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equal2zero wrote:torres at last...first of many i hope
3-0 masks a poor defensive performance but we'll take the 3 points
I go get ban for this?
Mark! wrote:So urrmm Chelsea beings, in light of Torres scoring he first goal and all. Something here you guys may be interested in.
nice
dean_spleen09 wrote:manure time now
A thrilling encounter saw Chelsea dominate for long periods, but having fallen behind midway through the first half it looked as though the visitors may head back north with the trophy, only for right-back Todd Kane to pull the home side level with a stunning late drive that forced a shootout.
During the course of the 90 minutes Chelsea passed up good opportunities, chances falling to at least half of the outfield players, but in the end were able to lift the silverware thanks to a Ross Turnbull save from Blackburn's fourth spot kick, and Michael Woods's perfectly placed winner.
Stamford Bridge was chosen to host the game because Premier League rules dictate the play-off final alternates each year between the home of the southern champions and that of the northerners, a lucky early victory for the Blues.
Chelsea coach Steve Holland picked a familiar-looking reserve line-up, resisting the temptation to name more experienced returning loanees in his side. Experience was chosen in goal though, with the first team's Turnbull selected, regular Jan Sebek missing through injury.
Blackburn's side contained six of the side beaten 5-0 on aggregate by Chelsea in last year's FA Youth Cup semi-final, including centre-forward Thomas Hitchcock, son of our former goalkeeper Kevin. Perhaps more pertinently, it should be noted Blackburn were visitors to Cobham at the beginning of April, and were sent back to the north-west on the end of a 2-0 defeat.
Chelsea had started that one with two early goals and began brightly once more here, captain Ryan Bertrand crossing from the left for George Saville to head at goal, his effort collected at the second attempt by Blackburn goalkeeper Jake Kean.
It was anything but one-way traffic though, and Bertrand had to throw himself in front of a shot after Turnbull had palmed a corner down inside the area. Moments later Nathaniel Chalobah, 16, had to cover after some slack play in the Chelsea defence.
Turnbull failed to catch another high cross, forcing him to dive low at the feet of Micah Evans to prevent an opener. In the aftermath Chalobah committed a foul on the edge of the Chelsea box and Turnbull had to save Josh Morris's low free-kick down to his left.
It was an entertaining opening, Chelsea allowed to play some smart one and two-touch football, culminating in a low drive from Saville being saved by Kean 11 minutes in.
Zac Aley's shot was deflected wide by Tomas Kalas and Turnbull collected Andy Parry's header at the other end as play went backwards and forwards.
Milan Lalkovic dazzled Matthew Pearson down in the corner and made for goal, trying and failing to beat Kean from an awkward angle, but less than a minute later it was Blackburn who went in front.
Rovers moved forward down their right and when a chipped far-post cross arrived in the area, Mauro Formica was left unmarked to nod past Turnbull and in off the post.
The game looked like there would be goals aplenty, leaving no need for panic from those in blue, who instead continued to play free-flowing, tidy football.
Conor Clifford had a toe poke turned away and then Bertrand's cross came back into play off the crossbar as Holland's men sought an equaliser. Only a quarter of the game had passed, and already it was as open as can be.
Just before the half-hour a quick Turnbull kick allowed Lalkovic to break and find Saville, who under heavy pressure brought a save from Kean that earned another corner, forward Adam Phillip sending a shot wide from the cross.
Phillip played in Lalkovic on 37 minutes, the Slovakian steering the ball towards the far corner before being blocked by a Blackburn defender. A minute later Phillip dragged another chance past the post following a corner and Chalobah's route to goal was blocked by a committed Parry challenge.
That was the final chance of a promising, if frustrating first half.
Six minutes into the second period came another opportunity, Bertrand's pinpoint cross finding an advanced Chalobah, but the youngster got underneath the ball and headed high.
Phillip's shot four minutes later was deflected up and just wide by the head of Parry, and then Saville volleyed wide.
From the touchline Holland could do little more than urge his side forward and preach the importance of hitting the target when chances fell.
In trying to create another Tore hit the crossbar, his cross from the left deflected onto the woodwork.
On 65 minutes a rare Blackburn break put Hitchcock one on one with Turnbull as the striker got in behind Carl Magnay and Kalas, but he was as wasteful as any Chelsea player had been to that point, firing into the upper tier at the Shed End.
Three minutes later though, Gokhan Tore produced the miss of the match, neatly controlling a Saville drive on the edge of the six-yard box but then firing the ball well over the bar with the goal gaping.
Phillip fired over shortly afterwards as Blackburn retreated to the edge of their own area, 10 players almost permanently behind the ball trying to cope with the Chelsea onslaught.
The forward almost made amends with 15 minutes remaining, sending a Didier Drogba-like free-kick towards goal but Kean produced an impressive punch to keep it out, and then Magnay sent a free header over the crossbar after the impish Lalkovic had crossed.
Was it going to be one of those days?
It looked like it would when Lalkovic went through and rounded Kean, only to allow a defender back to clear his delayed shot off the line. Credit should go to Kalas for the rangy pass that picked the forward out.
Time to go for broke, three substitutions made with 11 minutes to go. On for Bertrand, Chalobah and Saville came Aziz Deen-Conteh, Woods and Bobby Devyne.
And almost instantly came Chelsea's equaliser, though it came not as a result of changes, but from an individual piece of brilliance from Chelsea's young right-back, Todd Kane.
Receiving the ball near halfway, the youngster strode forward and let rip an unstoppable drive into the roof of the Blackburn net, Kean well and truly beaten from some 25 yards. It was a goal more than worthy of the occasion, and reinstalled some much-needed belief for those in blue.
Was there time to find a winner before a shootout?
Kane thought so, almost finding the net again with a similar, yet more ambitious drive that had Kean beaten and the thousand or so spectators on their feet in anticipation.
There would be three added minutes, in which Kane once more drove forward, he has played in midfield, and won a corner when his shot ricocheted behind.
Blackburn were on the ropes, but were getting their blocks in, Tore the latest to be denied.
Right on 93 minutes Michael Potts gave the home side a fright from distance but his effort curved wide, and it would be penalties.
Senior Chelsea have struggled in recent years with penalties, a Community Shield victory in 2009 against Manchester United our only success since 1998, but this was the reserves, and anything can happen.
Blackburn went first, left-footed Morris beating Turnbull low to his left. Clifford was first for Chelsea, firing it into the same place. 1-1.
Sub James Knowles took Rovers' second, low down the middle. Tore for Chelsea the same. 2-2.
Andy Parry also went for power down the middleand succeeded, Lalkovic went for the corner and found it. 3-3.
Potts also went straight but Turnbull stopped with his legs. Advantage Chelsea. Phillip placed it, and found the corner. 4-3 to the Blues.
Jason Lowe drew the sides level, but Michael Woods, who has had so many injury problems over the years, had the chance to win it for Chelsea, and the midfielder made no mistake, smashing high into the top corner to claim the crown and seal a 5-4 victory.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Ross Turnbull; Todd Kane, Tomas Kalas, Carl Magnay, Ryan Bertrand (c) (Aziz Deen-Conteh 79); Conor Clifford, Nathaniel Chalobah (Michael Woods 79), George Saville (Bobby Devyne 79); Gokhan Tore, Milan Lalkovic, Adam Phillip.
Unused subs: Sam Walker, Ben Gordon.
Petr Cech is Chelsea Player of the Year for 2010/11.
More than 28,000 fans voted for the award, which was handed over by manager Carlo Ancelotti to a goalkeeper whose performances rarely fall below excellent.
Cech, the 43rd recipient of this famous award, who will become our top foreign appearance maker at Everton this weekend, said: 'I have been here seven years now and playing with some of the best players in the world doesn't make it easy for a goalkeeper to win an award, but I am really pleased. I really appreciate it because having played for such a great club with great players, to win Player of the Year is a great achievement.
'I love the club since I started playing, and I feel at home here. There are players here when I joined the club still here, we have had good years, worse years, average years, but they made me feel at home and that's why I look forward to the future.
'You always want to win everything but especially the Champions League now, that is the only one missing.'
Ancelotti said of his goalkeeper: 'I am happy with Petr because he played well every time. I was quiet on the bench with Petr in goal. He is a fantastic professional and a fantastic man. Keep going, well done.'
Also in the top three were Branislav Ivanovic and Didier Drogba.
Ashley Cole was voted Chelsea Players' Player of the Year by his peers, those who train alongside him or backroom staff who work regularly with the defender.
The 30-year-old left back said: 'For me as a player you can't beat this kind of award when the people you see every day, I see them as my family, to be awarded by these guys is a pleasure.
'As a team we never gave up, we always had confidence but we fell short and hopefully next season things will change and we'll get back our title.'
Ramires won Chelsea TV's Goal of the Season award, after his stunning individual effort against Manchester City.
The midfielder beat two challenges on his way to smashing the ball past City goalkeeper Joe Hart to seal an important 2-0 win back in March.
Ramires was handed his trophy by Help A Capital Child Ambassadors and Chelsea fans Lisa Snowdon and Johnny Vaughan.
Chelsea's Young Player of the Year was Josh McEachran. The 18-year-old midfielder made his first-team debut in 2010, and has impressed with his fine touch, vision and passing ability.
He was awarded the honour by former Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty, and said: It's my first proper award and I'm really pleased to win it. My debut was just what I was waiting for, I've been at Chelsea since I was seven and this is a dream come true.'
Former captain Ron Harris was handed a special recognition award for his 795 appearances and important place in the club's history. He was led the team to our first FA Cup in 1970 and followed that up a year later with the Cup Winners' Cup, 40 years ago this week. His 2011 accolade was presented by former team-mate and defensive partner John Dempsey.
Upon receiving the award, 'Chopper' said: 'John and frank have played 500 times, so they have a long way to go and I'm quietly confident that I'll still be the leading appearance maker. They've been looking a little bit grey lately! They've scored goals better than me. In my 21 years I only ever scored 13, but we had some fantastic goalkeepers in my time! I remember every goal I've scored! I've been in the game a long, long time and I'm very, very proud.'
Asked about the earlier winners, Ancelotti said: 'Josh is very young but has a lot of personality and big quality. We are showing very good talent from the Academy, and we won the reserve league. we hope that not just Josh but also other young players will come through in the future.
'I want to say thanks to everyone for Ramires because he didn't speak! Ashley played with continuity and has fantastic experience. He is the best left-back in the world and I hope he will be able to maintain the same quality on the pitch, but we have a lot of fantastic players and I am happy to train these players every day.'
BREAKING NEWS: Carlo Ancelotti sacked as Chelsea manager
May 22, 2011 7:58:00 PM
Chelsea have parted company with Carlo Ancelotti with immediate effect according to a statement on the club's official website.
The Blues boss has been under pressure after seeing his side fail to defend their FA Cup and Premier League titles this season and be knocked out of the Champions League by finalists Manchester United.
Ancelotti's case has not been helped after the signing of Fernando Torres in January for £50 millon failed to spark a mid-season revival.
The statement read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Carlo Ancelotti parted company with the club today (Sunday, 22 May).
"The owner and board would like to thank Carlo for his contribution and achievements since taking over as manager in July 2009, which included winning the Double for the first time in the club's history.
"However, this season's performances have fallen short of expectations and the club feels the time is right to make this change ahead of next season's preparations.
"Carlo will always be welcome at Stamford Bridge, where he will be given the reception and respect his position in our history deserves.
"Chelsea's long-term football objectives and ambitions remain unchanged and we will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager.
"There will be no further comment until that appointment is made."
Chelsea finished second in the Premier League this season and after a final day defeat to Everton Ancelotti reflected that he was unsure of whether he would be in the job next term.
He said: "Maybe we will talk next week. Now the club has finished the season they can judge my job and they will take a decision in one week. I have to wait and see what happens.
“I don’t have to tell the club anything; they can judge my job for two years and looking at that they can comfortably take a decision."
Chelsea contenders
Chelsea have parted company with manager Carlo Ancelotti following weeks of speculation about his future. The Italian lasted just an hour after the final whistle before being informed he was being relieved of his duties. Here, we look at the likely contenders to replace him.
GUUS HIDDINK
The hugely successful and experienced Dutchman is reportedly owner Roman Abramovich's number one choice but is said not to want a return to frontline club management. Hiddink rescued Chelsea's season when he joined on a caretaker basis two years ago as he won the FA Cup and was desperately unlucky not to reach the Champions League final. His availability could depend on the outcome of Turkey's crucial European Championship qualifier in Belgium on June 3, although he may favour a sporting director role.
ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS
Hiddink agreeing to move upstairs would open the door for an up-and-coming manager and Villas-Boas is currently the hottest young coach around. Dubbed the new 'Special One' after breaking several records set by Jose Mourinho at Porto, the 33-year-old knows Stamford Bridge well having worked as a scout under his fellow Portuguese. He would be a gamble but he wrapped up the Portuguese championship with five games to spare and last week added the Europa League title in Dublin before making it three trophies for the season with victory in the Portuguese Cup final today.
MARCO VAN BASTEN
The former Holland boss has become a leading candidate following suggestions Hiddink recommended him to Abramovich as an alternative to himself. Despite being one of the greatest strikers of all time, Van Basten's managerial CV is not one that would usually interest Chelsea. His two major tournaments in charge of Holland ended with defeats in the first knockout rounds, while his one year at Ajax saw them fail to qualify for the Champions League.
HARRY REDKNAPP
Redknapp is reportedly admired by Abramovich for transforming the fortunes of Tottenham using a brand of football the Russian has been yearning to see since buying Chelsea eight years ago. Redknapp has brushed off rumours linking him with the job but the former Portsmouth boss is a master of obfuscation and showed by taking charge of Southampton that he is not averse to a controversial move, especially one which would provide him with the spending power Spurs lack. But he may decide to hold out for the England job.
MARK HUGHES
Hughes will be able to sympathise with Ancelotti, having been cruelly sacked by Manchester City a year and a half ago, despite being on course to meet the requirement set by his bosses. He appears to be by far the best manager of all Sir Alex Ferguson's former players, having transformed the fortunes of Wales and Blackburn and building on Roy Hodgson's work at Fulham. Despite being "happy" at Craven Cottage, he has previously said he wants to manage another big club and remains popular at Chelsea from his spell there as a player.
PEP GUARDIOLA
Even more than Redknapp, Guardiola plays the fantasy football Abramovich craves. But would he want to leave Barcelona when he has a number of the best players in the world at his disposal? Also, Barca's philosophy has taken several years to develop, while Chelsea have been playing a game almost at the other end of the spectrum since Mourinho's appointment. Frank Rijkaard proved leaving the Nou Camp and working with less technically gifted players can be more difficult than it might seem.
AVRAM GRANT
After guiding Portsmouth and West Ham to relegation in successive seasons, you would think Grant would be the last person Chelsea would turn to. But the Israeli reportedly retains the ear of Abramovich from his spell in charge, which saw him become the only man to lead the club to a Champions League final. Although far more likely to be a candidate for sporting director, it could be he is appointed manager for a season if Abramovich decides to wait for a more suitable candidate to become available, such as Villas-Boas or Guardiola - or perhaps even Mourinho.
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