Chelsea did just enough to snatch 1 point

Tottenham Hotspur came out playing good football and in the first half the goal that they scored was well constructed but eventually it was the determination of Gylfi Sigurdsson that brought about the goal. He was tackled and was going to ground but still, kept his head, and managed to slip in the ball past Cech.

Spurs created some good opportunities down the right side - through good one touch passing and eventually Paulino found himself in front of goal with only Cech to beat. But he made a hash of the chance and had he looked up. he would have seen a teammate in a better position to score. Besides Sigurdsson, Townsend was the stand out player for Spurs - he was brilliant in keeping the ball in possession, neat passing and great in passing the through ball.

It was a pity that Soldado and Paulino did not come into the game a wee bit more.

Chelsea did not fire at all in the first half. Oscar, Torres and Hazard did not look like scoring nor did they have any real opportunities of scoring. Chelsea's defence and midfield were busy trying to keep the Spurs attack at bay.

Chelsea hung on and went into the break, happy I am sure, to be just one down.

The second half started and immediately Mata was brought on. The substitution completely changed the complexion of the game. Now with Mata on, Torres was freed from his shackles and was all over the place creating scoring opportunities - one of which Oscar could not convert. Torres was galvanized into action and was making the Spurs defence look vulnerable and inevitably, the defenders began to wilt under pressure and the fouls kept mounting. On one of the moves, Ramires was brought down and Mata took the indirect free kick. Mata found the lunging John Terry's head and there it was - Chelsea's equalizer. On another occasion, Chelsea's Schurrle had a wonderful opportunity of scoring but struck the Spurs goalkeeper.

However after the goal, Chelsea seemed content to go back to defending and this gave Spurs the opportunities to attack. Defoe and the forwards did have a couple of chances but the ball went past by the goalposts - nothing really threatening.

I think an impartial observer would have sided with Spurs on the day but I suppose nobody can really complain with a draw. Neither team was dominant. 

 

 

Jose Mourinho takes down Chelsea

Chelsea losing to FC Basel at home at Stamford Bridge!!!

Are you kidding me?

What is Jose Mourinho doing with the Boys in Blue?

But one has to admit that the first Basel goal was a real beauty.

So is he the Special One or the Chosen One?

Could it be he is neither.

Another big mouth.

Full of sound and fury signifying nothing!!!

 

 

 

Liverpool come away from Villa Park with 3 points

It was a match of two halves.
In the first half, we saw Liverpool dominate and it seemed that Aston Villa was content defending and chasing the football around the park. Thank goodness Aston Villa began playing some good football in the second half.
Sturridge's goal in the first half was well taken and Liverpool played good football, moving the ball around, keeping control and possession but not creating too many chances.
I was very surprised to see that Villa Manager - Lambert, did not include El Ahmadi in the opening line up. Considering that he is their most creative player and a tremendous workhorse, I was flummoxed!!! 
Anyway El Ahmadi came on in the second half but it was all too late. Villa had control of the ball in the second half but could not equalize.
Aston Villa is a young side and individually they were playing quite well. But it takes time for a team to gel and play well together. They have talent and their style of play is quite refreshing to see in the Barclays Premier League.
These lads have played Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in 8 days!!! Maybe its all too much.
I am positive that Villa will do well in the Premier.

 

Chelsea lucky to sneak away with 3 points

Football is a cruel game.
Its not always true that the better team wins.
This afternoon's match at Stamford Bridge proves just that.
Aston Villa were by far the better team.
But lost 2-1.
The most important weakness in Chelsea's armoury is that they do not take shots at goal.
Chelsea scored twice.
Once an own goal and the other a header from a free kick.
I cannot recollect if they attacked Aston Villa's goal on another occasion.
This Chelsea team is good at lateral passing but no venom in attack.
We saw the same lacklustre football  against Real Madrid during the pre season.
Watch Benteke's goal. It was very well taken - a goal which proves that Benteke is a very good striker and goal scorer. Aston Villa had a further two clear chances of goal and it was the goalkeeper that saved Chelsea both times.
Also it could be that the second Chelsea goal was offside.

 

Great finish by BENTEKE to ensure ASTON VILLA level at half time

Brilliant finish by BENTEKE. What a strike with 2 Chelsea defenders watching him.
Chelsea does not appear comfortable playing at HOME.
Aston Villa look the more dangerous side of the two.
VILLA are playing like where they left off with Arsenal over the weekend.