Flapping, Mourinho and Atmosphere: Chelsea 2 Fulham 1
By dixon9
December 29 2009
This derby was characterised by a world class keeper who is slowly losing the plot, the potent presence of our former most successful manager in history and a noise level of support from the Stamford Bridge faithful that despite pushing the volume up in the 2nd half, was at morgue level for long periods. Oh yeah – there was one more thing: we were fortunate to get the 3 points.
The bad atmosphere can’t just be down to spoilt JCL´s although the small section that booed as the team walked off in the first half provided plenty of ammunition for Collymore to spout off and exaggerate on his radio show during the drive home.
Pre-match the pubs seemed to be full of older, seasoned Chelsea supporters with any new visible additions being either wives, girlfriends or their kids. So why the lack of support? Badly scarred from the previous season’s Scolari collapse, some are more than starting to twitch I suppose.
That said Fulham didn’t do any better. Their contribution consisted of the odd cocky cheering after the first goal and some quite laughable buffering around of just 5 white balloons - it looked like a small house party in Belguim .
The Special One returneth!
Mourinho was at the Bridge on a spying mission for the forthcoming Champions League fixture between our two clubs and the Special One received an extremely warm welcome back (don’t forget, he didn’t have an opportunity to say “goodbye” after the traumatic “mutual separation” from Chelsea). Post-match he made it quite clear that he "felt the love" from the Chelsea support, that he was “home” again, that he wouldn’t celebrate down the touch-line if he side were victorious against us and that he missed Premier League football.
These types of comments can easily serve to inflame some quarters of Chelsea fans that are having doubts about Ancelotti. I can understand their nervousness but let’s not get into knee-jerk reactions, and please, changing manager every season is not the answer.
Anyway, onto the football…
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Cechmare
Watching Cech yesterday was like watching a bad dream. There were at least two occasions when Cech came off his line flapping behind his central defenders who cleared the ball before his arrival. The spectacle looked worrying to say the least and the possible future consequences are grave.
Is it really so difficult to for a keeper to communicate with his team captain and other centre-half’s? To agree beforehand that if the keeper shouts then leave the ball and if he doesn’t then attack it? This is stuff that Sunday league defences organise as a matter of course.
Some fans muttered that the defence no longer has confidence in Cech that since “Hunt” Cech isn’t the same. If true then what a travesty! How the mighty have fallen! How is it that the former (and still one of the) best keepers in the world is incapable of communicating with his defence? Sort it out Cechie boy! This is basic stuff we are talking about! Don’t ruin your superb reputation because of a failure to carry out simple, defensive, rudimentary organisation.
No spark
It was a dour, turgid performance in the first half – even after the “Oh no! This can’t be happening again!” continuance of keystone cop defending in the 4th minute, the spark was missing afterwards. The players looked like shadows of their former selves – misplaced passing, poor crossing and general misunderstanding amongst the blue ranks was rife.
The 2nd half was much better (although we are talking of a leap from “dire” to “average”). The insertions of Cole, Ivanovic and Sturridge improved matters and it says something that even a half-hearted Drogba can be enough to sentence a match. The Ivorian planted his header in the far corner with aplomb and shortly afterwards, Sturridge was to force an own goal which was some reward for his enthusiasm and labour.
Onwards and upwards?
I might be a tad harsh – I’m not sure. We mustn’t forget that Hodgson has produced an extremely well organised side and these were the same players that very recently decimated Man Utd. Even so, Fulham were reduced to sitting back and hoping after their fortuitous beginning – which surely says something? That said the overriding feeling was that we were extremely lucky to get the 3 points.
Let’s hope that after the FA Cup match against Watford, an African-less Chelsea returns to the league form that we know we are capable of.
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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
It seems to me that Ancelotti cannot play any other system than the diamond. He hasnt got the intelligence to change.
Changing players like for like. The only bright spot of the afternoon was Danny Sturridge's contribution. He did make a difference, but not a lot!!
If there are Chelsea fans dreaming of the Premiership, then their dreams are going to be shattered - we are rubbish!!!
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
We need a break from the league - time to regroup....hopefully some of the kids will get a run-out against Watford - and then Ancelotti must come up with something inspirational for Hull - without the african lads.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Quote:pk_gunner
how long ago was your last home game dixon? (before this one)
Last home game was about 3 years ago - Villa I think....!
Pathetic I know but I have been living in Spain.
Made a few Euro aways though - Valencia, Barcelona...
Now I´m back in the UK I´ll eventually get back (once Im sorted financially) to being a regular match-goer like I was before for decades.
Can´t begin to tell you how much I´ve missed it and how good it feels to be back in the pub with my mates etc pre-match...the whole match-day thing... To be honest this is part of the reason I´ve come back home.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:12:30:13:10:33 by dixon9.
i cant imagine not being able to go to games, must of been even harder for you considering how long you've been going to chelsea
were you surprised at how different the people turning up to your games are even from 5-6 years ago. did you have to sit down all game?
is there a season ticket waiting list at chelsea.