Karma Working? Chelsea 2 Newcastle 1 + Video
By dixon9
December 31 2007
A couple of months ago Solomon Kalou had a perfectly good goal ruled offside at the Mathew Harding End of Stamford Bridge against Blackburn. The decision cost us 2 points and turned out to be an important step in the exit of José Mourinho, our most successful manager in history.
Of course, Karma is supposed to take its course and eventually put right wrongs and punish those who revel in wrong doing; however, the effiency of a higher spiritual force could rightly be questioned by a certain Sam Allardyce.
What had Newcastle done to us? The last “crime” I can think of was at least 3 seasons ago - Shearer’s reckless challenge on Wayne Bridge – no red and Bridge was out for months.
Still, Kalou´s winning goal was at least 2 yards offside and took place in the same end of the ground where the young striker had his goal ruled offside against Blackburn.
Nobody could believe the goal had been allowed and the decision was even more so surprising when the referee consulted with the linesman before confirming his decision. I can only assume that somehow the linesman confused the deflection off Pizarro from Mikel Obi’s shot with a Newcastle defender (Kalou was actually onside when the shot took place).
Bad news for Newcastle but many Chelsea fans will feel that we deserve a lot more decisions of that ilk in our favour before many injustices that we have suffered so far this season are anywhere near compensated for.
We were missing around 10 players for this fixture – Shevchenko adding to the list of woe shortly before kick-off - but Newcastle gave no initial signs of having a go to try and exploit our weaknesses. Whether or not this was because the Geordies had not scored a goal during their previous 6 visits to the Bridge whilst shipping 16 or simply because the spirit of this Chelsea side, despite so many notable absences, didn’t allow them to.
The first half was pretty much all Chelsea; Ballack, deputising as captain, shot over when he should have done better, Belletti constantly threatened down the left, a Kalou shot was parried off for a corner, Mikel´s shot pushed out again by Given and then a Joe Cole cross held securely just under the crossbar.
There was no let up at all and Chelsea continued to push and probe for the lead. Alex made a solid header from a Joe Cole free-kick but directed his effort straight at Given.
After so much pressure something had to give and it wasn’t long before we went ahead. Belletti's long throw was defended unconvincingly and Wright-Phillips latched on to the loose ball, his shot struck Kalou leaving Given on the floor as he had dived down in anticipation of the original effort and Essien prodded home into an empty undefended net.
Martins blasted a solitary Newcastle effort miles wide and high but it the home side continued to turn the screw.
Wright-Phillips headed Cole's far-post cross wide – that should have been 2-0 and then Butt himself nearly doubled our lead when his sliced clearance went horribly wrong and skewed towards Given’s goal who tipped the ball just over the bar.
Newcastle held though and fortunes were soon to make an abrupt about turn.
N'Zogbia is accused of being too adventurous by many but it was his run which produced the albeit messy equaliser. His cross was met by a flurry of Butt, Martins and Bridge leaving the latter to back-heel into his own net.
Newcastle suddenly stirred into action and their drive forced our lines back, leaving the Geordies to dominate for the next 20 mins.
Owen came on for Martins and it was if the blue wounded animal of so much misfortune this season began to bleed and Newcastle could smell blood.
The arena of Stamford Bridge took on an even greater morbid turn when fans from the Mathew Harding Lower began chants of “You Don’t Know What You’re Doing!” directed at Grant as he hastily endeavoured to stem the flow of the game and turn the tide in our favour.
Ballack, clearly not 100% was removed and joined by Joe Cole, replaced by Pizarro and 18 year old Sinclair who showed more signs of promise during his brief period on the pitch.
We did evnetually regain the initiative and the Geordies then seemed happy with the point. Ballack, Kalou and Wright Phillips all had chances with the latter being very dangerous with his scampering, weaving runs down the right side – but then came the Mavis Riley gaff and the rest as they say, is history.
MOTD Highlights
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1783195W9tJn7gj?searchId=8129382687255481798&rank=0
Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Bridge, Essien, Obi, Ballack (Sinclair 76), Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 90), Joe Cole (Pizarro 65), Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Ferreira.
Booked: Alex.
Goals: Essien 29, Kalou 87.
Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Cacapa, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Faye, Smith (Rozehnal 70), Duff (Viduka 89), Martins (Owen 74).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Emre.
Booked: Faye, Given.
Goals: Butt 56.
Att: 41,751
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
Grant:
'We should have won the game long before - we had eight or nine chances.'
'You saw the spirit of a team missing many established players.'
Allardyce:
'It was a clear-cut case of offside that has cost us a crucial result. The ball came off a Chelsea player. There was no question of interference. He was offside by two or three yards. The referee went over to his assistant and he had the power to change the decision, which he didn't do. Did his arm freeze? Was it blind fear that got to him about a crucial decision he had to make at a crucial time on Chelsea's home ground? It was a horrible one which he can't hide from. We have had a poor Christmas and a point would have given us a boost. But we can do nothing about it. It's a huge disappointment and hurts me and my players deeply.'
Allardyce, urged the introduction of video technology 'for the benefit of everyone."
'The consolation was our overall performance. I thought we were tremendous. If we can maintain that level then results will come.'
Maybe thats to come against you at a later date.
.
"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.
Nothing lucky about our injury list situation since the beginning of the season either.
Frankly, I´m amazed we are still within distance of yourselves and the Mancs.
.
"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.