the match—Clint Dempsey turning and hitting a shot over Petr Cech’s crossbar.

A foul by Aaron Hughes presented Chelsea with their first opportunity. Drogba—who scored from a set piece in the Blues’ opening day win over Hull—lurked with intent, but it was Michael Ballack who struck. The German’s shot was always rising and didn’t trouble Schwarzer.

The away side’s next two efforts came from unlikely sources: John Obi Mikel and John Terry, both trying their luck from range.

Ancelotti would have no doubt been pleased that his side was exerting such a stranglehold on the game, but they had nothing tangible to show for their efforts.

Drogba changed that seven minutes before the break. The Ivorian, judged to be onside, latched on to Anelka’s through-ball and dispatched his shot past Schwarzer for his third goal in as many league games.

For the first time this season, Chelsea scored first in a Premier League encounter, and Ancelotti could breathe a sigh of relief as he made his way back to the dressing room.

The second half was a near mirror image of the first, but there was a spell when Fulham put some pressure on Chelsea and the home crowd found their voice. At 1-0, there was still danger for the Blues.

Chelsea weathered the storm and continued their search for the goal that would kill the game. Lampard and Malouda both screwed efforts wide, and Drogba forced Schwarzer into action from a tight angle.

When the second goal arrived, it was a role reversal of the first. This time Drogba turned provider for Anelka, who took the ball past Schwarzer and tapped it into the net.

Erik Nevland, in as a substitute for Bobby Zamora, hit a shot over the bar as Ancelotti’s side ran down time on a comfortable victory.

Sterner tests are sure to come, but the early signs are promising for Carlo Ancelotti.

Deja Vu Pervades As Carlo Ancelotti's Reign Gets Off To a Flier

Alan McGuinness — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:28:49 -0400

As far as new dawns go, the early days of life under Carlo Ancelotti have gone swimmingly for Chelsea.

A trophy in the cabinet at the first opportunity with the club's first penalty shootout victory in over 10 years and six points from six in the Premier League—you could hardly ask for more.

Didier Drogba appears revitalised, Frank Lampard is his usual self. Even the much-maligned Deco is playing well. He was in scintillating form in the Blues’ 3-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, so much so that the Portuguese midfielder got a standing ovation from the home fans when he was substituted.

With both Liverpool and Manchester United slipping to early season defeats—to Tottenham and Burnley, respectively—many are tipping Ancelotti’s men to take the title back to West London for the first time in three years.

But history makes me cautious. I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

Last season also began well for Chelsea, hammering Portsmouth 4-0 at Stamford Bridge. Deco followed up his well-taken finish in that game to give his side a 1-0 victory over Wigan with a brilliant free kick.

Chelsea fans thought we had a real star on our hands, and pundits couldn’t see any other outcome than Luiz Felipe Scolari winning the league in his maiden season.

I’ll admit to getting slightly carried away during the early part of last season. I was practically purring at the football we were playing. The match reports I filed for games against the likes of Aston Villa (2-0) and Middlesbrough (5-0) reflect this.

Then things began to unravel. Teams began to fathom the secret to Scolari’s briefly dazzling Brazilian blend: Once Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole were neutralised, Chelsea began to run into problems. They had no width.

Faced with a defensively resolute side, Scolari’s team appeared lacking in ideas and points were soon dropped.

Deco’s form took a remarkable nosedive and he bore no resemblance to the midfielder that won the player of the month award for August.

The squad that Ancelotti has at his disposal is basically the same, and watching the Hull City game I couldn’t get over how much it reminded me of so many games under the Brazilian last season.

Bosingwa and Cole were relied upon for the width, and frustration soon ensued when Hull looked like they would hold firm for a draw. A fortunate Drogba goal—his second of the match—ensured Ancelotti began with three points, but the Italian was minutes away from making a very inauspicious start to life in England.

Manchester United—Chelsea’s main title rivals over the past four years—have been written off by many due to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid. It appeared as if these claims had been given further weight by last night’s shocking 1-0 loss to Burnley. But Sir Alex Ferguson’s men are notoriously slow starters domestically.

The league is contested over 38 games. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Of course there are differences between Scolari and Ancelotti and their teams.

Ancelotti has top level European experience with AC Milan, winning a league title and two Champions League trophies. Scolari had a World Cup on his CV but no experience in domestic European football.

One crucial difference in terms of personnel is that Ancelotti has a fully fit and motivated Drogba to call upon right from the off, and is willing to pair him up front with Nicolas Anelka—something that Scolari seemed reluctant to do.

The brooding striker has been talismanic for Chelsea since his arrival from Marseille in 2004, and it is hard to see him being anything but scintillating during the season ahead.

He could prove the key difference between the reigns of the two managers. If Ancelotti can call on a fit Drogba for most of the season, then he may well succeed where Scolari failed.

Without the benefit of a crystal ball it is hard to predict how the rest of the season will pan out. Things look good for the Blues at the moment, but I think it is worth bearing in mind that Blues fans felt exactly the same a year ago.

As the old saying goes, “once bitten, twice shy.” Only time will tell if my caution is warranted.

Yuri Zhirkov Confident of Swift Return

Alan McGuinness — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:03:07 -0400

Chelsea winger Yuri Zhirkov is confident he will be fit to make his debut for the Blues before the end of August.

The Russian - who joined Carlo Ancelotti's side from CSKA Moscow in July for a fee of £18 million - missed the start of the new campaign because of a problem with his right knee.

Zhirkov is trying to play down fears he could require surgery and says he will resume training within the next few days.

"I don't know who spread these rumours, but they don't correspond to reality," said Zhirkov.

"My condition has improved and the doctors say that in two or three days I will be able to return to training, although not fully. I'll work on an individual programme.

"I was feeling pain and noticeably limping when running, but now that's behind me. I just need to tone up the leg."

John Terry Staying at Chelsea

Alan McGuinness — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:21:19 -0400

Chelsea captain John Terry has reaffirmed his commitment to the club in light of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

Terry has remained tight-lipped on his future as reports suggested City made a number of attempts to lure the player to Eastlands.

However, in a statement released on the Blues' official web site, 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."

The defender added: "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."

Terry - who has made over 400 appearances for the club since making his debut in 1998 - acknowledged that he could have clarified his future sooner, but thinks the time is right to set matters straight.

"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," he said.

Chelsea Signs Manchester City Striker Daniel Sturridge

Alan McGuinness — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:20:15 -0400

Chelsea has confirmed the signing of Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge to a four-year contract.

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Daniel Sturridge has agreed to join the club on a four-year contract," a statement on the club's official website said.

"He will join the first team squad for pre-season training next week when the players return from their summer break."

Because the out-of-contract 19 year old is under 24, he cannot move for free on a Bosman ruling.

A tribunal will decide how much the Blues have to pay Mark Hughes' side, with reports suggesting City could get as much as £5 million.

The striker—a product of the youth system at Eastlands—made his debut for City in 2007 and scored six goals in 32 appearances.

He was part of the Manchester City youth team that beat Chelsea in the 2008 FA Youth Cup Final.

Chelsea Signs Middlesbrough's Ross Turnbull

Alan McGuinness — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:13:37 -0400

Chelsea has signed Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on a free transfer.

The stopper—who rose through the ranks at the recently relegated side—moves to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer and has signed a four-year contract.

He made his debut for Gareth Southgate's side in 2006 against Bolton and went on to make 29 appearances in total for the club.

Turnbull has also spent time out on loan at various lower division sides, including Barnsley, Cardiff and Crewe.

The 24-year-old will vie with Petr Cech and Henrique Hilario, who today signed a new two-year contract, for the number one spot at Chelsea.

Florent Malouda Agrees New Chelsea Contract

Alan McGuinness — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:41:19 -0400

Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has agreed terms on a new four-year deal.

The Frenchman, who had two years remaining on his current contract, is now contracted to the club until 2013.

Malouda moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2007 for a fee of £13.5 million but has endured a difficult time at the club, often struggling to maintain his form.

However the arrival of Guus Hiddink at the club improved the fortune's of the 28-year-old, who scored nine goals last term, his best in a Chelsea shirt to date.

"I can reveal that I have signed a new two-year deal with Chelsea," Malouda told Tele Guyane.

"I am staying. From now on, I have four years left on my contract."

"I know that every time the transfer window opens there are a lot of rumours and I hope in this one people will know what has happened."

Chelsea Set To Sign Manchester City's Daniel Sturridge

Alan McGuinness — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:30:54 -0400

Chelsea are set to make Manchester City striker Daniel Sturridge their first summer signing.

The 19-year-old forward was out of contract at Eastlands this summer and turned down an offer of a new deal.

Because Sturridge is younger than 24, he cannot move for free on a Bosman ruling.

The fee will be agreed by a tribunal, with reports suggesting the Blues could be asked to pay in the region of £5 million

Mark Hughes' side want £10 million, but Chelsea only value Sturridge at around £3 million.

The striker—a product of the club's youth system—scored six goals in 32 appearances for the club.

He was also on target when the two sides met in the 2008 FA Youth Cup Final.

Chelsea 2-1 Everton: Lampard Gives Hiddink the Perfect Farewell

Alan McGuinness — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:38:58 -0400

As Guus Hiddink stood clasping the FA Cup on a sweltering May afternoon at Wembley Stadium, he could reflect on a job very well done.

When he took charge of Chelsea in February, the club was in danger of going into free fall. But the Dutchman has ended his short tenure in the best possible fashion, winning the club’s fifth FA Cup and its first trophy in two years.

Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were the heroes on Saturday as the Blues recovered from an absolutely disastrous start.

Most inside Wembley had hardly gotten to their seats when, from Marouane Fellaini’s header, Louis Saha lashed the ball past Petr Cech after just 25 seconds to send the Everton fans into ecstasy. It was the fastest goal in FA Cup Final history.

Chelsea seemed unable to settle, with Alex in particular looking nervy. But as time wore on they composed themselves, and began to gain possession and exert some control over proceedings.

Tony Hibbert picked up the game’s first yellow card for taking down Florent Malouda. Lampard rather carelessly blasted the resulting free kick high over the bar.

Michael Essien followed suit a couple of minutes later, but then parity was restored and inevitably it was Drogba who got the goal.

The Ivorian lost Joleon Lescott and headed the ball past Tim Howard from Malouda’s left wing cross. It kept up his extraordinary record of scoring in every domestic cup final he has appeared in.

The momentum had swung in Chelsea’s favour, and Ashley Cole could have added a second when he broke into the box, but wildly shot wide.

Hibbert was hauled off by Everton manager David Moyes at half time and replaced by Lars Jacobsen after a less than sparkling first-half performance. Malouda was a constant threat, and the Scot seemed unable to stop the winger.

But the change had little effect—Hiddink’s side still looked in the ascendancy. Malouda volleyed over, and Saha had a rare chance for Everton, but he couldn’t find the target.

After an hour, Nicolas Anelka attempted to lob Howard, but put too much into his effort and it went over the bar.

Shortly afterward, Hiddink made his first substitution, sending Michael Ballack on in place of the subdued Essien.

Having had little to do in the second half, Cech had to be alert to keep out a fizzing shot from Tim Cahill.

Saha then had a glorious chance to put his side back into the lead. Leighton Baines whipped a free kick into the box and Saha rose to head over the top. Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief.

That relief then turned to sheer joy as Lampard struck what turned out to be the winning goal.

Collecting Ballack’s pass, the England international turned Neville and hit a strike that found its way past Howard, despite the American stopper getting a hand to it.

One corner of Wembley erupted, and Lampard ran to the corner flag and around it: a copy of his father’s celebration when he scored against Everton for West Ham in the semifinal stage of this competition in 1980.

An Everton response never seemed likely after that hammer blow. Indeed, the deficit could and should have increased when Malouda let fly from 35 yards out and struck the crossbar. The ball bounced down and over the line, but referee Howard Webb didn’t give it.

Not that it mattered. Chelsea played out time and secured a fully deserved cup triumph. Hiddink will return to Russia with the warm words of supporters and players ringing in his ears.

Many Chelsea fans would have been happy with a top-four finish when he took the reins in West London.

He departs having left an indelible mark on a football club that faces another period of change and upheaval.

But for now, they can savour the return of the winning feeling they had grown so accustomed to experiencing under Jose Mourinho.

Sunderland Survives As Nicolas Anelka Picks Up the Golden Boot

Alan McGuinness — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:15:01 -0400

In the end, this defeat for Sunderland wasn’t as damaging as it could have been. Results elsewhere went in their favor to ensure that they will be playing Premier League football once again next season.

Unfortunately, their neighbors in the northeast weren’t so lucky. Both Newcastle and Middlesbrough will be playing in the Championship.

This game had little meaning for Guus Hiddink’s Chelsea—who could only seal the second spot if Liverpool lost and an unlikely six goal swing in difference occurred.

Nicolas Anelka did ensure that he ended the season as the league’s top marksman, as he finished ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo with a superb effort just after half time.

Thoughts of Wembley next weekend didn’t stop Hiddink from naming a virtual full strength side. The only absentee was Frank Lampard, who was replaced in midfield by Juliano Beletti.

It was Michael Essien who scored the first goal of the game, directing a header into the side netting of Martin Fulop’s goal.

Grant Leadbitter tested Petr Cech with a shot from 22 yards out, and Didier Drogba had two attempts on goal, forcing Fulop into a save with one of them.

The Blues were forced into a change with 25 minutes gone. After an injury to Beletti, Michael Ballack had to take his place.

The fare on offer did little to stimulate the crowd inside the Stadium of Light, but the news that Newcastle had gone a goal down at Aston Villa raised the noise levels as the Black Cats’ survival chances received a huge boost.

Florent Malouda almost punctuated the jubilant mood within the stadium when he struck the crossbar with a fierce shot just before halftime.

Anelka ratcheted up the tension minutes after half time with his 19th goal of the season, and what a goal it was.

The Frenchman picked the ball up 40-yards from goal and created himself some space to unleash an unstoppable shot that left Fulop grasping in thin air.

It took him one above Ronaldo in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot, and it was a fine way to seal the accolade.

But Sunderland wasted little time in getting level. Cech—who put in an assured performance so far—failed to collect a cross. This resulted in Kieran Richardson firing into the back of the net.

A draw would guarantee Sunderland’s survival. Things almost got even better for the home side when Steed Malbranque weaved his way past three Chelsea players and forced Cech into a save.

Substitute Salomon Kalou put Sunderland fans back on edge when he scored with a shot from outside the area that beat Fulop at his near post.

Ashley Cole added a third after confusion in the Sunderland defence led to the ball breaking to him in the box.

Kenwyne Jones scored with a header in stoppage time but Ricky Sbraiga’s side stayed up by virtue of results elsewhere. They can plan for trips to Anfield, Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates next year.

They will have to do so without Sbraiga at the helm, but for their fierce rivals Newcastle and Middlesbrough a much more uncertain future awaits.

Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea: Clinical Blues Seal Third Spot

Alan McGuinness — Sun, 10 May 2009 16:46:28 -0400

Against Barcelona, you could accuse Chelsea of wasting their chances.

Not today. Whereas on Wednesday night the Blues ultimately paid the price for their profligacy, at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon they took their chances when they got them and put four past a spirited, but ultimately wasteful Arsenal side who have now lost hope of automatic qualification for the Champions League for next season.

Chelsea’s group stage berth is secured, and whoever is in charge next season will begin again the work of landing the club’s first European Cup.

The opening half-hour of this game gave no indication of what was to follow. Arsenal were the better side and had a number of chances to take the lead.

Theo Walcott was tormentor-in-chief of the Blues’ defence, relishing his battle with ex-Arsenal left back Ashley Cole.

The Englishman played a one two with Robin Van Persie but could only manage to shoot high over the bar. He then forced Petr Cech into a save with a shot from a tight angle.

Abou Diaby and Alex Song also had efforts on goal as Chelsea began to feel the pressure. Arsenal seemed a completely different side to the one beaten so comprehensively by Manchester United in midweek.

But Chelsea drew first blood with a goal that was totally against the run of play.

Cesc Fabregas brought down Didier Drogba and the Ivorian swung in the resulting free kick. It was met by Alex, whose header hit the underside of the bar and bounced in.

The Gunners’ afternoon could have got much worse minutes later when Fabregas (already booked for his foul on Drogba) slid in on Florent Malouda. Referee Phil Dowd gave the Spaniard a lecture instead of his marching orders.

It was a former Gunner who then gave the Blues a two-goal cushion heading into half time.

Nicolas Anelka received the ball in his own half and was allowed to run towards Arsenal’s goal unopposed. When he reached around 25 yards out, he let rip with a powerful drive that curled away from the despairing dive of Lukasz Fabianski and into the corner of net.

Anelka could have all but wrapped up the three points in first half stoppage time but the Frenchman shot at Fabianski’s legs after good link up play between Malouda and Michael Essien.

Three minutes into the second half it was game over. Cole sprinted down the left wing and hit a cross into the box that Kolo Toure diverted into his own net.

Arsenal went in search of the consolation they deserved (and hoped) would be the start of something resembling a comeback.

Van Persie drew a save from Cech and Walcott missed another excellent chance, shooting wide with the outside of his boot.

Wenger’s side finally got the goal they had been threatening to score all afternoon and it was substitute Niklas Bendtner who provided it. The Dane got up high enough to nod in Bacary Sagna’s cross.

This gave the Emirates crowd a lift and Bendtner almost repeated his goal scoring feat five minutes later. This time, however, Cech was equal to the task and saved.

A bout of penalty box pinball had Chelsea hearts in mouths as the game moved towards stoppage time. Mikael Silvestre managed to get a clean connection on the ball but was thwarted by the quick reactions of Cech.

Substitute Emmanuel Adebayor took a theatric tumble in the box but Phil Dowd correctly waved for play to continue, but should have booked the Togolese striker for a quite blatant dive.

To rub salt in the wounds, Guus Hiddink’s side added a fourth before the final whistle.

Frank Lampard sent Malouda clear, but the winger shot straight at the onrushing Fabianski. The ball came out to Anelka, whose follow up hit the post. Malouda was on hand to knock the ball in.

The disappointment of Barcelona has been eased somewhat by this emphatic win (Chelsea’s first at the Emirates), while Arsene Wenger has been served with another reminder of the gulf that exists between his side and the rest of the 'Big Four."

Chelsea 3-1 Fulham: Blues Cruise Ahead of Barcelona

Alan McGuinness — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:57:08 -0400

Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, and Didier Drogba all found the net as Chelsea comfortably beat neighbours Fulham ahead of their crucial Champions League semifinal second leg against Barcelona.

Three goals were scored in a frantic opening as Guus Hiddink ditched his preferred 4-3-3 formation for a 4-4-2 with Drogba and Anelka paired together up front.

The first came after just 51 seconds. Malouda played a one-two with Anelka and then sent in a cross that Drogba diverted into the path of the Frenchman, who finished with aplomb.

Three minutes later, Fulham were back on level terms. Brazilian defender Alex was caught out by Danny Murphy’s lofted pass and Erik Nevland ran through and hit a shot that Petr Cech managed to get a touch to, but couldn’t stop going into the corner of the net.

But soon enough Chelsea regained the lead; Anelka released Drogba and the Ivorian’s cross was turned in by Malouda.

Not content with just the one goal advantage, Hiddink’s side continued to attack. Drogba had a goal wrongly ruled out for offside and both Frank Lampard and Michael Essien had efforts on goal.

Fulham weren’t totally out of it, with goal scorer Nevland volleying over and Zoltan Gera having a shot deflected over by Blues’ skipper John Terry.

At halftime, Hiddink brought on Branislav Ivanovic and Michael Ballack for Alex and Michael Essien, clearly with Wednesday’s game in mind.

Seven minutes into the second half, Chelsea had the cushion of another goal. Anelka threaded a near-perfect ball through the Fulham defence into the path of Drogba, who took a touch before firing home.

A couple of minutes later he went down injured after a clash with John Pantsil, causing some concern on the Chelsea bench. But after some treatment he was OK to continue.

With the result not in much doubt, how many more goals Chelsea would score seemed to be the only question left to be answered.

Lampard came close to adding a fourth with a free kick, but Mark Schwarzer was equal to it, tipping the ball over the bar.

Anelka again combined with Drogba but he could only fire wide. He was replaced by Franco Di Santo with six minutes remaining, having put in an encouraging display that suggests him and Anelka can work together to devastating effect.

The home side then played out time for three points and a comfortable win that will stand them in good stead for the visit of Barcelona on Wednesday.

Cech's Heroics Cement Third Spot For Chelsea, Defeating West Ham, 1-0

Alan McGuinness — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:35:28 -0400

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech’s lack of confidence has been there for all to see in recent weeks. Against both Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool the Czech international had many a Chelsea fans heads in their hands. Over those two games he conceded an astonishing seven goals.

In this game his flagging confidence was given a huge boost when he kept out Mark Noble’s penalty—given away by the Blues’ goal scorer Salomon Kalou—and set Chelsea on their way to three points that solidifies their grip on third place in the Premier League, and for the eternal optimists, keeps their feint title hopes alive.

With Barcelona in midweek very much on Guus Hiddink’s mind, the Dutchman made a number of changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Everton on Wednesday. In came Michael Mancienne, John Obi Mikel, Juliano Beletti and Jose Bosingwa, who was deployed at the unfamiliar position of left back.

As was the case against the Toffees, Chelsea dominated possession early on, producing some neat combination play. West Ham forfeited possession far too easily on numerous occasions, Junior Stanislas a particularly guilty culprit.

Florent Malouda’s flashed drive across Robert Green’s near post was his side’s best opportunity during the first period.

Despite their slackness in possession, Gianfranco Zola’s side managed to produce the clearest cut chances during the first half.

Kieron Dyer—making his first start for the Hammers since August 2007 - should have scored when he found himself one on one with Cech, but the injury plagued midfielder shot straight at him.

Then, with Cech stranded after coming to clear the ball from a corner, Diego Tristan had a poked shot cleared off the line by Mikel four minutes before half time.

Less than 10 minutes into the second half the away side finally got the goal that they had been threatening to score all afternoon.

Frank Lampard embarked on a skillful run on the left wing and played the ball into the box which was flicked on for Kalou, who took a touch before firing past Green.

Minutes later Dyer was again thwarted by Cech, who kept the Englishman’s shot out with a diving save.

Nicolas Anelka—without a goal in 11 games—should have doubled Chelsea’s lead soon afterwards. The Blues’ top league goal scorer was played in by Beletti but shot straight at the onrushing Green.

Substitute Ashley Cole hit the bar after 65 minutes as Hiddink’s side took the pressure up a notch in search of a second goal that would surely end the game as a contest.

But then West Ham were given a golden opportunity to level things up when Kalou held Herita Ilunga back in the box and brought him down, turning himself from hero to potential villain in a matter of moments.

But Cech spared the Ivorian’s blushes—and gave himself a massive confidence boost —diving to his left to tip Mark Noble’s spot kick around the post.

The game died down after that brief flurry of excitement. Chelsea were content to play the ball around their back four and wind down the clock, soaking up any pressure West Ham exerted.

Minds were clearly starting to turn towards Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with Barcelona, a competition Guus Hiddink hopes to conquer to add to his already brimming CV.

Stubborn Everton Extinguish Chelsea's Treble Hopes

Alan McGuinness — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:45:54 -0400

Didier Drogba rattled the bar as this stalemate reached its conclusion, but a late Chelsea winner would have been very harsh on Everton, who defended stoutly and could have snatched three points from this FA Cup dress rehearsal but for some wasteful finishing.

This result all but ends the Blues’ hopes of securing an unlikely fourth league title, leaving them to focus on the Champions League and FA Cup.

After his side’s cup exploits at the weekend, Everton boss David Moyes made a number of changes from the side that knocked Manchester United 4-2 on penalties. Guus Hiddink, meanwhile, stuck with the same side that defeated Arsenal.

There appeared to be no tired legs from the home team as they dominated possession, but despite this it was Everton who had the best chances, and in particular their Brazilian striker Jo.

The lanky forward had two good chances in the first period, but shot straight at Cech and then fluffed his shot when played into a good position.

Chelsea’s best chances came via long-range shots from Michael Essien and Frank Lampard, but Tim Howard remained untroubled in the Toffees goal.

Moyes’ side also had a good shout for a penalty turned down when Alex stretched out his leg and brought down Leighton Baines.

Chelsea stepped up the pressure in the second half, but just like during the first 45 minutes of play, they couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Everton defence and were constantly frustrated.

John Terry stung the palms of Howard with a rasping 40-yard shot, and then Jo had another chance, but again he wasted it, firing over the bar.

Then came two Chelsea chances in quick succession. First, Lampard saw his shot blocked in the area and soon afterwards Salomon Kalou headed over.

Everton remained a threat on the counter attack and both Tim Cahill and Steven Pienaar had efforts on goal that caused Petr Cech some concern.

Drogba had had a quiet game, but sprung into life when he controlled a ball into the box, turned, and smashed a shot against the bar.

Groans of despair echoed around Stamford Bridge as that chance, and perhaps Chelsea’s hopes of winning the Premier League, slipped away for another season.

Chelsea Defeats Arsenal: Familiar Foe Drogba Dashes Arsenal's Cup Dream

Alan McGuinness — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:34:02 -0400

Didier Drogba has been the scourge of Arsenal on so many occasions since he moved to Stamford Bridge from Marseille for £24 million in 2004, and so it proved again today.

The Ivorian grabbed the winner in this cup tie, knocking the ball past the shaky Lukasz Fabianski and then into the net with just less than 10-minutes left on the clock, to set up a clash with either Manchester United or Everton in the final at Wembley on May 30.

Much of the talk in the build-up to this semifinal surrounded the state of Blues’ keeper Petr Cech after his uncertain display against Liverpool midweek, but it was Fabianski who caused the most concern throughout the 90 minutes, and he was at fault for both of Chelsea’s goals.

His fragility was exposed minutes after kick off.

There was uncertainty in the Arsenal defense when a long ball was punted downfield and Drogba managed to nip in and beat Fabianski to the ball with a header, but Kieran Gibbs got back well and cleared off the line.

After that early moment of panic, Arsenal began to compose themselves and went ahead with 18 minutes on the clock.

There was a heavy sense of de ja vu surrounding the goal.

Emmanuel Adebayor played in Gibbs, whose lofted ball into the box found Theo Walcott—the scorer of the opening goal in the 2007 Carling Cup final meeting between these two sides—and the young England international made no mistake, firing home via a deflection off former Gunner Ashley Cole.

Florent Malouda, who has experienced something of a resurgence in form under temporary manager Guus Hiddink, leveled matters soon afterwards.

The Frenchman controlled Frank Lampard’s pass and sent a shot towards goal that beat Fabianski at his near post.

The Blues sniffed blood.

A remarkable turnaround was almost completed less than three minutes later but Nicolas Anelka saw his shot come back off the post with Fabianski well beaten.

Chances for Arsene Wenger’s men were raw in the second half as Chelsea began to win the midfield battle and exert a stranglehold over proceedings.

But the energetic Walcott had Chelsea hearts in mouths twice in quick succession when he sent a pair of crosses across the six-yard box.

Luckily for those in Blue there was no red shirt on the end of it on both occasions.

Lampard, who was full on running all afternoon, had an excellent chance to give his side the lead but from Drogba’s pass he could only volley wide.

Chelsea then had a credible appeal for a penalty turned down by referee Martin Atkinson.

Mikael Silvestre and Drogba tussled for the ball in the Arsenal box and the ball appeared to strike the Arsenal defender’s hand. But despite the protestations from Guus Hiddink and Ray Wilkins on the touchline, nothing was given.

As the game edged ever closer towards extra time, both managers opted to shuffle their packs.

Arsene Wenger sent on Andrey Arshavin, and Nicolas Anelka made way for Salomon Kalou in Chelsea’s corresponding substitution, but neither had a role to play in the goal that decided the game.

Inevitably it was Drogba who settled things. He latched on to another Lampard pass, knocked the ball past the on-rushing Fabianski and then kept his composure to prod the ball home.

He has now scored eight goals in nine games against Arsenal and Wenger must be ruing the sight of such a familiar tormentor.

This win keeps the Blues’ slim hopes of a treble alive and also the possibility that they could face Manchester United in two cup finals come May.

Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool: Blues Dispatch Reds in a European Classic

Alan McGuinness — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:58:19 -0400

Football: bloody hell. Those words, uttered by Sir Alex Ferguson after Manchester United’s incredible comeback against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final, have hardly been more apt.

Any director that proposed such a script containing the events at Stamford Bridge last night would be laughed out of Hollywood.

But what happened last night in West London was no Hollywood blockbuster, just a Champions League classic that few inside Stamford Bridge and around the world will soon forget. There were goals galore, debatable decisions, and the pace of the game hardly let up over the whole 90 minutes.

The reward for Chelsea is a tie against one of Europe’s in-form teams: Barcelona. The Blues’ defensive display will be the cause of some concern, but the joy of such an exhilarating victory will override those worries for now.

Things had begun so well for Liverpool. Attack was the only possible way they could go about things, and Chelsea stood off Rafa Benitez’s men and allowed them the space to take touches and play the ball around the field.

Steven Gerrard, who didn’t even make the bench, didn’t appear to be missed.

At this stage three goals were needed for the Reds to go through. Fernando Torres wasted an excellent chance to grab one of them when he shot over the bar inside the box.

Fabio Aurelio then happily obliged in opening the scoring.

There appeared little imminent danger when the Brazilian swung his free kick towards goal, but in a moment of genius, he had in fact tried a shot. Petr Cech, who looked shaky throughout, strayed too far from his left hand post and the ball crept in.

The comeback was very much on.

That May night in Istanbul was talked about by Benitez in the build-up to the game and there were echoes of that amazing night when Xabi Alonso dispatched a penalty past Cech for Liverpool’s second.

Ivanovic, Chelsea's hero in the first leg, was the villain of the piece on this occasion, engaging in a prolonged bout of shirt pulling with the Spaniard.

Chelsea were stunned. Liverpool needed just one more goal to complete a remarkable turnaround.

Guus Hiddink took off the disappointing Salomon Kalou and replaced him with Nicolas Anelka in an attempt to wrest back some control of a tie that looked to be slipping out of Chelsea’s grasp.

The Blues managed to hold out until half time, and minutes into the second half Anelka repaid his manager’s faith in him.

The Frenchman crossed in from the left and Didier Drogba managed to make the slightest bit of contact to wrong foot Reina, who could only touch the ball as it rolled into the net.

It was Chelsea who now appeared to be in the ascendancy, and Drogba was inches away from drawing his side level on the night with a free kick that hit the side netting.

Alex then did just that with a scorching effort that any goalkeeper would have had trouble saving.

Michael Ballack should have put further daylight between the two sides when he was presented with the ball in the box by Drogba, but he shot tamely and Reina was able to get down and save.

Torres flashed a shot narrowly wide which served as a warning that he still posed a threat, despite cutting an increasingly peripheral figure for most of the contest.

Frank Lampard grabbed Chelsea’s third, finishing well from a Drogba cross. With that Chelsea went 6-3 up on aggregate, and there appeared little way back for the Merseysiders.

But this astounding tie took yet another twist with two Liverpool goals in quick succession. Lucas’ shot took a deflection off Michael Essien and went past Cech and into the net.

Albert Riera crossed to Dirk Kuyt who placed a header past Cech. Not for the first time on the night, Stamford Bridge was stunned into silence. If Liverpool scored again they would be making arrangements for a trip to the Nou Camp.

They had seven minutes in which to do so. But the man who has so often been Chelsea’s saviour throughout the years popped up again to allay the home crowd’s fears.

Anelka was again the provider, crossing for the England midfielder whose effort hit both posts before trickling across the line to spark pandemonium in the stands.

But there was still time for the Chelsea fans’ frayed nerves to be given another scare. Cech fumbled and David Ngog sent a shot careering towards goal. But it was cleared off the line by Essien and they could breathe a sigh of relief.

When Luis Medina Cantalejo brought an end to the game, it was those in Blue who were celebrating. But both sets of players can take credit for playing their part in an absolute classic that will go down in Champions League history.

Bruce Buck: Guus Hiddink Will Leave Chelsea at Season's End

Alan McGuinness — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:47:43 -0400

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has confirmed that temporary manager Guus Hiddink will not be extending his stay at the club beyond the end of this season.

Hiddink has engineered a startling reversal in the Blues' fortunes since replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari in February, guiding them to 10 wins in 11 games and to the brink of reaching the Champions League semifinals.

This has led to speculation that he could be persuaded to stay on at Stamford Bridge.

But, speaking at a club Q&A session, Buck told fans that Hiddink was not a long-term solution.

"There has been a lot of speculation about Hiddink staying, particularly as he has been doing a great job," Buck said. "It is purely a temporary role."

Buck continued by adding that the search for Hiddink's replacement is underway.

"It is now up to the board to find a new manager for the long term and that is a process we have started and is ongoing," he said.

While he was on the subject of the manager's hot seat at the club, Buck also poured cold water on rumours that former boss Jose Mourinho could be in line for a dramatic return to the club he left in 2007.

"My honest answer is that I don't think it is likely to happen," he said. "José was a great coach, he is a great guy, but I think his time at Chelsea Football Club has passed."

Liverpool Look for Hope Ahead of Second Leg

Alan McGuinness — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:43:39 -0400

Liverpool have a massive mountain to climb after the shock 3-1 defeat inflicted on them by Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal last week. That fact is absolutely clear.

But how much hope should they harbor of overturning the advantage accrued by Guus Hiddink’s men at Anfield?

If one had watched events at Stamford Bridge last weekend, the answer would be that while things may appear bleak for the Merseysiders, anything is possible.

The Blues conceded three goals against Bolton and almost threw away a four-goal lead.

Granted Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard had been replaced, but the likes of Ricardo Carvalho were still on the pitch. All in all, not very ideal heading into one of your biggest matches of the season.

The absence of John Terry through suspension will also provide a boost to Rafael Benitez and his team. Ricardo Carvalho will step in to replace the England captain, but Terry’s presence and leadership skills could prove to be sorely missed.

The Reds, it seems, will also be able to call upon Steven Gerrard after he missed Saturday’s 4-0 win over Blackburn.

After the traumatic events of Wednesday night, last weekend’s win was the perfect tonic.

Fernando Torres was in fine form, bagging a brace, and Javier Mascherano played like a man possessed and will be available for tomorrow’s clash after serving a suspension.

Benitez will have a virtually fully available squad to choose from.

What also has to be remembered is that Liverpool have previous when it comes to pulling off the seemingly impossible.

Every football fan is aware of Istanbul, West Ham, and Olympiakos. On all three occasions Liverpool pulled a result out of the bag when few gave them a chance.

They’ve been written off before and have proved people wrong.

Logic reasons against expecting Liverpool to pull it off, but Wednesday’s result was far from logical.

If they grab an early goal tomorrow night, who knows what could happen. Football, as the old adage goes, is a funny old game.

Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea: Blues' Blitzkrieg Stuns Reds

Alan McGuinness — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:42:11 -0400

This was a game that didn’t just defy expectations, it blew them to pieces. Chelsea stunned Liverpool with three away goals in this quarterfinal first leg, to take a massive stride towards the last four of the Champions League.

The smart money was on this being yet another cagey encounter between two sides who have met each other for the past five seasons, but what was to follow set hearts racing and emotions fluctuating.

Fernando Torres lit the touch paper with the opening goal after barely five minutes. He found himself free in the box and fired home from an Alvaro Arbeloa cross.

Guus Hiddink had promised that his side would attack Liverpool and stung by that initial set back, they gained a foothold on possession and set about levelling matters.

Didier Drogba—so often Liverpool’s tormentor-in-chief—wasted a brilliant opportunity to do just that. A mistake at the back presented the ball to Salomon Kalou and he sent his compatriot clear.

But with Pepe Reina racing out to close the angle down, Drogba fired straight at the Spanish stopper.

Drogba was involved in setting up his side’s next scoring opportunity. Florent Malouda was the beneficiary of some neat interplay between Kalou and Drogba, but the Frenchman fired wide of the post.

Frank Lampard was sloppy in possession on 25 minutes, allowing Torres to nip in and steal the ball from him. To the England midfielder’s visible relief Torres’ shot curled over the bar.

This game was fast turning into a tale of two strikers. Drogba had another guilt-edged chance after getting the wrong side of Jamie Carragher, but again he was wasteful, lashing the ball over the bar when a simple, calm finish would have sufficed.

Six minutes before half time, Chelsea gained the precious away goal they so craved. Malouda whipped in a corner and Branislav Ivanovic benefited from some slack marking to nod home his first goal in Chelsea colours.

Within 30 seconds Liverpool could have been back in front. Dirk Kuyt beat John Terry but Petr Cech came to his side’s rescue.

The breakneck pace of the game continued into the second half.

Jamie Carragher got back fantastically to clear a Drogba shot off the line, and Torres had another effort at Petr Cech’s goal.

Terry picked up a costly booking as the game edged towards the hour mark.

Reina claimed a bouncing ball in the box but Terry—intentionally or not—collided with the Liverpool stopper in a rather hopeful attempt at getting the ball.

After receiving treatment the England skipper was shown a yellow card, much to the Anfield crowd’s delight.

What followed quickly punctured their euphoria.

Ivanovic added his and Chelsea’s second with another header from another corner, this time a delivery from Lampard. The oft-derided zonal marking system had again proven to be Liverpool’s downfall.

But things were to get much worse for Rafael Benitez’s side.

Drogba finally got his name on the score sheet five minutes later to give the Reds a massive mountain to climb.

Malouda was again the provider, breaking free down the left wing from Michael Ballack’s pass, and playing in a cross that Drogba latched on to, firing into the net past Reina.

Neither set of fans could quite believe what they were witnessing. The massed Chelsea hordes celebrated in delirious disbelief, while those in red looked on shell shocked.

Hiddink’s men were then content to sit back and counter sporadically on the break.

Liverpool attempted to muster some sort of response, but appeared dazed and confused, trying to digest a sequence of events that seemed nigh on impossible just hours earlier.

Liverpool are noted for their ability to overcome seemingly impossible odds, and that is what they will face at Stamford Bridge in a week’s time.

Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea: Modric Delivers Knockout Blow To Blues' Title Hopes

Alan McGuinness — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 15:17:08 -0400

Luka Modric struck a second half winner to give Tottenham a deserved victory that deals a massive blow to Chelsea’s title hopes.

The diminutive Croatian was allowed to move into the box unmarked and strike a low shot past the despairing dive of Petr Cech.

Chelsea rallied and had a number of opportunities before full time, but they failed to beat an inspired Heurelho Gomes and missed out on a great opportunity to cut Manchester United’s lead at the top to just one point after Sir Alex Ferguson’s team were beaten 2-0 by Fulham.

Kick off at White Hart Lane was delayed by half an hour because of a suspect package outside the ground.

By the time the game got underway, news would have undoubtedly filtered through that United were losing 1-0 to Chelsea’s closest neighbours, courtesy of a Danny Murphy penalty.

But even if it did, the news didn’t have a galvanising effect on Guus Hiddink’s team. Tottenham started better and Robbie Keane had their best opportunities during a first half in which Chelsea never got going.

Michael Ballack and Juliano Beletti—deployed on the wing by Hiddink—found things particularly difficult, losing possession and generally appearing off the pace.

Michael Essien and Nicolas Anelka had Chelsea’s only efforts of note in the first half.

Keane forced Cech into a save with a vicious half volley, and also hit two further shots at the Czech international.

Ledley King also worried Cech with a looping header, but he managed to back peddle and collect the ball.

Five minutes into the second half, Tottenham had the lead. Aaron Lennon beat Ashley Cole and whipped the ball into the box into the path of an unmarked Modric, who hit a shot past Cech and into the net.

The goal injected some long overdue urgency to Chelsea’s play, not surprising given the total lack of any beforehand.

Ricardo Quaresma crossed for Frank Lampard to head towards goal at the near post. Vedran Corluka managed to clear behind for a corner.

Didier Drogba then forced Gomes into a save, and Quaresma tried one of his trademark strikes with the outside of his boot. Gomes was able to gather the Portuguese internationals shot with relative ease.

Keane was presented with another chance when Spurs broke down the other end, but his curling effort—reminiscent of his equaliser in the 4-4 draw between these two sides last season - was wide of the post.

John Terry began to amble forward as the clock ticked towards full time, and his high ball into the box found Drogba. The Ivorian took the ball down with an adept first touch but fired wide.

Gomes has been both brilliant and bewildering in equal measure this season—it was the former he displayed with 11 minutes left to play to preserve Tottenham‘s lead.

Terry headed towards goal from a free kick but Gomes pulled off a brilliant diving save to deny the Chelsea captain.

Alex hit the bar with a header in a frantic finish to this London derby, but Tottenham clung on and sealed a deserved victory.

Guus Hiddink tastes defeat for the first time as Chelsea manager, and may have to admit defeat in this season’s title race as a result.

Chelsea-Manchester City: Irrepressible Michael Essien Keeps the Fire Burning

Alan McGuinness — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:55:24 -0400

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has bemoaned the fact that he has been able to call upon Fernando Torres only sporadically throughout the season, and argues that Liverpool would be in an even better position if the talismanic Spaniard had kept himself fit.

Guus Hiddink could put forward the same argument with the same amount of conviction in the case of Michael Essien.

This game showed the Chelsea fans what they had been missing since the Ghanaian was injured on international duty in September.

Drive, determination, commitment and seemingly limitless stores of energy—they were all on show in abundance on a sunny afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

The Bison scored the only goal of the game and drove his team mates towards a result that leaves the West Londoners four points behind Manchester United, who have a game in hand.

At this stage United still have the momentum, but both Chelsea and Liverpool are doing all they can to ensure that there is still some life left in this season’s title race.

If Essien was magnificent, his teammates flittered between mediocre and impressive. Chelsea should have added to the lead Essien established in the 18th minute, but failed to do so due to a combination of Shay Given and a lack of urgency at times.

Frank Lampard thought he had scored early on, but the linesman ruled out his strike for offside. Ricardo Carvalho nodded wide shortly afterwards, before the home side took the lead.

Lampard quickly took a free kick and the ball sat up for Essien, who hit a first-time volley over a stranded Shay Given and into the net.

City offered little going forward, and were limited to sporadic efforts on goal. Wayne Bridge—forever remembered at Chelsea for his winner against Arsenal at Highbury in the Champions League quarterfinals in 2004—crossed for Felipe Caicedo, who fired wide.

Nicolas Anelka thought he had won a penalty just past the half-hour mark, but the referee didn’t see anything wrong with Nedam Onuoha’s challenge on the Frenchman.

Michael Ballack was having a frustrating afternoon in the centre of the park, and perhaps should have done better when the some neat play between Didier Drogba and Lampard presented him with an opportunity.

But sliding in the German could only curl his effort past the other side of the post.

Robinho—who was inevitably given a hostile reception by the Stamford Bridge faithful—crossed low for Caicedo but Jose Bosingwa was in the right place at the right time and managed to clear to safety.

Hiddink was forced into a change just before half time when Deco hobbled off with an injury. Juliano Beltetti was his replacement.

Given was having a busy afternoon. His goal was peppered with shots from the men in Blue, and he had to be at his best to deny Drogba after 51 minutes, who was played through by a Bosingwa pass.

With the direction of the play flowing almost exclusively in one direction, Mark Hughes’ team knew that their best opportunities would come from set plays.

Elano was presented with just such an opportunity when he was brought down by John Terry. But to Hughes’ frustration the Brazilian playmaker’s effort was hit straight at the wall.

Beletti played a one-two with Essien with an hour on the clock, and advanced forward, striking the base of Given’s post.

A familiar sight in this match was of a prone Drogba lying injured on the Stamford Bridge turf. The Ivorian was eventually replaced by Florent Malouda, and some of Chelsea’s attacking verve went down the tunnel with him.

His replacement had the best chance to double Chelsea‘s advantage, but the winger shot into the side netting.

‘We’ve got our Essien back!’ chanted the massed ranks inside Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Chelsea will be hoping he can produce more performances like this as the business end of the season approaches.

Juventus-Chelsea: Aggrieved Didier Drogba Has the Last Laugh

Alan McGuinness — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:18:27 -0400

It has been an ongoing debate in football for many years. The calls for goal line technology looked set to gain fresh impetus as an exasperated Didier Drogba claimed he had beaten Gianluigi Buffon with a first half free kick that the Italian stopper appeared palm out from behind his line. But his protests were to no avail.

Chelsea’s sense of injustice didn’t last long.

Michael Essien levelled matters soon afterwards, reacting fastest to a deflected Frank Lampard shot to cancel out Vincenzo Iaquinta’s extremely well worked opener.

In a game that was high on drama, brimming with goals, and full of talking points, Drogba was to have the last laugh. His late equaliser secured a 2-2 draw and ensured that Chelsea would progress into the last eight.

From the outset, the onus was on Juventus to attack, and that is exactly what the home side did.

Pavel Nedved headed over from an Alessandro Del Piero cross with less than a minute on the clock and the Blues conceded two corners within the first seven minutes.

Nedved exited proceedings through injury after 12 minutes, but this didn’t disrupt Juve’s rhythm and the Bianconeri were ahead six minutes later courtesy of a goal of the highest quality.

Iaquinta flicked the ball to David Trezeguet, who played a return ball which set the former Udinese man away and he made no mistake, planting the ball past a prone Petr Cech.

Juve’s ageing talisman Del Piero almost added a second goal soon afterwards, forcing Cech into a hurried parry over the bar for a corner.

But as the half wore on, the pressure exerted by the Old Lady waned and Chelsea began to gain some possession and stretch the Juventus back line.

Hiddink’s men were presented with a great opportunity to test Buffon before half time when the referee penalised Tiago for handball, even though the ball had struck his chest.

Drogba stepped up and hit an effort that Buffon failed to gather and then appeared to palm out from behind the line.

Chelsea’s players thought they had scored, but it wasn’t given. Subsequent replays suggested they had every right to feel hard done by.

Their sense of injustice lasted barely five minutes. Essien reacted fastest to prod home from barely a yard out after a deflected Lampard shot had came back off the underside of the crossbar.

The Ghanaian could hardly contain his delight at scoring on his first start since August.

It was a pivotal moment in the tie: Juventus would now need to score two goals without reply to go through.

Chelsea began the second half like a completely different team to the one that had looked harried and under constant pressure from a side managed by their former boss, Claudio Ranieri.

His side were misplacing their passes, which drew derision from their home support, who greeted each mistake with a cacophony of groans.

However, Juventus still threatened in fits and starts.

David Trezeguet forced Cech into a save from a free kick after the keeper had picked up a booking for handling outside the box.

On 65 minutes the game took another twist when Giorgio Chiellini was shown a second yellow card for taking down Drogba. The pendulum seemed to have swung firmly in Chelsea’s favour.

More drama was to follow. The ball struck the outstretched arms of Juliano Beletti from a Juventus free kick and the referee—amid chaotic scenes—gave a penalty. Del Piero was calmness personified as he stepped up and rolled the ball past Cech.

One more goal and Juve would be through. A baying home crowd sensed blood and vociferously urged their team on.

Composure was needed amongst the Chelsea ranks. The Serie A side poured forward looking for that crucial goal, which of course meant that there were gaps to be exploited at the back.

And exploit Chelsea did.

Beletti broke free on the right and crossed for Drogba who slid the ball in to silence the Stadio Olimpico and crush Juve’s lingering hopes of progression.

It was the last significant act in a game that swung back and forth. Ultimately this thriller in Turin turned on the moment when the rampaging Essien stole in to beat Buffon just before half time.