Chelsea Forum (Stamford Bridge) [Archive] - Page 17

Ultimate10002000

04-11-2007, 02:19 PM

Grant hits back at Sutcliffe slur

Avram Grant has slammed Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe for labelling John Terry's wages as "obscene".

He added that Terry deserved "every penny" of his wages and was angry that Sutcliffe had picked on football players instead of other sportsmen and women or even singers like Madonna.

Grant, who replaced Jose Mourinho as manager in September, has been full of praise for Terry and Sutcliffe's attack on player's wages clearly upset the Chelsea coach.

"I have my opinion about this. John is the captain and you need to learn how he led the team with full commitment in a very difficult time," said Grant.

"This is leadership, this is captaincy. He deserves every penny. His leadership, I can guarantee you, is one of top in the history of this position.

"Everybody likes to speak about the money of the footballers. Why does nobody speak about singers who get more money in one year than any player?

"Why don't they speak about talented tennis players like Maria Sharapova for example, who, I think, at 20 years old, has more money than any other player.

"Even if you think life is very easy for footballers, they have a short time to be a professional and if they succeed they deserve the money.

"I am not a politician but I need the government to care about not how much John Terry earns because they don't pay even one penny.

"They need to take care of the people who don't have money and to help them as we try to help them. This is more important for the Government.

"There are many, many people who need the help of the Government instead of an opinion about how much John Terry or Madonna have in their pockets."

Sutcliffe had angered the Premier League club ahead of their trip to Wigan on Saturday by refusing to retract his controversial remarks about John Terry's salary.

Ultimate10002000

04-11-2007, 02:20 PM

Ferreira fighting to take on Latics

Wayne Bridge is on standby for a Chelsea return if Paulo Ferreira fails a fitness test on his ankle ahead of Saturday's trip to Wigan.

Ferreira sustained the injury in the 4-3 win over Leicester in the Carling Cup on Wednesday night and is doubtful for the JJB Stadium clash so Bridge, back from suspension, could start,

Avram Grant is definitely without captain John Terry (knee), Ashley Cole (ankle) and Michael Ballack (ankle).

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Lampard, Obi, Essien, J Cole, Carvalho, Makelele, Sidwell, Malouda, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Bridge.

Ultimate10002000

04-11-2007, 02:21 PM

Drog 'disgusted' to sign for Blues

Chelsea have declined to comment on the release of a DVD in France in which Didier Drogba describes his "disgust" upon signing for the club.

Drogba, who joined the Blues for £24million from Marseille in July 2004, claimed last month he wanted to quit the club following the departure of manager Jose Mourinho, but subsequently made it clear he regretted speaking out in public and reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

It is unclear when the DVD - entitled 'The Incredible Destiny of Didier Drogba' - was recorded, but in it Drogba talks about his reluctance to leave Marseille for Stamford Bridge three years ago - even suggesting he hoped to fail his medical.

"I said to myself 'I couldn't give a damn' (that Marseille have accepted a bid). Maybe that's going to shock supporters of Chelsea, but I didn't want to leave," he said.

"I even did some things that were almost absurd, in order not to go to Chelsea, such as during the medical.

"Going to the hospital in Paris, I was praying they would find a problem with my knee, or a problem with anything so the move would collapse.

He added: "I was disgusted. I realised that signing for Chelsea was disgusting. It's hard to explain.

"It's hard to understand because most of all, people see the financial side, or even the sporting side. But I simply wasn't happy."

Last month the Ivorian striker was reported as saying he wanted to quit the club in the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure but his team-mates have rallied to his defence.

He later issued an apology, stating: "I am a Chelsea player and will be 100% committed and supportive to my manager, my team-mates and the club.

"I will not be discussing my future any further until I meet privately with the club at the end of the season."

Ultimate10002000

04-11-2007, 02:21 PM

Holders face Reds in Carling Cup

Carling Cup holders Chelsea face a home tie with Liverpool in the quarter-finals of the League Cup after the draw was made on Saturday.

Avram Grant's side needed two late goals to scrape past Championship side Leicester 4-3 in midweek while Liverpool beat Cardiff 2-1 at Anfield.

In-form Blackburn, whose fourth-round win at Portsmouth was their seventh straight victory in all competitions, are at home to Arsenal while Manchester

City take on Tottenham.

New Spurs boss Juande Ramos saw his side beat Blackpool 2-0 at White Hart Lane in midweek in his first match in charge.

Those three ties will take place in the week commencing December 17 while the tie between West Ham and Everton will be played in the week commencing December 10.

The two sides are also scheduled to meet in the Premier League at

Upton Park on December 15.

Carling Cup quarter-finals:

West Ham v Everton

Manchester City v Tottenham

Chelsea v Liverpool

Blackburn v Arsenal

Ultimate10002000

04-11-2007, 02:22 PM

Blues overpower Wigan at JJB

Chelsea failed to hit the heights of last week's 6-0 thrashing of Manchester City, but still managed to brush Wigan aside 2-0 at The JJB.

Rivals Manchester United and Arsenal drew earlier in the day, ensuring Chelsea's two Shaun Wright-Phillips inspired goals were enough to see them cut the gap at the top.

Wright-Phillips, making the most of a surplus of possession in the opening 45 minutes, handed Frank Lampard the opener on a plate before an athletic leap gave Juliano Belletti the chance to score his first goal for the club in fine style.

On paper the match was scarcely a contest, with Chelsea hitting 10 goals in their last two outings - including last week's 6-0 humbling of Manchester City - and Wigan reeling on the back of five straight defeats.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings attempted to saturate the midfield with five men, including the industrious Brown, while Chelsea looked to wingers Wright-Phillips and Florent Malouda for their spark.

Brown and Jason Koumas were both penalised for needless early fouls before Belletti injected some pace into proceedings, surging into the penalty area and earning a corner.

There was a fanciful appeal for a Wigan penalty when Marcus Bent hit the ground after seven minutes and Denny Landzaat forced a first save out of Cech soon after.

But the lead was Chelsea's in the 11th minute when some quick feet from Wright-Phillips took him past challenges from Landzaat and Kevin Kilbane.

His measured ball found Lampard in the area and he swept home with aplomb to follow up his hat-trick against Leicester.

Wright-Phillips was involved in the second, leaping acrobatically to keep the ball from going out, although there was a suspicion the ball may have crossed the line.

But it was Belletti who produced the magic, running 60 yards into Wigan territory before taking advantage of some reticent defending to rifle past Chris Kirkland from 20 yards.

Wigan's game plan looked increasingly misguided as the half progressed, with Bent isolated in attack and the five-man midfield struggling to shackle their opponents.

After half-an-hour Wright-Phillips, thriving in yards of space, jinked his way into a shooting position but this time his end product let him down and the ball nestled safely in Kirkland's arms.

Didier Drogba looked less comfortable, coming to the dugout clutching his knee after tumbling awkwardly earlier in the half, but he was sent back into action after a short conversation with assistant coach Henk ten Cate.

Malouda missed a decent chance to make it three when he completely mis-hit Belletti's curling cross from six yards, while Koumas produced a fine sliding tackle to dispossess the full-back who was eying up a repeat of his earlier strike.

Sloppy defending in the second minute after the restart handed Koumas possession 20 yards from the Chelsea goal but, by the time the Welshman found Landzaat in the penalty box, the Blues had recovered sufficiently to block out his shot.

Koumas did better with his next pass moments later, releasing Bent with his first touch.

There was another huge appeal for a penalty when the striker went down with Carvalho in attendance but it looked neither a foul nor inside the area.

The hosts continued to put their opponents under pressure, Brown's skiddy 56th-minute shot needing a well-timed block from Alex to protect Cech.

There was more good link-up play between Lampard and Wright-Phillips shortly after the hour mark, with plenty to encourage under-fire England boss Steve McClaren from both men.

Drogba, whose future at the club has been under almost constant scrutiny since Jose Mourinho left, was becoming ill-disciplined, conceding fouls on a number of occasions as Chelsea's rhythm dipped.

Indeed, it took a deft piece of tracking back from Wright-Phillips to quell a dangerous Wigan break as Landzaat erred on the ball.

Wigan, meanwhile, were causing panic in the away defence with some aggressive running, although Bent looked like he could do with sharing the burden up front.

Paul Scharner had his side's last real effort, connecting well with a dipping volley but not forcing a save.

enriqueyang

04-11-2007, 11:41 PM

chill people, there's many type of supporter around, some is super loyal, some loyal, some player supporter, some glory hunter, they have the freedom to support any club man...

Litmuss

05-11-2007, 07:55 AM

chill people, there's many type of supporter around, some is super loyal, some loyal, some player supporter, some glory hunter, they have the freedom to support any club man...

But there are morons out there who supported Arse-anl, manure etc who insists they are 100% genuine, loyal, faithful fans just because they are Manu or Arse-anal supporters. Ironic.

yourmother

05-11-2007, 08:53 AM

Explain where did you go when the blue lump of **** were in crisis? :s13:

Creating a clone and try to be diplomatic first, after you got found out all the traits of a glory hunters surfaced. Didn't you said you were neutral again? :s13:

spykid

05-11-2007, 12:11 PM

You are sexposed already Celsius, mai hide under your clone anymore lah...... :s13:

fOreveRity

05-11-2007, 02:56 PM

Chelsea fans... Singing when they are winning only!

moron, is common to sing when wining and whining crying when losing.

nxt talk in forum doesnt mean ani thing in the first place.

Ultimate10002000

05-11-2007, 08:57 PM

Ultimate10002000

05-11-2007, 08:59 PM

Well done Chelsea for another great win.

Ultimate10002000

05-11-2007, 09:00 PM

Blues told to give up £50m Ron bid

Ronaldinho's agent has ruled out the Brazil superstar leaving Barcelona in January, amid rumours Chelsea are lining up a £50million bid.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of the 2004 and 2005 Fifa World Player of the Year and had hoped to tempt the former PSG ace to try his hand at the Premier League.

Blues boss Roman Abramovich was reportedly prepared to break the bank to land the 27-year-old, but Ronaldinho's agent brother Roberto de Assis says there is no way he will leave the Nou Camp mid-season.

"It is completely out of the question that Ronaldinho will go in the middle of the season," Assis told the News of the World.

"There is no reason to think Ronaldinho's future is away from Barcelona.

"My brother has a contract with Barcelona until 2010 and he is interested in seeing it out and, if possible, extending it."

Ultimate10002000

05-11-2007, 09:00 PM

Grant focused on Chelsea results

Chelsea boss Avram Grant insisted he was not sidetracked by events at the Emirates ahead of his side's trip to struggling Wigan on Saturday.

Estimates in some quarters suggested up to one billion people would be tuning in to the battle between Manchester United and Arsenal in north London.

But Grant's mind was solely on events at the JJB Stadium, where first-half strikes from Frank Lampard and Juliano Belletti handed the Bluesa 2-0 win.

"What is important is what we do," said Grant. "Our eyes are only on our team.

"We won again and we won well, we played very nicely in the first half especially and scored two goals.

"For us it is important what we are doing not what other teams are doing."

Key to Chelsea's fortunes against Latics, who have now lost six in a row, was the form of Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The England international responded to being handed a first league start by Grant - hitherto cautious in his use of the of the winger - with a sterling display.

Wright-Phillips produced some neat footwork to skip past two Wigan challenges on the way teeing up Lampard with a precision pass after 10 minutes and leapt athletically to keep the ball in play for the second.

Belletti takes much of the credit for that goal, though, as he collected Wright-Phillips' knock back, and ran more than 50 yards with the ball before beating Chris Kirkland with a fierce strike.

Grant admitted he had been impressed by the former Manchester City player's contribution.

"Shaun was good, he played well today," said Grant.

"We have a very big squad so any player who is in our squad, even if he is not on the bench one day, we will need him later. Shaun did that for me today.

"That is why he is in the squad of Chelsea, the same as everybody else in the squad.

"But he played well and I am pleased."

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings was magnanimous in defeat, refusing to hide behind a pair of albeit unlikely penalties not awarded to his side.

He also refused to suggest Wright-Phillips had taken the ball out of play as he threw himself into touch in the build-up to Belletti's wonderful individual effort.

On the penalty appeals, he said: "Andreas Granqvist just tried to stand his ground and let (Didier) Drogba barge into him.

"I don't have an issue with that.

"With (Marcus) Bent and (Ricardo) Carvalho, it was just a coming together.

"I have no real argument with either of the decisions.

"I certainly don't think they were definite penalties."

As for the decision not to award a throw-in against Wright-Phillips - and some officials could easily have done so - he added: "I didn't think it was out to be fair. My first reaction was that he had just about kept it in.

"I thought it was a right borderline decision. But if it had been clear-cut I would have said."

Ultimate10002000

05-11-2007, 09:01 PM

Hutchings hails Lampard quality

Wigan manager Chris Hutchings hailed Frank Lampard's killer instinct after he struck his fourth goal in two games to earn Chelsea a 2-0 win.

Lampard, back to full fitness and hitting top form after a disrupted start to the season, was Chelsea's key performer in the dramatic 4-3 Carling Cup win over Leicester in midweek, bagging a hat-trick, and he again set the ball rolling with a 10th-minute strike on Saturday.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was the architect, finding Lampard's well-timed run into the box after shrugging off the attentions of two Latics defenders.

Juliano Belletti profited from some more energetic play from Wright-Phillips to produce a thrilling 50-yard dash before rifling home a second eight minutes later, but for Hutchings it was Lampard's strike which was most disappointing.

"We tried to match them in midfield but obviously it didn't happen for us," he said after watching his struggling team slump to a sixth consecutive defeat.

"We'd talked in the week about Frank Lampard getting into the box and getting goals week in, week out as he does.

"And, lo and behold, he does it again.

"You're unhappy with the defence whenever you concede goals but it was a great finish from Frank.

"For their second goal, the full-back (Belletti) picks it up and runs 40 or 50 yards to score. We had a mountain to climb in the second half but we took it to them well."

Chelsea again shuffled their pack for the match, with Wright-Phillips impressing on his first league start since Avram Grant succeeded Jose Mourinho, while Florent Malouda and Wayne Bridge were also drafted in to the starting XI.

Andriy Shevchenko, meanwhile, could do no better than a place on the bench despite scoring Chelsea's other goal against the Foxes last time out.

For Hutchings, who has been struggling to paper over the cracks after series of injuries to his squad, such options are something he can only dream about.

"They're one of the top teams in Europe," he continued.

"They have great strength in depth and a very, very strong bench. So am I envious? Yes.

"With injuries we've had (Emile) Heskey out, (Antonio) Valencia out, Denny Landzaat for a few weeks and Antoine Sibierski's been struggling throughout the season.

"When we are fully fit and settled, we'll be a lot stronger."

The former Bradford boss highlighted England striker Heskey as the biggest loss but poured cold water on hopes he could make his comeback from a broken metatarsal as early as next week.

"Emile is a the main one. We know that we've missed Hesk and every other manager in the country probably knows that," said Hutchings.

"But he's still two or three weeks away and we need to make sure he has no relapses. As much as we'd like to rush him back, we have to look after his health."

Grant was content after seeing his side claw back two vital points in the title race following Manchester United's draw at Arsenal.

Although he conceded his side lost some of their momentum in the second half after an all-action display in the opening period, he warned fans their 6-0 humbling of Manchester City could not be repeated every game.

"Last week, we scored six and midweek we scored another four but it cannot always be like that," said Grant, whose side have now won their last seven games in all competitions.

"When you come to a side like this, who need the points, they make it very difficult.

"We always want to play better but very clearly it (2-0) was good for us.

"We won again and we won well. We played well, especially in the first half, and scored two very nice goals."

Ultimate10002000

05-11-2007, 09:02 PM

Avram is top dog at Bridge - Ricardo

Ricardo Carvalho has hailed Henk ten Cate's influence on Chelsea - but denied he has usurped Avram Grant as the main man at Stamford Bridge.

Grant was seen as a temporary measure by many, with suggestions that Ten Cate was bought in as the main decision-maker.

However, Carvalho has refuted the claims, insisting it is Grant that sets the agenda for the Blues.

The Portuguese defender has been impressed by the work done by both men and believes ten Cate complements rather than undermines Grant.

"Grant has his own playing style and Ten Cate complements his work," Carvalho told the News of the World.

"Our understanding with Grant is getting better all the time.

"A new coach needs time for his scheme to work and it is difficult because he is obliged to win every match.

"I think Ten Cate's experience is very important. He speaks to us clearly."

After a poor start to the season Chelsea have begun to play with a swagger in recent weeks and Carvalho is confident they could yet have a say in the title race.

"I still predict a very open title race. With a lot of hard work we have overcome the first crisis of the season."

Wryer

06-11-2007, 12:16 AM

Let's all observe some forum etiquette.

Ultimate10002000

06-11-2007, 08:00 PM

Bridge: Let's not get complacent

Wayne Bridge has warned Chelsea not to take success for granted against Schalke in their Champions League Group B return match next week.

Bridge has good reason to remember his last trip to the Veltins-Arena as it was the setting for his first Chelsea goal - the second in a 2-0 win over Besiktas in 2003.

Chelsea lead the group but Bridge said there is no room for complacency.

"We want to stay in every competition as long as possible, so we want to make sure we get as far as we can and win it," he said.

"We're in a good position and have to make sure we don't throw it away against Schalke. We need at least a point, but want to win the game."

Victory over Schalke would put Chelsea on the brink of a place in the knockout stages but they will be without captain John Terry (knee) and left-back Ashley Cole (ankle).

Added to the injury list is full-back Paulo Ferreira, who is out for six weeks with ankle ligament damage sustained in the dramatic 4-3 win over Leicester in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Steve Sidwell is aiming to expand on the European debut he made against Valencia in the Mestalla stadium.

Chelsea's 2-1 win over the Spanish side helped Grant to cement a growing relationship with the players and the fans following Jose Mourinho's departure.

But Sidwell, who replaced injured Michael Essien for the last 10 minutes against Valencia, now wants more European action and is hoping to impress Grant sufficiently to ensure that happens.

"Now that I have 10 minutes in the Champions League under my belt, I want to get out there and play more," he said.

"The way I see it, we're all in the same boat. We've all got to prove to the new manager that we're worth a claim on the shirt.

"Avram has his own thoughts and opinions on players, tactics and methods which will come out in due course, but as it stands we are all fighting for the shirt and that competition can only help Chelsea."

Ultimate10002000

06-11-2007, 08:01 PM

Grant: Lamps can dim pain of penalty woe

Avram Grant has backed captain Frank Lampard to overcome the demons associated with his last visit to Gelsenkirchen as Chelsea face Schalke.

Lampard was among the England players who missed penalties in the World Cup quarter-final shoot-out with Portugal in the Veltins-Arena last year.

He, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard all missed their spot-kicks as England crashed out after a goalless draw.

Lampard returns to the scene on Tuesday night when he and his Chelsea team-mates will look to put themselves on the brink of qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Grant is convinced the midfielder has the bottle to overcome his penalty miss nightmare.

He said: "Frank has a strong character, as everybody knows. I have full confidence in him.

"He also missed a penalty for Chelsea this season and then scored one against Liverpool at Anfield in a very difficult moment for the team.

"It was a very good penalty. It is not a problem when you have a strong character like him. Everybody makes mistake sometimes.

"I didn't see one player that has played 100% well. What is important is the character and the quality of course. What happened here belongs to the past and there is always another game."

Grant's backing for Lampard, and his injured captain John Terry, is such that he believes England would have won last month's European Championship qualifier in Russia had both been on the pitch.

Terry was sidelined with a knee injury that has since resulted in surgery and that will keep him out of action tomorrow but Lampard was thrown on from the bench as England coach Steve McClaren and his side desperately tried to overturn a 2-1 deficit in Moscow.

The defeat left England with slim hopes of qualifying for next year's finals and former Israel boss Grant declared: "I am objective because I was a national coach.

"I am sure that if Frank and John Terry had played in the last game against Russia, the result would have been different."

Grant has worked wonders at Stamford Bridge since he took over from the ousted Jose Mourinho in September and his side will be looking for their eighth straight win against the Bundesliga outfit they defeated 2-0 a fortnight ago.

The Israeli's attacking style of play is beginning to bear fruit and win over the fans who feared he and his staff would struggle to replace Mourinho.

Since taking charge, Grant has lost just one game to Manchester United and yet he refuses to take the credit for a superlative run of form that has pushed them into third place in the Barclays Premier League.

He added: "I am very pleased with progress and the results. But tomorrow is the Champions League. Our first win was against Valencia after we lost two points against Rosenborg.

"We are now in a good position but we want to finish it and qualify as soon as possible.

"I think, in every aspect of the game, we have improved. Our defensive game is better but especially the attacking football. We are more organised and have done that in a short space of time.

"We want to keep progressing in these things. In the last few games, we have done a good job.

"I think the team has to have the credit. This is more important to me at this stage. To do so much positive things in a short time, the credit needs to go to everyone.

"For me, it is only the beginning of the process. But you can give a big credit to everybody at Chelsea.

"It is not easy to do such a thing in a short time. But if you have players, management and staff, who are so good, it is much easier."

Unlike Lampard, the trip to Gelsenkirchen has brought back fond memories for 52-year-old Grant, who began his coaching career just a short distance away from the venue.

Grant added: "Ten minutes from here was my first coaching course in football when I came out of Israel in 1977.

"I spent five weeks at Duisberg when I was 22 and now I am back in this area as Chelsea manager."

Ultimate10002000

06-11-2007, 08:01 PM

Cole to return for Schalke test

Chelsea are likely to make a number of changes for their Champions League clash with Schalke in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday evening.

Joe Cole is set to be recalled after missing the win over Wigan in the Premier League with a slight knock but Ashley Cole is unlikely to be considered even though his recovery from an ankle injury is ahead of schedule.

Captain John Terry (knee), Paulo Ferreira (ankle) and Michael Ballack (ankle) remain sidelined.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Lampard, Obi, Essien, J Cole, Carvalho, Makelele, Sidwell, Malouda, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Bridge.

Ultimate10002000

06-11-2007, 08:02 PM

Kenyon heaps praise on Grant

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon says Avram Grant has exceeded expectations since taking over from Jose Mourinho.

The Blues have won eight of their nine games under Grant since he took over the managerial reins following Mourinho's shock departure in September.

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table just three points behind leaders Arsenal and Kenyon admits he is delighted with the way his new boss has settled into the role at Stamford Bridge.

"Avram, you have to say, has exceeded people's expectations," Kenyon told the Daily Telegraph.

"[He has had] seven straight wins, [with] some big games in there. I think five or six weeks ago people were writing us off, but as of Saturday night we are three points behind in third place.

"You have to give credit where credit is due, and credit is due to the team and to Avram Grant.

"There's no time limit on this because we are talking about Chelsea being successful."

Ultimate10002000

06-11-2007, 08:03 PM

Malouda: Blues out to prove point

Florent Malouda insists Chelsea are determined to show the world they have put their troubles behind them after Jose Mourinho's shock exit.

Israeli coach Avram Grant replaced Mourinho and has helped the side to notch up a seven-game unbeaten run.

Grant's record in the Champions League this season remains unblemished with victories over Valencia and Schalke, and the Blues face the German side again in Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday night.

Chelsea lead Group B and a win over the Bundesliga side will put them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.

But Malouda insists the team have arrived in Germany determined to demonstrate to the watching millions that Chelsea are still a force to be reckoned with.

Malouda, scorer of the opening goal in the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago, said: "It is true we had a little bit of trouble inside the club, we changed the manager, but the fact is we had to go on.

"We need a lot of good results to get confidence and we need all details of the team to be good at the same moment. We come here as a group to prove to everybody that Chelsea can win a lot of things this season. I think everything is behind us now and we have to look forward.

"All the team is confident and we will try to prove it on the pitch. The team spirit comes from a lot of things. First the training - we train together and we train very hard - and when we train, it is to win something.

"All the players of this team wanted to come to Chelsea to win something. That is our ambition and that is what makes us have this great spirit.

"The Champions League is one of our objectives this season. We don't like to choose between titles but it is a fact that to win the Champions League title, that is something very important in a career and I came to Chelsea for that.

"I hope that first we will qualify for the knockout stages. That is the first thing to do and after that we will see."

Meanwhile Chelsea hope to have Germany captain Michael Ballack back in action soon.

Ballack has been out of action since April, having undergone two operations on his ankle.

But Grant enthused: "On Monday he did his first training on the pitch with the reserve team.

"He did it very well and he has progressed very well in the last few weeks.

"We will see what happens in the next two or three weeks but he is going in the right way and of course I hope he will be available for us as soon as possible."

Ultimate10002000

08-11-2007, 07:52 PM

Bridge black and blue

Wayne Bridge came away from the gruelling draw with Schalke nursing a few facial bruises from a gruelling battle with Gerald Asamoah.

The England left-back had a running battle with the Schalke winger all evening as the Blues came away with a point that keeps them on top of Champions League Group B.

Despite asking for protection from the referee's assistant, Bridge had to put up with the scars of the battle.

He said: "I got a few elbows but I guess that is football. The linesman warned him a few times but that was about it.

"The worst thing was that he didn't do anything about it. He decided to let it go and maybe he should look at his game."

Bridge was one of the successes in a Chelsea side that looked distinctly out of sorts after recording seven straight wins under new coach Avram Grant.

They would have qualified already had they come away from Germany with all three points after Valencia went down to Rosenborg in Spain.

But a point means Chelsea need just one win from their remaining two games to seal a place in the knockout stage and Bridge already has his sights set on going all the way to this season's final.

He said: "The Champions League is definitely one trophy we want. We have gone far in it before and it has been quite painful.

"Getting to a final and losing would be painful enough but reaching the semi-finals and not getting there is even worse, so we want to make sure we go all the way this season."

That might be difficult if they produce many more below-par performances in Europe, with Schalke unlucky not to win after twice hitting the woodwork in the second half.

Coach Grant added: "It was not a bad result. It was not our best game but after so many good games we can allow one like this, especially as we didn't lose.

"I am surprised by Rosenborg's result. To win in Valencia is not easy and they are second in the group now - they are the big surprise.

"It doesn't change how we approach the Rosenborg game. We want to win there."

Ultimate10002000

08-11-2007, 07:53 PM

Lamps pretty happy with stalemate

Frank Lampard defended Chelsea's poor Champions League performance against Schalke by insisting it is difficult to be "pretty" all the time.

The Blues were lucky to escape with a goalless draw against the Bundesliga side they had defeated 2-0 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago.

Schalke hit the woodwork twice in the second half, while Chelsea's Didier Drogba squandered three gilt-edged chances to provide the visitors with another perfect European away day.

The German side halted Chelsea's run of seven straight wins under new coach Avram Grant but stand-in skipper Lampard was typically forthright about the outcome of a game which keeps the Blues on top of Group B.

Lampard admitted: "We were not at our best and Schalke had chances, especially at the end, to win. So we have to be happy with a draw.

"I think it says something about our resilience and there was a bit of luck as well. We didn't play particularly well and you need that at times.

"You have to come away and dig in sometimes. These are the sort of things that make a good team and all teams need a bit of luck and resilience.

"You cannot be pretty all the time and sometimes you have to dig in.

"We have won seven on the spin and you cannot keep playing better and better. We didn't last night but hopefully it is the result which will help us to qualify if we win our next game.

"It can be difficult and a long process with a busy league campaign in between where we have been trying to claw ourselves back into the title race.

"There are certain games where it gets difficult and you have to remember the goal is to finish top of the group and qualify.

"It is expecting too much for everything to be perfect straight away, and I don't think anyone is perfect anyway.

"Whichever team you go to, I have seen Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool travel in Europe and have the occasional very tough game.

"If you come out with a draw, sometimes you are very happy and that is us.

"It might be a good part of the learning curve, a reminder to us that after seven wins we needed a slice of lucky to get a draw and need to make sure in the next game we get back on a winning streak.

"It took a big effort to go on the run we were on but we are used to that.

"We are used to long, heavy seasons and have to be mentally strong.

"The manager thing has been and gone now and there are no excuses there. We have to look forward and I think the team was pretty fresh at Schalke."

The real blow for Chelsea was the loss of goalkeeper Petr Cech.

The Czech was forced out of the action at half-time with a calf problem he sustained in the opening period.

But Lampard was full of praise for replacement Carlo Cudicini, saying: "Carlo is the best reserve keeper any club has got, without a doubt.

"He is basically a first-team goalkeeper and it is only because of the way Petr Cech has played in the last few years that Carlo has not been there.

"He has always been a top professional and when he comes in he always perform. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the league, even though he is our second choice.

"It is very impressive considering how long he has spent in that position.

"Even as a goalkeeper, match play keeps you that bit sharper but whenever Carlo comes in - even though he has not played for a long time - he always looks as sharp as anyone."

Cech was set to have a scan on his damaged calf on Wednesday.

Ultimate10002000

08-11-2007, 07:54 PM

Grant happy to make his point

Chelsea boss Avram Grant admitted the Blues had been given a tough test by Schalke following their goalless draw on Tuesday evening.

Schalke twice hit the woodwork in the second half while Chelsea striker Didier Drogba wasted a hat-trick of chances to secure all three points.

Had Chelsea won they would have qualified for the next phase following Rosenborg's victory over Valencia in Spain.

But Grant declared: "We wanted to win but it was not easy to play Schalke at home. They needed to win because a draw was not good enough. It was not a bad result but not our best game.

"After so many good games in a short time we can have one game that is not in the high level. It is also an away game against a team who feel very good playing at home."

Now Grant is confident that his side can finish the job of reaching the next phase.

Grant added: "The Champions League is not the league, it is another competition. You need to fight for the result and it is not easy to play away from home.

"We are in first place and everything is in our hands and I am very happy and confident about that. But we need to continue our job because it will not be easy.

"I don't think we defended so badly. It was not a bad game. It was not our best performance but not a bad game for us."

Schalke coach Mirko Slomka was happy with his team's performance and with better finishing could have earned them a renowned victory.

Slomka said: "We showed a lot of passion and stuck to our tactical instructions.

"We knew how dangerous Chelsea could be but we had lots of chances and were well organised. I have to praise my players.

"We tried to learn from the first game in London where we had problems with their full-backs getting forward.

"But our full-backs were the ones going forward. I think Chelsea didn't defend as well as they should have done because we were so good going forward."

Ultimate10002000

08-11-2007, 07:55 PM

Cech out of Blues' Toffees test

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech will miss Sunday's Premier League clash at home to Everton after a scan revealed he has a small tear in his calf.

The Czech Republic international limped out of Tuesday night's Champions League game against Schalke 04 at half-time after sustaining the injury in mysterious circumstances early on.

Club doctor Bryan English told the club's official website: "It's still early but it's almost certain he will miss the game this weekend.

"We will also be liaising with the Czech FA's medical department about Petr's injury. Hopefully the international break will allow time for the injury to improve."

Cech added: "I don't know exactly how it happened.

"I only know that I felt a pain from the 10th minute of the match. Nevertheless I played the first half.

"I feel bad that I will be out right now when myself as well as my team are both doing well."

Ultimate10002000

08-11-2007, 07:56 PM

Essien feels Blues are missing JT

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien feels the Blues are missing captain John Terry, despite five clean sheets in the last six games.

Terry has sat out the club's past six matches in all competitions with a knee injury, but hopes to return to the side by the end of the month.

During the centre half's absence, Chelsea's defence has only been breached in the 4-3 Carling Cup win over Leicester City last week.

But while Essien believes The Blues are 'coping' without their captain, the midfield powerhouse is keen for Terry to make a swift return.

Pillar

"We miss him a little bit," Essien told Sky Sports News. "He's one of the pillars at the back.

"If we can get him back quickly it would be good.

"At the moment we are coping very good and playing some good football, so it's good."

Essien is also happy with the progress the club have been making since Avram Grant replaced Jose Mourinho as manager at Stamford Bridge.

The Ghanaian added: "So far, so good. We hope to achieve something this year."

Ultimate10002000

09-11-2007, 09:50 PM

Chelsea launch US website

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has hailed their American website launch as a 'groundbreaking venture' for a European club.

The Blues have become the first outfit on this side of the Atlantic to create a dedicated membership site for its fans in America.

Kenyon said: "I am delighted that Chelsea is again breaking new ground, this time by engaging with our fans in the United States in a way that no other football club currently does.

"We have visited the US for the last four summers and each time the interest in us has grown significantly. This latest project is a chance for fans to become more intimately involved with the club on a members site that has been built for and caters directly for them."

The new site will offer content designed, delivered and implemented specifically for soccer fans in North America.

Ultimate10002000

09-11-2007, 09:52 PM

Cudicini confident for first start

Chelsea's stand-in goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini insists he ready for his first Premier League start of the season against Everton on Sunday.

Cudicini has only played 180 minutes of domestic action during the 2007-08 campaign so far in the Carling Cup against Hull and Leicester, but he maintains that his lack of action does not affect his preparation.

The Italian proved he can cope with a sudden elevation after replacing first choice Petr Cech for the second half of the goalless draw against Schalke in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Cech was forced to retire during the interval after suffering a calf injury in the first half.

A scan has since revealed that Cech has a small tear in the calf and will miss the Everton game along with the Czech Republic's next two internationals.

The unexpected return to action was a boost for Cudicini, who is confident he is ready for his first team bow this season.

Cudicini said: "It's simple; you have to train every day like you are playing every Saturday. All the keepers do the same in every team, so you train every day with every man.

"It's quite clear that Petr is a very good keeper and I am here to help the team in case they need me and that's what happened against Schalke and I managed to keep the clean sheet.

"It was a good result, especially as Schalke played very well and had quite a few chances to score, so in the end I think the draw is a good result for us.

"They didn't give us the chance to keep the ball in their half, and that's probably why they took the point.

"I think if we look back at the game we can be happy with that and now we have to focus on our next game."

Ultimate10002000

11-11-2007, 11:41 AM

Ashley to return for Everton date

Defender Ashley Cole has recovered from an ankle injury in time to rejoin the Chelsea squad for Sunday's Premier League visit of Everton.

But fellow England defender John Terry is still sidelined by a knee injury and also misses his country's Euro 2008 match with Croatia the following week.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech is out after damaging a calf in midweek and defender Paulo Ferreira remains sidelined by an ankle injury.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 2pm.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Obi, Alex, Carvalho, A Cole, Bridge, Essien, Makelele, Lampard, J Cole, Malouda, Wright-Phillips, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou, Ben-Haim, Sidwell.

Ultimate10002000

11-11-2007, 11:42 AM

Phil: Toffees up for Bridge battle

Phil Neville has warned Chelsea that they will be confronted by an Everton side full of confidence and "with a real swagger" about them.

The Everton skipper has led his side virtually into the UEFA Cup knock-out stages following Thursday's impressive 2-0 Group A win in Nurnberg. One more victory and they will be playing in Europe after Christmas.

Now the Merseysiders must take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge trying to add to a run of five successive victories.

Neville said: "In the past we have gone down to Chelsea and had our backs to the wall, but it is a measure of our progress and our team that we are going there this time with a little bit of a swagger and feeling confident.

"We need to make sure we show the same level of concentration and diligence we showed on Thursday."

Neville added: "It is actually eight wins out of 10 now, which sounds even better than five straight wins to me.

"I do not think we have ever gone to Stamford Bridge in better form or with as much confidence. We can go there and give it a right go because they are a great team.

"They had a good result in Germany in midweek as well so it should be a fantastic game.

"We can go on Sunday with the confidence that, although they have quality players, let's give it a go and see where that takes us. If we get a point or three points then brilliant. That will mean we are improving."

Neville believes Everton's array of forward talent is a match for anyone these days.

Ayegbeni Yakubu, Victor Anichebe, James McFadden and the injured Andrew Johnson have all shown good form.

James Vaughan, with a thigh injury, is unlikely to be involved while Johnson is a fortnight away from fitness after an ankle operation.

But Neville still feels Everton's strikers can worry Chelsea.

He said: "At the moment I cannot think of a team outside the top three of four that have a nucleus of strikers as we do.

"Even though we play 4-5-1 at the moment all of our strikers are getting a good amount of football and they are all fresh.

"Andy (Johnson) and James (Vaughan) are coming back to fitness now, while Victor wants to show everyone that he wants to carry the fight and he has been outstanding for us. He has a special impact.

"We are quite confident we're going in the right direction, we are enjoying it, the fans are enjoying it, the manager is enjoying it.

"For the first couple of months of the season we did not hit form whatsoever but we were still winning games. Now we're getting players back fit.

"The team spirit has never been in doubt and the more games we're winning the better that is getting as well. There is a real toughness and solidness about us.

"We are keeping our feet on the ground but we are quietly confident that there are positives times ahead for the club."

And boss David Moyes is also full of confidence for the trip to West London.

Moyes said: "Last season we played very well at Stamford Bridge and were unlucky not to win there on the last day of the season, but I was still delighted with the draw.

"We would have finished fifth rather than sixth had we hung on for the win."

Everton have injury doubts over Mikel Arteta (groin), Leighton Baines (groin), Alan Stubbs (hamstring) and Vaughan (thigh).

Ultimate10002000

11-11-2007, 11:42 AM

Grant delighted to surprise people

Chelsea manager Avram Grant believes he is already this season's surprise package in the Premier League.

Following Jose Mourinho's unexpected departure early in the campaign, many assumed the elevation of former Israel coach was merely a stop-gap.

But after beginning with defeat at Manchester United, the Blues have prospered under the new man and have won in style too.

With Everton due at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, Grant said: "I have been coaching since I was 18-and-a-half, so I know how to coach and what football is all about.

"Maybe some people have been surprised. But that's okay - I think it has been a good surprise, no?

"Apart from the first three or four days, which were reasonable, you have seen the team progress in the quality of the football and in all other aspects.

"You know my vision for the team. I will follow my vision - but it won't come in one day. We have a good staff now and we can look forward."

Grant has been careful not to criticise Mourinho, the self-styled 'Special One', but makes it clear he is not lacking in self-belief either.

"I respect the past," he said.

"Of all the teams I had before, I never criticised the past there. I will not change at my age - I'm not old but I'm not 22 any more.

"But also we need to look forward as a team. We have a job to do, which is not an easy one - because at a club like Chelsea, although you want to build, you also have to win games.

"There is not as much patience as with Arsenal last year and Manchester United in the beginning with Ferguson.

"In the league the last few games have been very high quality. No team, including Arsenal and Manchester United, have played better than us. We have changed to a different style very quickly - but we have a long way ahead of us still."

Grant has declined to shed any light on a link with 17-year-old Brazilian striker Lulinha, who has been dubbed the new Ronaldinho.

He said: "They tell me 145 players have been linked with Chelsea.

"We will buy not more than three or four. I can only tell you we are following talented players from all over the world."

Ultimate10002000

11-11-2007, 11:43 AM

Grant knows all about Yak talent

Chelsea boss Avram Grant knows that if Everton's Aiyegbeni Yakubu scores at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, he will only have himself to blame.

Grant was the coach who helped the Nigerian graduate from a raw teenager starting out in a footballing outpost to a £11.25million striker in the world's most richest league.

He said: "Yakubu came to Israel before I came to Maccabi Haifa and played in the second division. I watched him and liked him very much and he was great at Maccabi Haifa - we were champions for the first time in seven years.

"In his first year there was a problem with his registration but in his second he was the top scorer. He was a big talent and is doing well here as well. And I like him also as a person.

"I always take an interest in any of my players. He was 18 when he came to Israel and at 19 he was the top scorer. There were a lot of things he had to do to improve his quality but it was very easy for him because he is an intelligent person.

"Every coach likes to think that a player is much better when they finish with me than when they started so I am very proud of him. It is my satisfaction. Of course, my main satisfaction is to win football games but it is also satisfying to see players develop not only on the football side but also in their personality."

Chelsea have been in fine form in the Premier League in recent weeks with last week's 2-0 win at Wigan the follow-up to a six-goal Stamford Bridge thrashing of Manchester City.

Grant has already given substance to claims that the club can replicate and possibly better the trophy haul under previous boss Jose Mourinho and be more entertaining in the process.

Indeed, Grant likened his arrival to that of Arsene Wenger at Arsenal a decade ago when the Gunners had previously enjoyed success in a less expansive way under George Graham.

He said: "I do not say that the past was not good but sometimes there is a time in the life of a team when you need to go a different way. It has happened at many clubs. It happened at Arsenal. They were a very successful team - they won titles - but it was the right decision to change the style of the team.

"We have taken the right decision here to change the style of the team. Today there is a lot of football and people are watching all over the world. You need to win games but you have to do it in a positive way."

John Terry remains sidelined with the knee injury that also forces him to miss England's deciding Euro 2008 qualifier with Croatia but Ashley Cole is back following an ankle problem.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech faces up to a month on the sidelines after tearing a calf muscle in the midweek draw with Schalke in the Champions League. Carlo Cudicini steps up from the bench to take his place.

elevate

11-11-2007, 01:35 PM

go cudi !

widman01

11-11-2007, 08:01 PM

nice cudiccini play again. he is the best #2 goalkeeper in BPL.

elevate

11-11-2007, 11:55 PM

timcahill!sigh.gg

Ultimate10002000

15-11-2007, 08:15 PM

Grant speaks of Chelsea challenge

Chelsea boss Avram Grant insists managing the Blues was "not a difficult choice" and admits he is enjoying the challenge at Stamford Bridge.

The 52-year-old Israeli was asked to take charge after Jose Mourinho left the club by mutual consent in September.

Grant has since steered Chelsea back into the title race and to the brink of qualification for the Champions League knockout stage, and suffered just one defeat in all competitions.

Grant declared: "It was not difficult for me, it was a challenge. It was very interesting for me. I have been coaching since I was 18, first with youth teams, then with teams in the (Israeli) Premier League, then the national team.

"I followed many games and many training seasons for the last 30 years all over the world, especially in England, because in Israel everybody supports an English club and I came as a director to build a team at Portsmouth.

"I think we did a very good job, you see Portsmouth now compared to the Portsmouth before. Then I came to Chelsea to do the same job but it is a different job and then suddenly it happened that I needed to be the manager in the middle of the year.

"So from one thing it's a great honour to be manager of Chelsea, but on the other hand, it's the first time in my life that I have had to take a job like this in the middle of the year.

"I think my strength is that I like to create something from the base, step by step. Here you need to do it but in a very short time, you have a game every four days. I wanted to bring a good result but I wanted to do it in a different way.

"I don't mean the way before wasn't good but it doesn't matter because each coach has his own way. So it wasn't easy but it was a challenge."

Grant also revealed that the squad he inherited from Mourinho has adapted to his new methods of training and a more attacking style of play quicker than he ever thought they would.

Grant added: "They have adapted more quickly than I thought. Because if you take a team like Barcelona, since (Frank) Rijkaard came it took them more than one year to play this well.

"Arsenal for the last two years have not played as well and with Man United it took (Sir Alex) Ferguson three years. I haven't got this time. I need to do it in a very short time, which I like, because all my life I was looking to create something and I think we did it very well.

"So it is much more quick than I thought, but there is a lot to do to put Chelsea in the right side of football.

"Any coach that finishes a school of football knows how to organise a defence, but not every coach knows how to play attacking football.

"We try to do it at Chelsea. I think we developed very well in a very short space of time, but I think we will also have our difficult days. Also we will learn from ourselves and we develop our game because you need to remember that to the respect of Chelsea, before Roman Abramovich took over the team, it was not a big team.

"It was not like Manchester United or Arsenal. The team was depending on Roman and he told me about his ambition to make this club a big club so we will build it step by step.

"It is not like Real Madrid or Barcelona, but I believe that it will be like this.

You can't fight with this, they are big clubs and Chelsea was not. This is a fact. Before Roman took over the team, it was not a big club. Now it is one of the best but we can make things better."

Ultimate10002000

15-11-2007, 08:16 PM

No problems with Drogba - Grant

Chelsea coach Avram Grant has had to reassure two of his players since he took over from Jose Mourinho - neither of them Didier Drogba.

The Ivory Coast striker appeared to be unsettled in the early days of Grant's tenure, but the Israeli boss reports he has no qualms with Drogba.

With Chelsea currently fourth in the Premier League, five points off the pace being set by Arsenal and Manchester United, Grant is growing in stature following former boss Mourinho's surprise departure in September.

Although he hints there have been growing pains with some members of the squad he inherited, he told The Sun: "Didier behaves very well and gives 100% every game. I am happy with him.

"Sometimes players come to me and say they are unhappy. Two have done this - but it doesn't matter who."

Ultimate10002000

15-11-2007, 08:17 PM

Blues rocked by Carvalho blow

Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow with the news that defender Ricardo Carvalho has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a back injury.

Carvalho suffered the problem in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Everton, and scans have revealed that he has damaged his spinal column.

Portugal team doctor Henrique Jones confirmed the blow, and explained the extent of the problem.

"Ricardo has suffered fractures of the small bones on his second, third and fourth vertebrae and will be out for eight weeks," he said.

The news will come as a major blow to Blues boss Avram Grant, who already has Petr Cech, John Terry and Paulo Ferreira sidelined.

Ultimate10002000

15-11-2007, 08:18 PM

Ben Sahar wants to help England

QPR's on-loan Chelsea striker Ben Sahar believes he can play a major role in England's Euro 2008 qualification by helping Israel beat Russia.

England's hopes of qualifying for the competition could be over if Russia beat Israel in Tel Aviv on Saturday, but 18-year-old Sahar has assured the England fans that his team are determined to win the game.

He told the Daily Telegraph: "At home we have a very good record, I think we'll win this game - hopefully - because we're a good team.

"I want to see them [England] there, but first I want to win for Israel. It's our job, we have to win; if it's good for England, it's better. We want to win this game as much as the English want us to win."

Sahar, who joined Rangers on a six-month loan deal in the summer, could have an extra incentive to get a result with Chelsea's Joe Cole reportedly offering fellow Israeli international Tal Ben-Haim a holiday anywhere in the world if they avoid defeat.

"If we win this game, maybe I will ask some of them [about a holiday], a few mates from Chelsea say all the time we must win this game. I know how important it is for England," he added.

Ultimate10002000

15-11-2007, 08:19 PM

Keeper keen to Cech in at Barca

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has admitted he would be interested in a move to Barcelona, despite being "very happy" at Stamford Bridge.

The Czech international was a key member of the Stamford Bridge side that won back-to-back Premier League titles.

He missed a large chunk of last season after suffering a fractured skull in a clash with Reading's Stephen Hunt, but battled his way back to full fitness.

If Cech were to leave, it would be a huge loss to Blues boss Avram Grant who would need to recruit a world-class replacement.

Cech told a Czech website: "Can I imagine staying in England? That I cannot answer.

"So far I have been very happy at Chelsea and I have started to love the Premier League. I have got used to life in London and my wife and I like it.

"But in the case of Barcelona showing interest, yes, certainly it would be worth considering."

Following an indifferent start to the campaign and the high-profile departure of manager Jose Mourinho, Chelsea have picked up in recent weeks under new boss Avram Grant.

Cech, though, reflected: "It is hard to judge that [Grant's impact] after such a short period. Jose Mourinho's departure was very emotional for some players."

Following a 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions, the Blues have moved up to fourth in the Premier League table and also look on course to reach the last 16 of the Champions League.

Cech maintains Chelsea will be looking to keep up the pressure on leaders Arsenal, whom they play at Emirates Stadium on December 16.

"We will definitely be making their path more complicated," he said.

"The most important period is going to be at Christmas again when a lot of matches are played and mostly this is when much will be decided or at least revealed. The title race is still open."

Ultimate10002000

17-11-2007, 06:39 PM

Cech: I am happy at Chelsea

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has reaffirmed his commitment to the club in the wake of reports suggesting he was keen on a move to Barcelona.

The 25-year-old, who is less than two years into a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, was quoted by several newspapers admitting it "would be worth considering" a switch to the Catalan giants.

But the Czech international has moved to clarify his position and insists his words were taken out of context.

"There are a few stories that have appeared today in the press quoting me that I was interested in moving in Barcelona," Cech said.

"These were taken from an interview I gave back in 2003 when I was at Rennes.

"I am very happy at Chelsea and this is where I see my future."

Cech limped off at half-time of last week's Champions League stalemate at Schalke and is expected to be out for up to a month.

He joined the Blues from French club Rennes for £7million in 2004 and has gone on to establish himself as one of the world's best keepers.

Ultimate10002000

17-11-2007, 06:39 PM

Hatters seek help from Chelsea

Troubled League One club Luton have strengthened their ranks by completing the signing of Chelsea midfielder Anthony Grant on loan.

The 20-year-old has signed a deal to stay at Kenilworth Road until January 5 and is set to make his debut against Walsall on Saturday alongside fellow new signing Marc Wilson.

Grant has made just one substitute appearance for Chelsea but played 49 games last season on loan at League Two side Wycombe.

Ultimate10002000

17-11-2007, 06:40 PM

Ten Cate denies Ronaldinho 'lies'

Chelsea assistant manager Henk Ten Cate insists stories claiming that he is trying to lure Ronaldinho to Stamford Bridge are 'totally false'.

Reports have claimed that the Premier League club are putting together a big-money bid to entice the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge in January.

But Blues assistant boss Ten Cate, who was formerly No.2 to Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona, has expressed his anger at the speculation.

"One newspaper wrote that I talked to Ronaldinho to bring him to Chelsea and this is a big lie, it is false, totally false," Ten Cate told El Mundo Deportivo.

"I want to call a press conference so that everybody knows it. It is a lie and the worst thing is that the journalist sent me a message saying what they published, and I told him that was not true, that it was a lie.

"They do this just to hurt Ronaldinho and I know what I am talking about with the situation because I lived in Barcelona for three years.

"I do not understand this lack of respect for a player who has changed the history of the club, it seems that everyone has forgotten what this guy has achieved."

Ten Cate continued: "The people of Barcelona have to know that I respect the club very much and I would never do something like that, trying to remove its best player.

"It also creates problems at Chelsea, because nobody at the club asked about Ronnie apart from when you have a coffee and colleagues say 'How great is that player, how can he do these spectacular things?'

"So it creates problems because what comes out in Spain rebounds to England and it goes on and on."

And when asked whether Chelsea do have any plans to try to sign Ronaldinho, Ten Cate replied: "I do not know, I have no clue. Nobody has told me anything.

"We are working with the group to achieve the highest goals, that's my job, I have enough on with my work."

Ultimate10002000

18-11-2007, 11:54 AM

Cole faith more than skin deep

England midfielder Joe Cole has "a feeling in his bones" that the Three Lions will sneak through to Euro 2008 via the back door.

Cole believes either Isreal or Macedonia will do Steve McClaren's side a favour when they take on Russia and Croatia respectively this evening.

That would leave England needing to overcome Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday to finish in the top two and book a spot in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

Cole, who helped England to a 1-0 win in Friday night's friendly against Austria, said: "I've got a great belief that we will be at the tournament.

"I don't know why. I just think something will happen on Saturday regarding Israel and Macedonia and then Wednesday night will become very important.

"I can feel it in my bones. I am very positive about it. We never do things the easy way. I know Wednesday will be important. I just know it.

"I believe we will go to the tournament, I believe we will win Wednesday night. I can just feel it."

England will have to try and make the most of any reprieve without Michael Owen, who will be out for a month with a thigh strain suffered in the first half of a game decided by Peter Crouch's headed goal.

Cole said: "It is a blow Michael being injured but Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Alan Smith are very experienced players. We have missed big players in the past and coped so I am sure we will be all right.

"I think we have got enough in our squad. It will be a great achievement if we do go through now and there is always that carrot to fight for."

Crouch settled the game in Vienna with his 13th international goal a minute before half-time, heading home a corner from David Beckham.

elevate

19-11-2007, 08:04 PM

i guess joe cole's bones were right. haha

enriqueyang

20-11-2007, 12:01 AM

jc bone..... hhhhhhhha rofl...

Ultimate10002000

20-11-2007, 09:30 PM

Mak to ponder future with Blues

Claude Makelele admits Euro 2008 will be his "last competition" for France - and will consider his Chelsea future after the tournament.

France secured qualification to Austria and Switzerland courtesy of Italy's victory over Scotland, and the midfielder is keen to represent his homeland one last time.

Meanwhile, Makelele's current Blues deal is set to expire in 2009 and he admits he will be forced to review his options next summer.

"Now we are qualified I hope I will be part of the group," he told L'Equipe.

"I have to perform well this season for my club, and then be fresh and without injury for Euro 2008.

"It will be my last competition with Les Bleus.

"I have reached a point where playing is just a bonus rather than anything else."

On Chelsea, he said: "Will I go on after my contract in 2009? I don't know. It will depend on my desire and my physical condition.

"I will go on as long as I can. I will first take stock after Euro 2008."

Ultimate10002000

20-11-2007, 09:34 PM

Luka would love move to England

Dinamo Zagreb star Luka Modric has expressed an interest in moving to the Premier League, amid reports linking him with Arsenal and Chelsea.

Modric, who is set to line up for Croatia against England in Wednesday night's Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley, has attracted attention for some sparkling performances for club and country in recent months.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly valued at £30million but that has not stopped rumours of a move to England, with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich already reported to be in negotiations for his signature.

Arsenal are also thought to be keen and Modric admits he would relish the opportunity to ply his trade for one of the top clubs in the Premier League.

"I'd love to play in the Premiership," he told The Sun. "I'd like things to happen soon and it's possible maybe even this winter.

"It would be a great challenge for me. It's one of the best leagues in the world.

"I don't have a preference for a club. There are a few big clubs in England where I would love to play."

Meanwhile, Modric has warned England not to read too much into Croatia's 2-0 defeat to Macedonia on Saturday, which came after Russia's defeat to Israel had secured their place in Euro 2008.

He insists Croatia will be much more focused for the match at Wembley, which will decide whether England's fate.

"If Russia had won in Israel, we would have been a different team in Macedonia," he explained.

"We are going to London to show who we really are and I think we can surprise our hosts with the real Croatia."

Ultimate10002000

20-11-2007, 09:34 PM

Blues set sights on sub-continent

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon wants the Blues to become "everybody's second club" in India after returning from his visit to the region.

Kenyon was one of a group of ambassadors joining the Mayor of London, Ken Livingston, on his trip to India and used the trip to meet up with PR Dasmunsi, the president of the All India Football Federation and a high-ranking government minister.

The pair met to talk about the possibility of working together in the future and Kenyon is keen to develop the relationship between Chelsea and the AIFF.

He told Sky Sports News: "We're not just coming in and going to a school or a tour.

"We want to see if we can be part of the fabric. We really want to become everybody's second club."

Kenyon added on the official Chelsea website: "The purpose of the talks was to get a better understanding of Indian football.

"The talks were very informative and both parties have taken some ideas away. We will have further discussions in the future about how Chelsea can potentially work to help develop Indian football."

Ultimate10002000

20-11-2007, 09:36 PM

Terry not fit to take on Croatia

John Terry returned to England training on Tuesday, but Steven Gerrard insists the defender is not fit to lead out the side against Croatia.

England need to at least draw at Wembley to ensure their Euro 2008 qualification and there were reports Terry had ve recovered from a month-long absence with a knee injury in time to play.

However Gerrard has confirmed the Chelsea defender will not be fit, although he will be at Wembley to support the team.

"I've spoken to John and he tells us he's not ready but he'll still be there and be a big help to all the players," he said.

Gerrard will captain England in Terry's absence and the Liverpool star has told his team-mates it is "time to deliver" on Wednesday.

Israel's win over Russia on Saturday means England need just a draw and Gerrard admits hanging on for a favour from the Israelis had been a distraction.

But he said: "It was a difficult weekend when it wasn't in our hands.

"But as soon as we knew we had a lifeline we were 100% focused on the Croatia game. Now it's time to deliver on the pitch."

Meanwhile Gerrard has backed Peter Crouch to prosper as a lone midfielder should Steve McClaren opt for a 4-5-1 formation.

"I'm sure he can handle that and it's down to the other players to make sure he's not isolated," added Gerrard.

Gerrard will take immense pride in leading the side in a match which will determine their Euro 2008 fate - but he also stresses the importance of a former captain.

David Beckham has seen his place on the right side of midfield questioned since a poor showing in the friendly win over Austria last week, but Gerrard insists he remains an important figure.

"I'm very proud to lead this side. For England it probably is (my biggest game as captain). But I've captained Liverpool in enough big games to know what it's all about," Gerrard told Sky Sports News.

"To come off the pitch on Wednesday night knowing we'd qualified would be great.

"David's a big player too, and he was the captain of this side for a long time.

"He's got experience and he's very important, especially for the younger boys who he is a great help to.

"But whoever he [McClaren] chooses will have to be ready. It's not just about 11 players - every single player has to be ready."

Gerrard also went on to insist England's qualification campaign, despite some obvious low points, can only be truly judged once all the matches were played.

"I suppose we can feel slightly fortunate; we had a bit of luck and we did need other people to help us," said the midfielder.

"But tables don't lie - everybody in football knows that. If we qualify on Wednesday we will deserve it."

Ultimate10002000

20-11-2007, 09:37 PM

Makelele reveals Grant agreement

Claude Makelele has agreed a deal with Avram Grant that allows him to play in Chelsea's biggest games but sit out the less glamorous ones.

The France midfielder has been a regular in the Blues side since joining from Real Madrid in 2003 in a £16.6million move.

However, Makelele - who is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2009 - has played only four Premier League games this season.

And the 34-year-old has revealed his deal with Grant has allowed him to remain in peak fitness and improve his chances of extending his career beyond the end of the season.

"I have an agreement with my club coach," Makelele told L'Equipe. "He knows how I manage my games and we have a well-stocked squad.

"He needs me in our very important matches, but he rotates the squad for the easier fixtures.

"That suits me fine. I can have a rest and it is perfect for me."

He added: "As long as I still have the desire I will try to keep going as long as I can. But Euro 2008 is not my main aim. Chelsea come first."

Ultimate10002000

21-11-2007, 08:21 PM

Ultimate10002000

21-11-2007, 08:21 PM

German coach drops a Ballack

A depleted and inexperienced Wales have been handed a crumb of comfort with the news that Michael Ballack will not be facing them on Wednesday.

The German fans will be there to party with their team already heading for next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland, and they see the Welsh as sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.

So the sight of skipper Ballack training with his national squad here would have instilled even more trepidation in the Welsh.

But Germany coach Joachim Low gave them some relief on Tuesday by insisting Ballack was only around "to take in the atmosphere and be with the squad".

With his next breath, however, Low took away Wales' hope that a conspiracy to sidestep the seedings for the finals - the theory being that Germany do not want to finish top of Group D and would rather be in the second set of seeds with the chance of playing the Swiss, Austrians or holders Greece - was swept away.

Low said: "It is not in our mentality to do anything but play for a win. We do not go out to draw or be defeated, that is not in our nature.

"We will only look at the situation and take stock after our final group match and the draw, but not before."

Ballack, who has been out for Chelsea all season following an ankle operation, could be back in action in a month for the west Londoners, and Low said: "It was his own wish that he was here to soak up the atmosphere. It was natural for him to join us and he has trust in the German medical staff.

"He is on the way up now and recovering well from the operation. He has trained with the team and everything is going to plan, and slowly but surely he is looking to get back into the Chelsea starting line-up."

Despite Low's dismissal of any suggestion of manipulation of the seedings, it is understandable that both Germany and the Czech Republic would like to avoid being the best group winner and thus the fourth top seed.

They would prefer the chance of meeting one of those three weaker nations rather than finding themselves facing Holland and Italy, for example, in the finals.

But Low would have none of it and said: "We badly want to win this last game in the group, of course we want to give our fans what they want."

Low is conscious of the youth and weakness of the Wales squad, but believes they will give Germany a better match than Cyprus did on Saturday when the hosts strolled to a 4-0 win.

The German boss, who has such riches that he was able to leave out full-back Arne Friedrich because Hertha Berlin have a Friday evening match, said: "Wales will defend stronger than Cyprus. They created chances but their defending was negligent.

"Wales will have an emphasis on a defensive system and try not to concede goals. They will close us down and try to hit us on the counter-attack."

But Germany's newest midfield star, the former Aston Villa youngster Thomas Hitzlsperger, had an ominous warning for the Welsh.

He said: "We aim to score as many goals as possible. Wales are better than Cyprus but we want a good win in our last group match."

The Stuttgart man has become something of a saviour for the Germans this season with Ballack and Bernd Schneider both out injured.

Germany have hardly missed their two experienced midfielders, and Hitzlsperger said: "I am very content with the way things have gone, at the beginning of the campaign I said to the coach 'give me three games' - and now I have played eight.

"I am happy about that. I know Schneider and Ballack have not been around and people think that when they return I will be pushed out of the side, but I am prepared to fight for my place.

"The people who have come in have proved that they can be thrown into games without any fear about the outcome.

"Two top stars are not playing, but I know I have done my bit for Germany. Some of us have proved we can come in and do well over a sustained period."

Bayer Leverkusen's Manuel Friedrich is expected to play instead of the rested Per Mertesacker in defence, with Roberto Hilbert replacing Friedrich.

Tim Borowski is likely to step in for Piotr Trochowski while Low is expected to start with Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez up front, with Oliver Neuville and Mike Hanke likely second-half substitutes.

Ultimate10002000

21-11-2007, 08:22 PM

Guti considering Premier switch

Real Madrid playmaker Guti admits he would consider a move to the Premier League if he was ever to leave the Spanish giants.

Guti's chief ambition is to see out the remainder of his career at the Bernabeu, but the mercurial midfielder has not ruled out a switch to England if that goal does not materialise.

"I want to retire here. I will play until my body tells me to stop. I want to renew my contract for two more years when the current one runs out (in 2010)," the 31-year-old said in an interview with Spanish radio station Onda Madrid.

"If not, everybody knows that my intention to play in the Premier League. It is my second option. I like the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, but I would go to any team in London."

Guti, who has been part of the Real senior squad for over a decade now, also spoke about the possibility of becoming a coach when he hangs up his boots, with current boss Bernd Schuster one of his role models.

"I would like some relationship with football because it has given me my life," he said.

"The first thing I will do is get a coaching licence, just in case. I've always said the best coaches and those who understand players better are those who have been players themselves.

"I guess I would have a similar style to Schuster's as coach.

"It is the best relationship that I have had with a coach. I have his respect and I know that I can slip up or have a bad game and it does not matter.

"Nobody has treated me like he has. Before, replacing Guti was the easiest substitution to make."

Ultimate10002000

24-11-2007, 09:35 PM

Grant backs Harry or Jose for England

Chelsea coach Avram Grant has told the FA that Harry Redknapp and Jose Mourinho should both be included on the short list for the England job.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho appears to have ruled himself out of the running for the post while Portsmouth boss Redknapp is among the emerging favourites to replaced sacked Steve McClaren.

Grant worked with Redknapp during his time at the south coast club and believes, like Mourinho, that he possesses all the necessary qualities to lift England out of the international wilderness.

Grant said: "I think the English manager needs to be a good manager. I don't think you can say he needs to be English or a foreigner.

"It doesn't matter these days. What matters is that they take a manager who can take the England team forward.

"There are very good English players in my opinion and you can see them in the Premier League every Saturday.

"So they need to take a good manager, if he is English okay. I think there are good English managers.

"Personally, I worked with Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and he would be good for this job.

"But if the English FA think it needs to be a foreigner or an Englishman, it is wrong."

And when asked if he thought that Mourinho, his predecessor at Stamford Bridge and seemingly the people's choice for the job, would be good for England, Grant replied: "Yes, he can make a good job for England. I am sure about that."

Chelsea go to rock-bottom Derby on Saturday boosted by the return of England captain John Terry.

He will be play against the Rams while Grant also revealed that Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho will be out for a month with a back injury sustained against Everton a fortnight ago.

Striker Didier Drogba is also doubtful after sustaining a knee injury on international duty with the Ivory Coast.

Grant added: "Terry will play tomorrow. I think he is ready to play but Didier Drogba is injured.

"The situation is not good with Ricardo though. He will miss at least four weeks."

Grant has also urged Chelsea's England contingent to put their Euro 2008 heartache behind them and concentrate on keeping the Blues in touch with the leaders at the top of the league.

Ashley and Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge, Terry, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Frank Lampard were all involved with the England squad in some capacity as their 3-2 defeat by Croatia cost them a place in next summer's tournament and McClaren and Terry Venables their coaching jobs.

Grant added: "You can imagine how the English players feel but they are professional players. I don't think that they are happy. When you are a professional player you have good times but you also have disappointing times.

"I want to have players with character - players who know how to behave in the very good times and also when they have disappointing times.

"What happened for them on Wednesday is some kind of tragedy. They are sensitive about this, they didn't like the result - but they know there is a game on Saturday and that life goes on."

Ultimate10002000

24-11-2007, 09:36 PM

Terry desperate for Mour of Jose

England captain John Terry believes it would be "fantastic" to play for the national team under former manager Jose Mourinho.

Terry was Mourinho's linchpin during two Premier League title-winning seasons at Chelsea and, having left Stamford Bridge in September, the name of the Portuguese has been touted as a possible successor to sacked England boss Steve McClaren.

It would be an appointment Terry would roundly welcome.

"Jose is a fantastic manager and I would like to work with him again," the Blues skipper told Chelsea TV.

"To be with England would be fantastic. I'm sure he would love it and one day he could be England manager."

Ultimate10002000

24-11-2007, 09:37 PM

Carvalho laid low by back injury

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has been rocked by the loss of influential central defender Ricardo Carvalho for four weeks.

Carvalho is suffering from a back injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Everton a fortnight ago.

But England captain John Terry is fit again and will play against Derby at Pride Park as long as he comes through a training session ahead of the game.

Striker Didier Drogba has a knee injury sustained on international duty with the Ivory Coast and could miss out. Goalkeeper Petr Cech (calf) is doubtful while Paulo Ferreira (knee) and Michael Ballack (ankle) are out.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Hilario, Cech, Belletti, A Cole, Alex, Ben Haim, Bridge, J Cole, Terry, Lampard, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Malouda, Shevchenko, Wright-Phillips, Obi, Pizarro, Makelele.

Ultimate10002000

24-11-2007, 09:38 PM

Rams boss ready for Blues mission

Beleaguered Derby boss Billy Davies admits his side face a "mission impossible" when Chelsea visit Pride Park on Saturday evening.

But that has not deterred Davies from believing his players can pull off a shock against the Blues.

The two-time Premier League champions have lost just twice this season - away at both Aston Villa and Manchester United - and are currently fourth in the table, five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Derby, by contrast, have won just once and are rooted to the bottom with just six points.

Avram Grant's side have not lost since their defeat at Old Trafford on September 23 and Derby - who have been hammered 6-0 by Liverpool and 5-0 by both Arsenal and Tottenham already this season - are expecting a tough time.

"On paper, it is mission impossible but at times football has a strange habit of throwing up strange results," said Davies. "Playing Chelsea is a very difficult match but also a great challenge and one we are looking forward to.

"There is a gulf between ourselves and the rest in this division. We have come to this level and we are finding out who can cut it and who can't but we will continue to grind away.

"The only reason Derby County are looking at playing Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United is down to the current squad and we have to give them credit for that.

"They did a magnificent job getting us here and I think the guys deserve a bit of respect."

Ultimate10002000

24-11-2007, 09:38 PM

Grant: Harry's the man for England

Chelsea coach Avram Grant believes Portsmouth gaffer Harry Redknapp is an ideal candidate to replace the sacked Steve McClaren as England boss.

McClaren was given the boot by the Football Association this week when their 3-2 home defeat by Croatia meant England failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

Redknapp has since emerged as one of the early favourites to follow McClaren into the England hot-seat and Grant, who worked with him during his time at Portsmouth, believes he has all the right credentials for the job.

Grant declared: "I think Harry Redknapp for me is the best English manager.

"He is an open guy and he understands the modern footballer. He has a very good relationship with the players.

"He knows how to get the best out of the players as you have seen with Portsmouth. He is a very good manager."

While England's failure to qualify for next summer's competition cost McClaren and assistant Terry Venables their jobs, the highly-paid players have also come under fire.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane claims too many of England's players suffer from "big egos" but Grant insists that is okay as long as the players give 100% performance.

"I am 53 years old and since I was 10 I have always heard football players have big egos," he said.

"They have a big ego, they have big money. Footballers have egos, Roy Keane had a one when he was a player, I don't think it is wrong.

"It is wrong if you take it in a negative way. But if someone is ready to give 100% to the team, it is not a problem."

England's choice of managers to succeed McClaren is dwindling rapidly with Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill and Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce both ruling themselves out of the race.

But despite increasing negativity towards the job, Grant does not think it is a poisoned chalice.

However, he does admit it takes a special kind of manager to succeed because of the lack of involvement with the players on a daily basis.

Grant added: "To coach a national team is a very special job. Why people don't want this job? I understand this because when they suggested I coach the Israel national team when I was 40, I said 'No'. I did not want to work once in one month or something like that.

"I can tell you that in my fourth year as coach of the national team, I almost became crazy because there were too many days when you didn't do anything. You only thought about the next game."

Ultimate10002000

24-11-2007, 09:39 PM

It would be interesting to see Mourinho becoming the new england manager.

Rappelz

24-11-2007, 09:44 PM

It would be interesting to see Mourinho becoming the new england manager.
dun think he interested..
still enjoying his holidays...

Ultimate10002000

25-11-2007, 10:12 AM

Blues looking to nail down spot

Chelsea will clinch qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League with victory over Rosenborg in Trondheim on Wednesday night.

But the Premier League club may return to launch a raid on the Scandinavian outfit to land striker Yssouf Kone, according to the player's agent.

Chelsea have been impressed with the Burkina Faso international following his form in the Champions League this season.

He is contracted to the Norwegian side until the end of 2008 but has been linked with several clubs across Europe.

Blackburn, Anderlecht, Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille have all reportedly been tracking his progress in recent months, while Kone's agent Alfred Obou claims Chelsea are also keen on signing his client. Rosenborg stunned Chelsea in the opening game of Group B when they drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.

The game turned out to be the last in charge of the side for Jose Mourinho who left the club by mutual consent two days later.

The Portuguese coach has since been replaced by Avram Grant and while Obou admits that Chelsea have not yet lodged a bid for Kone, the player has an interest in playing in England.

Obou said: "We have not received a concrete offer from Chelsea, but there is interest."

Chelsea will have captain John Terry back for the trip to Norway but Ricardo Carvalho will miss the clash because of a back injury.

However, Chelsea should have midfielder Michael Ballack back for the knockout stages next year as coach Grant believes the German is just three weeks away from a return to action.

Grant's belief is backed by Germany coach Joachim Low who was impressed with Ballack's recovery during training sessions with the national side.

Low said: "It was his own wish that he was with us to soak up the atmosphere. It was natural for him to join the squad and he has trust in the German medical staff.

"He is on the way up now and recovering well from the operation. He has trained with the team and everything is going to plan, and slowly but surely he is looking to get back into the Chelsea starting line-up."

Ultimate10002000

25-11-2007, 10:13 AM

Terry expected hostile action

Chelsea captain John Terry admitted the England squad who failed to reach Euro 2008 "half expected" to get a hard time from the nation's fans.

Terry was not fit enough to take his place at the heart of Steve McClaren's defence at Wembley but made his Chelsea return in the 2-0 win at Derby, but joined the likes of goalscorer Shaun Wright-Phillips and Frank Lampard in being ritually abused by the home fans.

It was a scene mirrored all over the country, with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Scott Carson and Gareth Barry also suffering.

He told Setanta Sports 1: "Everybody takes full responsibility and that (booing) is expected.

"We didn't play well enough to qualify and every takes full responsibility for that.

"We half expected it and we probably deserved it but we hope to improve and get better in the next campaign."

Terry was more heartened by Chelsea's form, with Salomon Kalou opening the scoring before Wright-Phillips' close-range effort, and insisted his team needed to go on a long winning run to keep their title hopes alive

"We need to go on a nice run, 10 or 15 games to be title contenders - that's what we're looking for. It was a nice start today after (drawing) last week against Everton," he added.

Derby boss Billy Davies urged his struggling club's board in the strongest terms to provide funds to strengthen the side in January.

Davies is unsure about what chairman Adam Pearson plans to spend in the transfer window but, with three possible signings already identified, he hopes to have enough to move quickly.

"Cash investment in the playing squad is a priority," he told Setanta 1.

"The board have done very well and we're turning the finances of this club around but cash investment is our priority now.

"Go back to the play-off final - the richest game of football in the world. It's important that the chairman, who I've not spoken to for two or three weeks, needs to spend.

"Hopefully with possible overseas investment, there's only one area that (money) would go, into the playing staff.

"I have already identified three players but when you chase top players you have competition and you have to put your money where your mouth is."

Michael Essien was sent off late in the game for Chelsea, leaving Blues boss Avram Grant frustrated at another red card for his side.

Grant said: "I don't want to criticise referees because they can make mistakes.

"I have a feeling we are easy targets in the way they give us red cards.

"Since I came here we have had three red cards, two that were absolutely not.

"I have a feeling we are easy targets, everyone needs to think about this."

Grant believes his side's ability to retain possession was crucial to their success.

"It was not an easy game, we played against a team that played for their life.

"We held the ball all the time, the players were patient.

"We controlled the game totally, the ball was in our control all the time, we were not worried."

Ultimate10002000

25-11-2007, 10:13 AM

Rams raided by dominant Blues

Shaun Wright-Phillips scored his first goal for Chelsea for seven months as Derby were brushed aside 2-0 at Pride Park.

Wright-Phillips, Frank Lampard and returning captain John Terry were all jeered and taunted following England's abject failure to qualify for next summer's Euro 2008 finals.

But after Salomon Kalou had fired home the 18th-minute opener, Wright-Phillips sealed the points in the 73rd minute to send Chelsea up to fourth in the Premier League.

It was a contentious strike as Giles Barnes lay on the ground injured at the time following a challenge from behind from Andriy Shevchenko.

That had followed a disputed, disallowed effort from Kenny Miller, who was also involved in another moment of controversy in injury time.

The Scotland international striker was caught in the face by a flailing arm from 75th-minute substitute Michael Essien, who was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner.

It was a hotly-disputed end to a game that had started with boos and jeers for Chelsea's England trio, including Terry, back after seven weeks out following a knee operation, with Ricardo Carvalho sidelined for four weeks with a back injury.

Along with a number of England's injured players, Terry was only on the sidelines on Wednesday night as the national team crashed to an abject 3-2 defeat to Croatia at Wembley.

Nevertheless, he was his customary composed self until furiously disputing Essien's red card, twice throwing the ball to the ground as he confronted Marriner.

And yet the game had started so comfortably for Chelsea, who took the lead courtesy of Kalou's fifth goal of the season.

Mikel Jon Obi, Shevchenko and Steve Sidwell played their part, with the latter sliding a ball into the path of Ivorian Kalou, who proceeded to pass a low shot into the net beyond Stephen Bywater.

The rest of the half took on a training ground routine of defence versus attack in front of a crowd of nearly 33,000.

There was the feeling if Chelsea could have been bothered to shift up a gear they would have put the game out of Derby's reach in the opening period alone.

Wright-Phillips was denied by a fingertip save from Bywater as he turned away a 25-yard right-foot drive.

Then with six minutes of the first half remaining, it should have been game over as centre-back Claude Davis inexplicably nodded a Wright-Phillips cross down into the path of Kalou.

But the 22-year-old failed to accept the gift, inexcusably not even testing Bywater as he sidefooted Davis' gaffe over the bar from six yards.

Derby's only chance of the half saw Terry block a drive from David Jones in the 27th minute, with Jay McEveley firing the rebound high over the bar.

But at least Derby made Chelsea work a lot harder after the break, ensuring there would be no mauling as against West Ham a fortnight ago when they were hammered 5-0 in front of their own fans.

Captain Matt Oakley first rifled a drive through the six-yard box two minutes into the second period, while Cudicini - standing in for Petr Cech nursing a calf injury - was finally called into the fray in the 51st minute.

Craig Fagan stung Cudicini's fingers following fine approach play involving Barnes, Miller and Jones.

In between, Lampard forced a save out of Bywater with a left-wing free-kick, taken under the most appalling provocation from the Derby supporters.

But they at least fired up the players before they succumbed to Wright-Phillips' contentious, yet decisive strike.

Further controversy had proceeded that as Miller coolly lobbed an advancing Cudicini after taking a Dean Leacock pass on his chest, only for a linesman's flag to wrongly flag him offside.

If boss Billy Davies was unhappy with that, he was furious soon after as he appealed for a foul from behind by Shevchenko on Barnes.

As the youngster lay on the ground in pain, Lampard strode away before twisting and turning his way into a shooting opportunity.

Although his effort struck the post, the rebound fell to Wright-Phillips, who stroked home from close range after initially taking a moment to control the loose ball.

Substitute Steve Howard then missed a close-range header late on as Derby's goal drought now stretches to 10 hours and shows no sign of coming to an end.

That was before the game erupted in fury, but a rightful dismissal for Essien.

elevate

25-11-2007, 02:01 PM

jus wonderin,
do english chelsea fans jeer at the english trio too?

Ultimate10002000

26-11-2007, 07:40 PM

Ben-Haim: England fans must move on

Tal Ben-Haim has urged England fans to forget the Euro 2008 exit following the jeers received by players across the country on Saturday.

A week ago Chelsea defender Ben-Haim played his part in handing England a European Championship qualifying lifeline, helping Israel to a 2-1 win over Russia.

That left England needing only a point from Wednesday's final game with Croatia at Wembley to clinch a place in next summer's finals.

But England suffered a dismal 3-2 defeat that cost Steve McClaren his job as manager, and football fans across the country made their feelings known on Saturday.

From Newcastle to Middlesbrough to Derby, supporters roundly booed England's players as their names were announced over the tannoy and with every touch of the ball.

Even Chelsea captain John Terry, who did not play on Wednesday but was on hand to offer moral support, did not escape the wrath of the Derby supporters as he was constantly jeered.

Frank Lampard in particular, and winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, were subject to considerable abuse at Pride Park.

In the end, the trio had the final say as Chelsea claimed three points, with Wright-Phillips scoring a decisive second in the 73rd minute to add to Salomon Kalou's 18th-minute opener.

Ben-Haim, partnering the returning Terry in defence as the skipper ended seven weeks on the sidelines after a knee operation, feels his team-mates coped well in the face of adversity, and that the fans should now forgive and forget.

"I think our England players showed they are very professional," said Ben-Haim.

"They performed very well. They ran and tackled and passed the ball well. They are fantastic players.

"I think it is history already. The fans need to forget about it and look forward.

"Israel did our best because we played for our country again. At the end of the day, England's progress depended on their team.

"They didn't get a good result, but sometimes the worst can happen and it happened to England.

"But England still has a very good team, and you need to look forward."

Ultimate10002000

26-11-2007, 07:43 PM

Grant aggrieved despite victory

Chelsea manager Avram Grant proved he learned a trick or two from ex-boss Jose Mourinho after whingeing despite Saturday's 2-0 win at Derby.

The Blues moved up to fourth in the Premier League after a victory at Pride Park, courtesy of goals in either half from Salomon Kalou and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

However, the win was overshadowed when Michael Essien was shown a straight red card in injury time for flailing an arm in the face of Rams striker Kenny Miller.

Grant was far from happy with the decision as he said: "I don't like to speak against a referee.

"I have not done it many times in my life and I don't want to do it now, especially as he is a first-year referee in the Premier League.

"I don't want to say something against him but I have a feeling - and I was warned about this before I came to Chelsea and I fear it's true - that we are an easy target for getting red cards.

"It happened against Manchester United and Fulham this season and in both of those games we lost points, yet everybody saw they were not red cards, and today was the same.

"So I don't like the idea that we are an easy target. Everybody needs to think about."

Grant, though, was embarrassed as it was pointed out to him that referee Andre Marriner is in fact a third-year official, while replays clearly showed 75th-minute substitute Essien looking towards Miller before swinging his arm.

"I don't know if you know but with the uniform (team kit) today, there are no pockets - nobody can put their hands in their pockets," retorted Grant.

"Sometimes when you put your hand out like this (indicating a push), I don't think it's a red card."

When asked whether he would appeal, Grant replied, "We need to see it again but basically I think we will do it.

"Again I don't want to say anything against the decision before I see it again but I am sure we are an easy target. It's not the first time."

Chelsea's England players were also targets for the Derby boo-boys, who turned on Wright-Phillips, Frank Lampard and captain John Terry, returning after a seven-week absence following a knee operation.

Their every touch was booed, in particular with Lampard often facing appalling provocation which angered Grant, who said: "I didn't like it.

"All the England players tried to do their best but it didn't work out.

"I understand the supporters are disappointed. You can feel it.

"All of the England wanted England to qualify and the players wanted it too, but now they need support."

The visitors cruised through the first half, taking the lead in the 18th minute when Kalou finished a four-man move with cool aplomb for his fifth goal of the season.

But Chelsea had to wait until the 73rd minute to finish off Derby, with Wright-Phillips tapping home a rebound after Lampard had struck the left-hand post.

The goal was controversial, though, as youngster Giles Barnes had been fouled from behind by Andriy Shevchenko, a challenge that led to Lampard then breaking away before striking a shot that Wright-Phillips finished to end a seven-month goal drought for his club.

There was further angst for rock-bottom Derby prior to that as Miller had a perfectly good goal disallowed for offside, with the end result meaning the Rams have now failed to score in their last 10 hours of football.

Disappointed Rams boss Billy Davies is far more concerned he has not seen new chairman Adam Pearson for the last few weeks as he seeks a fighting fund to bring in players in the January transfer window.

"Anybody questioning the players' attitude, commitment and effort, should look again because I can't ask any more from these guys," he said.

"I have seen Kenny Miller's goal and it's clearly onside; I have seen the tackle on Giles Barnes, and it's clearly a free-kick.

"But that's not the problem. The problem we have is that we have to invest in the playing staff of this club.

"Hopefully I can see the chairman - who I've not seen in the last three weeks - and hopefully if there is any investment then it goes towards the playing staff.

"I feel sorry for the fans because they are paying their money, getting behind the club and the players, but they want to see quality on the pitch and that is something we must see now."

Ultimate10002000

26-11-2007, 07:45 PM

Cole not daunted by Gunners trip

Ashley Cole believes the derision meted out to England's players over the weekend will be nothing compared to the venom he will get at Arsenal.

Cole returned to the Chelsea side for Saturday's 2-0 win at Derby after six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

As part of the England squad throughout the course of the European Championship qualifying campaign, Cole was occasionally jeered at Pride Park.

Instead, it was team-mates Frank Lampard, John Terry and Shaun Wright-Phillips who were subjected to considerable abuse as their every touch of the ball was greeted with boos.

Left-back Cole, though, knows that will pale into insignificance on December 16 when he faces former club Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Following his highly-contentious move from the Gunners to Chelsea at the end of August last year, Cole missed May's trip to north London due to an ankle injury.

On this occasion he is determined to confront his demons, knowing a cauldron of hate awaits should he be fit and selected.

"Compared to what happened to the England guys, I am sure I will get much worse when I go back to Arsenal," Cole said.

"But I am used to it, and I am looking forward to the game. I want to go there and play them because I did not get to play there earlier this year.

"I will go there and front up. I am a grown man. They (the Arsenal fans) threw money at me at Stamford Bridge, and that was bad, but I get that every game. I love it.

"To be honest, I am really not bothered about the reception I will get, even though I know the crowd will get on my back."

With Cole conceding "it would be nice to go there and shut some people up," that will only further enrage the Gunners fans.

"I don't think I have anything to prove to them," added Cole.

"They know how good I was when I was with them and what I did for the club. It is not about that.

"Of course Arsenal still means something to me. I don't hate the club or the players.

"I love the club, but it has finished for me there now. I need to look at myself and Chelsea and do as well as I can and win as many things as I can here."

Despite the five-point gap to current leaders Arsenal, who also have a game in hand, Cole insists the Blues can again become champions this season.

"Arsenal are the team to beat in the Premier League at the moment and hopefully it could be us that does it," said Cole.

"But we have to be closer to them before we play them. We need to win all our games before then.

"If we can do that and beat Arsenal as well, we are right back in the title race and anything can happen.

"This is a crucial period for us now, especially with Manchester United dropping points. It is still possible we can win the league."

Ultimate10002000

27-11-2007, 07:51 PM

Essien absence is big blow - Cole

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole admits it is a big blow to have Michael Essien banned for three games following his sending-off at Derby.

Essien was shown a red card for pushing Kenny Miller in the face during stoppage time at Pride Park and will now miss games against West Ham, Sunderland and Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The dismissal was the only blot on Chelsea's fourth consecutive away win, which was secured with goals from Salomon Kalou and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"We are not happy with the decision with Michael Essien, but I don't want to go shouting my mouth off because I will get into trouble," said Cole.

"From what I saw, it did not look like he really got him.

"He does that every day in training. It is just the way he is. He does not mean to hurt anyone. He just plays hard. We all know how strong he is and he is not a nasty player.

"It is a big blow to lose him for a suspension now, because we have got a lot of tough games coming up and it is going to be tough without him, but Steve Sidwell did brilliantly and it is great to have him to come in."

The win against Derby, their eighth of the season, kept Chelsea in fourth five points behind Arsenal.

Chelsea may not have produced the hammerings their main rivals did (Liverpool winning 6-0 and Arsenal 5-0 - albeit both on their home grounds) but Cole said the Blues had not yet reached their peak.

"We are still not playing as well as we know we can, but we are grinding out points and we are closing the gap on the others now," said the England left-back.

Cole returned to the side along with captain John Terry, who completed his first match since early October having been sidelined with a knee injury.

The England centre-back is looking to use the Derby win as a springboard.

"We need to go on a nice run now, 10, 15 games to push us up there," he said.

"That's what we're aiming for. If we keep on doing that then we have a good chance.

"We need to maintain it over the course of the Christmas period, when the games come thick and fast. As long as we're at our game and keep everybody fit we have a chance."

Terry also admitted he fully expected to be booed by the fans at Pride Park after England's disastrous Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

"We expect that and everybody takes full responsibility. We didn't play well enough to qualify from the group and we probably deserved that," he added.

"It's not nice but as I say we take that on our shoulders and try to take that on to the next campaign."

Chelsea now go to Rosenborg on Wednesday where victory in Trondheim will put them into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Cole wants to ensure they have qualification sewn up before the visit of Valencia in the final Group B game.

"It would be good to wrap up the job there. We know that it is going to be freezing cold and a hard game, but if we can go there and win it will wrap things up and put us through."

Chelsea have been boosted by midfielder Michael Ballack's return to action for the first time in seven months.

Ballack is part of the Chelsea reserve side which takes on Birmingham at Brentford's Griffin Park on Monday night.

It will be the Germany captain's first competitive football since last April, since when he has undergone two operations on his ankle.

Ultimate10002000

27-11-2007, 07:52 PM

Ballack back in Blues action

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack survived 45 minutes of a reserve team match as he prepared to return to first-team action.

The Germany international has been out injured for seven months and undergone two operations on his ankle but was watched by manager Avram Grant against Birmingham's second string at Brentford on Monday night.

The 31-year-old came off at half-time and will resume training with the first team on Thursday after they have returned from the Champions League trip to Rosenborg.

"It's my first 45 minutes for a long time," Ballack told Chelsea TV.

"I feel good. It's a long time to wait because of injury so I am happy to be back.

"You are a little bit careful. I'll train next week and see how it is, then maybe have another game in the reserves.

"I'm looking forward to playing in the first team."

Ultimate10002000

28-11-2007, 08:27 PM

Blues charged by FA chiefs

Chelsea have been charged with failure to control their players following Michael Essien's dismissal against Derby at Pride Park on Saturday.

Referee Andre Marriner was confronted by Blues players, including England skipper John Terry, in the wake of Essien's stoppage-time sending-off.

The 24-year-old saw his appeal against his straight red card for a push on Kenny Miller rejected on Tuesday and will now serve a three-match ban, but his club could face further punishment.

An FA statement read: "Chelsea FC have been charged for the behaviour of Chelsea players towards referee Andre Marriner during the match at Derby County on Saturday, 24 November.

"The club were charged with failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following the sending-off of Michael Essien for violent conduct, and have until 12 December to respond.

"At a Regulatory Commission hearing today, Essien had a claim for wrongful dismissal rejected. He will therefore serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect."

Chelsea are in Champions League action against Rosenborg in Norway on Wednesday, but Essien will return knowing he will miss the Premier League games against West Ham and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, and perhaps more significantly, the trip to Arsenal on December 16.

However, the Londoners could find themselves in hot water for the second time this season after being fined £30,000, severely censured and warned as to their future conduct after admitting failing to control their players during the 2-0 league defeat at Manchester United on September 23.

They were charged on that occasion for the reaction of players to the sending-off of Mikel John Obi for a challenge on Patrice Evra.

The Regulatory Commission also fined assistant first-team coach Steve Clarke £5,000, suspended until the end of the season, after he admitted a charge of using abusive and/or insulting words towards the match officials at the end of the same match.

Ultimate10002000

28-11-2007, 08:28 PM

Card-happy refs anger Grant

Chelsea coach Avram Grant wants 'positive' talks with FA chiefs after insisting his side are being targeted by card-happy officials.

Grant unleashed an icy blast at the FA after Michael Essien's red card appeal was rejected and Chelsea were charged with failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following his dismissal for violent conduct against Derby on Saturday.

Grant insisted that the FA were wrong to charge them with any offence even though Chelsea's players surrounded referee Andre Marriner in the wake of Essien's dismissal.

And Grant is so concerned that his side are being targeted too readily by officials after his players collected three red cards since he replaced axed Jose Mourinho in September that he wants talks with the FA.

Grant declared: "I think the hand is on the whistle too easily against us. All the red cards are too easy, they are not red cards. I saw what happened with Michael Essien.

"There are no pockets, so what can he do with his hands? He didn't do anything wrong and it wasn't a red card.

"I just know the facts. The red card against Man Utd (Mikel John Obi) was not a red card, the red card against Fulham was not a red card for Didier Drogba and the red card for Michael was not a red card.

"It cost us points in two of those games but I don't think it is fair. I don't know what the reason is but I see the facts - the red cards are too easily being given against us.

"The same things happen with other players and there is no red card."

Grant was equally defensive over the allegations that Chelsea's players were again guilty of putting pressure on a match official.

He declared: "Even the red card in our game against Man Utd, the first player who went to the referee was a Man Utd player. The red card on Saturday, if you see the players of Derby, they went to him before my players.

"Something is too easy against Chelsea. We need to think about it together.

"I want to do something in a positive way with the FA but we need to do something. There are good referees in England but not all the refs are the same.

"My players were not happy with Essien's red card and I wasn't happy. It was an unfair decision. We are an easy target."

On a happier note for Grant, he is set to welcome striker Drogba back against Rosenborg.

Drogba has recovered from the knee injury he sustained on international duty with the Ivory Coast and was absent from the opening Group B game against the Norwegians which ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and cost Jose Mourinho his job.

But there was no disguising Grant's Champions League ambitions as he looks for the win that will send Chelsea through to the knockout stage.

Grant added: "What we want is to qualify for the next round and what is important is a good result. We didn't start so well. We only had one point and when we played Valencia everybody thought they were better than us. So now we have a chance to qualify and that's what we want to do.

"I don't mean any disrespect to the other competitions, but the Champions League can make you a bigger club than what you are.

"Arsenal have only one appearance in the final of the Champions League but I think that's what pushed them to be a better club than they were before.

"Chelsea has not even been in the final. This is our target and we can do it. I know it is not easy and there are many good clubs in Europe, but we can do it.

"In the league it is not so easy because we dropped so many points at the start of the season. But now we are only two points from Manchester United and five behind Arsenal, and United are having a great season so you can see we can do things in the league.

"But in the Champions League we need results more than anything. I will not say we are better than the other big clubs in Europe but they are not better than us."

Ultimate10002000

28-11-2007, 08:29 PM

Jose urges FA to make approach

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is ready and willing to talk to the Football Association about the vacant England manager's role.

The Special One has emerged as the fans' favourite to take over the reins from Steve McClaren, who was dismissed last week after his failure to lead England to the Euro 2008 finals.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick is set to begin his hunt for England's new boss within the next week - and contrary to an apparent consensus that he would not be tempted by the job, Mourinho admits he would welcome an approach.

"You will have to speak to the FA to see if they are interested in offering me the job," he told The Sun. "I cannot say what I think until they say they are interested. Tell the FA to come and get me.

"We will have to wait and see, but I rule nothing out."

Ultimate10002000

28-11-2007, 08:29 PM

Hot Drog set to lead Blues attack

Didier Drogba could spearhead Chelsea's attack in the Champions League clash at Rosenborg on Wednesday after recovering from a knee injury.

Drogba sustained the knock on duty with the Ivory Coast but has been pencilled in for a return in the Group B encounter.

Chelsea travelled to Trondheim without goalkeeper Petr Cech (calf), midfielder Michael Ballack (ankle), winger Florent Malouda (knee) and defenders Ricardo Carvalho (back) and Paulo Ferreira (ankle).

Carlo Cudicini is set to keep his place in goal against the Norwegian club in the Lerkendal Stadium.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Terry, Alex, Ben-Haim, Lampard, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Drogba, Pizarro, Wright-Phillips.

Ultimate10002000

28-11-2007, 08:29 PM

Snow problem for Chelsea boss

Chelsea chief Avram Grant says the pitch is not a concern as the Blues prepare to face Rosenborg on Wednesday night.

A win for the Chelsea over Group B's surprise package in snowbound Trondheim will put Chelsea into the next stage but first they will have to overcome difficult playing conditions in Norway.

The pitch was rock-hard for Chelsea's training session on Tuesday night after weekend snowfalls and dipping temperatures made life difficult for Grant's men.

But the 52-year-old Israeli coach said: "I saw the pitch and it is not so good.

"But it is the same for both sides. We know we are playing against a very good team. The first game at Stamford Bridge was not so good for us - so we want to win."

Rosenborg shocked Chelsea in the opening Group B game with a 1-1 draw - it proved to be the last match in charge for Jose Mourinho, who was then replaced by Grant.

He now believes the failure to win that opening game will act as a spur to clinch a place in the next round.

"I think that result will be a motivation," admitted Grant.

"The players like to win. We are never happy when we don't win. The first game seems a long time ago now but the ground was half-empty, the fans were booing and the result was not so good.

"But before our game against Valencia, everyone said they were the best team in the group. But Rosenborg deserve to be second in the group.

"It is a big surprise to see Rosenborg second but to beat Valencia twice is not so easy."

While Grant was planning to defeat the Norwegians, his thoughts were also very much on events back in England.

The Chelsea coach wants "positive" talks with the Football Association after insisting his side are being targeted by card-happy officials in the Premier League.

Grant unleashed an icy blast at the FA after Michael Essien's red-card appeal was rejected and Chelsea were charged with failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion following his dismissal for violent conduct against Derby on Saturday.

Grant insisted that the FA were wrong to charge them with any offence even though Chelsea's players surrounded referee Andre Marriner in the wake of Essien's dismissal.

Grant declared: "I think the hand is on whistle too easy against us. All the red cards are too easy, they are not red cards.

"I just know the facts. The red card against Man United (Mikel John Obi) was not a red card, the red card against Fulham was not a red card for Didier Drogba and the red card for Michael was not a red card.

"It cost us points in two of those games but I don't think it is fair. I don't know what the reason is but I see the facts - the red cards are too easily being given against us."

Grant was equally defensive over the allegations that Chelsea's players were again guilty of putting pressure on a match official.

He declared: "Even the red card in our game against Man Utd, the first player who went to the referee was a Man Utd player. The red card on Saturday, if you see the players of Derby, they went to him before my players. Something is too easy against Chelsea. We need to think about it together.

"I want to do something in a positive way with the FA but we need to do something. There are good referees in England but not all the refs are the same."

Litmuss

29-11-2007, 06:28 AM

Snow problem? No problem. =:p

Ultimate10002000

01-12-2007, 09:50 PM

UEFA opt for weekend CL final

UEFA's executive committee has revealed that they have decided the Champions League final will be staged on a Saturday from 2010.

The change follows pressure from UEFA president Michel Platini who believed staging the final on a Wednesday night prevented it being an occasion for families.

Wembley is on the shortlist to stage the final in 2010 or 2011.

UEFA also confirmed changes to the format of the competition that will allow three Premier League teams to qualify automatically for the group stage of the Champions League.

The fourth-placed side however will face a stiffer test in their qualifying round however as they are more likely to play against stronger opponents than under the current format.

Platini's determination to see more champions in the competition, and more from lower leagues, sees 22 clubs qualifying automatically, including the Scottish champions.

Five more places will go to the 15 leading countries in Europe, decided through qualifying rounds, and the remaining five reserved for the champions of the lowest 40 clubs.

Ultimate10002000

01-12-2007, 09:50 PM

Petit has a pop at Terry and Cole

Emmanuel Petit has questioned Chelsea pair John Terry and Ashley Cole's commitment to England - saying they should have faced Croatia.

The Blues duo missed their country's European Championship qualifying defeat to Croatia last Wednesday after they were not deemed match fit.

But, only three days later, both played in their club's 2-0 Premier League win at Derby.

World Cup winner Petit told BBC Sport: "I'm talking about very important defenders. Can you imagine me not playing a big game for my country and then three days later I play for my club?"

The 3-2 loss to Croatia saw England crash out of Euro 2008 and signalled the end of coach Steve McClaren's reign.

England captain Terry had been out of action with a knee injury since October 16, while Cole was on the bench at Wembley but was unused by McClaren.

"It was very interesting last Saturday to see players like John Terry - who is the leader of Chelsea and England - wasn't part of the Wednesday game and he was playing on Saturday," said Petit, who won the World Cup with France in 1998.

"It was very interesting to see also Ashley Cole playing against Derby and he wasn't featuring last Wednesday as well.

"They were not in the national team and they were playing for their clubs three days later.

"So before looking for excuses somewhere else, putting the trouble on foreign players or managers, people have to be honest.

"That's what fans want to hear from players: 'We failed and we are responsible for that'. We are not looking for excuses.

"I think people are thinking only of themselves, not for football and not for the fans."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant claimed the decision not to risk Terry had been taken by England's coaching staff.

"It was on the border(line), I think, with John Terry," he said. "England needed him badly but when you play an international and you have not played for five weeks...it was the right decision by McClaren."

Terry agreed, saying the England match had come just too soon after a recent operation.

"I had long conversations with Steve McClaren and wanted to be part of it. I was very close," he said.

"But I had only done a bit of running on my own at the (Chelsea) training ground, trained with the youth team and then went over to England, so it was probably about a day's full training.

"I would always play if asked, but you have to think of the bigger picture, and if I'd had to come off after 50 or 60 minutes because of the injury then I would have been no good to anybody."

Ultimate10002000

01-12-2007, 09:51 PM

Grant 'sure' Harry is innocent

Chelsea manager Avram Grant is convinced English football is not corrupt and has leapt to the defence of former colleague Harry Redknapp.

The arrest of Redknapp as part of a police investigation into alleged fraud and false accounting has made headlines across the globe - although the Portsmouth manager insists he is not directly related to the inquiry.

But Grant, who had a spell as director of football at Pompey before moving to Stamford Bridge, insisted he believed that English football was much cleaner than in other nations.

He said: "I am a positive person and I say to you as I sit here that I don't believe it. I heard about corruption, but I haven't seen it. I think it was in the Italian league two years ago.

"I want to believe that there is nothing in this case. I believe that, in the Premier League, these stories are not true. But I don't know.

"I think football is straight here, until someone tells me the opposite. I believe in English football, I enjoy English football.

"I am sure that if something is wrong then the people who need to take care of it will take care of it but basically, I think it is positive here."

Redknapp, whose Dorset home was raided by officers, has already made public his insistence that he had little to do with the investigation, which also saw ex-Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric arrested.

Grant was convinced his friend Redknapp would be absolved of whatever wrongdoing has been alleged.

He said: "I was surprised. For me, Harry is a top manager and also a very good man.

"I'm sure he is innocent. I have not spoken to him about it but I sent him a message."

Redknapp is convinced the incident has also put paid to any hopes he had of succeeding Steve McClaren as England boss, with the 60-year-old in a minority of homegrown managers to have declared they would actually like the post.

Grant, who used to be in charge of the Israel national team, hoped that was not the case.

He said: "I hope not because he could be the manager of England and do a good job.

"Nobody has said anything concrete against him. It is all rumours. We will have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to use video evidence in their defence of the Football Association charge of failing to control their players during last week's 2-0 win at Derby.

A posse of players surrounded referee Andre Marriner after Michael Essien had been sent off for elbowing Kenny Miller, but the Blues will argue that other clubs had previously escaped punishment in similar circumstances.

Ultimate10002000

01-12-2007, 09:52 PM

Grant hits out at Petit criticism

Avram Grant has rubbished Emmanuel Petit's claims that John Terry and Ashley Cole let England down by missing the crunch clash with Croatia.

The Chelsea duo sat out the Croatia game, which saw England fail to qualify for the finals after a 3-2 defeat, but were back for their club the following weekend.

But Grant insisted former Blues midfielder Petit - who in October 2001 refused to fly out to Israel for a UEFA Cup match because he thought it was too dangerous - had made the wrong call in his new role as television pundit.

He said: "I know that my players did everything to play in the England national team. We can judge Emmanuel Petit how he behaved as a player and John Terry behaved as the captain of the national team.

"Remember that before the Russia game everybody said to John, including the doctor, that his chances to be fit were 50-50 but he decided to train and because of this he missed six weeks of training.

"So this was not the right thing to say - especially from Petit."

Grant's most immediate concern was picking a team for Saturday lunchtime's visit of West Ham, with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley having already claimed that referees had a tendency to favour the bigger clubs.

But the Israeli was not happy with that suggestion either, especially as he will be without midfielder Michael Essien through suspension following his red card at Derby last week.

He said: "I don't think he believes that but it's psychology, it's war, it's okay.

"We can see the facts. Three red cards against us in the last three months, and none of them was a red card.

"So if you call this 'privileged', then I don't want to think about the other situation."

The aftermath of the Essien incident, when County's Kenny Miller appeared to be caught by an elbow, saw Chelsea charged by the Football Association for failing to control their players as they surrounded the referee.

But Grant insisted the Derby players had been just as keen to influence the official.

He said: "I don't think my players did anything wrong against Derby.

"They were disappointed for a few seconds. Derby's players were more fussed than my players, demanding the red card."

Another notable figure to make comments this week was striker Andriy Shevchenko, who admitted he was still unhappy at Stamford Bridge, where he is as under-used by Grant as he was under Jose Mourinho.

But although he made no promises, Grant made it clear he had not given up on the Ukrainian, especially as the African Nations Cup will rob the Blues of Didier Drogba's services in the new year.

He said: "Everyone needs to respect Shevchenko because he is one of the best strikers in the history of football.

"At the moment he is not playing but that doesn't mean anything about the future. I am sure he will be useful for us."

Ultimate10002000

01-12-2007, 09:53 PM

Banned Essien out of Irons clash

Chelsea will be without suspended midfielder Michael Essien for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League clash with West Ham at Stamford Bridge.

Avram Grant has no new injury worries but will still be without a number of experienced players, including goalkeeper Petr Cech (calf).

Midfielder Michael Ballack (ankle), winger Florent Malouda (knee) and defenders Ricardo Carvalho (back) and Paulo Ferreira (ankle) are also absent.

Blues (from): Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Terry, Alex, Ben-Haim, Lampard, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Drogba, Pizarro, Wright-Phillips, Bridge, Makelele.

Litmuss

01-12-2007, 10:42 PM

Another 3 points in the bag. :s12: :s12:

yourmother

02-12-2007, 07:50 PM

http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?t=1795605

dont you have a lot to say, celsius? :s13:

Another 3 points in the bag. :s12: :s12:

Ultimate10002000

03-12-2007, 08:26 PM

Cole goal blows Hammers' hopes

Joe Cole returned to haunt former club West Ham by firing Chelsea to a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, where the Blues are now 70 games unbeaten.

The narrow victory allowed the Blues to temporarily climb into second place and reduce leaders Arsenal's advantage over their London rivals to two points ahead of the Gunners' evening kick-off fixture at Villa Park.

The first half was notable only for its free-kick count and referee Howard Webb booked four players, Matthew Etherington and Luis Boa Morte for the visitors and Chelsea duo Mikel John Obi and Salomon Kalou.

Fourth official Steve Tanner was also involved in an investigation when Didier Drogba left the fray midway through the half to complain about an incident that had occurred near the West Ham fans in one corner of the pitch.

It seemed the Ivory Coast striker had been less than happy with a bright light being shined in his eyes from the stands, with a laser pen the most likely 'weapon'.

Free-kicks and flare-ups greatly out-numbered the moments of creative play before referee Webb brought an end to a bad-tempered first half.

Frank Lampard and Alex both fired early free-kicks into the wall and Kalou had been wasteful with a drive from outside the box.

Drogba had come close with a curling effort which just cleared Robert Green's left-hand post and it was a while before the visitors responded.

Ex-Chelsea man Carlton Cole seemed harshly caught offside and there was a flare-up when home goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini fumbled a through-ball and was caught by Boa Morte.

Nolberto Solano almost caught out the home side just after the half-hour mark with a clever lob which ended on the roof of the net with Cudicini back-tracking.

By then Etherington had been booked for tugging back Juliano Belletti and Mikel was then shown a yellow card for scything down West Ham's other ex-Chelsea man, Scott Parker. Indeed, the Nigerian was lucky it was not a red.

Kalou's foul on Boa Morte earned him a booking before John Terry's header from a Lampard corner forced Green into the half's only real save.

There was still time before the break for Boa Morte to be booked for a late tackle on Mikel.

There was a chance for Chelsea immediately after the restart but the recalled Steve Sidwell saw his shot deflected behind off Matthew Upson. The former Reading man tried again and met a Lampard corner with a thumping header but it was far too high.

Lampard and Joe Cole were also off target with subsequent efforts but at least the game had at last taken off as a spectacle.

Belletti was booked in the 55th minute for a foul on Etherington before Belletti's error let in Boa Morte. In came the shot but Terry was able to take the sting off it to help Cudicini save.

At the other end Green had to palm away Joe Cole's cross and the goalkeeper was first to the loose ball as Drogba prepared to shoot.

West Ham were looking dangerous as well though and Parker sent a curled effort at Cudicini before Chelsea swapped Sidwell for Shaun Wright-Phillips in the 66th minute.

Lampard was next in the book with Boa Morte again the man on the receiving end and the Hammers made a change after John Terry had fired across goal and narrowly wide, with Freddie Ljungberg replacing Solano for the last 15 minutes.

Joe Cole's winner was just seconds away, however, with Drogba and then Kalou winning headers and the England man just avoiding stepping offside before rounding Green in style and firing high into the empty net.

The Hammers sent on striker Dean Ashton in search of an equaliser but Chelsea were not to be denied.

Ultimate10002000

03-12-2007, 08:26 PM

Curbs stands by referees claim

Alan Curbishley backed up his claim that the big sides get an easy ride from referees following West Ham's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

Prior to the Stamford Bridge clash, Curbishley had claimed the big clubs benefit more from refereeing decisions in the Premier League

That theme appeared to continue against Avram Grant's side but Curbishley had no complaints with the referee or the result.

The first half was a bad-tempered affair that saw referee Howard Webb book two players from each side.

Mikel John Obi - in for the suspended Michael Essien in central midfield - was one of them and was perhaps lucky to escape a red card for a comprehensive clattering of former Chelsea player Scott Parker.

The only goal was another borderline decision which went Chelsea's way. Curbishley was convinced Joe Cole had been fractionally offside as he latched on to a knock-down but the flag stayed down and the England international coolly took the ball round goalkeeper Robert Green before firing high into the net.

Curbishley claimed afterwards his pre-match comments had been given more fuel than he had intended but stuck by the basic concept.

"I was asked quite simply about the fact that Chelsea have been charged with surrounding the referee for the second time and I answered by saying the top four teams do surround the ref a bit," he said.

"They are not used to decisions going against them and when they do it is a shock.

"I think I'm right - the top four teams do get the majority of penalties, but then they would say that they attack more than other teams.

"But we have no complaints. I asked players to do a job for me and they did. The effort we put in deserved more and the effort the fans put in certainly did as well but we have gone away disappointed.

"Chelsea are a top-four side, a Champions League side and all their players were fit and raring to go so we did really well. I don't think we will be the last team to come here and set their stall out."

Ultimate10002000

03-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Grant hits out at 'aggressive' Irons

Avram Grant reckons Chelsea only struggled against West Ham on Saturday because they were too busy reacting to the Hammers' "aggressive game".

Joe Cole hit a late winner to hand the Blues a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge but Grant was not happy with the tactics adopted by his side's London rivals.

He said: "In the first half we had to be busy reacting to their aggressive game, which we had been expecting, but in the second half we played our game and went on to win.

"West Ham were lucky they got only one yellow card in the first 20 to 25 minutes. They were very aggressive and more aggressive than us."

However Hammers boss Alan Curbishley hit back at the claims, insisting: "It was a local derby. There were some tackles, some niggly ones in the first half especially, but we were probably on the end of the two worst ones."

Grant also labelled the visitors as too defensive, having made the short journey across London in search only of a goalless draw.

But Curbishley said: "I came here to match up to stop them dictating the game - which is what we did. But perhaps I didn't have enough going the other way.

"If we had got out of here with a point I think most people would have agreed that was a fair result.

"We did a really good job defensively and that was why I was so disappointed with the goal.

"We didn't really fashion any chances to test their goalkeeper so in the final third we didn't have enough but I'm delighted with the way we performed."

Meanwhile Grant confirmed striker Didier Drogba had complained about a laser being shone into his eyes from the stands during the first half.

He said: "I don't know exactly what happened but something did."

Drogba told Sky Sports: "You see this green light, but this is a bit of fun I think.

"The rest of the West Ham fans were good, they supported their team and that is what you want to see, not this."

Ultimate10002000

03-12-2007, 08:28 PM

United draw Villa again in FA Cup

Manchester United will again travel to Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup, while Chelsea have been drawn against London rivals QPR.

Sir Alex Ferguson's United side have been drawn against Villa at the third round stage for the fourth time in the past seven seasons.

United, beaten finalists last season, have won each of the three previous meetings in 2002, 2004 and 2007.

The tie will take place on January 5 or 6 at Villa Park.

Holders Chelsea were handed a home tie against QPR while 2006 winners Liverpool will travel to Luton or Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal travel to Burnley while there are two other all-Premier League meetings with Tottenham hosting Reading and West Ham facing Manchester City.

Non-League Havant & Waterlooville, conquerors of Notts County, could face another amateur side after being paired with Horsham or Swansea.

Havant and Waterlooville boss Shaun Gale admits he was disappointed not to be pitted against a Premier League club.

The Blue Square South side have been handed an away tie against either Swansea or fellow non-league team Horsham after their shock 1-0 win over Notts County on Saturday.

The Hawks have enjoyed an magical cup run so far - they dumped York out in the first round - and Gale is confident they can maintain their adventure whoever they are up against in the next round.

"It's disappointing, but it's absolutely a winnable game,'' he told Sky Sports News.

"No disrespect to Horsham but we would prefer Swansea, you've got to look to the next round, whether it be against Horsham or Swansea we've got a chance.

Havant & Waterlooville are in the hunt for promotion to the Blue Square Premier and Gale concedes he will have a task on his hands ensuring his players concentrate on the job in hand when they return to league action against St Albans next weekend.

"We need to get the players back focused, we've got some tough league games coming up,'' he added.

"This doesn't happen every season. You get a lot of ups and downs in football and you need to make the most of the ups and enjoy it while you can.''

Nottingham Forest midfielder Neil Lennon is relishing the challenge of facing Liverpool at the City Ground provided his side can overcome Luton next week.

He said: "It is fabulous draw but it will be a difficult away tie at Luton. We played there a few weeks ago and were well beaten.

"However we have the incentive of facing Liverpool and that would be a fantastic occasion for everyone.

"It would be great for the team and the supporters. But we have to look at Luton first."

Meanwhile, former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believes his former club have been handed a difficult tie away at Championship side Stoke.

He said: "It is a tough draw. The FA Cup is a great competition and very special in Newcastle.

"Like everyone else I just hope results improve."

Full FA Cup third round draw:

Preston v Scunthorpe

Port Vale/Chase Town v Cardiff

Colchester v Peterborough

Bolton v Sheffield United

Blackburn v Coventry

Brighton v Mansfield

Northampton/Walsall v Millwall

Charlton v West Brom

Watford v Crystal Palace

Luton/Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

Plymouth v Hull

Aston Villa v Manchester United

Tranmere v Hereford

Tottenham v Reading

Burnley v Arsenal

Bristol City v Middlesbrough

Fulham v Bristol Rovers

Huddersfield v Birmingham

Horsham/Swansea v Havant and Waterlooville

Sunderland v Wigan

Oxford United/Southend v Dagenham and Redbridge

Everton v Oldham

Derby v Sheffield Wednesday

Southampton v Leicester

West Ham v Manchester City

Ipswich v Portsmouth

Wolves v Cambridge United

Barnsley v Blackpool

Chelsea v QPR

Stoke v Newcastle

Swindon v Burton Albion/Barnet

Norwich v Bury

Ties will be played over the weekend of January 5 and 6.

Ultimate10002000

03-12-2007, 08:29 PM

Camp: We wanted Blues cup draw

Lee Camp admits QPR got the FA Cup draw they were looking for after being paired with west London neighbours Chelsea in the third round.

Rangers will make the short trip to Stamford Bridge in January for the first meeting between the sides since a 1-1 draw in the Premier League in March 1996.

Camp told the club's official website: "It is without doubt the tie all the fans were looking for.

"It's a great opportunity for the players at this football club to pit their wits against not only some of the best players in England, but also the world.

"When it comes to the start of the new year, it will probably be the biggest game of my club career.

"However, we mustn't get too distracted just yet. We have some vitally important league fixtures to focus on."

TrueBlueCFC

04-12-2007, 01:47 AM

2nd in the table with 31 points looking strong

Ultimate10002000

07-12-2007, 07:43 PM

Ron agent: No Blues deal agreed

Ronaldinho's agent has dismissed reports there is any agreement in place for the Barcelona playmaker regarding a move to Chelsea.

The Spanish media claimed on Wednesday that a deal between Chelsea and Ronaldinho had been struck, with the 27-year-old reportedly being offered a 10million euro (£7.2million) annual salary at Stamford Bridge.

However Roberto de Assis, who is Ronaldinho's brother as well as his agent, has denied that there is any such agreement and that the two-time former World Player of the Year is remaining calm as speculation about his future at the Nou Camp continues to dominate the headlines.

"I have not read the newspapers, but it is a big surprise for me, because I have not spoken with anybody," De Assis said in El Mundo Deportivo.

"I cannot receive offers. The only one who can receive them are Barcelona."

De Assis said that Ronaldinho, who has a contract with Barca until 2010, has a "fantastic relationship" with the Catalan giants.

"He is very well, very calm," added De Assis. "Every Wednesday and every Sunday they write another story and everything changes very quickly in football. He is a professional who is used to these goings on in football."

Ultimate10002000

07-12-2007, 07:43 PM

Drogba and Cech scoop awards

Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Peter Cech revealed their delight after landing the best striker and goalkeeper gongs at the World Football Awards.

The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) voted for the awards and the prizes were presented to the players at Chelsea's training ground.

Goal-ace Drogba said: "This is fantastic. To be recognised by the world's media really is an honour, especially as they can be the hardest to please and the toughest critics."

Czech Republic keeper Cech said: "It is always nice to receive awards, but this one is really special.

"It shows that our performances here at Chelsea, both in the Premier League and Champions League, are having a global impact."

The World Football Awards 2007 were decided from votes cast by the 9,100 strong membership of the AIPS from over 150 countries across the world.

Ultimate10002000

07-12-2007, 07:44 PM

Cech eyes Black Cats return

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has set his sights on a return to first-team action against Sunderland this weekend.

The Czech Republic international has missed the last four games with a calf injury.

However, Cech is back in training and he is hopeful of being available for the clash with Roy Keane's Sunderland.

"When you want to be back quickly you have to give 130 per cent and I am happy with the way I have progressed," said Cech.

"You always want to be on the pitch and playing. I have been training really hard to come back.

"I couldn't make it against West Ham last weekend but hope to play on Saturday."

Ultimate10002000

07-12-2007, 07:45 PM

Chelsea rocked by Drog injury blow

Didier Drogba has reportedly rocked Chelsea with the news he requires a knee operation that will keep him out of action for at least a month.

The Ivory Coast striker is believed to have undergone a scan on Wednesday that revealed degeneration in his left meniscus, which requires surgery.

Drogba first picked up the injury on international duty last month and is in danger of causing himself serious danger if he continues to play through the pain barrier.

Chelsea may prefer to patch the 29-year-old up to get him through the Christmas period but Drogba himself is likely to want to go under the knive immediately to recover in time for January's African Nations Cup.

The Blues' medical staff will now assess Drogba in training on Thursday before advising Avram Grant of the best course of action for the player.

Drogba will need three to five weeks to recover from surgery and will then need to build up his match fitness, meaning he could well be sidelined until February if he undergoes an operation now.

Ultimate10002000

07-12-2007, 07:45 PM

Blues look strong for Cats encounter

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries ahead of Saturday's clash against Sunderland with Didier Drogba set to keep his place at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues hope Petr Cech will recover from a calf injury in time to figure, while Drogba - struggling with a knee problem - is likely to play unless his condition worsens.

Paulo Ferreira (ankle), Ricardo Carvalho (back) and Michael Ballack (ankle) remain on the sidelines and Michael Essien is suspended, while Florent Malouda is doubtful with a knee injury.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Alex, Ben Haim, Terry, A Cole, J Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Sidwell, Kalou, Pizarro, Shevchenko, Wright-Phillips, Makelele, Obi.

Weng123

09-12-2007, 10:35 AM

When is chelsea facing le arse?

Hopefully with Shevchenko scoring, he'll be motivated and Chelsea can put one over l'arse whose first loss of the season is long overdue.

elevate

09-12-2007, 01:33 PM

When is chelsea facing le arse?

Hopefully with Shevchenko scoring, he'll be motivated and Chelsea can put one over l'arse whose first loss of the season is long overdue.

16/12 .

Ultimate10002000

10-12-2007, 08:25 PM

Keane: Blues not so hot without Drog

Roy Keane believes Chelsea's rivals in the Premier League title race will be scenting blood in the absence of star striker Didier Drogba.

The Blues could conceivably be without Drogba until mid-February after their top scorer completed successful surgery on his knee injury on Saturday.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba looks set to miss the hectic Christmas and New Year period and then, if fit, will head to Ghana for the African Nations Cup.

Chelsea face Arsenal next Sunday and then Liverpool in the Carling Cup three days later, with a Premiership appointment against Rafael Benitez's side scheduled for February 9.

Even with Andriy Shevchenko starring in the victory at Stamford Bridge, Drogba's lay-off is a major blow and Sunderland boss Keane insists he will be sorely missed.

"Drogba is a big player for Chelsea. They'll get by against smaller teams, but I'm sure the bigger teams will be glad he's away," he said.

"Every club misses important players. Good teams will react in a positive way and that's when you use the squad.

"United have had a lot big injuries - look at Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes. It's about how they adapt.

"The bigger clubs have bigger squads and they can deal with that. But there's no getting away from the fact that Drogba is a big player for Chelsea."

Keane added: "If you're asking me if Chelsea will win the league then no, my money is still on Manchester United."

Shevchenko stepped into the breach against Sunderland, capping a livewire display with an expert finish of Salomon Kalou's 23rd minute cross to open the scoring.

Chelsea dominated throughout but had to rely on Frank Lampard's 79th-minute penalty - awarded for Danny Higginbotham's slight tug on Alex - to put the result beyond doubt.

Sunderland were dealt another late blow when Liam Miller was given his marching orders for shoving Claudio Pizarro in the face as a robust challenge on John Terry turned into a flashpoint.

Stranded perilously close to the relegation zone, Keane admits he must spend carefully in the transfer window but is convinced his side will beat the drop.

Sunderland arrived at Stamford Bridge with the intention of defending for 90 minutes and their limitations were brutally exposed, but Keane is not too disturbed by yesterday's outcome.

"The pressure is easier when you're at the top of the league, but the lads are good characters and they train well," he said.

"Our results against teams like Chelsea won't dictate how we do. Results against teams at the bottom will do that, particularly at home.

"I'm disappointed by where we are, but we can still have a good season. I'm very confident that we'll be fine.

"The business done in January will be important to the relegation battle. There will be lots of teams near the bottom whose squads have been tested and a lot of us will be after the same players.

"We need strength. I've got a few players in mind but whether that happens or not we'll have to wait and see. I'm hopeful we can add a few new faces."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant was pleased his side were able to breach Sunderland's rearguard - and queried why West Ham adopted the same gameplan a week earlier.

"We knew they would defend. It was the same as West Ham," he said.

"For Sunderland it is reasonable because they are battling against relegation. With West Ham I didn't understand it so much.

"They played like Sunderland. We know that teams will defend against us but we are still scoring goals and winning.

"I must say good words about this team. For the last three months we've been missing key players such as John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Petr Cech for more than four weeks. But we've still played like a team and I'm happy about this."

Ultimate10002000

10-12-2007, 08:26 PM

Grant hints at Drog cup absence

Chelsea will discover the length of Didier Drogba's absence early next week but boss Avram Grant hinted he could miss the African Nations Cup.

Ivory Coast striker Drogba went under the knife on Saturday to correct an ongoing knee injury with the club claiming the operation went without mishap.

Grant, speaking after the 2-0 victory over Sunderland, refused to give a date for his comeback but suggested he may be on club duty in January - and not at the African Nations Cup.

He said: "The future is not easy without Drogba but I didn't come to this club for an easy life. We didn't want him to be injured.

"The operation looks like it went well. Drogba is in good shape and we want to keep him like that.

"He had a problem with his knee, we waited a few days and then he knocked it again last night.

"He needed the operation and there was nothing we could do about it.

"We need to wait and see how long he'll be out for. We'll know exactly over the next two or three days."

When asked about Drogba's impending call-up by the Ivory Coast in January, Grant replied: "Are we losing him to the African Nations Cup? We want him to be well.

"If his knee is OK and he plays in the competition then good, but if he can also play for Chelsea then that is also good.

"What's important now is that he feels good."

Andriy Shevchenko was given Drogba's place in the starting line-up and he responded by opening the scoring with an expert finish of Salomon Kalou's cross.

The goal topped an impressive display from the heavily-maligned Ukraine striker and Grant was delighted to see him firing on all cylinders.

He said: "It was very important for Shevchenko to score. I'm happy he scored. He played well today, which is good for us.

"Shevchenko is a great striker, he knows how to score goals and is intelligent.

"He has now scored four goals this season. Last season he scored 16, yet everyone is disappointed.

"He's been scoring since he was a little child and he did it for us today."

Chelsea bossed the match from start to finish with Sunderland's goal coming under siege for long spells.

But it took Frank Lampard's conversion of a soft 79th-minute penalty - given for Danny Higginbotham's weak pull on Alex - to kill off the Black Cats.

Grant said: "We played very good football today. We moved the ball very well.

"It was patient play from us because it was not easy to play against Sunderland. They defended with a lot of players.

"Our possession in the last two games has been more than 70% which is almost a record.

"We deserved to be 3-0 ahead at half-time because we dominated the match."

Sunderland boss Roy Keane admitted the penalty extinguished his side's slim hopes of snatching a point.

And Keane was also disappointed with the dismissal of Liam Miller, who was shown a straight red card for shoving Claudio Pizarro in the face.

He said: "The penalty killed the game for us.

"We were having a decent spell and when you're 1-0 down you always have a chance, especially given how many late goals we've scored this season.

"I didn't see the penalty properly but when you come to a place like Chelsea there's every chance the referee is going to lean towards the home side.

"For the red card, there's no doubt that when you raise your hands you don't give the referee any choice.

"But it could have been avoided. There was a big issue made out of Liam's tackle on John Terry.

"John and Claudio Pizarro had a go at Liam. Obviously it was a foul but that was it, there was no nastiness to it.

"Now he'll miss the next three games. Maybe the referee could have stepped in five seconds earlier.

"But John and Pizarro's reaction disappointed me."

Ultimate10002000

10-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Ronaldinho going nowhere - Laporta

Ronaldinho will not be leaving the Nou Camp during the January transfer window, Barcelona supremo Joan Laporta has insisted.

The Brazilian forward has been linked with both English Premier League side Chelsea and Italian Serie A giants AC Milan, but club president Laporta said after the Catalan outfit's 2-1 triumph over Deportivo La Coruna that Ronaldinho is staying put.

"We are not going to sell Ronaldinho," he said. "We are not in contact with any other team (about him)."

The 27-year-old Ronaldinho, who is in his fifth campaign with Barcelona, is under contract through June 30, 2010.

His penalty equaliser five minutes before half-time against Deportivo La Coruna was his sixth goal of the season.

The victory over Depor has left Barcelona in second place, four points behind Real Madrid.

Ultimate10002000

10-12-2007, 08:28 PM

Van Basten eyeing club coaching job

Marco van Basten has revealed he would be open to offers to coach a club when he steps down as Holland boss after Euro 2008.

Van Basten, who made public his decision last week, was speaking at half-time during the match between AZ Alkmaar and FC Utrecht on Sunday.

He said: "After four years it is enough. It's time for something different.

"Training a club is a logical step for the future, but so far I have not spoken with anybody.

"A break after Euro 2008 is also a possibility, I cannot say anything yet."

Van Basten also confirmed he did not discuss his decision to step down with any of Holland's senior players.

"No, I found that was not necessary," he continued.

"Heading towards the 2010 World Cup, it will continue to be an interesting group of players at Oranje to work with as coach.

"But someone else should try to be successful with these guys. I want something else."

Van Basten does not believe his decision will have a negative impact on his side's chances during Euro 2008.

"I don't see why that should have an influence on my work. The guys want to play a good tournament and we want that too," he added.

Ultimate10002000

10-12-2007, 08:28 PM

Sheva revved up to fill void

Andriy Shevchenko is confident he can step up and make sure Chelsea do not miss Didier Drogba over the coming weeks.

Ivory Coast international Drogba underwent knee surgery on Saturday and his recovery is expected to take some time.

He is also set to travel to the African Cup of Nations next month, meaning he will miss a crucial part of the Premier League season.

Chelsea will have to rely on others during Drogba's absence and Shevchenko - who netted in the 2-0 win over Sunderland - believes he can score the goals to keep their title challenge on track.

"Didier is a very important player for the club but now the manager has given me a chance to play," Shevchenko told The Mirror.

"I want to score and do my best for the team, and for myself.

"For me it's important to be part of the team and if I can score goals I'm very happy.

"For the team it is very important that we win even when we are without Didier."

Avram Grant has also backed Shevchenko to fill the void.

He said: "I think Sheva will revel in the responsibility. He is a great player and scoring goals is his job. It is his life."

Ultimate10002000

11-12-2007, 07:46 PM

Grant set for low-key selection

Avram Grant will take the chance to relieve some pressure on his injury-hit team in Chelsea's final Champions League group game with Valencia.

Chelsea have already won the group and with injuries to Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, Florent Malouda and Paulo Ferreira, the match at Stamford Bridge is an opportunity to ring the changes.

Grant could gamble on bringing back Cech, who has virtually recovered from a thigh injury which has kept him out for five matches and midfielder Michael Essien should get a run as he is still suspended for the Arsenal game at the weekend.

Andriy Shevchenko, who scored his fourth goal of the season in place of Drogba - who is out for at least three weeks after a knee operation - Steve Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Wayne Bridge are all likely starters against a Spanish side who could finish bottom of the group and not even qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Cech, Belletti, Ben Haim, Essien, Terry, A Cole, Obi, Bridge, Alex, Makelele, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Lampard, Kalou, Shevchenko, Pizarro, J Cole, Sawyer, Worley, Hilario.

Ultimate10002000

11-12-2007, 07:47 PM

Grant ready to make changes

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has confirmed he is ready to field a below-strength team against Valencia on Tuesday.

Chelsea, whose only defeat in any competition since Grant took over from Jose Mourinho in September was his opening match at Manchester United, are already assured of qualifying for the knockout stages in top place as group winners.

They face Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and Grant admitted: "There is no doubt what is the most important match. I can't say otherwise.

"But, like other clubs, we have a big squad at Chelsea and I can think we can use it well - although it is not easy with the injuries we have had."

And although he insisted his only focus on Tuesday night will be on Valencia, who are clinging to the hope of a win to gain the consolation of a UEFA Cup place to reignite their miserable season in Spain, Grant refuses to provide any clues about his line-up.

It is possible he may bring back keeper Petr Cech who has recovered from a thigh injury which kept him out for five weeks and who may need a warm-up before Arsenal.

But Grant refused to give any progress reports on the injured Ricardo Carvalho, Florent Malouda or Paulo Ferreira.

He said: "I will have to wait until after training to see how everybody is in the morning."

It is clear, however, that Andriy Shevchenko will continue to deputise for injured Didier Drogba after his fourth goal of the season against Sunderland on Saturday, and that Michael Essien, still under domestic suspension and out of the Arsenal game, will get a run-out.

But it can safely be assumed that the rest of Grant's side will be a patch-up job.

Grant believes Drogba could return in three weeks after an operation at the weekend to repair damage to the meniscus in his left knee.

That would enable him to squeeze in some vital matches before he goes off to the African Nations Cup with Ivory Coast in mid-January.

And Grant admitted: "I would prefer to have him fit and playing but that is also true of other players who are injured. And we have to remember that the game (against Valencia) has only become not so important for us because of what we have already done in the group. We have not lost even one game."

Grant has soared from anonymous 'technical director' at Portsmouth to high-profile boss at Chelsea and is clearly relishing his new role.

"I have disappointed you. I think you thought I would lose many games but we have built something good, despite our injuries," he said.

"They (injuries) are always going to be a factor. You have seen how Manchester United and Liverpool have been troubled by injuries to (Wayne) Rooney and (Yossi) Benayoun - and now Arsenal without Cesc Fabregas and Alexander Hleb.

"But we have kept a good spirit here and we have played some better football."

Ultimate10002000

11-12-2007, 07:48 PM

Blues hopeful of Drogba comeback

Chelsea boss Avram Grant has revealed that Didier Drogba could return sooner than expected after undergoing knee surgery last week.

The Ivorian ace went under the knife on Saturday on the injury which has been hampering him for some time.

It was not known how long Drogba would be out for, but it was widely expected to be a month at the very least.

However, the knee has now been assessed following the operation and Grant admits he could be playing again within three weeks.

"I hope it will be as soon as possible," he told Sky Sports News.

"Firstly I want him to feel good with his knee - he wasn't 100 per cent with his knee the last time he played.

"But it looks as if it could be three weeks, something like that.

"I him want to feel well, the operation went well and we will just wait and see."

If it is three weeks, then that would mean he could feature in the derby against Fulham on New Year's Day.

Ultimate10002000

11-12-2007, 07:48 PM

Villa aims to give Valencia a lift

Valencia striker David Villa has Chelsea in his sights - but only for Tuesday's Champions League clash and not a potential transfer.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the past but he is currently concentrating on performing for the Spanish club, who are having a disappointing season and cannot qualify for the knockout stages.

"Any player would be interested in coming to the Premier League," he said.

"It is not going to make any difference to me about this match just because people on radio or TV are saying you might sign for a better club.

"We can say as much as we like about how we are going to turn things around at Valencia but where we have got to prove it is on the field with our performances.

"All we can do is put the coach's plans into action and provide our best."

Coach Ronald Koeman is looking for his players to give the club a lift.

Koeman has enjoyed success against English teams previously, notably two seasons ago when his Benfica side ended Liverpool's hopes of retaining the Champions League with victory at Anfield.

But the Dutchman is not thinking about past glories now as his side concentrate on Chelsea.

"That's all very well and they are great memories but everything now is focused on our future," he said.

"We have many injuries and many suspensions but I still feel we can get something out of this game and see our European journey continue in the UEFA Cup instead."

Valencia have slipped to seventh in La Liga, are rock-bottom of the Champions League group and need a better result than Schalke against Norway's Rosenborg to earn third place and snatch a place in the UEFA Cup.

But they have been goalless in their last three games and face Barcelona next weekend.

Ultimate10002000

11-12-2007, 07:49 PM

Sidwell keen to seize his chance

Steve Sidwell is set to start against Valencia but despite the opportunity he knows he still has a lot to do to secure a regular place.

The former Arsenal player would love to hold on to his spot to face the Gunners on Sunday but he knows there is plenty of competition and he will more than likely be back on the bench.

Sidwell, 24, spent five seasons rebuilding his reputation after being offloaded by Arsenal, but having turned down the biggest contract offered by the Royals to join Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in the summer he has struggled to make an impact.

He gets a chance against Valencia as Chelsea have already qualified as Group B winners, meaning manager Avram Grant can rest some players ahead of the weekend trip to the Emirates.

"This is a big opportunity for me - as big as the decision I made to join Chelsea," he said. "I knew it would be difficult to earn a regular place but I also knew it would be down to me to show, when I was given a chance, what I can do.

"That is exactly what the previous manager (Mourinho) told me and it is the same situation with the present one. I'm loving every minute of it."

elevate

16-12-2007, 04:29 PM

i nv knew siddy was frm arsenal. heh..

Ultimate10002000

16-12-2007, 10:06 PM

Pair may return for Arsenal trip

Ricardo Carvalho and Florent Malouda could return for Sunday's Premier League clash with Arsenal at The Emirates.

Carvalho (back) and Malouda (knee) will be given fitness tests tomorrow, but Michael Ballack (ankle) and Michael Essien (suspended) are definitely unavailable.

Didier Drogba underwent knee surgery last Saturday so Andriy Shevchenko will spearhead the attack.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Alex, Ben Haim, Terry, A Cole, J Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Malouda, Sidwell, Kalou, Pizarro, Shevchenko, Wright-Phillips, Makelele, Obi.

Ultimate10002000

16-12-2007, 10:07 PM

Grant: Terry leads by example

Manager Avram Grant has rejected speculation over John Terry's future as England captain by claiming his conduct at Chelsea is impeccable.

Terry's suitability for the role has been called into question amid criticism over his hounding of referees and behaviour off the pitch.

The 27-year-old could be the first high-profile victim of Fabio Capello when the Italian begins his tenure as England boss.

But Grant has been impressed by Terry's leadership, especially during the upheaval that ensued in the wake of Jose Mourinho's exit in September.

"If you ask the coaches and managers all over the world if they want a captain like John Terry, they will say yes," said the Blues manager.

"Just one of John's strengths is on the pitch. His other strengths are the way he connects with other players and what he does for children.

"I see him day by day and what he does off the pitch is an example to others.

"People are often judged on what is written about them, but sometimes there is a writer who doesn't like John Terry or me.

"Judge John through his actions - not what is being written about him.

"He's a professional and he's doing what he needs to do. I don't know where this talk has come from.

"John is a great captain on the pitch, off the pitch, 24 hours a day.

"Everything looks good at Chelsea now but back in September we had problems and he did a great job for the team.

"Everyone sees he's a good player, but off the pitch he pulled everyone together during what was a difficult time.

"His actions showed he cared about Chelsea and not other things.

"He's doing the same for England - he got injured for six weeks because he wanted to play for England against Russia.

"I don't think there is a better captain in England."

Terry will wear the Chelsea armband for Sunday's Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal at the Emirates.

The Blues lie only three points behind their title rivals and once hostilities are over Grant will renew a friendship with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that has spanned a decade.

Grant - who signed a new four-year contract on Thursday - is an unashamed admirer of Wenger, but refuses to copy the Frenchman as he seeks to forge his own path.

"Arsene is a great coach and great person. He has a great vision about football - he thinks about it in the right way," he said.

"He doesn't just think in the short term but builds from the base. I like him.

"I like to take good things from any coach I respect and he's one of them. But I like to do things my way.

"Arsene has built his team over many years and what I will try to do is build a style that is good for Chelsea over the long and short term.

"Our clubs play different football, but we both play positive football."

Ultimate10002000

16-12-2007, 10:07 PM

Roy's Keane to bag five new Cats

Sunderland boss Roy Keane admits he is hoping to sign "four or five players" in January's transfer window to boost his survival bid.

Keane spent wisely and quickly in the January transfer window this year, his £1.5million capture of Carlos Edwards on January 2 particularly eye-catching and shrewd, and he admits next month's dealings will be equally important to Sunderland's survival chances.

The Black Cats are looking to spend £20million in January with targets including Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell, Manchester United pair Jonny Evans and Wes Brown and Celtic defender Bobo Balde.

Midfielder Dickson Etuhu is set to be missing for a month on African Nations Cup duty with Nigeria.

And Keane said: "I had another meeting with (chief executive) Peter (Walker) and I spoke with (chairman) Niall (Quinn) last week and we've got a few targets that we're making enquiries about.

"We're getting feedback from a number of clubs and hopefully we can bring in the four or five players I'm after. We're looking everywhere.

"A lot of it will depend on the value people are putting on players because you don't want to get backed into a corner where you are paying silly money.

"I have got a few bob to spend, but it's nothing silly, I know I've got to wheel and deal and maybe generate a few bob by letting a few of our lads go.

"January will be an important time for ourselves and hopefully we can bring in the players that will help us have a good season and a number of seasons ahead."

Ultimate10002000

16-12-2007, 10:08 PM

Wenger: Sheva's not too shabby

Arsene Wenger knows the value of Didier Drogba to Chelsea - but feels having Andriy Shevchenko in reserve is "no misery" for Avram Grant.

The Ivory Coast striker is currently recovering from knee surgery, and is also set to be unavailable to the Blues when he travels to the African Cup of Nations at the start of next year.

The loss of their 33-goal targetman is clearly significant as Chelsea prepare for the hectic festive schedule.

However, Ukraine forward Shevchenko - who scored in the recent win over Sunderland - believes he can help spearhead the attack.

Wenger has long been an admirer of Drogba from his time in French football, and appreciates what a difference the powerful player can make.

Ahead of Sunday's Premier League showdown at Emirates Stadium, the Arsenal boss reflected: "I personally rate Drogba because he gave us always a hard time and most of the time he was very influential, but, when you can replace him with Shevchenko you are not too much in misery.

"Drogba is a fighter and until the last second in every game he fights.

"I admired him especially in the FA Cup final last year, where he had not the best of games but in the end he never gave up and made the difference."

Ultimate10002000

16-12-2007, 10:09 PM

Student Grant out to make impact

Chelsea boss Avram Grant refuses to look to Arsene Wenger for inspiration as he seeks to forge his own reputation in the Premier League.

Grant will lock horns with Wenger - his friend for the past decade - when the Blues clash with Arsenal in a key Premier League match at the Emirates on Saturday.

Victory would be the perfect way for Grant to celebrate his new four-year contract, signed on Thursday, that has ended speculation his appointment was only a stop-gap measure.

A run of only one defeat in 17 matches since replacing Jose Mourinho in September has seen Grant's stock rise steadily and the Israeli wants to establish a lasting legacy at Stamford Bridge.

But, while hoping to emulate the success Wenger has brought to Arsenal and make Chelsea a bigger club, he is determined to remain his own man.

"Arsene has done a great job in the last 11 years. But for me to say I want to be like this, I don't know," he said.

"I want to be like Avram Grant. I want to do it my way. But yes, I want to build - if that's the right word.

"I want to make Chelsea bigger and bigger all the time.

"What makes a club bigger is a style that is specific for the club.

"I'm not talking about tactics because, in modern football, the players need to know more than one set of tactics.

"It's about how you move the ball, how you attack, how you defend and how you press.

"How you think about problems that come in the game. You are playing against teams that also want to win the game."

Grant may have no intention of copying Wenger's managerial style, but he insists Chelsea and Arsenal hold technical ability in similarly high regard.

"I believe very much in the technical. I believe at the end of the day you need spirit, character and without this you can't succeed," he said.

"But the thing that wins the game is technique - if you know how to pass the ball how to make crosses. If you know how to make the right move in the right place.

"If you hold the ball and play technical football, it helps you to win more games and also it's good to watch."

One of theories behind Mourinho's exit suggested owner Roman Abramovich was growing tired of Chelsea's no-frills approach.

When Grant took over, he promised his players would be given more freedom, but the power and efficiency that was the hallmark of Mourinho's team remains.

Blues fans watching last Saturday's laboured 2-0 victory over Sunderland, or the frustrating goalless draw with Valencia in midweek, will have seen little evidence of the "different way" Grant has spoken of.

But the former Israel coach is growing frustrated at the attention Chelsea's style is attracting and insists there have been changes.

"I don't like that, after every game, I have to be the judge of my style of football. I need time," he said.

"What's important is how you play, how you attack, how many players you use to attack.

"We don't play long ball, we try to play from the back and all the midfield.

"We did it in three months and I'm very happy. This style will help us to win games.

"The best defence is when you attack and when you hold the ball.

"Of course you need to know how to defend but, if you go one up, the best way to defend is to continue attacking and push the other team back.

"We want to follow the basic things that have built our style in the last few months but of course tactics are important in a game like this as well."

rahul49

20-12-2007, 09:08 AM

Good show by Chelsea. Won quite convincingly. Looked the better side throughout the game.

Mayhem69

20-12-2007, 11:43 AM

i wan Nicolas Anelka ...

Ultimate10002000

21-12-2007, 08:26 PM

Lampard eyeing century for Blues

Frank Lampard is determined to reach a century of goals for Chelsea and place himself among the greats of Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old got to 99 with his strike against Liverpool on Wednesday and will get the chance to pass 100 when Chelsea travel to Blackburn on Sunday.

"I'm looking forward to getting my 100th goal," he said.

"It would be a big achievement for me to get that mark in six-and-a-half seasons.

"Reaching this mark was something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing when I first came here - so I hope I can get it done pretty soon and look to future landmarks.

"I feel very proud when I see the names I'm alongside or getting towards - players like Peter Osgood and Jimmy Greaves. I don't know if I'll ever get to reach their levels, but it'll be very nice to be in that club."

Lampard's strike against Liverpool helped put Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and was the perfect response after they had lost at Arsenal in the league last weekend.

Midfielder Michael Essien still feels Chelsea can be part of the Premier League title race, despite Arsenal and Manchester United establishing a small gap at the top.

"We are not far behind the leaders," said the Ghana international.

"The Christmas period is a difficult time, but we have to keep going and we'll see what we can do.

"We can bounce back after Sunday. We play every game to win. We had one setback against Arsenal, and I think we showed against Liverpool how much we hate losing and that we can win something.

"We are very bad losers. We hate to lose - we always like to win. It was tough to lose at Arsenal but it was up to us to forget it, keep ourselves together and come back from us."

Essien will miss a part of the season while playing for Ghana in the African Nations Cup. He wants to make his mark in England before his international duty - and he is confident Chelsea also have the quality in depth to cover when he has his break from domestic football.

"I want to do well for my club before I go away - and then the other players can do their job when I'm away," he said.

"I will keep working hard and do something before I leave.

"We have got other world-class players here, so I'm sure they can do their job."

Ultimate10002000

21-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Ballack happy with Blues medics

Michael Ballack has rejected suggestions he was unhappy with his treatment from Chelsea's medical team.

The midfielder, who returned to first-team action against Liverpool in the Carling Cup last night for the first time in eight months, insists he is grateful for all the club's efforts to get him back to fitness.

Media reports had suggested the Germany captain had been dismayed by the treatment he received from Chelsea as he struggled to recover from two ankle operations.

Now Ballack has made it clear he wants to repay the club's medical team for all their hard work over the last eight months.

He said: "I was surprised and disappointed when I read the words I was supposed to have said.

"The Chelsea medical department has made its best possible efforts. I am very grateful for the work that everyone has done - in particular the physios - over the last couple of months in order to get me finally back on the field.

"Now I am ready to repay all their hard work by doing my best for Chelsea.

"I would also like to thank the fans for their support and patience - it has meant a great deal to me."

Ballack replaced Mikel John Obi during last night's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Liverpool and set up the second goal in the final moments for Andriy Shevchenko.

Ultimate10002000

21-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Lampard leaps to Crouch defence

Frank Lampard has defended Peter Crouch after the Liverpool striker's Carling Cup dismissal for a two-footed lunge on John Obi Mikel.

Chelsea earned a place in the semi-finals thanks to second-half goals from Lampard and Andriy Shevchenko but the victory was overshadowed by Crouch's moment of madness just seconds after the Blues had opened the scoring in the 59th minute.

Referee Martin Atkinson immediately dismissed the Liverpool striker but boss Rafa Benitez claimed the player was provoked into retaliating after being kicked a number of times by Mikel.

And Lampard insists the England forward would never deliberately set out to hurt another player.

Lampard declared: "Peter Crouch is a great lad and I think everyone knows that if he made a bit of a bad tackle, which it looked, then I'm sure he's sort of the fellow that will hold his hands up.

"He's not like that at all, there's no malice in him, sometimes these things happen. He'd never try to hurt someone, I think there's times where players, as human beings, make a rash tackle. We've all done it and Peter would be the first lad that wouldn't hurt anyone, but it has happened and we move on."

Chelsea now face Everton in the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final next month but Lampard is already looking to reach a landmark 100 goals for the club before then.

He took his tally to 99 with the opener against Liverpool and is hoping to reach the century against Blackburn on Sunday.

Lampard added: "I'm looking forward to getting my 100th goal. It would be a big achievement for me to get that mark in six-and-a-half seasons.

"Reaching this mark was something I wouldn't have dreamed of doing when I first came here - so I hope I can get it done pretty soon and look to future landmarks.

"I feel very proud when I see the names I'm alongside or getting towards - players like Peter Osgood and Jimmy Greaves. I don't know if I'll ever get to reach their levels, but it'll be very nice to be in that club."

Ultimate10002000

21-12-2007, 08:27 PM

Chelsea sweat on Sheva fitness

Chelsea are waiting on the fitness of Andriy Shevchenko ahead of their trip to Ewood Park to take on Blackburn on Sunday.

The striker suffered a knock to his ankle in the final moments of their Carling Cup win over Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Captain John Terry is out with fractured bones in his foot while winger Florent Malouda remains doubtful with a knee injury. Didier Drogba is sidelined after knee surgery but Claudio Pizarro should have shaken off a virus in time to be included in the squad.

Kick off: 4:10pm.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, A Cole, J Cole, Lampard, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Mikel, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro.

TrueBlueCFC

22-12-2007, 08:16 AM

i wan Nicolas Anelka ...

should be coming during janaury

Heard / Rumoured that we signed a pre-contract with him or something already

Ultimate10002000

22-12-2007, 08:50 PM

Wenger defends tackle on Terry

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has defended the tackle that has left John Terry sidelined until 2008 by insisting it was not motivated by revenge.

Terry was angered by Emmanuel Eboue's first-half challenge that forced him off with a broken metatarsal in Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League defeat at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday.

The England skipper, who is out for six weeks, believes Eboue should have been shown a red card for the offence.

But Wenger insists Terry himself was lucky to still be on the pitch following a cruder lunge on a prone Cesc Fabregas earlier in the match.

"I watched Eboue's tackle again and I don't think he wanted to 'do' John Terry," he said.

"He touched him and I'm really sorry that John was injured. Ideally, Eboue shouldn't have put his foot in there. We do not encourage our players to do that.

"But John Terry should not have been on the pitch at that time because his tackle on Fabregas was the worst of the match.

"I don't think he would have been sent off had he not been England captain. If you start to think like that, you become mad.

"But the referee did not see exactly the violence of the tackle. Terry got away with it and good luck to him.

"But that didn't mean we wanted to injure him. I want my players to behave well and we do not want to injure people."

Ultimate10002000

22-12-2007, 08:51 PM

Grant keen to avoid festive fall-out

Chelsea manager Avram Grant is determined to avoid a repeat performance of the holiday horror that cost the Blues the title last season.

The Blues recorded just one win from four games over the Christmas and new year period last term and their poor run of form and the subsequent failure to buy a defender in the transfer window saw Jose Mourinho's men miss out on a third successive Premier League crown.

New boss Grant is well aware that, just like last season, Chelsea will go into the festive period without captain John Terry.

The defender was sidelined with a back problem last season and has been forced out of action again after breaking bones in his right foot during last weekend's defeat at Arsenal.

The festive period sees Chelsea face two of the clubs who cost them valuable points at this stage last season - Aston Villa and Fulham - but they also need to overcome Blackburn and Newcastle to keep in touch with the leaders at the top of the table.

Grant said: "It is very important. We have four games in a very short time. It is very important to take as many points as we can.

"I think we can do that. It is not easy. Every game is difficult, especially without important players. It is a big challenge.

"We need to take as many points as we can. Nothing will finish in January, but it will be an advantage to the team that takes as many points as they can. Last year, the gap was many points and then became six and a race began again.

"This year, the title race will be between four or five teams. But a good Christmas can be a springboard so we need to do our best but also to act when something goes wrong."

Grant will lose four players to the African Nations Cup next month and may also look for a short-term replacement for Terry.

The club's billionaire owner, Roman Abramovich, refused to sanction more spending for former boss Mourinho last January but Grant hinted he is already looking for new faces.

He added: "We are following a few players. We think carefully about the players who will be good for Chelsea. It is not easy because we want to do things the best way.

"I am happy with the squad but I will always look for players that can make us better. It is important."

Grant also urged Peter Crouch to take a look at himself after the Liverpool and England striker accused Mikel John Obi of a theatrical reaction to his two-footed lunge at Stamford Bridge.

Crouch was sent off for his tackle on the Nigerian midfielder during their Carling Cup quarter-final tie on Wednesday and has since claimed the Chelsea player was guilty of feigning injury and that foreign stars are destroying the "honesty and integrity" of the English game by diving.

But his comments cut little ice with Grant, who said Crouch should look at his own conduct and insisted Mikel, who is doubtful for Sunday's clash at Blackburn, was injured as a result of the two-footed challenge.

Grant declared: "The one thing I know is that Mikel could not continue and if you remember I subbed him five minutes later.

"It was a bad injury. I heard that Peter Crouch is a nice guy so he needs to look at himself and see what is wrong and look forward, not to find any other excuse."

Ultimate10002000

22-12-2007, 08:52 PM

Mikel hits back at Crouch 'racism'

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel's agents have claimed Peter Crouch's suggestion that foreigners are prone to diving is "potentially racist".

The Sport Entertainment and Media (SEM) Group have responded following comments made by the Liverpool and England striker following his sending-off at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Crouch was dismissed in the Carling Cup quarter-final for a lunge at the Nigerian and, while he did not dispute the red card, the former Southampton frontman felt Mikel was guilty of an over-reaction.

He said on Thursday: "What I'm thinking is if you go in on Frank Lampard or John Terry would they roll around like Obi Mikel did? I don't think they would have done.

"Would someone like Carra [Jamie Carragher] have gone down like that? I think it's safe to say that he wouldn't.

"Foreign players have brought a lot to our game but that's something you don't want to see. I didn't catch him but he's gone down like he's been shot."

Those comments have provoked an angry response from SEM who have called on the authorities to deal with the matter as a racist issue.

"SEM feel the comments were potentially racist to all foreign players, not just black or African ones," they told The Sun.

"We are intending to speak to Trevor Phillips at the Equality and Human Rights Commission on Monday.

"We hope football's governing bodies, who are meant to be committed to stamping out racism issues, will also get involved."

Mikel has also denied he is a play actor.

"There is nothing to say to Crouch. All I know is that I am not a diver and will not start doing that now," he said.

"Foreign players bring a lot to the league. That's why there are so many here at the moment.

"There is Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov, amongst other top players. They make the league very competitive and we cannot all be bad just because one player feels so."

Ultimate10002000

26-12-2007, 08:32 PM

Cole's cracker rumbles Rovers

Chelsea kept pace with their fellow Premier League title rivals as Joe Cole's Christmas cracker earned them a 1-0 win over Blackburn at Ewood.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal all secured weekend victories to ensure they would have a happy Christmas - and Cole's fierce strike on 22 minutes meant there would be plenty of festive cheer in the Blues camp too.

The result was hard luck on Rovers, who more than matched their opponents and were denied by the woodwork and a number of fine saves from both Petr Cech and his replacement Hilario.

David Bentley went close early on, with a rising drive shaving the crossbar before his free-kick also hit the woodwork.

Roque Santa Cruz steered an angled drive inches wide on 13 - but the Blues were ahead on 22 when Salomon Kalou's defence-splitting pass found Cole, who thundered a right-footed drive past Brad Friedel in clinical fashion.

Steven Reid's 15-yard shot was brilliantly tipped on to the bar by Cech on 32 before Friedel denied Frank Lampard his 100th Chelsea goal, palming his 20-yard drive on to the upright.

Bentley's free-kick was headed inches over the bar by Zurab Khizanishvili just before the break, and after a slow start to the second half Hilario came on for the injured Cech and proceeded to deny Santa Cruz's close-range header with a stunning one-handed save diving to his left.

Lampard's low left-footed strike on 77 was well saved by Friedel, and the visitors masterfully closed out the dying minutes to gain the gift of three points.

For the opening 20 minutes Blackburn appeared anything but a team that had lost their previous three matches coming into this game.

Mark Hughes' side took the game to Chelsea and should have opened the scoring, but when your luck is out the opportunities they created always seem to end up the wrong side of the woodwork.

So it proved, sparked by an inswinging corner from Morten Gamst Pedersen that flew through the six-yard box and inches beyond the far post, with no Rovers player able to conjure a decisive touch.

That had come after a crucial block from Ricardo Carvalho who was starting his first league game since November 11, with the centre-back flinging his body in front of a rasping drive from an in-form Santa Cruz.

It was an enthralling start from Rovers, with Bentley then shaving the bar with a rising drive from the edge of the area two minutes later.

Bentley was closer still in the 11th minute, curling a free-kick from the left wing onto the crossbar after he had been felled by Alex that brought a yellow card for the centre-back.

Still Rovers continued to press, and in the 13th minute a superb ball from Bentley into Santa Cruz culminated in the Paraguay star firing a 16-yard angled effort inches wide of the right-hand post.

Perhaps inevitably, given all those missed chances, it came as no surprise when Chelsea took the lead in the 22nd minute.

They should have done so a minute earlier, only for a shot on the turn from Andriy Shevchenko clearing the bar from eight yards instead of bursting the net.

That privilege was reserved for Cole as a woeful clearance out of defence was seized upon on the halfway line by Chelsea.

Within seconds Kalou had played a punishing cross-field ball into the path of Cole who finished a surging run with a 16-yard strike into the top left-hand corner.

Undaunted, Blackburn struck the bar again, this time following a stunning save from Cech.

From a short free-kick, Bentley thundered a 30-yard drive into the wall from where Santa Cruz teed up Reid from 15 yards, only for Cech to push the shot onto the crossbar.

Striking the woodwork, though, was not the sole preserve of Rovers as Lampard followed suit within three minutes.

Allowed the freedom of Ewood Park, the Chelsea captain saw a 20-yard effort touched onto the right-hand post by the fingertips of Friedel, denying him his 100th goal for the club.

There was still time in the half for Khizanishvili, starting his first league game this season in the absence of the suspended Christopher Samba, to shave the crossbar with a back-flick header to another inswinging Bentley free-kick.

Despite all those chances, Blackburn then failed to conjure one when it mattered most after Cech received treatment early in the second half for a hip injury.

The Chelsea star limped around gingerly for 11 minutes before finally calling it a day just after the hour, and without being tested.

His withdrawal gave Hilario his first appearance since January 13, and within moments he was villain and hero, with the Portuguese lucky to escape for an early indiscretion.

Hilario appeared a goalkeeper inactive for almost a year as he was nowhere near a Bentley corner, but was fortunate to see a downward header from Santa Cruz finish a yard wide of his left-hand post.

However, the 32-year-old instantly redeemed himself with an outstanding fingertip stop to turn past the post a bullet header from Santa Cruz in meeting a left-wing cross from Bentley.

Ultimate10002000

26-12-2007, 08:33 PM

Grant sweats over star's Cech up

Petr Cech will discover on Monday if he faces another spell on the sidelines that could see him miss the remainder of the festive programme.

The Chelsea goalkeeper will undergo scans on a side strain sustained early in the second half of Sunday's 1-0 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park.

An innocuous collision with striker Roque Santa Cruz led to Cech requiring lengthy treatment, and although he played on for another 11 minutes, it was obvious he was in too much pain to continue.

It led to Hilario making his first appearance since January 13 as Carlo Cudicini is also out with a training-ground rib injury.

With three games coming up in the next seven days, now is not the time for coach Avram Grant to be without two of his goalkeeping stars.

"We will know the situation with Petr when he goes for his scans," said Grant, whose side are hanging onto the coat-tails of leaders Arsenal and second-placed Manchester United.

With captain John Terry and striker Didier Drogba also out, the Blues potentially face the next few matches without the spine of their team.

"I cannot say it will be easy if we lose Cech," added Grant.

"To play for so long with so many injured for a long time, I don't like it, but I cannot do anything about it.

"It's fact, and we need to get through it as soon as possible like we have done in the last three months."

Grant rightly conceded it was not the prettiest of performances from his team, but they again managed to get the job done.

A searing 22nd-minute drive from Joe Cole was all that separated the teams, and courtesy of saves from Cech, Hilario and with the aid of the woodwork, it is now just one defeat in 19 matches for Chelsea.

If they are to gain points from the next three games, with Aston Villa, Newcastle and Fulham looming, Cole knows exactly what is required.

"What a result in the end because I don't think too many teams will come here and get many points," said the midfielder.

"We didn't play well or pass the ball as well as we would like, but we showed great spirit and great desire, the qualities that have made us very successful over the years.

"We know the task ahead. We don't look at the other results, we just have to keep winning."

It was Chelsea's seventh win in nine league visits to Blackburn, who have now lost their last four games and taken just five points from the last 24 on offer.

Boss Mark Hughes, though, knows his side are doing little wrong and he said: "We showed real quality, especially in the first half.

"Our play was really dynamic and we created good chances, hitting the bar a couple of times.

"Against lesser opposition, the chances we created would have been taken and we would have won the game.

"Unfortunately we were caught with a sucker punch. But we were up against one of the top teams in the country, and in fairness we acquitted ourselves very well."

Ultimate10002000

26-12-2007, 08:34 PM

Blues chief full of Christmas cheer

Avram Grant has hailed the chaotic Christmas fixture list as "exciting," despite an injury crisis that threatens to sour Chelsea's festivities.

The vast majority of this country's managers and players would almost certainly prefer to follow the lead of their continental neighbours and put their feet up over the forthcoming period.

But despite his injury-hit side facing three games in a week, starting with the Boxing Day visit to Stamford Bridge of Aston Villa, Grant enjoys one of English football's more quirky traditions.

"This is the only country in the world that plays over Christmas," remarked Grant. "All the other countries, including my own of Israel, have a break at this time of the season.

"But for me it has been interesting to look on from the side.

"I don't think I've missed a game in England for more than 30 years, since I was 22.

"It has been very exciting watching from the side, but it's more exciting from the inside.

"I was in England last year with another club (Portsmouth), so for me it's exciting. This tradition is nice."

It was at Christmas last year that Chelsea effectively blew their bid for a third successive title, drawing three successive games and dropping six crucial points.

Then boss Jose Mourinho was without the spine of his team in Petr Cech, John Terry and Ashley Cole, and it ultimately proved costly as the Blues were unable to cope with the demands on the squad.

Remarkably, the same situation threatens Chelsea again as Grant is without Terry and striker Didier Drogba, while Cech is a concern with a side strain sustained in Sunday's 1-0 win at Blackburn.

With Chelsea six points adrift of leaders Arsenal and five points behind second-placed Manchester United, a repeat of last season's loss of form would kill off Chelsea's championship dreams.

For now, Grant is comfortable with Chelsea's third position in the league, and is refusing to discount Liverpool from the title race even though they are another four points off the pace.

"I think it's unusual to have four teams fighting for the title in December," assessed Grant.

"All four teams won their first game of the Christmas programme, so for you and us it will be an exciting title race this season.

"For us, six points is a gap we can make up.

"We just need to concentrate on winning our games because at this stage of the season there is not one team who will win every game from now until the end."

Grant, though, is also acutely aware of the injury situation as he could be forced to turn to third-choice goalkeeper Hilario due to Carlo Cudicini being sidelined with a training-ground rib injury.

"We are having to use the squad because of all the injuries," said Grant.

"The contribution of those players coming in for the injured ones has been very good because we are still winning."

Ultimate10002000

26-12-2007, 08:35 PM

Injury problems mount for Grant

Avram Grant could be forced to turn to third-choice goalkeeper Hilario for the Boxing Day visit to Stamford Bridge of Aston Villa.

Petr Cech sustained a side strain in yesterday's 1-0 victory at Blackburn, while Carlo Cudicini is out with a training-ground rib injury.

If Cech is forced out, Chelsea will be missing the spine of their team as John Terry and Didier Drogba remain on the sidelines with foot and knee injuries respectively.

Kick-off 1pm.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Belletti, Ferreira, A Cole, Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, J Cole, Lampard, Essien, Sidwell, Kalou, Shevchenko, Mikel, Sinclair, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro.

Ultimate10002000

26-12-2007, 08:35 PM

Blues hope for Boxing Day boost

Avram Grant is banking on a much-improved Chelsea performance on Boxing Day from the one they produced the last time they met Aston Villa.

Chelsea protect their unfeasibly long unbeaten home record against a team who have already beaten them once in the Premier League this season.

Grant recalls a poor showing, with little obvious mitigation, at Villa Park three months ago - but is mindful too of the opposition's abilities.

"We lost against Villa the last time we met them," he recalled.

"We didn't play well, even though we played with all of our squad - so we know they are a good, organised team with a good manager.

"It will be a tough match. But we are the home team. While I don't like the word revenge, we want to win - especially after our defeat there."

Grant is hailing Chelsea's chaotic Christmas fixture congestion as "exciting," despite an injury crisis which threatens to sour his team's festivities.

The vast majority of this country's managers and players would almost certainly prefer to follow the lead of their continental neighbours and put their feet up over the forthcoming period.

But despite his injury-hit side facing three games in a week - most likely without first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech, despite the encouraging news from scans on his injured hip - Grant enjoys one of English football's quirkier traditions.

"This is the only country in the world that plays over Christmas," he notes.

"All the other countries, including my own of Israel, have a break at this time of the season.

"But for me it has been interesting to look on from the side.

"I don't think I've missed a game in England for more than 30 years, since I was 22.

"It has been very exciting watching from the side, but it's more exciting from the inside.

"I was in England last year with another club (Portsmouth), so for me it's exciting. This tradition is nice."

It was at Christmas last year that Chelsea effectively blew their bid for a third successive title, drawing three successive games and dropping six crucial points.

Then boss Jose Mourinho was without the spine of his team in Cech, John Terry and Ashley Cole, and it ultimately proved costly as the Blues were unable to cope with the demands on the squad.

Remarkably, the same situation threatens Chelsea again as Grant is without Terry and striker Didier Drogba, while third-choice goalkeeper Hilario looks set to take his place thanks to the injury sustained by Cech in Sunday's 1-0 win at Blackburn.

With Chelsea six points adrift of leaders Arsenal and five points behind second-placed Manchester United, a repeat of last season's loss of form would kill off Chelsea's championship dreams.

For now, Grant is comfortable with Chelsea's third position in the league - and is refusing to discount Liverpool from the title race even though they are another four points off the pace.

"I think it's unusual to have four teams fighting for the title in December," he said.

"All four teams won their first game of the Christmas programme, so for you and us it will be an exciting title race this season.

"For us, six points is a gap we can make up.

"We just need to concentrate on winning our games because at this stage of the season there is not one team who will win every game from now until the end."

Chelsea have refused to rule out Cech from the Boxing Day clash.

A brief statement on the club's official website said: "Scans have shown bruising around Petr's hip and side.

"We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and hope to have him back playing as soon as possible."

As for second choice Carlo Cudicini, the club added: "Carlo also continues to make good progress from his rib injury - and, again, we hope to have him available again as soon as possible."

Ultimate10002000

28-12-2007, 10:02 PM

Ballack: It was a clear penalty

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack has denied diving to win a crucial penalty in Boxing Day's thrilling 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill suggested Ballack had tumbled over even though there had been no contact with Zat Knight, who was shown a dubious red card.

Andriy Shevchenko rifled home the penalty to initiate Chelsea's fightback in a remarkable afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

O'Neill felt Knight's dismissal in the 46th minute was the turning point and was furious with referee Phil Dowd's decision.

But Ballack told the London Evening Standard: "For me there is no discussion about this.

"I had the ball and two guys, not just one, came and one pushed me. It was a clear penalty."

O'Neill declared after the match he might appeal Knight's red card after claiming Ballack had conned the referee.

He said: "It wasn't a penalty. The Chelsea player went over and there had been no contact."

Ultimate10002000

28-12-2007, 10:03 PM

Grant refuses to give up hope

Avram Grant insists Chelsea will draw on all their reserves of strength as they confront the latest setback to a troubled season.

Already missing talisman striker Didier Drogba and defensive kingpin John Terry to injury, the Blues have now lost suspended duo Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho.

The defenders were sent off in Boxing Day's gripping 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, Carvalho was dismissed for a two-footed lunge at Gabriel Agbonlahor and Cole also saw red when referee Phil Dowd adjudged that he had handled on the line.

Carvalho is set to miss league appointments with Newcastle and Fulham and an FA Cup tie against QPR.

Cole has made a claim for wrongful dismissal to the Football Association which will be heard on Friday.

Chelsea trail leaders Manchester United by seven points and any further slip-ups during the Christmas schedule would leave their hopes of wrestling the title back from Old Trafford in ruins.

But Grant is refusing to raise the white flag and has steeled Stamford Bridge for the hardship ahead.

"As long as we have a chance we will do everything we can to catch Manchester United and Arsenal," he said. "We have character and will not give up. We will do anything to challenge them.

"This job has been a big challenge from the day I started it and I will accept this latest challenge."

Grant has been casting jealous glances at the relatively full squads available to his rivals at United and Arsenal.

It is not the first time Chelsea have been faced with a crippling casualty list as Terry, Frank Lampard, Petr Cech, Carvalho and Cole have been lost to the treatment room already this season.

But the prospect of fielding second-choice centre-back pairing Tal Ben-Haim and Alex for the next three games must be troubling Grant.

"To have these players unavailable is a test for us, but we have been here already this season by playing without big names," he said.

"Football is always a big test when you have a bad time. It's not easy but this is the situation and we'll make the best of it.

"I'm waiting for the day when I can be like other managers and have all my players available. I think that time will come one day."

Grant admits the gaps caused by suspension and injury and the departure of Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Mikel John Obi and Michael Essien to the African Nations Cup next month will shape Chelsea's movement in the transfer window.

"Everything is always about January because the transfer window is open," he said. "The injured players and the African Nations Cup will make us think more about what we need to do."

Villa cut Chelsea to pieces in the first half as they swept into a 2-0 lead, only for the dismissal of Zat Knight to turn the game in the Blues' favour.

Manager Martin O'Neill was encouraged by Villa's performance but insists they must learn to adjust their tempo if they are to challenge the top four.

"The big clubs like Chelsea are very good. We played three games in one match against Chelsea - we were at full stretch," he said.

"For us to be able to able to control a game and to go down a gear for 10 or 15 minutes in a match and then be able to step up again is what we must be looking to achieve.

"We have to learn that and be good at it. We haven't reached that stage yet. The top four sides have that in comfort."

Ultimate10002000

28-12-2007, 10:04 PM

Cole aims to overturn dismissal

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has lodged a claim for wrongful dismissal with the FA following his red card in the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

The England left-back was sent off after he handled the ball in order to prevent a shot from Gabriel Agbonlahor from crossing the line in stoppage time.

The claim will be considered by the FA on Friday.

A statement from the FA said: "The FA has received a claim for wrongful dismissal from Chelsea's Ashley Cole.

"Cole was shown a red card for the denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity during Chelsea's game against Aston Villa on Wednesday, December 26.

"A Regulatory Commission will consider the claim on Friday, December 28."

Ultimate10002000

28-12-2007, 10:05 PM

Lampard set for spell on sidelines

Chelsea are hoping to have Frank Lampard back playing "within a few weeks" after scans showed he has torn his right thigh muscle.

Lampard picked up the injury during the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.

Lampard underwent a scan on Thursday which revealed the extent of the injury and the news was promising.

A statement released by Chelsea read: "Scans today have revealed a tear in Frank Lampard's right thigh.

"The tear is not in the same leg that Frank injured earlier this season.

"He will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing within a few weeks."

Ultimate10002000

28-12-2007, 10:06 PM

Sheva to boost depleted Blues

Injuries may be mounting for Chelsea but Andriy Shevchenko insists he is ready to fill the void left by Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard.

One positive to come out of a demoralising few days for the Blues is the form of the £30million man.

The Ukrainian took his tally for the season to eight after plundering two goals against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, the second a superb 25-yard effort, and setting up a third for Alex.

Shevchenko will spearhead Chelsea's assault on Newcastle on Saturday once again as Drogba recovers from knee surgery, while Lampard is out with a thigh injury - and the Ukraine striker is relishing the responsibility.

"I feel I played well against Villa, but for me the result of the team is more important," he said.

"It's a little disappointing, because Chelsea need to win. The result was crazy. Two teams tried to play a good game.

"But I feel much better, and my confidence is good. I want to play every game and do my best on the pitch. I feel I played well.

"I enjoyed my second goal - it was a nice goal, a good shot. But I prefer Alex's goal, because it was a fantastic combination.

"He is a defender. But that was good movement, and it was a nice goal."

Mayhem69

28-12-2007, 10:33 PM

to me Nicolas Anelka is a MUST HAVE as chelsea facing manpower crisis.

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

30-12-2007, 03:58 PM

Kalou has done well for chelsea as a center forward better than Sheva And Pizzaro

Ultimate10002000

04-01-2008, 09:16 PM

Lamps wants to be a Blue for life

Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard has insisted he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for life.

The 29-year-old has only 18 months left on his current contract and discussions over a new deal have been on ice since the end of last season.

Lampard decided to end talks over a new long-term contract because he did not want it to interfere with Chelsea's season.

But following Jose Mourinho's shock departure in September, speculation has mounted that Lampard would follow him out of the club at the end of the season.

However, the England man, currently sidelined with a thigh injury, declared: "I want to stay at this club for the rest of my career.

"I do not think I would receive the love I get from the Chelsea fans anywhere else. I would love another six or seven years of it.

"On a scale of one to 10, Chelsea is a 10 for me in terms of importance. Everyone around me knows how much Chelsea means to me. In my life my family comes first but Chelsea comes second. I'm at a club I love and living in an area I love."

Lampard, who is just one goal short of a century for the club, maintained the only reason the contract talks were postponed was because he wanted to concentrate on playing football and re-assured fans there was no sinister motive.

Lampard added: "Nothing has changed since the club and I decided that we wouldn't talk until the end of the season. But I don't want the fans to think there is anything sinister about it because I'm desperate to get it done."

The midfielder has now set his sights on reaching 150 goals for the club and hopes to continue playing until he is at least 35.

Lampard said:

"I see that Peter Osgood is on 150 goals for the club and I'd love to get to that level. I think I will carry on playing until I am around 35.

"I like to think I'm pretty fit and don't rely on pace to get me through a game. Plus I will keep improving the more experience I get," he told the London Evening Standard.

Meanwhile, despite speculation over his future, it is believed England left-back Wayne Bridge is not for sale and Chelsea will not listen to any offers for the player.

Ultimate10002000

04-01-2008, 09:17 PM

Fae keen to get help from Drogba

Reading midfielder Emerse Fae is hoping the example set by his "big brother" Didier Drogba will inspire him to be a success in England.

So far the Ivory Coast international has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League following his £2.5million summer switch from Nantes - a record purchase for the Royals.

But the 23-year-old, who will depart for African Nations Cup duty after Saturday's FA Cup clash at Spurs, made it clear he was determined to come good eventually and has already sought out Chelsea star Drogba for advice.

He said: "London is not far from Reading and when I need some advice I go to him. He is my big brother. He is always ready to help me.

"This is his fourth season at Chelsea and he knows all about English football.

"He told me that his first season was so difficult but he kept working and working and today he is one of the best strikers in the world."

Fae has made only five starts but will add another at White Hart Lane as Royals boss Steve Coppell uses cup games as a vehicle for his fringe players.

Spurs are likely to field a near full-strength side however so that would pit Fae against another fellow Ivorian, Didier Zokora.

He said: "I will play against Zokora and go with him afterwards to the African Nations Cup. I am very happy to play against him because I haven't for a long time. The last time was when he was at St Etienne.

"All the players in the national team are friends. It is like a family and this is one of the reasons I am happy to play against him."

Fae is one of three players who will soon be off to Ghana for the Nations Cup, with Ibrahima Sonko due to represent Senegal and Andre Bikey Cameroon.

Ultimate10002000

04-01-2008, 09:18 PM

Kaiser keen on Jose for Bayern

Bayern Munich president Franz Beckenbauer would welcome Jose Mourinho as the next coach of his club when Ottmar Hitzfeld leaves in the summer.

The former Chelsea and Porto boss is one of the leading candidates to assume control of the Bavarians, although the fact he does not speak German could rule him out of the running.

However, Beckenbauer feels there is enough time for Mourinho to learn the language and be ready to take the reins in six months' time.

"He could do a language course between now and the summer, so why not?" Beckenbauer wrote in his column in Germany's Bild newspaper.

"Our club needs a big name. He has got to be a great tactician, have already accumulated experience and have command of the German language."

One man who does have such a CV is Beckenbauer himself, who has already led Bayern and Germany to glory in the 1990s.

However, the 62-year-old will not be putting forward his own candidacy this time.

"The only person I can really rule out of the running is myself," he added.

Ultimate10002000

04-01-2008, 09:19 PM

Assessment time in Premier League

With the Premier League now through its busy festive period, TEAMtalk's James Marshment hands out his half-term reports on the season so far.

With every side in the Premier League having now reached the 21-game mark - Liverpool and West Ham aside - the table is now beginning to set out its shape for the tales that lie ahead.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal currently top the class and it's fair to say they have performed far better than expected, given the graduation of last season's star pupil Thierry Henry. But the Frenchman's exit has had the polar opposite effect on the Gunners, with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and particularly Cesc Fabregas stamping their own identity on the Gunners. Arsenal have been near perfect at the Emirates Stadium thus far, with only Manchester United preventing them from taking maximum points in their 11 home games to date.

But it is the Gunners' new-found steel away from home which will be the most appeasing to Professor Wenger, with their recent 4-1 victory at Everton - a game they so often would have lost in the past - testimony to that.

However, the title this season does look like it will go to the wire with Sir Alex Ferguson's reigning champions Arsenal's most likely challengers. United's home record is almost identical to the Gunners and the Red Devils have amassed 10 straight wins at home following Reading's shock goalless draw on the opening weekend. Most of their success can be attributed to the attacking triumvirate of Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez, though the work of Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra at the back should also not be overlooked given that the Red Devils have conceded just 11 league goals to date.

Chelsea at this stage, however, cannot be ruled out and special praise must be given to the way the club has responded to the departure of the Special One Jose Mourinho and the appointment of Avram Grant. Now if you're talking polar opposites, then these past and present coaches of the Blues are it. But Grant has cajoled a good response from his players, though you cannot help but think the real tests lie ahead. I'll stop short of calling it an injury 'crisis' given the players Chelsea can call upon in reserve, but with the impending African Nations Cup set to rob them of Essien, Drogba, Mikel and Kalou, then it will take one almighty effort to bring a third title in four years to the Bridge.

One team who will go into 2008 looking to improve their marks are Liverpool and their disappointing home form (four wins from 10 home games) could yet result in a new teacher being drafted in. Granted, Mr Benitez is proven in getting the best from his crop when it comes to their field trips abroad, but the Anfield faithful want to see their 18-year wait for a league title come to an end. Sadly for them, it's not going to happen this year, despite the best efforts of Gerrard, Torres and Mascherano.

There's also no guarantees at this stage that they can even finish in the top four, with a host of sides - most notably Manchester City - vying to bully the star pupils from their perch. Sven's City can probably claim the half-term commendation for biggest improver thus far, with Elano and Petrov superb going forward and Dunne and Richards equally impressive at the back.

The likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Portsmouth can also take great pride in their work so far and it'll be interesting to see whom finishes where when the prizes are handed out at the end of term.

The Toffees are marginally the best of the bench so far with midfielders Arteta, Cahill and Pienaar as consistent as anyone this term, while Villa's solid start has been based on the solid work of Mellberg and Laursen at the back, with Young and Agbonlahor offering pace and movement to their attack.

Pompey are probably the biggest over-achievers in the entire top flight, but whilst they have been great on the road, they will need to find a cure to their unexpected home wobbles. But credit where credit is due and Harry Redknapp has assembled a squad deserving of achieving European status next term.

Blackburn are another side performing well on a consistent basis, despite a recent mini-slump, with Roque Santa Cruz looking one of the signings of the season and David Bentley looking every inch capable of filling David Beckham's long-term shoes in the England side. Nestled in just behind them are West Ham and they can take satisfaction with their work so far, particularly in the absence of so many key performers. Their recent home win over Manchester United shows what they are capable of and a season of mid-table mediocity will be pleasing considering their great escape last term.

Moving on to the under-achievers and Newcastle and Spurs have both had their spells in the naughty corner after a series of less-than-convincing displays. Both have been pretty shambolic defensively, but have managers in Sam Allardyce - if he can ride out the current storm - and Juande Ramos who are more than capable of pulling them up by the bootlaces.

Reading defied the doubters by finishing eighth last term and whilst a repeat looks unlikely, they also look easily capable of retaining their place amongst in the elite. Bolton are another side anxiously looking over their shoulder this term but after a shaky start under Sammy Lee, the often-maligned Gary Megson has come in and introduced a brand of football more akin to the days of Allardyce. Much, of course, will depend on Nicolas Anelka's future and Trotters fans will surely not relish reports that Henri Camara has been lined up as the Frenchman's replacement.

New managers have been the order of the day in the Premier League this term, with seven teams so far changing their tactician-in-chief. Whereas Paul Jewell's Derby sadly looked doomed to failure - despite their best efforts - the likes of Roy Hodgson at Fulham, Steve Bruce at Wigan and Alex McLeish at Birmingham will all be hopeful of avoiding the dreaded drop. Much of their season could hinge on what happens in the January transfer window and all three will be looking for that key capture that could make all the difference.

Which brings us finally to Middlesbrough - the only team so far to inflict a defeat upon table-topping Arsenal. Boro have looked decidedly toothless in attack this term - despite the recent best efforts of Tuncay - and they will need to strengthen their attack this month if they want to see an improvement and not slip away into the second tier.

Ultimate10002000

04-01-2008, 09:19 PM

Terry injury fears mount for Blues

Chelsea fear skipper John Terry could be ruled out for the rest of the season with his broken foot injury, according to reports.

The England captain fractured three bones in his right foot in a challenge with Emmanuel Eboue during the 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on December 16.

The club initially announced that the inspirational centre-back would need at least six weeks to recover from the setback, with the player setting his sights on a return to action in the middle of February.

But reports in the national press indicate that the Stamford Bridge club are concerned that Terry's recovery could take longer than anticipated.

The Blues skipper, who has been given a protective boot to wear to aid the healing process, is due to have his foot re-examined when he returns from holiday in Dubai.

Blues boss Avram Grant is already looking to bolster his defensive ranks during the January transfer window, with a move for Lokomotiv Moscow's Serbian international centre-half Branislav Ivanovic on the cards.

LampardCFC

04-01-2008, 09:24 PM

fair weather fans. Only from 2005?

Mayhem69

04-01-2008, 10:16 PM

when can we see Chelsea's new players especially Anelka .. hopefully by next week ? :p

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

05-01-2008, 12:01 AM

Berbatov Or David Villa will be even better

And Daniel Alves / Miguel For right back

enriqueyang

07-01-2008, 09:59 AM

i think Berbatov will go man utd, and anelka will come chelsea and ashley cole red card and penalty is ball to hand....

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

07-01-2008, 07:21 PM

Backing Ballack To Get more penalties and finish it too

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

07-01-2008, 07:33 PM

Chelsea's Cole furious over captaincy hook

Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole is fuming after being stripped of the captaincy during their FA Cup victory over QPR.

The Sun says Avram Grant had made Cole skipper for the first time.

But with the Blues struggling to overcome their Championship neighbours, Grant brought on Didier Drogba and ordered the England full-back to hand over the armband.

Cole did so but looked bemused - especially as Drogba has never been skipper before either.

Grant insisted he did it for the team.

He said pointedly: "Drogba is a leader. Many players who are leaders here did not play against QPR, so we gave it to Ashley.

"I think he is a good example for all the others, always giving 100 per cent, always happy.

"I like Ashley, so he deserved to be captain. But there are other options for leaders in the team."

This latest decision could put strain on Cole's relationship with Grant.

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

07-01-2008, 07:33 PM

Chelsea boss Grant rules out Bridge sale

Chelsea boss Avram Grant won't consider selling left-back Wayne Bridge this month.
Bridge has been linked with Liverpool and Newcastle, but Grant said: "All the players in the squad will stay until the end of the season."

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

07-01-2008, 07:34 PM

Chelsea set to prise Tottenham's Berbatov away with £32M bid

Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov is on the verge of a mega bucks move to Chelsea.
The People says Berbatov has won his battle to leave Tottenham in the January window - with Chelsea close to agreeing a £32million CASH deal for the Bulgarian hit-man.

Despite Manchester United offering a player-cash deal to Spurs involving contract-rebel Wes Brown and striker Louis Saha plus £10million, the Blues proposal is preferred by White Hart Lane's power-brokers - and negotiations are now set to open for Berbatov. The striker will more than DOUBLE his money to £80,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge earning himself a staggering �16million over four years.

Tottenham's hierarchy have reluctantly agreed to let the Bulgarian leave for Chelsea despite lingering acrimony over the way director of football Frank Arnesen left Spurs for the Blues two years ago.

But they insist any deal will be done on their terms with the striker still under contract for another two years at White Hart Lane - and they'll play hard-ball over the fee.

One stipulation is that the bulk of the money will be paid up front allowing Spurs boss Juande Ramos to jump straight into the transfer market.

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

07-01-2008, 07:41 PM

Shevchenko tells Abramovich he wants Chelsea exit

Chelsea are prepared to cut loose striker Andriy Shevchenko - if the can sign a replacement.

The People says Sheva, 31, has told Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge - and could be set for a switch to American Major League Soccer before the season starts in April.

While the Ukrainian is not demanding a transfer, he hopes his relationship with Abramovich will allow him to sever links with Chelsea this month.

Shevchenko has failed to light up Stamford Bridge since his British record £31million signing from AC Milan 18 months ago and has not seen his fortunes change since Avram Grant replaced Jose Mourinho as boss.

Ultimate10002000

07-01-2008, 09:59 PM

Wenger: Chelsea will suffer most

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Chelsea will be hit hardest by the loss of key men to the African Nations Cup.

But the Frenchman maintains no-one can use that as an excuse should Manchester United go on to claim the Premier League crown again.

The Gunners head to Burnley for Sunday's third-round FA Cup tie, which will be the final match for Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure and Alex Song before they all head off to Ghana.

Depending on progress, Arsenal could be without the trio for the best part of five weeks, with the final not until February 10.

It is certainly a crucial period for Wenger's squad, who have a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final against Tottenham as well as five Premier League games.

Chelsea are also facing up to the prospect of making do without four players - Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, Mikel John Obi, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien.

However, defending Premier League champions Manchester United, currently two points behind Arsenal, will not see their options depleted at all.

Wenger - who could also have lost striker Emmanuel Adebayor had Togo qualified - maintains it is something which all clubs affected just have to get on with.

"I believe it will be Chelsea who suffers the most, though on the other had they can buy more can anyone else to correct that," reflected the Arsenal manager.

"But losing Mikel, Essien, Drogba and Kalou, that's four main players. Nobody loses that many.

"We are just behind Chelsea and Portsmouth also - but I won't use it as an excuse if we don't win the title because I have known who we will lose since the start of the season.

"If they were injured, I wouldn't complain."

Wenger maintains he would still continue to scout for African players in the future, despite the logistical problems which could crop up every two years.

He said: "When you do buy them, you have to consider how many to go for. If you lose four or five games at that time, you can't win the championship so you have to consider the balance.

"You can afford to lose two maybe, but not five. It's certainly a problem you have to consider."

Wenger believes African players certainly have the "hunger" to be a success at a top European club, given the circumstances they have often come through at home.

"They have power and therefore in the modern game they are quick and strong. Most of them are centre-backs or centre-forwards," he said.

"They are also hungry, but I cannot believe we don't have hungry players in Europe. Maybe they just practice more in the streets.

"Every empty space in London is not for football, but an area for building. In Africa it's not the same.

"But I still believe that the top of the game is only for motivated people. If they are only motivated by money it does not last.

"You can't build a career purely on a hunger for money. In the modern game you can earn it at such a young age it's not a sufficient ingredient to build a career.

"You need that internal burning desire. You can be average now in the game and have money."

Wenger is not keen to see much movement either in or out of his Arsenal squad this month, despite continuing speculation in both directions.

He said: "The danger, if you buy because you are desperate, is that you overpay and you have no time, no insurance - unless the player has already played in the league - to know whether he will immediately strengthen the squad.

"If, however, you buy because it's someone you are after and there is specific weakness inside the club in his position, and it's an opportunity to take the player, then it is a good moment.

"I do it only when I feel it is the right moment."

Wenger is expected to rotate his squad on Sunday, but will still field a competitive side as they look to progress ahead of next week's first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against north-London rivals Tottenham.

The Arsenal manager is certainly not taking anything for granted.

Wenger insisted: "I don't underestimate the FA Cup - we won it four times.

"At Arsenal we want to win the next game - but I cannot play every game with the same players, our programme is unbelievable and I have to make decisions."

Wenger added: "It's a tricky game. Our young players know what is expected of them.

"I read an article about [tennis world number one] Roger Federer who said in an interview that when he goes to a big tournament he's always very apprehensive about the first rounds. 'In the quarter-final I dream to win it, but I am scared of the first round'.

"That is a good comparison with a cup tie. Once you are installed in it, the team has the target in front of them - in the early rounds you need to be really focussed."

Ultimate10002000

07-01-2008, 10:00 PM

Camp og sees Blues advance

A first-half own goal by QPR goalkeeper Lee Camp allowed FA Cup holders Chelsea to earn a place in the fourth round with a 1-0 win.

In the 29th minute Claudio Pizarro's 20-yard shot rebounded off an upright and then off the back of the unfortunate Camp before spinning over the goal line to provide the decisive moment of an entertaining cup tie.

The victory helped Chelsea stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions at home to a staggering 54 games.

The Blues were in control from the beginning and almost opened the scoring in the 12th minute when a cross from Ashley Cole had to be turned behind by Rangers defender Chris Barker at the far post.

The visitors demonstrated they were capable of surprising Chelsea on the counter attack when Cole was robbed by Gareth Ainsworth in the 15th minute.

However, Ainsworth's cross was not accurate enough for Dexter Blackstock to punish Chelsea for their defensive lapse.

The Barclays Premier League side were often made to look pedestrian in midfield without the powerhouse presence of Michael Essien and Rangers enjoyed their best spell of possession midway through the half.

But it was Chelsea who squandered yet another chance in the 22nd minute when a cross from Shaun Wright-Phillips was missed by Pizarro on the edge of the six-yard box.

But in the 29th minute Chelsea went ahead after Salomon Kalou played a neat pass into the feet of Pizarro, who cleverly turned on the edge of the penalty area before firing a 20-yard shot against the post. Camp could do little as the ball rebounded off him into the net.

Rangers had little in response with a tame header from Ainsworth easily dealt with by Hilario.

The Championship side may have become financially richer than Chelsea off the pitch but the gulf in quality was distinctly in the home team's favour on it.

It was further epitomised by a flowing Chelsea move in which Pizarro fed Wright-Phillips on the right flank but the England winger's scorching shot flashed wide of the target.

Kalou should have done better when a free-kick from Wright-Phillips fell perfectly to the Ivory Coast international on the penalty spot but the ball cannoned off his thigh and Camp was able to catch the ball comfortably.

A moment of rare drama in the Chelsea penalty area was provided by Hogan Ephraim's cross in the 42nd minute with Hilario having to deal with it at the second attempt.

Seconds later Akos Buzsaky tried his luck from 20 yards when given a clear sight at goal by the Chelsea defence but his effort was far too high.

Chelsea almost grabbed a second moments before half-time but Steve Sidwell's long-range thunderbolt hit the post.

Rangers made a change at the interval, giving a debut to new signing Patrick Agyemang in place of Ainsworth.

Camp pulled off a fine save to deny Chelsea a second goal in the 47th minute when he dived to his right to keep out a low 40-yard free-kick from Brazilian defender Alex.

In the 49th minute Rangers made another change, this time enforced, when Buzsaky limped off to be replaced by Kieran Lee.

Agyemang's height and physical prowess gave Rangers another dimension in attack and it almost brought instant rewards for the visitors.

The tall striker knocked the ball down for the onrushing Martin Rowlands to sweep a 20-yard shot just inches over the crossbar with Hilario well beaten.

It was a different Rangers now and moments later Rowlands again tried his luck from an identical distance but this time Hilario held onto the ball.

But Rangers were lucky that Pizarro could not find the net when he strode clear of their defence in the 56th minute.

The Peruvian striker looked certain to score but blazed the ball over the crossbar from six yards.

Grant had clearly seen enough and Didier Drogba was introduced on the hour for his first appearance since undergoing knee surgery at the beginning of December.

The Ivory Coast international replaced Scott Sinclair as Chelsea looked for a second goal.

It was hardly the most convincing of performances from Grant's side but given their glut of injuries, the Israeli will be happy enough with a place in the next round.

Rangers continued to strive for an equaliser but rarely failed to trouble Hilario in the home goal and while their spirit and desire could not be faulted, they lacked the necessary quality to make a shock impact.

Ultimate10002000

07-01-2008, 10:01 PM

Grant praise for professional Blues

Avram Grant praised Chelsea for a professional job on reaching the FA Cup fourth round even though it took a Lee Camp own goal to earn the win.

Claudio Pizarro's 20-yard shot in the 29th minute rebounded off Camp's right-hand upright and then hit his back before spinning over the line for the deciding goal.

The FA Cup holders struggled to overcome battling Championship side QPR but Grant was pleased with the performance of his side.

The Israeli said: "It was a typical cup game. We did our job, that is most important for me. We are in the next round.

"QPR played tactically very well. They were very clever and closed the space very well.

"It was a game like we expected. We held the ball most of the time. They tried to score at set-pieces. We scored one goal and created more chances but what is important is to be in the next round. In the cup it is important to do your job and we did that."

Grant also picked out third-choice goalkeeper Hilario for particular praise as he continues to stand in for the injured Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini.

Both goalkeepers could be available for the Carling Cup semi-final against Everton on Tuesday night but Grant added: "It is time to say a good word about Hilario.

"He is the third goalkeeper here but he is always doing his job. He is very professional and a great goalkeeper. We are lucky to have him as a third goalkeeper."

But Grant refused to be drawn on yet more transfer speculation involving the expected arrival of Bolton's Nicolas Anelka.

He was absent from the Bolton squad against Sheffield United and although Grant now loses Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou, Michael Essien and Mikel John Obi to the African Nations Cup, he refused be drawn on the continued rumours about new arrivals.

Grant said: "Because of all the injured players and everything else, we are thinking about everything.

"Basically we didn't want to change so much because we have a good squad but we have had some unexpected injuries and because of the African Nations Cup, we are thinking about things, but there is no news for the moment.

"There is a lot of speculation but I will not comment on it, only when something happens."

QPR coach Luigi de Canio was pleased with his side's endeavours but accepted that Chelsea's undoubted class was the difference.

De Canio said: "Chelsea demonstrated they are a great team. They behaved well. I think we did what we were expected to - we were quite tidy on the pitch. We tried to take advantage of every possible chance that we had.

"I am very satisfied with the performance. We worked well and it just shows we are on course to grow in the way we want.

"We put them under pressure and did our job well but unluckily we didn't win. It is never nice to lose but Chelsea are the great champions they are and they were good at creating chances."

Ultimate10002000

07-01-2008, 10:02 PM

Pizarro ready to show what he can do

Claudio Pizarro hopes to capitalise on Didier Drogba's absence this month by kick-starting his Chelsea career.

Drogba is one of a host of Premier League stars who will be missing for at least a month because of the African Cup of Nations.

And Pizarro, who helped Chelsea to FA Cup success over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, is looking to get a run in the team.

"January will be an important month for me with some more chances to play. I will get into good shape, get some confidence and show what I can do," Pizarro told the Daily Star.

Pizarro has scored just once since his free-transfer move from Bayern Munich in the summer.

"I knew I wasn't good enough before because I joined the club after the Copa America and that made things complicated for my fitness," he continued.

"The last year hasn't always been nice for me. I think and hope this year will be better.

"It's not just been here that was hard for me in 2007.

"When I was at Bayern, I couldn't play games because I was getting a free transfer and hadn't signed up for the team so I was relegated to the bench and the national team was not so good for me either."

Ultimate10002000

07-01-2008, 10:03 PM

Drogba 'reiterates' Blues exit hopes

Chelsea frontman Didier Drogba has been quoted as saying he still wants to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

The Ivory Coast star first revealed his wish to exit the capital in October following the departure of Jose Mourinho as manager.

And Drogba has now underlined that, saying his mind has not changed from when he first admitted he wanted to leave.

And the former Marseille star admits the exit of Mourinho has helped push him towards the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

"It comes from me, I said what I am thinking, that I wanted to leave," Drogba reportedly told Eurosport.

"The problem is that I say that I want to leave since two or three years.

"Mourinho's departure didn't help. On the contrary, it made my desire to leave even bigger."

Drogba has been linked with a possible reunion with Mourinho at Italian giants Milan, but he insists he is currently concentrating on the African Cup of Nations.

He added: "I am not going to speak about my next club and my major objective is the ACN and winning all the interests we have to win when I'll return for Chelsea."

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

10-01-2008, 01:46 AM

Come On Pizzaro score more goals and provide more assists already !!

Ultimate10002000

10-01-2008, 08:12 PM

Chelsea can win without me - Drogba

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba insists the Blues are good enough to bring the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge, even without him.

The Ivory Coast striker's season has already been hit by a chronic knee injury which required surgery in early December.

And after just one game back in action - a substitute appearance in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup win over QPR - he is now off to the African Cup of Nations with his country.

Despite striking five times in 10 Premier League appearances this term he says the Blues can cope without his firepower.

He told The Sun: "I am really happy with the way my team-mates are playing because people thought the title challenge was over.

"I don't think my absence should really affect our chances although I'd have loved to be a part of the team now.

"I am happy other players are scoring in every game. Therefore Drogba's absence does not make Chelsea weak in attack."

The Blues are six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, despite key injuries to Drogba, midfield inspiration Frank Lampard and skipper John Terry.

And the former Marseille believes Avram Grant's squad is definitely good enough to overhaul the Gunners, even without him.

He added: "Chelsea are definitely good enough for the title, even when I'm not there.

"Don't forget it's not only Drogba that's out, other good players are not playing now as well and yet Chelsea still win.

"It shows Chelsea do not rely on a particular player. All players are important."

Ultimate10002000

10-01-2008, 08:12 PM

Blues hoping to Nic Anelka soon

Chelsea will speed up the signing of Bolton's Nicolas Anelka in a bid to boost their attacking options ahead of Saturday's game with Tottenham.

Chelsea's striking crisis has been compounded by an ankle injury to Andriy Shevchenko while Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are on international duty with the Ivory Coast for their African Nations Cup build-up.

Chelsea's problems in attack were underlined during their last-gasp 2-1 win over Everton in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

A first-half goal from England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips and an own goal in added time by Everton defender Joleon Lescott gave Chelsea a slender advantage to take to Goodison Park for the second leg in a fortnight's time.

The Blues' initial bid for Anelka has been rejected by Bolton who are alleged to value the Frenchman at £15million but Grant now hopes the pace of the negotiations will quicken in time for the player to make his debut against Spurs.

Grant said: "We have confirmed our interest in Anelka. We wanted him for yesterday and I hope that he will now get him for Saturday.

"If not we'll continue with the players that we have. We are missing three strikers so it's important to do it quickly."

Chelsea's lack of firepower looked to have cost them when Mikel John Obi was sent off for a reckless 55th-minute lunge at Phil Neville and Ayegbeni Yakubu smashed home an equaliser 11 minutes later.

Mikel's dismissal - his fourth red card in 16 months - was a direct consequence of the clampdown on dangerous tackles by officials.

Referee Peter Walton had no option but to red card the Nigerian although Grant refused to condemn the decision.

He added: "If this is a red card then two or three players who got yellow cards should also have been sent off.

"But I don't want to say anything else about this decision because the players who played today deserve to be talked about.

"I understand why I'm being asked about this but I only want to talk about the way my players performed. I'm proud of them.

"I'm happy that we won. We deserved to win and created a lot of chances in the first half.

"We adapted very quickly to the red card. The players deserve credit for their spirit.

"We are missing many players and they showed great spirit. They played good football."

Yakubu's leveller appeared to have given Everton a draw until Lescott, under pressure from Wright-Phillips, nodded the ball into his own net from six yards out.

Ultimate10002000

10-01-2008, 08:13 PM

Anelka praying for Chelsea move

Nicolas Anelka's agent says the Bolton forward is desperately hoping his switch to Chelsea is completed by the end of the week.

Chelsea have already seen one bid, in excess of £11million, rejected for the France striker, but are already lining up an improved offer.

Blues boss Avram Grant is hoping to wrap up the transfer before Saturday's Stamford Bridge clash with Tottenham and according to Anelka's agent, Doug Pingisi, the forward has the same wish.

"He really wants to go to Chelsea," Pingisi told L'Equipe.

"Nicolas is calm. He hopes everything will be finalised this week. He has been waiting for such an opportunity for years.

"He appreciates that he is at the top of the list of players wanted by Chelsea at the moment."

Pingisi has also revealed Anelka's motivation for leaving Bolton would be to play in the UEFA Champions League.

"For Nico, it is very important he finds a club that will allow him to express himself at the highest level," Pingisi added.

"Moreover, this club is still involved in every competition, particularly the Champions League."

Mayhem69

13-01-2008, 01:01 AM

Chelsea 2 - 0 Spurs

Seen Anelka played, he is capable of scoring and make good passes.. his shots are mostly on target shots

Good job :)

Litmuss

13-01-2008, 11:53 AM

Avram Grant - 2 losses in 26 games. :eek: Now is that gd or bad?

I just love seeing Arsenal and Pool keep dropping points to "must win" teams. Upzz for the Blues.:D

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

13-01-2008, 07:10 PM

Avram Grant - 2 losses in 26 games. :eek: Now is that gd or bad?

I just love seeing Arsenal and Pool keep dropping points to "must win" teams. Upzz for the Blues.:D

2 lost only meh ? then he must have draw alot

Ultimate10002000

14-01-2008, 09:22 PM

Grant seems to be much better than i initially thought he was.

Ultimate10002000

14-01-2008, 09:31 PM

Blues eyeing move for Miguel

Chelsea are ready to rekindle their interest in Miguel after making enquires over the Valencia defender's services this week.

It appears Blues boss Avram Grant is far from convinced by Portuguese international Paulo Ferreira and Miguel is the man he wants.

Chelsea are believed to have come up short in a bid for Miguel last summer when they also failed to get Daniel Alves and eventually went for Juliano Belletti.

But the Blues have continued to track Miguel, who they have watched for the last 12 months, which is why Grant is already aware of him.

Miguel is keen to move to England and a switch to the West London giants would no doubt appeal, although Aston Villa remain keen.

Villa want a high-class right-back and Miguel has impressed Martin O'Neill - but it remains to be seen whether they could compete with Chelsea - who could also offer Ferreira as a makeweight in the deal.

Valencia could thrash out a deal for Miguel later this week as they are due to fly to England for talks with Arsenal over Lassana Diarra.

Ultimate10002000

14-01-2008, 09:33 PM

Parames slams Mourinho rumours

A representative of Jose Mourinho has angrily denied the former Chelsea manager is trying to engineer a move to Liverpool.

Mourinho has been linked with several high-profile positions since leaving Chelsea in September but Eladio Parames insists the media speculation is not of Mourinho's own making.

Reports over the past few weeks have suggested Mourinho is interested in taking over from under-fire Rafael Benitez at Liverpool should the Spaniard get the sack.

Parames said in a statement: "These are aberrant and heinous ideas.

"Some media have consistently linked Jose Mourinho's name with various clubs without, as they are ethically bound to do, trying to determine the truth of these reports."

The statement insisted that neither Mourinho nor his agent Jorge Mendes had had contact with any club regarding a possible return to management for the self-titled 'Special One'.

And Parames slammed the media for taking advantage of Benitez's current problems at Liverpool.

"It is unacceptable that the unscrupulous press uses the name of Mourinho when they try to create or profit from current controversial situations in different teams as has happened recently," he added.

Ultimate10002000

14-01-2008, 09:35 PM

Terry: New boy Nic has got it all

Chelsea captain John Terry believes his club have signed the complete centre-forward in France international Nicolas Anelka.

The much-travelled Anelka made his debut as a substitute for the Blues against Tottenham on Saturday, following his £15million move from Bolton.

Terry, currently out with a foot injury, was delighted to see the Frenchman immediately settle into Chelsea's style of play and begin to develop an understanding with his new team-mates.

"I feel we're getting everything - he gives us options," Terry said of Anelka. "He gives us pace, and that stretches teams.

"He scores great goals for every club he's been at. He has all-round quality and will be great for us."

As for Anelka's occasionally mercurial reputation, Terry is confident the 28-year-old ex-Arsenal striker is ready to come of age at Chelsea.

"He came on and got on well with everyone instantly," the England defender told Sky Sports. "He will fit in very well at our place."

Ultimate10002000

14-01-2008, 09:36 PM

Cats chasing loan deal for Sidwell

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is understood to be chasing Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

The 25-year-old has only made seven Premier League starts this season at Stamford Bridge after his summer switch from Reading.

But Sidwell will only be allowed to leave the capital on January 31 at the earliest - and the Black Cats may be forced to wait until the summer after Blues boss Avram Grant insisted on keeping Sidwell as cover during the African Nations Cup.

The tournament concludes in Ghana on February 10 and much may depend on how far Michael Essien's Ghana and John Obi Mikel's Nigeria progress in the competition.

Sidwell has failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge after his free-transfer move from Reading and he is understood to be keen to get his career back on track.

Ultimate10002000

14-01-2008, 09:37 PM

Easy to play with Drogba - Anelka

Nicolas Anelka is confident he can forge an effective partnership with Didier Drogba when the Ivory Coast ace returns to Chelsea's attack.

Chelsea spent £15million to entice Anelka from Bolton Wanderers last week to boost a strikeforce partially depleted by Drogba's participation in the African Cup of Nations.

When Drogba and compatriot Salomon Kalou are back in the squad after the tournament, the Blues will have strength in depth up front, with Claudio Pizarro and Andrei Shevchenko also available.

But, rather than provide the back-up to Drogba, Anelka believes he could form a potent partnership with the former Marseille ace.

"I think it will be easy to play with Drogba," Anelka told the club's official website. "He is a big player and I know the way he plays. I can play around him or we can play two up front.

"I think I will complement him because I feel I am a creative player.

"I don't want to just be on the pitch to score. I want to play passes, I like to do that.

"I am willing to adapt my game to make sure we are a good partnership. When he comes back it's going to be very good for us together.

"Dennis Bergkamp was very good when I played with him. I hope we could be as good together as that."

Anelka also revealed he had set his heart on a move to Stamford Bridge last month.

"I wanted to be here last month but I couldn't because of the transfer window and it was very difficult to stay focused at Bolton.

"I wanted to find a big club, a club that could challenge for the title and play in the Champions League but now I am here so I don't want to move anymore.

"I have played already in a big club so I know the expectation and the pressure," he added.

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

16-01-2008, 03:01 AM

Chelsea agree terms with Lokomotiv for Ivanovic

Chelsea have won the race to sign talented Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic.

The 23-year-old becomes Avram Grant's second signing of the transfer window following the £15million arrival of Nicolas Anelka last week.

Chelsea are understood to have paid close on £9million to Lokomotiv Moscow for the versatile player and a work permit has already been granted.

A statement from Chelsea confirmed: 'Chelsea can confirm it has agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow for the transfer of Branislav Ivanovic.

'A work permit application has also been successful for the player. The transfer is now subject to the agreement of personal terms and passing of the medical.'

Ivanovic can play anywhere in defence and won his first senior cap for Serbia and Montenegro in June 2006 in a friendly against Italy which ended 1-1.

Litmuss

16-01-2008, 04:18 AM

How come we always manage to steal a ManU target? =:p

Mayhem69

16-01-2008, 01:07 PM

How come we always manage to steal a ManU target? =:p

We got a rich daddy Roman mah

PrinCe_iL

16-01-2008, 01:33 PM

big daddy roman really playing real life Championship Manager. But honestly speaking, Chelsea has been playing very good footie recently. The 2-0 defeat of Spurs is a tough match, but think again, spurs is fast improving under Ramos man.

I just got a feel that Chelsea would be the team to lift the trophy this season. Not sure why though :D

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

16-01-2008, 04:37 PM

How come we always manage to steal a ManU target? =:p

this show that players want to join Chelsea More Than Manchester United

saycheese

16-01-2008, 04:50 PM

how come after the success of vidic at man utd every club want to get a serb?

Rappelz

16-01-2008, 05:10 PM

Ultimate10002000

17-01-2008, 08:48 PM

Nevin backing for dynamic duo

Pat Nevin believes Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could become one of the most devastating partnerships in the Premier League.

Drogba is currently away on international duty in the African Nations Cup with the Ivory Coast and so Anelka, who arrived last week for £15million from Bolton, will have to wait to link-up the striker.

But while many claim the pair are too similar in style to form a successful attacking partnership, Nevin insists they could turn out to be a lethal duo.

Nevin said: "Maybe this weekend will see Anelka's first start for Chelsea against Birmingham and hopefully his first goal as well.

"In the longer term there is the question of whether it will be Nic or Didier or both together up front.

"From the outside it doesn't look like a classic partnership, but the new boy is talking it up and it just might click.

"If it does work it could be a devastating strike force, with Salomon Kalou and Andriy Shevchenko ready to provide further options.

"Most defences struggle to cope with Drogba on his own, add Anelka's power and intelligent running in behind, along with his predatory instincts, then you start asking yourself if there are a better couple of strikers in the league?

"On top of this is the ex-Bolton man's availability for the Carling Cup semi-final against Everton next week. It was one of the first pieces of business done during the transfer window, in the end it may turn out to be the best.

"Anelka would not have been my first choice - there were too many concerns such as his supposed attitude problem, his likeness to Drogba in style, etc.

"But the moment he stepped on the field it all seemed to make sense. If ever a player has been waiting for the right club it has been Anelka.

"You cannot say he has underachieved in his career, he has had so many multi million pound moves, but for his ability he should have won more trophies and at some point been considered as one of the contenders for European Player of the Year.

"In all honesty however, to do this you have to be at a very top club. He is at one now and he knows it is now or never to show how good he really can be at a world level."

Ultimate10002000

17-01-2008, 08:49 PM

Blues win race for Lokomotiv star

Chelsea have won the race to sign highly-rated Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow.

The 23-year-old becomes Avram Grant's second signing of the transfer window following the £15million arrival of Nicolas Anelka last week.

Chelsea are understood to have paid close on £9million to Lokomotiv for the versatile player and a work permit has already been granted.

A statement from Chelsea confirmed: "Chelsea can confirm it has agreed terms with Lokomotiv Moscow for the transfer of Branislav Ivanovic.

"A work permit application has also been successful for the player. The transfer is now subject to the agreement of personal terms and passing of the medical."

Ivanovic can play anywhere in defence and won his first senior cap for Serbia and Montenegro in June 2006 in a friendly against Italy which ended 1-1.

Ultimate10002000

17-01-2008, 08:50 PM

Style v substance: The great debate

Criticising direct football seems to have become everyone's favourite pastime this season and TEAMtalk's Mark Holmes is just about sick of it.

Unless you are a supporter of Manchester United or Arsenal, you will know how it feels to have had your side's style of play criticised by a so-called football 'expert'.

A long ball is now a heinous crime, apparently, and a team really isn't worth watching if they can score a goal with less than 35 passes in the build up.

It's remarkable really as English football has long been renowned for its blood and thunder - exactly why its top division has been the world's most exciting league for so long.

An influx of foreign bosses into the Premier League has slowly changed all that, though, and tippy-tappy possession football is now seen as the only way to play.

And that has led to television pundits and newspaper column writers - who are probably still drooling over tapes of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' - regularly lambasting the 88-odd sides who don't match their idea of perfect football.

What these idiots fail to mention, of course, is that the ridiculous amount of money poured into the Premier League over the past 15 years has made it nigh on impossible for anyone outside the 'Big Four' to regularly play that flowing type of football and compete for honours.

Chelsea can afford to splash out more than £100,000 a week on regular bench warmer Michael Ballack, for example, while Arsenal's ranks boast the world's best young midfielder in Cesc Fabregas. Little wonder these two have no problem controlling games, then.

Meanwhile Portsmouth were forced to hand Arnold Mvuemba his first appearance of the season at the weekend, such is the limited depth of their squad at the moment.

Pompey fans know better than most what it is like to have your side's style of play roundly barracked by the media and I am sure they will tell you there is nothing more annoying or patronising.

There was no better example than their credible 0-0 draw with Arsenal earlier this season when even Wenger had a pop, hitting out at the south coast side's 'lack of ambition' during the game.

But if Pompey tried to match the Gunners' expansive passing game, they would have been ripped to shreds - and so would other functional Premier League sides such as Bolton, Blackburn and Reading.

The only chance these sides stand of nicking a result from one of the big teams is by being fitter, stronger and quicker than their opposition. These are certainly attributes Harry Redknapp looks for in his players and that is exactly why his side could well nick a European spot in May.

The funny thing is, Jose Mourinho built his Chelsea side around the very same qualities during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge. And United are the kings of the counter attack - in fact the only difference between them and Pompey is the millions of pounds more they have spent on attacking talent.

But much of the top-four obsessed media can not recognise this and irrespective of good or bad results, they will continue to lambast the Pompeys, Boltons and Blackburns of this world for playing what they call 'anti-football'.

And God forbid the poor souls have to sit through some of that Championship rubbish. I mean, is that even football?

Only on Tuesday, I read an article on a national newspaper's website describing the league as "not very good". Well blow me down. Colchester worse than Liverpool? Barnsley inferior to Chelsea? I'd never have guessed.

The media's coverage of the league is nothing short of a disgrace to be honest and the article I read was a fine example of completely missing the point.

The author basically said the direct style of football used by many Championship sides will get them nowhere in the top league, citing Watford as the perfect example.

But the Hornets did not go down because of their style of play, they went down because there was not enough Premier League-quality in their side. Likewise with Derby this season.

The author outlined West Brazil... sorry Brom, as a team that could cause a stir among the big boys, so good is their football. Now I won't deny the Baggies play some nice stuff, but they couldn't hope to get away with it in the Premier League - no team from the Championship could.

West Brom can comfortably out-pass the likes of Sheffield United, Norwich and Scunthorpe but anyone who thinks they could pass their way to wins at the Emirates or Old Trafford is seriously mistaken.

The top sides will continue to shell out for world-class players and they will continue to produce world-class football to keep the pundits happy. The chasing pack will do whatever they can to pick up results, and I dare say there will be some backs-to-the-wall displays along the way.

But if I hear one more 'expert' criticise a side for sitting back, going one up front, or wasting time in the last 10 minutes, I think I'll pull my hair out. Unless something changes at the top, money will make the gap between the top four and those below grow even bigger and we will never get a league where every side tries to play the Arsenal way.

And as for that bloomin' rubbish in the Championship. Well the media don't have to worry about that, do they?

Ultimate10002000

17-01-2008, 08:50 PM

Drogba dreaming of Barca switch

Wantaway Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has urged Barcelona to "get their chequebook out" after revealing his dream of partnering Samuel Eto'o.

Nicolas Anelka's £15million arrival at Stamford Bridge has cast doubts over the long-term future of Drogba at Chelsea.

And Barcelona are believed to be admirers of Drogba, who is currently preparing for the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, after the forward hinted could be interested in a move to Spain.

But Drogba, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, recognises that Barca would have to pay top price to gain his services.

"Any striker in my situation would say they'd be really happy to get the chance to play alongside Samuel," Drogba told the Daily Express.

"I don't see why it should not happen. It would be something exceptional. But Barcelona would need to get their chequebook out to make it happen.

"The things I love about Samuel are his pace, his instinct for goals, his running and simply the fact he is indispensable to Barcelona."

Cameroon international Eto'o has also confessed an interest in striking up a partnership with Drogba and has revealed he nearly moved to Chelsea after holding secret talks with former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

"I don't see why both of us can't play for the same side," Eto'o added. "Just imagine what a team containing Didier and me would be like.

"I came to London to meet Mourinho in a hotel. We had a good, long discussion but we did not manage to reach an agreement.

"There are sometimes things that you can't explain too much. It was a while ago. But Didier was aware of everything that went on."

Ultimate10002000

17-01-2008, 08:51 PM

Ivanovic seals Chelsea switch

Branislav Ivanovic completed his dream move to Chelsea on Wednesday after agreeing a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League giants.

The Lokomotiv Moscow defender is coach Avram Grant's second January signing following the arrival of Nicolas Anelka from Bolton last week for £15million.

Chelsea are thought to have paid around £9million for the 23-year-old Serbia international, who is relishing the chance to play in the English top-flight with the Blues.

He said: "It's the dream of every footballer to want to move on and improve yourself - and the ultimate is to play for such a big team as this."

Ivanovic is a versatile addition to Chelsea's squad as he can play right back, centre back or as defensive midfielder.

The defender's arrival will renew speculation that Tal Ben-Haim will be leaving Chelsea with Tottenham now favourites to land the player.

Ben-Haim joined Chelsea last summer but has so far failed to shine during his time at the club.

Chelsea have often looked most vulnerable when Ben-Haim has been involved in the centre of defence and his tactical awareness at the top level has been found wanting on a number of occasions.

Tottenham coach Juande Ramos is determined to strengthen a defence that has leaked goals all season.

Ramos has been boosted by the return to fitness of captain Ledley King but the form of Michael Dawson has been inconsistent and the Spurs coach wants to eradicate the weaknesses in his rearguard.

Ben-Haim would cost around £8 million and his sale would allow Chelsea to recoup almost the entire fee paid for Ivanovic.

Ivanovic's signing is another clever piece of business by Grant. The defender began his career in Serbia with Sremska Mitrovica before moving to Belgrade to play for OFK Beograd where he remained for three seasons.

He signed for Lokomotiv in the summer of 2006 and appeared for the Russian side in this season's UEFA Cup.

A star of Serbia's under-21 side in both the 2006 and 2007 European Championships, Ivanovic was voted into last summer's UEFA team of the tournament, and has successfully graduated into a regular for the full national side.

He made his full debut in June 2006, and is now a regular in the Serbian line-up alongside Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic. He has nine caps and has scored once.

Ultimate10002000

19-01-2008, 09:04 PM

Chelsea fined over Derby disgrace

Chelsea have been fined £40,000 by the FA over the behaviour of their players in the match against Derby at Pride Park in November.

The penalty was issued at a Regulatory Commission hearing this morning when the Blues admitted a charge of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.

Chelsea were brought to book by the FA as a result of their players' behaviour towards referee Andre Marriner.

Avram Grant's side were leading the Rams 2-0 when midfielder Michael Essien was dismissed by Marriner for apparently aiming an elbow at County striker Kenny Miller in injury-time.

The red card received by the Ghanaian provoked an angry response from some of the Blues players and led to today's ruling.

Ultimate10002000

19-01-2008, 09:05 PM

Nic knocks down 'sulky' jibes

Chelsea's new £15million striker Nicolas Anelka insists his reputation as 'Le Sulk' is completely unjustified

The Blues' signing from Bolton has often been branded 'a loner' and 'a sulker' during a career representing Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, Liverpool, Manchester City and Fenerbahce.

But Anelka says that such a moniker is unfounded and his team-mates would never accuse him of being moody.

"I never said or did something wrong in my career so what people say is wrong," said the France striker.

"People say that because they don't know me and if you ask a player I played with at Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Bolton, they won't say anything wrong about me. Nothing has changed but I am not younger any more.

"Sometimes you are happy when you play football and sometimes you are not happy. Maybe some people saw me when I was not happy but no, I don't think it is fair."

The French striker now believes he has the maturity to handle being at a big club and insists he never gave up hope of playing Champions League football again.

He added: "I know everything about a big club. Before it was a little bit difficult because I was young, but now because a lot of things have happened in my life, I can handle it.

"I never gave up. I tried my best when I was on the pitch. I did it for City and for Bolton, Liverpool as well, it was difficult but I never gave up. Now I am here."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claims Anelka wanted to return to the club last summer and that his heart 'belongs' with the north London club.

But Anelka insists his heart is now with Chelsea even though he enjoyed his time at Arsenal.

Anelka maintained: "I like Arsenal, I had a great time in Arsenal. I was also in Bolton and when I had the chance to sign for Chelsea, it was a great opportunity for me. I never look behind at what has happened in the past.

"Of course I was happy at Arsenal but today I am looking forward and happy to be at Chelsea.

"Arsenal was in the past and it is was good, but it is in the past. It is a good team and a big club. I am happy to be here now. We are still in the race to win everything with Chelsea and I will try to do it.

"We still have a lot of games and we will see in the end if we win something. I am 100% for Chelsea.

"It is a big club with big players and if the manager gives me the chance to play, I will play and try to do my best. If I have to start on the bench, I will do the same. I knew this before I signed. I am just happy to be here."

Anelka cannot wait to team up with Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba who is currently away on international duty at the African Nations Cup.

Anelka added: "It is not very difficult to play with him. He can do everything and he is clever and can play with his back to the goal. I like this kind of striker. I can turn around him and give him some good balls to score."

Ultimate10002000

19-01-2008, 09:07 PM

O'Connor lauds old mate Ivanovic

Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor is tipping new Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic to be "a big star" in the Premier League.

O'Connor knows first hand about Ivanovic's qualities from their time together at Lokomotiv Moscow.

The Scottish international moved to Blues for £2.65million in the summer and is surprised it has taken Ivanovic until now to join him in the top flight via a £9million move earlier this week.

O'Connor, whose side take on Chelsea at St Andrews on Saturday, said: "Branislav is a fantastic player.

"He is a young boy, 23, but I always knew he would end up in a world class game.

"I think he will be suited to this league. He is an athlete, is strong and powerful and he can play with the ball.

"He has got everything in his game. He is a really good player and its been a really good capture by Chelsea to get him.

"I think he will take his chance with both hands and it is a fantastic opportunity for him to come to Chelsea and play in the best league in the world. I am sure he will take it in his stride.

"He is a confident lad and I am just glad he is here in England. He can be a big star over here.

"I think his best position is right-back. He was a fantastic player for Lokomotiv. I am not sure why it never happened earlier, his move, but he will come to England and be a positive signing for Chelsea."

O'Connor is enjoying his longest run of first-team action at City - three games to date - and has taken his chance with goals against Huddersfield in the FA Cup and Arsenal despite not playing as an out and out striker.

He said: "I have been asked to play a little bit out of position.

"It is a little bit familiar in that it happened with Alex (McLeish) and myself with Scotland. He thinks I can play in behind the striker at the moment.

"But I am just glad to be in the team and playing football. I managed to get a couple of goals which has helped my confidence. I am just glad to be part of the squad and can hopefully pay off what the club bought me for.

"I've had to be patient and hopefully when your time comes along you can take it with both hands. That's what I've tried to do."

Ultimate10002000

19-01-2008, 09:07 PM

Grant gives weary Blues a break

Chelsea coach Avram Grant believes his side will be in top condition against Birmingham after giving his squad a few days' complete rest.

Chelsea's players recharged their batteries after being given time off for the first time since early December.

They face Birmingham on Saturday before the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final against Everton next Wednesday and the rest period could not have come at a better time for Grant's men.

The former Israel coach said: "The week has been useful for the players because there has been a lot of pressure on a very small group of players.

"They needed to play many games and we play at a high tempo, so it was good for them to take a few days off and then we could make training more intensive than it has been."

Chelsea have lost four of their top players to the African Nations Cup and are still without captain John Terry and striker Andriy Shevchenko. The Birmingham game could also come too early for midfielder Frank Lampard.

Grant added: "We are still missing a lot of players even now. This is the reason we need to respect what these players are doing.

"There is a lot of pressure on them, especially physically, and they did well. All the players who have come back from injury have done well also."

Chelsea could hand starting places to new signings Nicolas Anelka and Branislav Ivanovic against a new look Birmingham.

City boss Alex McLeish signed full-back David Murphy from Hibs and winger James McFadden from Everton on Friday.

But Grant played down the effect the new arrivals would have on his plans.

Grant added: "We play tactically, of course, but first we are thinking about our team and how we play. Of course we know how Birmingham play and their tactics.

"They drew at Arsenal, they only just lost by one goal at Manchester United this month, and even against us at Stamford Bridge, they only lost 3-2 - so it will be a tough game."

Chelsea's last game outside London was at Blackburn before Christmas and since Grant took charge in September, they have won six of their eight league matches away from home.

"We also put in good performances at home now," added Grant. "Before we had a problem because other teams came to defend and as always, everybody plays against Chelsea with high spirit. But I hope we will continue away from home like this because we need to continue to get good results."

Central defender Ricardo Carvalho believes their visit to St Andrews will not be an easy fixture, despite Chelsea being unbeaten there in top flight football since 1974.

The Portuguese defender is prepared for a tough game against the side that took a point out of their recent meeting at the Emirates with then league leaders Arsenal.

Carvalho said: "Even when it was against us at Stamford Bridge it was a difficult game.

"We won 3-2 and they scored twice, they like to play, they like to go forward. They are very compact and at home it is always difficult to play against them."

He is also looking forward to playing alongside new signing Ivanovic while Anelka will be hoping for his first start after a promising substitute appearance against Spurs.

Carvalho added: "We needed some players to come in; they are good players as well.

"I know Anelka very well because he has been playing here in England and he's a great striker and the defender, Ivanovic, is a great defender. He is young and I think it is important for him to come here as well.

"He can learn from playing in one of the best leagues in the world and also it is important for us because we have four players missing through the African Cup and there are some injured players as well."

Ultimate10002000

19-01-2008, 09:09 PM

Anelka vows to make Drogba stay

Chelsea new boy Nicolas Anelka intends to make every effort to get Didier Drogba to stay at Stamford Bridge as "it is hard outside of England."

Drogba's future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain following the departure of Jose Mourinho in September.

The striker made his desire to leave the club very public in a France Football magazine interview earlier this season, but Anelka claims he would be foolish to quit.

Drogba later regretted making his remarks public and reaffirmed his commitment to Chelsea but rumours continue to circulate that he will leave at the end of the season.

The striker is currently away on international duty in the African Nations Cup but Anelka intends to persuade him to stay when he returns.

Anelka said: "I think when he comes back I will speak with him because he doesn't know anything about what happens when you leave England.

"I know because I did it and I know when I was outside of England and the Premier League it was hard. I would tell him to stay because he will not find what he has at Chelsea and in England anywhere else.

"I spoke with him yesterday and I told him I'm looking forward to playing with him. I don't know what he thinks about his future but I will tell him to stay and we can be good together.

"I did it before, I know what happened in my life. I will speak to him and try to explain what happens when you leave.

"He is a big star in England and a big star in Chelsea and everybody loves him. It's up to him if he decides to leave - what can you do? - but I will tell him not to."

Anelka believes the timing would be wrong if Drogba decided to leave.

"He's 29 I think and if he wants to come back it's going to be very difficult. I did it when I was 20 so I could come back," he said.

"He's nearly 30, so if he signs somewhere and he regrets it, it's very difficult to come back.

"I don't regret leaving Arsenal, I knew what I had to do. When Real Madrid come to you, it's difficult to say no.

"You never know what will happen in your future. I did what I had to do and I'm just happy because I won the Champions League. I have no regrets. Life is like that."

Anelka was branded 'Le Sulk' earlier in his career for his moody persona but the former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Fenerbahce and Bolton player insists the tag was unjust.

Anelka added: "It was more outside of football than football. People were talking about my character.

"I think it was wrong because if you ask all the players I played with they would never say anything wrong about me.

"I don't like to speak too much. Maybe people thought it was arrogance or something but I was very young and couldn't speak good English so it was very difficult for me.

"I knew I couldn't stay very long in Spain. You can't do anything. You drive, people recognise you, you go to a restaurant and you have paparazzi outside. I prefer the life in England.

"In Spain it was hard outside the pitch so I couldn't play well on it. I knew I couldn't stay any longer.

"In England it's different. I like England and I like the way players live their life here. When I'm happy outside I'm happy in my football."

Ultimate10002000

19-01-2008, 09:09 PM

Blues wait on Lampard fitness

Chelsea are waiting on the fitness of midfielder Frank Lampard ahead of Saturday's clash with Birmingham at St Andrews.

Lampard has been out of action with a thigh problem but is back in training and could be available for the trip to the Midlands.

Captain John Terry is still out with a fractured foot along with Andriy Shevchenko (ankle) while John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba are away on international duty in the African Nations Cup.

New signings Branislav Ivanovic and Nicolas Anelka are hoping to make their first starts for Blues.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Ben-Haim, Carvalho, Ivanovic, A Cole, Bridge, J Cole, Sidwell, Wright-Phillips, Malouda, Pizarro, Anelka, Ballack, Sinclair, Makelele.

enriqueyang

20-01-2008, 02:04 AM

chelsea should have won for more than 2 goals... but credit to their nv say die attitude, they church out the win in the difficult match...

and yet again.. peter csech, gk of his class should NOT make such a mistake... next time it might cost the match already...

Ultimate10002000

21-01-2008, 08:25 PM

Sub Claudio earns points for Blues

Substitute Claudio Pizarro kept Chelsea's Premier League title hopes alive with a late goal in a 1-0 win over Birmingham at St Andrews.

The Peru international's only other goal for Blues since his summer move from Bayern Munich had been on the opening day of the season against the same opposition.

He struck 11 minutes from time to earn Avram Grant's side a fourth successive win despite again being decimated by injuries and African Nations Cup call-ups.

Chelsea seldom fired on all cylinders despite having more of the possession but would have been pleased with the contribution made on his full debut by £15million capture Nicolas Anelka.

Alex McLeish's side gave a performance as committed as the one which had seen them share the spoils with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend with skipper Damien Johnson impressive in the middle of the park.

But the former Scotland boss must be concerned by the number of goals his side concede from set pieces as Pizarro was first to react for the winner to a corner from Juliano Belletti.

Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips needed early treatment after landing awkwardly on an ankle following an aerial challenge with Johnson and he eventually was replaced by Pizarro.

Chelsea enjoyed the bulk of the possession for the majority of the opening 45 minutes with Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda impressive.

Birmingham midfielder Fabrice Muamba became the first player to be yellow carded after 11 minutes for a mis-timed challenge on Ricardo Carvalho.

Ballack was over-ambitious in going for goal from fully 40 yards out after Sebastian Larsson fouled Ashley Cole and the ball dribbled through to home goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

City were on the back foot for the majority of the time and full-back Stephen Kelly got an important touch on a fiercely driven free-kick by Ballack across the face of goal.

Birmingham were finding space on occasions in behind the two Chelsea full-backs on the counter-attack but could not take advantage of the situations with the final ball letting them down.

But Cameron Jerome could have put Birmingham ahead after 38 minutes after a blunder by Cech.

Cech made a mess of his clearance which flew at pace towards Jerome and his instinctive header from 18 yards out hit the outside of the post.

Birmingham started to build up some momentum towards the interval and Jerome was twice more denied by blocks in front of goal from Cole and Alex.

Chelsea seemed rattled and unsettled by the aggressive approach of Alex McLeish's side, who left the pitch at half time to a standing ovation.

Anelka gave a glimpse of his class when dummying Johnson but he dragged his 20-yard shot wide.

Birmingham were now having almost as much of the possession as the visitors and a half volley from Larsson was not too far off target.

The Swedish international then saw a low cross from Kapo bobble off his leg and wide after it had taken a slight deflection off Cech.

Kapo was an increasing influence and one deft pass played in Jerome whose shot was blocked by Cech, although the City striker had strayed marginally offside.

Chelsea created their best opening to date after 68 minutes when Malouda played in Anelka who found himself with only Taylor to beat.

But Rafael Schmitz got across just to make a vital touch on his eventual shot and Taylor was able to make the block.

McLeish made a double substitution after 73 minutes with the injured Jerome and O'Connor replaced by newcomer McFadden and Mikael Forssell.

And McFadden was soon in the thick of the action, forcing Cech to beat away his low drive.

But with 11 minutes left all the home side's hard work was undone as Pizarro headed in Belletti's corner despite the efforts on the line of Larsson to keep the ball out.

Ultimate10002000

21-01-2008, 08:27 PM

Pizarro will come good - Cole

Joe Cole is confident Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro will have a big impact during the second half of the season

The Peru international, signed from Bayern Munich in the summer, opened his golascoring account on the opening day of the campaign in the 3-2 win over Birmingham at Stamford Bridge.

But he had to wait until the return meeting with City at St Andrews on Saturday to double his league tally with a late headed winner from Juliano Belletti's corner.

It kept Avram Grant's side on the heels of Manchester United and Arsenal and they have now collected 16 points from their last six games.

Cole said: "I'm so glad for Pizzo (Pizarro). He needed that goal. I'm pleased for him and he deserves it because he has been working hard.

"I am pleased because he is a great player. That will give him a lift. Pizzo is a top international player. He has played for Bayern Munich for years and years so we know what he can do.

"It does take time sometimes to adjust when you come into the Premier League. He has good qualities which are different to the other strikers we've got.

"He is a bit like Eidur Gudjohnsen in some respects but he gives us options. Hopefully he will kick on now. I am sure he will. No one is questioning him. He is a great player."

Cole was honest enough to admit Chelsea were fortunate to have collected all three points against Birmingham, but praised the resilience of the side in the face of several injuries and players being on African Nations Cup duty.

He said: "It was a really tough game. We didn't play well in the first half but I thought in the second half we did enough to win the game.

"We were our own worst enemy at times. We were making a lot of mistakes which is not like us.

"I think we got away with it a little bit and we need to play better but a great goal by Pizzo plus great resilience meant we got the three points which is what matters.

"We'd played well the previous two games. Maybe a bit of complacency crept in and we got away with it. We will be looking for a better performance against Everton in mid-week (in the Carling Cup)."

Cole also had words of consolation for Birmingham and believes there is enough quality in their side to escape relegation.

He added: "Alex McLeish has got them very well organised. We had a couple of counter-attacks and Maik Taylor made a couple of saves but we needed a set piece to settle it.

"I would back Birmingham to stay up. They have got enough, especially with the players they have brought in. James McFadden is going to score goals. Their boys upfront are a handful. I'm backing them to stay in the league."

Ultimate10002000

21-01-2008, 08:28 PM

Grant happy with late Pizarro delivery

Avram Grant praised the patience shown by his team before a late goal from substitute Claudio Pizarro earned Chelsea a 1-0 win at Birmingham.

Grant was aware that Alex McLeish's side had drawn at Arsenal and only been beaten by a single goal at Manchester United.

And the Blues had to overcome a dogged and determined performance from the home side before Pizarro headed in a 79th-minute corner from Juliano Belletti.

Grant said: "Although the goal came late, we had the majority of the possession except for the 10 minutes at the end of the first half.

"We didn't create so many chances but still had two or three opportunities before we broke through.

"Birmingham played with a lot of spirit and determination and fought very well but we deserved the win.

"We were aware that Birmingham had picked up points against Liverpool and Arsenal this season and it was very important to win here. They had only lost 1-0 at Manchester United.

"It is very difficult to play against them. They know how to defend and make good counterattacks so you need to be patient against them.

"We were patient because in these games you don't get many chances - especially against them at their place."

Grant was pleased to see Pizarro score his first league goal since netting in the 3-2 win over Birmingham on the opening day of the campaign.

He said: "It was one of his best games. He did a very good job for us and deserved the goal. It was well taken."

Grant believes his side already have the momentum to mount a title challenge despite missing half a dozen players through injury and being on African Cup of Nations duty.

He said: "We have got momentum. We have won so many games in the last three months. Nobody thought these players would do it but we have carried on winning.

"We are waiting to get players back from injury and international duty but we are doing fine."

The only downside for Chelsea was a first half ankle injury to winger Shaun Wright-Phillips which could make him doubtful for the midweek Carling Cup second leg clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

Grant said: "It is not looking good but we will wait and see how things are. Shaun was very good last week against Tottenham and we are used to losing players who are in good form. We want him back as soon as possible."

McLeish felt his side deserved a share of the spoils but again bemoaned his side's failure to deal with a set-piece which led to the goal from Pizarro.

The former Scotland boss said: "We feel hard done by. But we can't feel sorry for ourselves. It was a great performance and the reaction of the fans at the end said it all.

"There is no doubt that we have rattled Chelsea. But at the end of the day we have nothing to show for our efforts. We haven't done our job in terms of man-marking in the box for the goal.

"We got punished again. Pizarro did the damage after a great delivery for the corner from Belletti.

"We have worked on set-pieces at both ends of the pitch since I came here and now we will have a look again. Again we saw the importance of what can happen if you get the right delivery into the area."

McLeish is refusing to comment on transfer speculation although it is understood Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras could be the next new addition at St Andrews next week.

But of equal concern is the centre of defence and midfield where City would be stretched should they pick up a couple of injuries or suspensions.

McLeish said: "We are looking at people and we hope to try and bring a couple in in the next couple of weeks. My policy is to say nothing until a deal is done.

"But I am trying to get a couple in. We have strengthened the forward line but we still need players in midfield and the centre of defence."

Ultimate10002000

21-01-2008, 08:29 PM

Ivanovic out to emulate Vidic

New Chelsea signing Branislav Ivanovic is hoping he can repeat the impact made on the Premier League by his Serbian compatriot Nemanja Vidic.

The 23-year-old signed for the Blues last week from Lokomotiv Moscow in a deal worth just under £10million.

He told Serbian TV B92: "My first impressions are fascinating.

"I haven't seen much but everything until now is just phenomenal."

Vidic has made a huge impression at Manchester United since he moved from Russian football, and Ivanovic is hoping to take something from his experiences.

"I haven't spoken to Nemanja Vidic in recent days, but he managed to explain to me several things from before," he said.

"He warned me that I am facing a very difficult start, but as time goes by, it should become more easy.

"I have a period of adaptation in front of me that I must pass as quick as possible."

Ivanovic's first hurdle is to get up to match fitness as the Russian season finished in November.

He said: "I haven't trained with a team for a month, but I have worked regularly by myself. That's why I am not in full shape, so I would need to wait some time."

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:32 PM

Cole shrugs off miserable memories

Joe Cole insists Chelsea will not be haunted by "miserable" Merseyside memories when they travel to Everton in the Carling Cup semi-final.

The cup holders have been rocked by the news that long-term injury victim Frank Lampard has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh problem and will not be available.

Coach Avram Grant had hoped Lampard would be fit enough to face the Toffees but he has torn his thigh muscle again in training and now faces a further two-week lay off.

Chelsea, already without four players on African Nations Cup duty as well as injured captain John Terry and striker Andriy Shevchenko, take a one-goal advantage to Merseyside after edging the first leg 2-1.

But despite the missing stars, Cole believes they still have the ability and the desire to shake off their disappointing Merseyside past and reach Wembley.

The England midfielder featured in two of the most depressing nights in the club's recent history when they lost out to Liverpool in the semi-finals of the Champions League on two occasions.

Cole said: "We have had miserable trips back from the city but Everton are a different club so you cannot put them in the same bracket.

"Going to Goodison with a result changes the way they have to play and might give us more space up there where it is notoriously hard to get the ball down."

Grant knows it will be a difficult game against an Everton side just one place behind them in the Premier League.

The Israeli confirmed that while Lampard would be missing, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who injured his ankle against Birmingham at the weekend, could be fit.

Grant said: "All I can say about Frank's injury is that he is not available for the moment but we hope he will be as soon as possible. It is a little bit more complicated than we thought.

"But I think he will be back soon. He has torn his thigh muscle for a second time and I think it could be between a few days or two weeks from now.

"Not all the players have been 100% fit for the last few games but the squad is very short. Everybody, including Shaun, is doing everything they can to play, but it is good news he is out there."

But Grant insisted his side would not abandon their attacking style in favour of defending their slender lead as they bid to reach the final for a second successive year.

He added: "I don't believe in doing that. If you go to only defend then you can make a mistake and lose the game because of it.

"It is not our style of game over the last three months. I don't think you can play totally different for just one game. It is not the nature of the team.

"We will not change our system and our style of play will be the same we play at home. I believe Everton feel more comfortable to play at home but for us it is the same."

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:33 PM

Grant: Everton 'not used' to trophies

Avram Grant has risked the wrath of Carling Cup semi-final opponents Everton by claiming they are a side "not used to taking trophies".

Grant on Tuesday insisted that the Carling Cup was low on his priorities but although he believes the focus on the Premier League and Champions League does not put the Blues at a disadvantage when the sides meet tonight, he says the competition means more to the Toffees.

Grant previously managed Israeli side Hapoel Petah Tikva, winning a domestic cup in 1990, and believes that helps him understand the motivation of David Moyes' side.

"I don't think it will give them an advantage, but I understand clubs that do not take a trophy for a long time.

"My first senior trophy was the Toto Cup in 1990, it was the equivalent of the Carling Cup. This is the reason I understand a team like Everton, who are not used to taking trophies.

"We were a very small club - we didn't have a budget for the tea."

Grant's side won the first leg 2-1 at Stamford Bridge and the winner of the tie will meet Tottenham in the final after Juande Ramos' side thrashed Arsenal 5-1.

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:34 PM

Cole thrilled to book final place

Chelsea hero Joe Cole was delighted to secure a place in the Carling Cup final with victory at Everton.

Cole's second-half strike sealed a 1-0 win at Goodison Park and 3-1 aggregate success, setting up a London derby with Tottenham in the final at Wembley on February 24.

"It's great, it's a great competition and a great chance to win a trophy. We're delighted," Cole told Sky Sports 1.

"Everton are a top side, all credit to them, they always give us a great game but we wanted to win and we showed that.

"We've been on the end of a few bad semi-final experiences in Liverpool but it will be a nice flight home tonight. It was a good performance."

Chelsea had been under pressure before Cole converted Florent Malouda's superb long pass and the England midfielder added: "We needed it, we were under a lot of pressure.

"We stick together from back to front. Everyone defends and attacks together."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant paid tribute to his squad, which has been ravaged by injuries and the loss of players on African Nations Cup duty.

"It's a big test of character and the players are doing a great job," Grant said on Sky Sports.

"I said we had a good squad. What they did today and in the last month was amazing.

"I'm excited to win any game. This competition is not a major competition but any trophy we can take we will do everything we can."

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:35 PM

Cole strikes to end Everton hopes

Joe Cole's goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison to secure their place in the Carling Cup final against Tottenham next month.

The holders out-played the Merseysiders, who just could not find a way to cancel out Chelsea's one-goal lead from the first leg.

This semi-final second leg was a clinical exercise for Avram Grant's side. He may have said pre-match that the tournament did not mean much to him, but it certainly does to his players.

Everton boss David Moyes' side flirted with a first Wembley final in 13 years.

But the tie slowly stretched away from them, and Cole's 69th-minute goal ended any hope of Everton reaching their dream. It will now be Chelsea who will face Tottenham at Wembley on February 24.

Everton trio Leon Osman, Manuel Fernandes and Andrew Johnson all passed late fitness tests.

For Chelsea, Shaun Wright-Phillips recovered from an ankle injury to play, while Steve Sidwell came into the side in midfield, with Wayne Bridge replacing Ashley Cole in defence.

Goodison Park was rocking as Everton sought to reach their first final in 13 years, but the stadium was not full, Chelsea having sent back 2,000 tickets.

It was the Londoners who had the first two chances, Alex firing a free-kick into the wall and Wright-Phillips seeing a 15-yarder deflected wide.

But after nine minutes it needed a fine Petr Cech save to his left to keep out a Joleon Lescott header from Mikel Arteta's corner, Everton getting themselves into the game in areas that mattered.

Chelsea were happy to defend deep, with just Nicolas Anelka up front, as they soaked up Everton's growing pressure.

Lee Carsley was booked for a high tackle on at Wright-Phillips, with Chelsea beginning to ask questions up front and in midfield.

Anelka, not cup-tied despite only being signed from Bolton between the two legs of this semi-final, tested Tim Howard with a low drive after 28 minutes.

And Florent Malouda skied a good opportunity over the bar from 12 yards after fine work by Juliano Belletti on the right after 34 minutes.

Everton had struggled for clear chances, but Arteta's clever pass gave Johnson the opening for a right-footer, which deflected just wide off Alex. And Chelsea reached the break comfortably in control.

Chelsea almost stunned Everton within a minute of the second-half starting when Anelka found space in the box for a shot that was deflected onto the bar by Phil Jagielka.

Wright-Phillips fired wide from outside the box and then was denied by Lescott's boot in the box, Chelsea intent on grabbing the goal that would virtually kill off the tie.

Everton needed to raise their game to unsettle Chelsea, and slowly they started to achieve that. And Phil Neville saw a fierce effort blocked by Cech before Jagielka's close-range back-heel was turned away by the Chelsea keeper.

Claude Makelele was booked for not retreating 10 yards from a free-kick, Everton desperately trying to get their aerial game going.

But as Everton pressed, Chelsea struck from deep after 69 minutes. Malouda's long ball from the left found Joe Cole, and his clinical right-foot finished saw Chelsea ahead on the night.

Before the re-start Everton sent on Victor Anichebe up front, sacrificing Lee Carsley, but surely by now the damage had been done.

Fernandes was booked for dissent, and then Belletti for a foul, tempers becoming frayed with Everton more frustrated by the minute.

Moyes then sent on James Vaughan for Fernandes, one last desperate throw of the dice. Nuno Valente, Tim Cahill and Neville were soon in referee Steve Bennett's book, the bitter disappointment of a lost Wembley dream so evident now.

After 82 minutes Claudio Pizarro came on for Cole, Chelsea now content to run down the clock and take their spot at Wembley.

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:36 PM

Cech's the daddy for Blues boss

Avram Grant hailed the match-winning performance of Petr Cech on Wednesday, which came just hours after the Chelsea goalkeeper became a father.

Cech was the star of Chelsea's Carling Cup semi-final success over Everton at Goodison Park.

The Czech Republic international's wife Martina - back home in Prague - gave birth to a baby girl, Adela, in the early hours of Wednesday morning as the Blues star was asleep in the team hotel.

Grant said: "He did not make a mistake, and is certainly amongst the best in the world.

"He had a long night awake, talking to his family on the phone back home in Prague. He was delighted with his new baby and overjoyed for his wife.

"And after all that emotion he was able to play a game like that to get Chelsea to Wembley."

Defender Ricardo Carvalho also praised Cech, who produced four outstanding saves to keep Everton at bay to ensure Chelsea won the second leg of the tie 1-0 and progressed 3-1 on aggregate. They will now face Tottenham in the final on February 24.

Carvalho said: "Petr was magnificent. He kept a clean sheet, produced some outstanding saves and he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He proved that at Goodison Park."

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:37 PM

Grant: Chelsea deserve respect

Chelsea boss Avram Grant hailed the consistency and quality of his side after they reached their third Carling Cup final in four years.

The holders completed a 3-1 aggregate win over Everton, with Joe Cole scoring the crucial goal that secured a 1-0 second-leg victory at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

Chelsea now face Tottenham at Wembley on February 24 in the final, Grant's first as boss of the Stamford Bridge club since taking over from Jose Mourinho last autumn.

Grant said: "Everybody has to respect what Chelsea have been doing in the last few months. We are winning a lot of games, not just in the league but in the Champions League and the cups.

"It is not easy, we have been without lots of players. People thought we would not succeed as much as before, but we are now in a Wembley final, we are four points off top spot in the league and in the next round of the Champions League. I am happy.

"We are in a very good position in everything. We will do everything to win every game. You can see how we have fought against Everton twice and Liverpool in the Carling Cup and we are now in the final."

And Grant questioned the interpretation of his words pre-match when he was reported as saying he was not bothered about the competition.

He said: "I want to win every game, even a friendly, despite what has been said about me. I take everything seriously at Chelsea.

"I did not imagine we would have so many injuries, while losing players to the African Nations Cup. We could have brought in a lot of new players, but decided not to.

"I do not remember having so many players missing but others play so well in their place.

"Do not compare me with Mourinho, or any other coach, we will do everything to win a trophy and I believe we have played well and impressed throughout the last few months.

"The final will be tough, Tottenham are a very good team. But then so are Everton and we have beaten them.

"It is a big challenge at this club, and winning through to as final gives me great satisfaction."

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:39 PM

Cech delighted with rare double

Petr Cech happily relived the "best day" of his life after he became a father for the first time and took Chelsea to a Wembley cup final.

The giant Czech Republic goalkeeper produced a stunning display to break the hearts of Everton in Wednesday night's Carling Cup semi-final second leg at Goodison Park.

That was even more remarkable given the 25-year-old had barely enjoyed a wink of sleep the night before as he waited anxiously in the team hotel for news of the birth of his new baby daughter back home in Prague.

And after Chelsea's 1-0 win - to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Toffees and set up a final against London rivals Tottenham at Wembley on February 24 - Cech dedicated the triumph to his wife Martina and new daughter Adela.

Cech said: "My last 24 hours have been unbelievable. Ahead of the game I was asleep well before midnight, but then I got a call from my wife at 1.00am to tell me the baby was coming.

"From that moment until the morning I was awake, I was kept informed of how my wife was doing, when the baby was born and then there were many phone calls from my family.

"I was concerned that my wife was okay, and then I realised it was 7.30 in the morning.

"Then I realised I had an important game so I tried to get some sleep. But with all my emotions it was hard to sleep, I could not rest and if I got three hours sleep it was a lot."

He added: "I was so proud of my wife. I really wanted to play in the game with Everton, I had lots of emotions during the game, we were playing well, everything was going fine, we scored a good goal and we won.

"I kept a clean sheet, and played a good game, it is one of the best days of my life.

"I dedicate the game and victory to my new daughter but especially to my wife because she did all the hard work.

"I would have wanted to be there. I had a plane waiting, but at that time of night it was impossible to fly out to Prague. I was just left sitting in my room knowing I could not help, or aware what was really going on.

"But everything was okay and I am really happy. The victory was just the perfect ending to the day."

Chelsea, who beat Arsenal in Cardiff last season to win the trophy for the second time in three seasons, completed the aggregate win over Everton thanks to a killer late goal from Joe Cole.

Cech said: "We want to keep the trophy and we have deserved to win the tie. We give great credit to Everton because they worked so hard, but we were really good in both legs.

"Everton is a difficult place. They have a quality squad and they throw everything at you.

"They were searching for the one goal to get them level, they were hoping for chances and good luck and giving everything.

"But we did a great job in defence, we stuck together and played well. We kept control of the ball in difficult moments and at the end we scored a fine goal to kill them off.

"We have already played at Wembley when we won the FA Cup last season, so it will be great to go back there to face Tottenham in this final.

"It will be a great occasion. The rivalry between Chelsea and Spurs is huge, and we will all be looking forward to it."

Ultimate10002000

25-01-2008, 09:39 PM

Ballack doubtful for JJB cup clash

Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of Germany midfielder Michael Ballack for the FA Cup fourth round trip to Wigan on Saturday

Ballack missed the midweek Carling Cup semi-final win over Everton because of a calf strain.

Chelsea are still without four players on international duty in the African Nations Cup - Salomon Kalou, Mikel John Obi, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba.

Captain John Terry (foot), Andriy Shevchenko (back) and Frank Lampard (thigh) all miss out.

Kick-off at the JJB Stadium is 5.15pm.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, A Cole, Bridge, Carvalho, Ben-Haim, Alex, Sidwell, J Cole, Malouda, Pizarro, Anelka, Wright-Phillips, Makelele, Ballack.

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:17 PM

Blues tie up Di Santo signature

Chelsea have signed Argentinian teenager Franco Di Santo from Chilean outfit Audax Italiano on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The Blues have made no mention of a fee for the Argentina Under-20 international striker - but it is believed to be around £3.4million.

He is arguably one for the future and is unlikely to feature for Avram Grant's first team this season, as he has Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro ahead of him in the Stamford Bridge pecking order.

Di Santo started his career in the youth side of Godoy Cruz de Mendoza - but he then opted to switch to Chile and he has since flourished with Audax.

From 35 starts he has bagged 13 goals in less than two seasons, and has also shone for Argentina's youth sides after he opted to play for the country of his birth rather than Chile - who also wanted him.

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:17 PM

Melchiot keen to cause cup upset

Wigan captain Mario Melchiot would love to cause an FA Cup upset and dump former club Chelsea out of the competition on Saturday.

The 31-year-old is not sure whether he will face the Blues in the fourth-round clash at the JJB Stadium, with manager Steve Bruce giving priority to Premier League survival.

Bruce rang the changes for Wigan's 3-0 third-round win at Sunderland, which included leaving Melchiot out of the squad.

The Latics face Middlesbrough at the Riverside in a vital relegation clash on Tuesday and there is every chance Melchiot will again be forced to watch from the sidelines.

However, the right-back is anxious to take on Chelsea, with whom he won an FA Cup winners' medal in 2000 after a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.

"The guys did well when they went up to Sunderland," Melchiot said.

"I wasn't involved but it was a great win and we performed well, but now it is going to be a totally different game and different situation.

"Obviously, it is up to the gaffer who starts the game because you know he is also thinking about the league.

"That is more important than the FA Cup, but despite that this is a game all the players want to be involved in, and I definitely want to be part of the team.

"But he (Bruce) is the manager, he picks the players and decides who is going to start, but for me as a player, I want to play."

Melchiot made 165 appearances for Chelsea during his five years at Stamford Bridge prior to first working with Bruce at Birmingham in 2004.

For Melchiot, Chelsea's FA Cup final triumph over Villa remains one of the major highlights of a career that started with trophies in Holland with Ajax.

"It was unbelievable," he said.

"When you win something it is always special, and I had won things before then. I had come from a club in Ajax that is used to winning trophies.

"But to win the FA Cup with Chelsea at the end of my first season was something very special. It was a great feeling.

"It also helped me to settle in England because when I first arrived everything was new for me.

"So for me to achieve something like that was a good start, and it made me realise how special the FA Cup is to the fans over here."

It is why Melchiot would now like to face his former employers and knock them out of the competition.

"This is a big game for us, Chelsea are a great team to play against, so it's something special," he added.

"While everybody knows our situation in the league, this is one of those games that puts a cherry on the cake of a season because it is Chelsea.

"It would be a great moment if we could cause an upset, and we're going to try. This is why the FA Cup is so special.

"Nothing is impossible in this competition. This is football, and that is why it is such a great game."

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:18 PM

Cole praise for 'top' Toffees

Chelsea and England ace Joe Cole says Everton are a top-four Premier League side after shattering the Toffees' Carling Cup dream in midweek.

Cole broke Everton hearts with the winning goal in Wednesday's 1-0 League Cup semi-final second-leg win at Goodison Park, but he has heaped praise on David Moyes' men.

Everton are currently occupying fourth place in the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool and behind Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

And that is a position Cole believes reflects the quality of the current Everton squad.

Cole said: "I think you're looking at a top-four side here.

"They've got players like Arteta, Cahill, Johnson and Osman; top players.

"They're going to be pushing for a Champions League place. This is a top side

"We've gone away to them and won. It shows great sprit again because we needed that to beat them."

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:19 PM

Di Santo eager to star for Blues

Chelsea new boy Franco Di Santo cannot wait to play alongside the team's major stars after agreeing a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 6ft 4in striker, who joins from Audax Italiano in Chile in a deal believed to be worth £3million, is an Argentina Under-20 international but holds an Italian passport.

He is undoubtedly a player for the future and Di Santo is keen to settle in as soon as possible.

"My last season went well for me thankfully and hopefully now it will be just as good at Chelsea," he said.

"I cannot wait to play alongside people like Frank Lampard and Nicolas Anelka.

"It will be strange for me to see them in real life - I've only ever seen them on television.

"Didier Drogba is a player from another planet but I'm going to have to get used to being around such great players and hopefully I can force my way into the team.

"I love the style of English football, it's extremely attractive. I really want to impress."

Another new arrival, defender Branislav Ivanovic, has trained with the squad this week after his arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow.

"Basically it is up to me to raise my level to the standard of the players in Chelsea and I am trying my best to reach that as soon as possible and learn to play alongside them," said the Serbia international.

England midfielder Lampard is cursing his luck after claiming he was playing some of the best football of his career before sustaining a thigh problem for the second time this season.

Lampard was on the verge of a return to first team action in midweek but aggravated the injury in training and will miss Chelsea's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Wigan on Saturday.

The thigh problem caused him to miss part of the season last year and he admitted his frustration with the problem, which has denied him a chance to impress new England coach Fabio Capello.

"With muscle injuries, you have to be very careful not to rush back too fast, what with all the important games and the Champions League knock-out stage coming up - but I'm getting there," said the 29-year-old, who could be out for a further fortnight.

"I started the season feeling good, got injured, then came back and played what I feel was some of the best football I've ever played.

"And then I got injured again and it breaks your season up - I've never had to deal with it before, and it's very frustrating.

"It's really annoying because Fabio Capello has said there is a clean slate for everyone.

"He's been getting around everywhere watching games and players, so this is really a time you want to be impressing him - not sat out injured."

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:20 PM

Bruce plays down Brown incident

Wigan boss Steve Bruce is confident Michael Brown will avoid any Football FA charge following an incident with Chelsea captain Claude Makelele.

Television replays showed Brown raise his arm as Makelele came in from behind, resulting in the veteran midfielder falling to the ground and requiring treatment.

In protest, the entire Chelsea bench jumped onto their feet and into the technical area, which led to Bruce having words with Chelsea manager Avram Grant.

Yet having seen the matter again, Bruce said: "There's no incident as far as I'm concerned, and I asked all of their bench 'did you see it?'

"They've ran up and jumped out of their skins because Makelele is on the floor, yet not one of them saw the incident, like I didn't.

"I don't mind if there's an incident to shout about, but I feel it is handbags. There's nothing in it at all, and it's a shame we are talking about it."

Grant maintains he was merely concerned for Makelele as last month he had an ear operation that kept him out for a few weeks.

"I'm not saying he was caught," insisted Grant.

"I was protesting because I wanted the referee to stop the play because there might have been a head injury.

"I was concerned because I saw him go down, and he has recently had this operation."

It may still be reviewed by the FA's technical department as it was missed by both referee Uriah Rennie and his assistant.

In the end, it was FA Cup holders Chelsea who progressed into the last 16 following a 2-1 victory at the JJB Stadium.

Nicolas Anelka scored his first goal since his £15million move from Bolton a fortnight ago in the 51st minute, and then made the other for Shaun Wright-Phillips eight minutes from time.

Chelsea should then have seen the game out, but substitute Antoine Sibierski scored a stunning 87th-minute volley, while Marcus Bent came close to forcing an unlikely replay as he struck the crossbar in injury time.

Bruce, though, was left to lament Anelka's strike as he said: "It is down to individual error.

"For me we had a chance in this cup tie, and it was never going to be a classic because of the state of the pitch.

"Both sets of players have done their best to make it a cup tie because it is difficult.

"But if we've intentionally tried to play offside then we are at fault. You can't take a risk when you've somebody like Anelka.

"That's why he has cost so much money. He is always playing off your shoulder, and that's the one thing we talked about for three days.

"For me it should be bread and butter. We should be picking him up, and while the kid (Juliano Belletti) has played a good pass, it's cost us the game."

Grant insisted the rutted pitch "should not be allowed for a Premier League club," yet heavy rain in recent weeks has resulted in its present atrocious state.

"The pitch is what it is, and there's nothing I can do about it," added Bruce.

He then joked: "It should improve in a fortnight when the rugby boys (Wigan Warriors) start playing on it! That will do it the world of good.

"But we have to get on with it, and I'm not going to make it an excuse."

Grant's side may again have been without nine key players, but they are now unbeaten in their last 10 matches and remain in the hunt in all four competitions.

Anelka will certainly aid the Blues cause, with Grant stating: "He is a proven striker, and I think my judgment on him has proven to be correct, and not just because of this game.

"But the most important thing is we keep the style of the team, even if we've a number of players unavailable.

"The likes of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Steve Sidwell are doing a decent job, and that tells me what I thought, that the players have developed well in the last three months.

"We have developed our football, our spirit, and we keep playing our game, even on a pitch that is not good enough for the Premier League."

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:21 PM

Anelka inspires Blues to Wigan win

Second-half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Shaun Wright-Phillips saw Chelsea through to the fifth round of the FA Cup after a 2-1 win at Wigan.

Anelka's predatory instincts came to the fore in the 51st minute of a mediocre fourth-round tie, before he then set up Wright-Phillips for the game-killing second goal eight minutes from time.

Wigan substitute Antoine Sibierski did score a stunning strike in the 87th minute, before Marcus Bent almost forced an unlikely replay when he rattled the crossbar in injury-time.

But in the end it was a comfortable night's work for Chelsea, whose current unbeaten run stretches to 10 matches - despite the fact they continue to be without an array of stars.

Frank Lampard, John Terry, Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko are all out through injury, while Mikel Jon Obi, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien are on African Nations Cup duty.

With Ashley Cole also absent - perhaps as a result of recent revelations about his private life - it is a case of continuing to mend and make do for boss Avram Grant.

But Chelsea continue to find a way to win, even if the opening 45 minutes were disjointed by their standards as defences dominated - neither Chris Kirkland nor Petr Cech made any kind of meaningful save in the first half.

The visitors started brightly and after just 50 seconds Chelsea swiftly ripped through the Latics, culminating in Steve Sidwell sliding the ball on for Joe Cole, making his 200th appearance for the club.

But the man who despatched a clinical shot to see off Everton in midweek was this time wide with a curled right-foot shot from the edge of the area.

After that, Wigan tightened up considerably in defence, with their only other moment of consternation in the opening period arriving in the 11th minute.

When Kevin Kilbane collided with Nicolas Anelka in the area there were Chelsea appeals for a penalty, but referee Uriah Rennie chose to dismiss the protests.

Contact, though, was made - although Anelka arguably went to ground too easily.

A scrappy affair followed, not helped by the rutted JJB Stadium pitch which has given Wigan manager Steve Bruce recent cause for concern.

That, combined with Chelsea's tight back-four, offered the Latics precious few moments to savour in and around the visiting area.

There was one pass from Emile Heskey played into the path of Bent, but with only Cech to beat, Wayne Bridge produced a perfectly-timed tackle to thwart the danger.

That was it as far as the first half went, so mercifully for all concerned the second half did not follow a similar pattern, with the goal the game needed arriving six minutes after the restart.

After Ryan Taylor had been robbed of the ball inside the centre circle, Chelsea broke to devastating effect, culminating in Juliano Belletti's weighted pass into the heart of the area.

With Titus Bramble just playing Anelka onside, the Frenchman beat the advancing Kirkland to the ball to stab home from 12 yards for his 12th goal of the season overall.

Wigan, though, could have drawn level three minutes later, only for the legs of Cech to deny Heskey's effort from the corner of the six-yard box.

Following that came a moment of controversy that had the entire Chelsea bench jumping off their feet and into the technical area in protest.

Off the ball, Michael Brown caught Chelsea captain Claude Makelele in the throat with an elbow, yet neither Rennie nor his assistant saw the incident.

Bruce was far from happy with Chelsea's enraged stance, yet it may be one for the Football Association's technical department to deal with as no booking was issued.

Chelsea then clinched their place in the fifth round in the 82nd minute, initially after left-back Kilbane lost a 50-50 challenge with Anelka in the right-back position.

Anelka ran on towards the area and slipped a ball across the 18-yard box for Wright-Phillips to sidefoot home off the legs of Kirkland for his sixth goal of the season.

Chelsea should then have seen the game out, but first came Sibierski's immaculate volley in off the underside of the bar, prior to Blues' hearts pounding with Bent's effort.

But Grant's side, though, continue to march on in all four competitions.

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:22 PM

Lampard ready for England battle

Chelsea star Frank Lampard has admitted he is prepared to battle it out for a place in Fabio Capello's England midfield.

The Blues midfielder has found himself the target of abuse from a sizeable number of England supporters in recent times and was a member of the side which failed so spectacularly against Crotia back in November.

Despite the criticism and the threat to his place posed by the likes of Owen Hargreaves and Jermaine Jenas, Lampard is refusing to hide from the challenge and is prepared to do his utmost to ensure that he is involved in the new manger's first game in charge against Switzerland on February 6.

"I'm not concerned about it, it's a challenge," Lampard told the Mail on Sunday.

"Other players can come in and put themselves in contention. You shouldn't have it all your own way with England year after year.

"But I enjoy a challenge, the idea of another player coming in and people saying he should play.

"I can come back and show that I should play. That's what I intend to do whoever plays against Switzerland."

Lampard was also keen to play down suggestions that Capello should introduce a complete overhaul of the more experienced members of the squad in favour of introducing the young players of the future.

"We have some good players and there is potential for one or two to come in," he said.

"But if you want to kick the old guard out because we failed to qualify for Euro 2008, you can't point to a lot of others who are ready or better than we've already got here."

Ultimate10002000

28-01-2008, 08:23 PM

Anelka delighted to open account

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is happy with life at his new club after he opened his goalscoring account for the Blues against Wigan.

Anelka helped book Chelsea claim a 2-1 win over the Latics at the JJB Stadium and book their place in Monday's fifth-round draw.

The France international broke the deadlock in the 51st minute before setting up Shaun Wright-Phillips for Chelsea's second in the 82nd. Antoine Sibierski pulled one back three minutes from time but the visitors held on.

Anelka has often carried with him a reputation of arrogance and self-interest, and in the process earned himself the nickname 'Le Sulk'.

After leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Arsenal there followed an ill-fated move to Real Madrid, then back to PSG before a loan at Liverpool.

He had spells at Manchester City, Fenerbahce and Bolton, prior to his £15million switch to Chelsea a fortnight ago.

But the 28-year-old admitted that in Chelsea he thinks he has found a club big enough for him to excel on the pitch and one where he feels settled.

"I'm very happy to be here," Anelka said.

"It's a big club with big players, and I hope we will have more wins because we've a lot of quality in this team. The sky is the limit.

"When you play with big players, they know what they have to do, so I'm glad to be here and to play.

"I am enjoying my football and trying to win because the best feeling is to win games.

"I had waited for this move for a long time, so when the chance came to sign for a big club like Chelsea, I was very pleased and I think I will enjoy my time here."

Anelka was pleased to get his first goal in Chelsea colours and it was one which was borne out of patience and he took his opportunity in the absence of Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou.

"I knew my chance would come," Anelka added.

"I'm new at the club and in the team, so the best you can do is create chances. I'd hit the bar twice in other games, but there has been no need for panic because I knew I would get more chances. Against Wigan, I got one and scored, so it's good.

"But I've been a striker since I was very young, So I know the game and I know how to be patient and that I have to be patient, and that's the way I've been since I arrived.

"I know I have to play well first, to be confident in my game, and then the goals will come. So there's no pressure on me."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce remarked that Chelsea under Avram Grant are the same force as they were under Jose Mourinho following his side's fourth-round exit.

"I don't think there's been any change, and I have to commend their manager and say 'well done'," Bruce said.

"Their biggest strength for me is their resilience. I saw it at Everton (in the Carling Cup) the other night, and I've seen it again here.

"They've got Anelka, and with Wright-Phillips, (Joe) Cole and (Florent) Malouda. They are always going to have that little bit of quality at the top end of the pitch to cause most teams a problem.

"So why move away from what they know because their resilience is fantastic and has kept them in the running, even with nine players missing."

1greatguy

05-02-2008, 02:26 AM

With all the players back in Feb, maybe going towards the first Treble or Quadruple maybe not be so off target after all.

Mayhem69

05-02-2008, 12:29 PM

ah .. yes we are all waiting them come back

Chelsea 2nd choice players have done well so far

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:14 AM

Defoe strikes as Pompey hold Blues

Jermain Defoe attained instant hero status as Portsmouth drew 1-1 with Chelsea to prevent the Blues setting a club record 10th straight win.

Nicolas Anelka slotted Chelsea into a lead they did not deserve after 55 minutes but Defoe, who had a relatively quiet first half, came up with a route-one equaliser, staying onside to drill in fellow debutant Milan Baros's header from a long clearance by goalkeeper David James.

The roof came off as Defoe struck and Pompey fans had already forgotten about Benjani Mwaruwari, whose transfer to Manchester City remains up in the air.

Indeed, the ex-Tottenham ace could have buried Chelsea with three more chances before the finish.

Lassana Diarra, the former Chelsea midfielder who signed from Arsenal for £5 million last month, drove Pompey forward early on.

He picked out on-loan Baros with a delightful diagonal ball after five minutes but the striker, making his home debut, was off balance when he shot and skied the ball off target from 20 yards.

Ballack's miss for Chelsea soon afterwards was just as spectacular, his shot from the same sort of distance as Baros ballooning over the bar despite plenty of time and space to measure Ashley Cole's square pass.

Surprisingly, Hreidarsson partnered skipper Sol Campbell in the centre of Pompey's defence with Sylvain Distin absent for the first time this season with a hamstring injury.

But it was Hreidarsson's block tackle that halted a dangerous advance by Anelka after 10 minutes before Niko Kranjcar drove a good right-footed shot just wide.

Diarra tested Petr Cech with a firm drive from distance and Pompey more than held their own in midfield.

Even so, Ballack soon headed just over from a corner and then beat James with another header only for Kranjcar to clear off the line.

Pompey then appealed for two penalties.

Ballack appeared to escape referee Howard Webb's gaze when trampling all over Richard Hughes and a Chelsea hand then seemed to brush the ball in melee on the edge of their area.

Chelsea had their biggest escape so far when Pamarot's glancing header from Kranjcar's corner struck Cech's left-hand post and spun away.

The Londoners were out of jail again when Ballack risked another penalty claim by sliding in to rob Baros after Claude Makelele carelessly conceded possession near his own area.

But Anelka, who had ploughed a lone furrow up front, could have hurt Pompey in added time at the end of the first half when Florent Malouda's perceptive pass set him up for a run on James, but the keeper stayed big to block the shot and Ashley Cole skied the rebound.

New boy Defoe had been quiet so far for Pompey but three minutes after the break he worked his away through the Chelsea box, defying three challenges, only for Shaun Wright-Phillips to get a foot in and Baros then wastefully fired the loose ball against the fallen Cech's knee.

Chelsea were finally stirred into their best passage of action by the escape, and after Hreidarsson saved Pompey with a timely intervention after Cole's solo run took out two defenders and stranded James, they struck with a classic breakaway.

Referee Webb waved away yet another mighty roar for a penalty when the ball seemed to bounce up on to Makelele's arm before he cleared in the 55th minute.

In the blink of an eye, Malouda was racing away down the left and when his perfect far-post cross was perfectly cushioned by Joe Cole's silky touch, Anelka was on hand to finish with clinical poise.

Home fans chanted "one-nil to the referee" but their dark mood was lightened within nine minutes when Defoe joyfully put away his chance.

It was direct stuff as James boomed a clearance downfield, Baros headed on and Defoe stayed just onside to devour the opportunity.

Both sides went for the winner and Hreidarsson almost got it with a header from one of Kranjcar's quality free-kicks that dropped just wide.

So did Defoe who had a chance almost as easy as the one he scored but he toed it over the advancing Cech and wide of the post.

And right at the end he fired ferociously over from Diarra's pass.

But Pompey needed a masterful save by James to defy Juliano Belletti before the finish.

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:15 AM

Macca urges Fabio to appoint Terry

Steve McClaren feels Fabio Capello must name John Terry as his long-term England captain if he wants to get the best out of the Chelsea star.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is expected to be handed the armband in Wednesday's friendly clash with Switzerland at Wembley, with Blues centre-back Terry absent because of injury.

But it appears to be a straight fight between the two to be named England coach Capello's on-field leader when the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup gets under way in the autumn.

McClaren, who was sacked after England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008, opted for the Chelsea man during his ill-fated tenure - and he has implored the Italian to do the same.

"The bottom line is that Steven Gerrard doesn't need to be England captain, but you get an extra 10% from JT if he's in charge," he told the News of the World.

"I'm not saying John is less of a player when he's not captain but, since he was a kid, he's been used to being a leader on the pitch.

"Stevie is similar to (David) Beckham in that he leads by what he does on the pitch.

"John is totally different. He gives orders, he organises people and he'll put his body on the line every time."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:16 AM

Defoe's debut delight for Pompey

Debutant Jermain Defoe was Portsmouth's hero with the equaliser that checked Chelsea's winning run at Fratton Park as the game ended 1-1.

The England forward, who was a deadline-day signing from Tottenham, equalised in the 64th minute after Nicolas Anelka had opened the scoring 10 minutes after half-time.

But he felt he had three other chances to make it a dream debut on the south coast.

"We could have won it in the end, although I think that would have been a bit rough on Chelsea," said Defoe.

"I thought I would score again when I got through and chipped it over the keeper. Unfortunately it dropped just wide.

"I had another chance earlier and got tackled. Then I lifted my head and put one over the crossbar - but although you'll always regret things like that I'll take the one goal and I'm happy.

"I've come here to score goals and help the team get three points every week. Hopefully that's just the start but we showed today we have a lot of quality in the side.

"Chelsea had chances too but I thought we matched them all the way and that's really encouraging. They are a very good side even with their missing players."

Pompey manager Harry Redknapp praised Defoe's performance, which made him an instant hit with the home fans, but singled out former Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra as his star man.

"Jermain did well and took his chance. He'll score lots of goals for us and he could have had some more today but it was a great game and a good result for us," said Redknapp.

"We've taken a point off all the top four here this season and we're looking a strong side even without the four African boys (Papa Bouba Diop, Kanu, John Utaka and Sulley Muntari) who are still away.

"And Diarra is a top player. I thought his performance was absolutely fantastic - and that's three just like that in a row since he walked in the place a couple of weeks ago. Milan Baros worked his socks off as well for us."

Grant, the former Portsmouth technical director who has presided over just two defeats in 31 matches since succeeding Jose Mourinho, said: "I thought we created the better chances but Portsmouth are a difficult side to face and they did well.

"Harry is very good at getting them going and they are strong side, but of course we are not so happy when we don't win.

"Nicolas Anelka showed a great finish to put us ahead and he's always had that kind of touch in front of goal. He's not going to lose it here but Defoe took his goal well for Portsmouth as well."

Defoe seized his opportunity to become Pompey's new hero with former favourite Benjani Mwaruwari locked in a stalled £8million move to Manchester City while the Premier League try to sort out issues over paperwork involving the transfer.

"I feel he (Benjani) is the biggest loser in all this but hopefully it will be resolved in the next few days," added Redknapp.

"I don't even know the fee we'll get for him going and I never really wanted to lose him.

"But these are the kind of things you have to do if you want to buy a player like Defoe and still balance the books.

"You'll never meet a nicer boy than Benjani and he gave everything for the club. I really feel for him after what's happened."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:17 AM

Wright-Phillips sits out training

Shaun Wright-Phillips missed England training on Monday evening but could still be available for the friendly against Switzerland on Wednesday.

The Chelsea midfielder was rested as a precaution while the rest of the England squad trained at Wembley and medical staff will assess his fitness tomorrow before making a decision.

An FA spokesman confirmed: "Shaun Wright-Phillips did not train at Wembley tonight. He was rested as a precaution and will be assessed tomorrow, but the problem is not thought to be serious."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:17 AM

Grant has his head in the books

Avram Grant has stressed he is happy to put the hours in to gain the necessary qualifications that will allow him to stay as Chelsea manager.

Grant was appointed as Jose Mourinho's successor earlier this season despite not holding the UEFA pro license that is required for someone to take charge of a Premier League club.

He received special dispensation to manage the club for more than 12 weeks but was told that he must still study for his coaching badges.

Grant has been doing just that in Jerusalem over the last few days and has no complaints about having to complete the course.

"I came to do what is necessary for the pro license," the Blues boss told Sky Sports News. "As you know Israel did not belong to Europe but now it does, so as I need to do it I will do it."

Grant, who has had to fly back to his homeland most weeks, does hold the highest form of coaching badge that was available when he qualified in Israel.

He has also coached Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa.

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:18 AM

Di Santo sets sights on Blues spot

Argentinian striker Franco Di Santo is confident he can soon break into Chelsea's first team after arriving at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old, who was reportedly being chased by a host of Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United, joined the Blues last month from Chilean side Audax Italiano.

Di Santo was prolific for Audax but he will be competing with Didier Drogba, Andriy Shevchenko, Claudio Pizarro and fellow new signing Nicolas Anelka at Stamford Bridge.

He told Chilean newspaper El Mercurio: "I think you always have to be positive. I have confidence. After some time, two months or a year, I will fight for the position with anybody.

"If I compare myself to them, the difference is huge, but it is because they have been playing for 10 years. I know I cannot do the same as they do now, but I have some things they don't have - I am young!"

The Argentina Under-20 star, who holds an Italian passport, has praised the welcome he has received from his new team-mates.

"People here are so kind," said Di Franco. "I used to watch them on TV and told myself they would be arrogant but it is totally different when you are inside.

"Despite all they have won, they treat you like one of them and you have to treat them the same. If not, they get angry.

"I never imagined I would be here watching Michael Ballack, Pizarro or Frank Lampard playing pool in front of me. Being with them and spending time with them is unbelievable.

"They help you in whatever you need. Whatever they can give to you, they do. I really don't want to wake up from this dream."

Di Santo also revealed defender Ricardo Carvalho has nicknamed him 'little Crespo' after former Chelsea and Argentina striker Hernan Crespo.

"One day, Carvalho called me 'Crespito' because of Hernan, who also played here, but he is the only one who calls me that. The others call me Frank."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:19 AM

Foxes in hunt for Chelsea winger

Leicester boss Ian Holloway has confirmed his interest in Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair who may be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan.

Holloway knows all about Sinclair's qualities having worked with him during his time in charge at Plymouth.

Sinclair is well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea could be prepared to loan him out again to gain more first-team experience.

Holloway has enquired about Sinclair's availability and is waiting to find out if he will be successful or not.

"Someone like Scott who I have borrowed before would be a great option," Holloway told Radio Leicester.

"We've asked about him and we're waiting."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:19 AM

Drogba refused to claim Africa gong

Didier Drogba claims he was in line to be named African Player of the Year but lost out on the award because he refused to attend the ceremony.

Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker Drogba has now asked not to be considered for the accolade in future years.

Drogba, the previous winner, insists he was set to retain the gong until he made it clear he would not be leaving Ghana - where he is spearheading the Ivory Coast's bid to win the African Nations Cup - to collect the prize in Lome, Togo.

Mali's former West Ham and Tottenham forward Frederic Kanoute was eventually handed the award, but Drogba is unhappy about what he claims is a flawed process.

"I was told if I didn't appear the rules would change and the prize would go to the runner-up," he told BBC Sport.

"If I refused to go to Lome it was first for my team-mates, as you don't organise such an event just two days before a quarter-final (against Guinea).

"This attitude doesn't honour Africa so I've pulled out of future elections.

"We're all working for the African continent, there's a huge media presence in Ghana for a competition that was heavily criticised 10 years ago.

"So there comes a time when we all have to pull together."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:20 AM

Capello backed by Blues boss

Chelsea coach Avram Grant believes the nationality of England's coach is of little consequence as Fabio Capello prepares for his first match.

Italian Fabio Capello will lead his England side into action against Switzerland on Wednesday and has already selected four Chelsea players in his first squad - Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The choice of the Football Association to appoint another foreigner in the role as England coach has been much discussed, but Grant believes it is a fuss over nothing.

Grant declared: "If I understand right, I don't think you need to choose English, or Italian, or Dutch to be good.

"If there is an English coach, okay; if it's another country, it is okay. The decision is if he can improve the team and get results."

Grant also confirmed that he has met with Capello since the Italian began work on January 7, but what was said in that meeting will remain private.

He added: "I spoke with Capello and it is fine. It was nice to speak with him, it was not the first time and it is between me and him. I don't tell him which players to take."

Ultimate10002000

06-02-2008, 11:21 AM

SWP raring to go for England friendly

Shaun Wright-Phillips will battle with David Bentley for England's right-wing berth after recovering in time for the friendly with Switzerland.

Chelsea winger Wright-Phillips missed Monday's training session under new boss Fabio Capello.

But the Italian confirmed he had trained on Tuesday and was fit to take part in Wednesday's clash at Wembley if called upon.

The 26-year-old might be just in front of Blackburn's Bentley in the pecking order, and will be looking to impress while David Beckham is not in the squad.

Capello revealed he will not reveal his first starting line-up until shortly before the 8pm kick-off and said: "It is my custom to tell the players the team just before we leave the hotel on the way to the ground."

Portsmouth's Jermain Defoe was called into the England squad on Sunday after fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was forced to withdraw.

Aston Villa's Agbonlahor injured his hamstring during the first half of Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Fulham but has joined up with the squad in a non-playing capacity.

enriqueyang

08-02-2008, 01:14 PM

im here to revive blue's thread... b =p

Mayhem69

08-02-2008, 02:37 PM

this thread always alive :)

Litmuss

08-02-2008, 05:07 PM

Go Go the BLues..... :s12::s12:

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

09-02-2008, 07:18 PM

Chelsea To Win Over Liverpool And Back In Title Race

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:40 PM

Grant: Unbeaten run affecting Blues

Chelsea manager Avram Grant fears the Blues' long unbeaten home record is starting to have a negative influence on his side.

If Chelsea avoid defeat against Liverpool on Sunday they will make it 76 games unbeaten at home in the league during a period spanning four years.

Their last defeat at home in the top flight came against Arsenal in February 2004, and while Grant is proud of the record, sometimes he feels it causes the team nervous moments.

Grant said: "Any record is good. Most of the time it is very positive but sometimes it affects you because you are afraid to lose. Sometimes it is not so good .I think it is an unusual record, but it is good."

Under predecessor Jose Mourinho there was plenty of ill feeling between the two clubs following Chelsea's two Champions League semi-final defeats at Anfield.

But Grant is not interested in the past, although he does feel it will be difficult for Liverpool - 11 points behind third-place Chelsea - to claw their way back into the title race.

Grant added: "Anything can happen in football but for now it will be much more difficult for them.

"I think it will be a difficult game. When two clubs play against each other you always think about something from the past.

"Of course I don't have a problem with Liverpool, my only concern is that Chelsea will succeed."

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:42 PM

http://images.teamtalk.com/08/01/800x600/grant_avram_616945.jpg

Grant welcomes selection headache

Avram Grant admits he is facing a real selection poser when he gets his full complement of Chelsea players back from the African Nations Cup.

So far Grant has only welcomed back Mikel John Obi from Ghana with Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba scheduled to play in a third-place play-off between Ghana and the Ivory Coast on Saturday.

Grant admits it would have been wrong to ask them to come back in time to be considered for Sunday's Premier League clash against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

But he will be boosted by the return of England midfielder Frank Lampard who has recovered from his thigh problem.

Victory for Chelsea will take their unbeaten home run to 76 games spanning four years with Arsenal the last team to defeat the Blues on their own soil back in February 2004.

But while everyone expected Chelsea to wobble during a month when they lost so many key players to international duty and three others through injury, they have kept in the hunt for all four major trophies.

Now Grant admits the returning players will have to fight for their place in the side.

"We have proved that we can do without them but we also proved we can do it with them also," said Grant.

"Of course, when you have a bad situation you also have a positive situation.

"But other players have shown themselves at an important time. Now there will be competition between them but it is also the time to say good words about the players who have done so well in their absence."

Mikel's return is timely for Grant but the 20-year-old's disciplinary record is cause for concern.

The Nigeria midfielder left for the African Nations Cup after being red-carded for the fourth time in his Chelsea career against Everton.

The youngster now says he wants to clean up his act but Grant says it is all about a learning curve for the talented player.

Grant said: "I haven't spoken to him about it but I will always be happy to finish the game with 11 players.

"Football is not for robots it is for men. Players, especially when they are young, make some mistakes.

"But we love them even when they make mistakes. The problem is whether they learn from them. Mikel is only 20 years old and sometimes he makes mistakes but he is learning."

Grant has found himself thrust into the job of manager following the shock departure of Jose Mourinho and he admits that it is a far tougher job in this country now than ever before.

"It is harder in England for sure." admitted Grant. "Years ago you knew a manager would stay at the same club 15, 10, or five years but now people are less patient and you can understand that because a lot of things are involved that were not in the past.

"I came here as director of football and I think I did good job as a director here. But I don't like to speak about myself so much. Then when Jose left and they offered me the job.

"I am not a man who plans his future. I wanted to be a manager when I was a national coach and I thought I deserved a chance but it is not so easy. But I didn't plan this."

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:44 PM

Anelka happy with Chelsea life

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will face former club Liverpool determined to prove that he has at last found a real home at Stamford Bridge.

Anelka has only been at the club for a month since his £15million transfer from Bolton but friends confirm he has never been happier.

In 2002 Liverpool decided not to offer him a permanent move to Anfield after at loan spell and their rejection of his talents dashed his hopes of a return to the Champions League.

Now, instead of scrapping to save former club Bolton from relegation, Anelka is on the path to major honours with the Blues.

He has already slotted into Chelsea's style of play and scored two goals in the process.

The prospect of a partnership with Didier Drogba, when he returns from African Nations Cup duty, is mouth-watering and Anelka has already targeted glory with the Blues.

"Everybody speaks to me as if I've already been here a long time," Anelka said.

"It is strange as it is like I am in another world. I was fighting against relegation at Bolton and now I am fighting to win things."

Anelka thought he was on to a winner during a six-month loan spell at Anfield while with Paris St Germain.

But the then Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier pulled the plug on his dream move and opted to sign El Hadji Diouf from Lens instead.

The 28-year-old French striker was left to pick up the pieces of his career at Fenerbahce, Manchester City and Bolton before he moved to Chelsea.

He was dubbed a 'Le Sulk' for this apparent surly attitude but former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn, who played with the striker during his time with the Gunners, said the label is unfair.

"Nicolas is very quiet but he socialised and always had terrific ability - I didn't think he was a sulker," Winterburn admitted.

"He has never stayed anywhere very long and a lot of people ask why that is but he is now at a club going places so we will see what happens.

"Nicolas used to mix with the French players at Arsenal and kept himself to himself but I never saw anything which showed he didn't fit in.

"It could be frustrating playing with him as he could look disinterested but then he would burst into life.

"Goalscorers are like that. If you give him quality service he will show you what he is capable of. I was always amazed that Liverpool didn't take him."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant added: "I believe in him. We bought him because we believe in him. He wants to prove himself after being at so many clubs and that is a good combination."

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:45 PM

Gerrard regrets Anelka 'mistake'

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is still rueing the day the Reds decided not to sign striker Nicolas Anelka, now banging in goals for Chelsea.

The nomadic Anelka spent five months on loan at Anfield from Paris Saint-Germain at the start of 2002 and was keen to make his stay permanent.

But then-manager Gerard Houllier opted against signing the France international and Manchester City stepped in with a £13million deal.

Stints with Fenerbahce and Bolton followed before Anelka, who has been a prolific scorer throughout his career, secured a £15million move to Chelsea.

And Gerrard, whose Liverpool side face the Blues at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, wishes Anelka was still on his side.

Gerrard told the News of the World: "Every club makes a couple of mistakes in the transfer market, and we made one when we didn't sign Nicolas Anelka in 2002.

"Nicolas was top class for us and I thought he'd done enough to stay. He was a good lad around the dressing room as well.

"I've always thought it was a shame he's not still with us.

"What made it doubly disappointing was that I knew how desperate he was to sign on a permanent deal at the time.

"Unfortunately, these decisions are taken and it's only when you look back later you can make a judgement. I don't think anyone will deny we got that one wrong."

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:45 PM

Spain star dreaming of transfer

Valencia striker David Villa, a target for Chelsea and Tottenham, has admitted he would be interested in a "dream" move to the Premier League.

The Stamford Bridge side could be in the market for a new striker if Didier Drogba moves on during the summer.

And Spurs forward Dimitar Berbatov has been the subject of intense speculation over his future, which may leave Juande Ramos needing to bolster his attack.

The highly-rated Villa, who could command a price tag of up to £25million, is keen to showcase his skills in England.

Villa said: "I am happy at the interest within the Premier League and this is my dream if I leave Spain."

Valencia sporting director Miquel Angel Ruiz added: "If we receive a formal offer, we'll study it."

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:46 PM

Terry closing in on Blues return

Chelsea captain John Terry believes he could be fit to return to action in the FA Cup fifth-round clash with Huddersfield next weekend.

The England defender has not played since suffering a foot injury during the Blues' defeat to Arsenal in December, but the 27-year-old is confident he will be back soon.

Terry told Sky Sports: "I did a full training session with the reserves and two light ones the two previous days with the first team.

"I joined in a little bit with the reserves and no reaction so far so I'm very pleased.

"Fitness-wise I'm probably a week to 10 days away. If I can get a good week's training under my belt maybe the weekend is a small possibility I think."

After their cup clash with the Terriers on Saturday, Avram Grant's side take on Olympiacos in the Champions League a week on Tuesday and then face Tottenham in the Carling Cup final the following Sunday.

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:47 PM

Grant: We're still in title hunt

Avram Grant insisted Chelsea are still in the race for the Premier League title after their 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues missed the chance to close the gap on second-placed Manchester United, who slipped up against Manchester City earlier in the day, while Arsenal could extend their lead at the top of table when they face Blackburn at home on Monday.

But Grant claimed his side are capable of mounting a serious title challenge.

"We can still win the title, it will not be easy, but we can do it and we will challenge to the end," Grant told Sky Sports One.

"Every player coming back for us will make us stronger and we need them back. Players coming back from the African Nations Cup will help us. Frank Lampard also returned and I thought he played well.

"Of course every game which we don't win we are disappointed, especially when it is a home match.

"We created some chances against Liverpool but it was not a game that was high on quality and was very tactical.

"We had chances to win the game but were unable to get the goal. We changed with subs and tried to win the game but it was not such a good game."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez felt his side were marginally the better team in the match after his first encounter with a Chelsea side under Grant.

"I think we were slightly the better side," Benitez said. "In the first half we controlled the game and had chances and the in the second sometimes we looked dangerous going forward on the counter attack.

"Chelsea did not have too many chances and we were trying to win the game. Then they brought on more strikers and are a good team but we were solid in defence.

"Of course it is better to get three points but now we need to think about the next game which we have in hand and try to get three points from that."

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who was handed the man-of-the-match award, echoed his manager's comments and confirmed that the race for fourth place was now their main aim.

He said: "They are always very tight games, both teams are good at the back and it was the same today although perhaps we just shaded it on performance.

"Normally we come here to stop them playing but with Peter (Crouch) up front we had a few chances to win the game.

"I think we have got to be realistic now we are too far behind Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

"Also we have to show a bit of respect to Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City because we are battling with them until the end of the season for that fourth spot."

Crouch added: "There were a few half chances in the match and we played well.

"But it was a tough game and Chelsea are a big strong side - although we could have nicked it at the end.

"There were a few chances. I dragged one shot wide which in the first half which if I'd have got on target it would have probably gone in.

"We're still a way behind the top three teams but we've shown we can compete and we'll keep going right until the end."

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:48 PM

Defences take charge in Bridge draw

Chelsea failed to capitalise on Manchester United's derby defeat as they were held to a dour 0-0 draw by Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues had been boosted by United's defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City earlier in the day and although the draw enabled them to increase their unbeaten home league sequence to 76 games, the Londoners may yet come to rue their inability to put Liverpool's season to the sword.

A disappointing game, littered with sloppy passing and dominated at either end by uncompromising defences, provided for a forgettable stalemate.

Avram Grant's side had been lifted by the return of midfielder Frank Lampard but his contribution was to end in the second half with the England international clearly not fully match-fit.

Chelsea's early fire soon burnt itself out and it was Liverpool who began to dominate proceedings.

Yet their final ball into the danger area left a lot to be desired with England's Steven Gerrard the main culprit.

But a cross from Steve Finnan in the 14th minute did allow the giant frame of Peter Crouch to head wide of the target from six yards.

It was the gangly Crouch who should have put the visitors in front in the 17th minute when he combined cleverly with Ryan Babel before driving a low left-foot drive wide of Petr Cech's upright.

Two minutes later a run down the right flank by the energetic Gerrard saw his cross find Crouch unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box. But the England striker could not direct his free header wide of Cech.

Chelsea thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the 26th minute when Joe Cole was up-ended in the area but referee Mike Riley waved away their appeals.

A cross from Liverpool's Gerrard in the 33rd minute was only half-cleared by Ricardo Carvalho and Chelsea were lucky to see a follow-up shot from Lucas deflected to safety.

The visitors were now enjoying a greater share of possession but were finding it difficult to engineer a clear-cut scoring opportunity.

Crouch was a continual threat in the air and he should have at least hit the target when he got on the end of a cross from Dirk Kuyt in the 37th minute.

The move was again sparked by a pass from Gerrard who was now beginning to stamp his authority on the midfield.

Chelsea were still a threat on the break though and Nicolas Anelka won a corner when a speculative 20-yard effort was deflected wide by John Arne Riise.

Five minutes before the interval Babel became the second player to enter Riley's notebook when he committed the same handball offence that had brought Juliano Belletti his yellow card earlier in the half.

A free-kick from Belletti seconds before the interval almost brought Chelsea the reward of a goal but Riise managed to head the ball for a corner.

Chelsea were much better after the restart and Claude Makelele, not known for his goalscoring prowess, was predictably well off-target with a long-range effort in the 50th minute.

His passing is far superior and moments later the Frenchman sent fellow countryman Anelka clear on the Chelsea left. But the former Anfield favourite's low cross eluded everyone in the penalty area.

Chelsea were finding it difficult to break down a Liverpool defence that steadfastly refused to buckle and it required more than the energetic enthusiasm of the lone Anelka to unlock the Reds.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was concerned that momentum of the game was swinging into Chelsea's favour and a defeat for the Merseysiders would surely have ended their hopes of Champions League qualification this season.

Liverpool's frustration was compounded by a booking for Riise who wrestled Lampard to the ground in the 62nd minute.

It was clear Anelka required some help if Chelsea were to break the deadlock and Grant, in keeping with his penchant for attacking football, opted to introduce Florent Malouda into the fray in place of Shaun Wright-Phillips two minutes later.

A mistake by Gerrard, who was caught in possession by Makelele, almost allowed Cole to punish the Reds but his cross was headed away for a corner by Finnan.

Moments later it was the visitors who caused problems for the home side but a quick break ended with Crouch's inability to finish off a cross from Babel.

Michael Ballack almost snatched a late winner 10 minutes from the end but his volley fell just inches wide of Jose Reina's left-hand upright.

Chelsea will welcome back Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou in time for their next outing against Huddersfield in the FA Cup and given the lack of a cutting edge against Liverpool, the end of the African Nations Cup could not have come a moment sooner.

Ultimate10002000

11-02-2008, 07:50 PM

Grant writes off Reds' title hopes

Chelsea coach Avram Grant wrote off Liverpool's title hopes after watching his side stutter to a 0-0 draw against the Reds at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues failed to take advantage of Manchester United's defeat at the hands of rivals City earlier in the day but Grant is adamant that Liverpool's Barclays Premier League hopes are now in tatters.

The Reds are 16 points behind leaders Arsenal and Grant echoed the sentiments expressed by Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher 10 days ago by insisting the gap is now too wide for Rafael Benitez's team.

Grant said: "I think after this game it will be very difficult for them to fight for the title. They are too many points from the first team."

Grant was adamant that referee Mike Riley made a mistake when he failed to award Chelsea a penalty for Javier Mascherano's challenge on Joe Cole in the first-half.

But Michael Ballack's glaring miss 10 minutes from time also played a part in Chelsea's inability to end the stalemate.

Grant added: "We are not happy. We want to win every game but especially at home. If we don't win we are disappointed.

"You could say it is a missed opportunity, but it is not easy to play against Liverpool. They are a very tactical team. They don't give you much space to play. In the first half we didn't play quickly so it was much easier for them.

"We were better in the second-half but we missed a big chance at the end. It was a penalty when I saw it at the time and now I've seen it on TV, it was a 100% penalty.

"He is a good referee but he has made a mistake. It has happened. For us it is not the first or second time this season, so we are used to it but he is a good referee."

It was Chelsea's second straight draw after last weekend's 1-1 stalemate at Portsmouth.

"If we draw twice we are not happy but we are still in the chasing pack," Grant claimed.

"I think it has been a big physical pressure on a small group of players in the last two months. So maybe they are a little bit tired but this is part of the game when you belong to a top club.

"They have done a good job until now. It was not an entertaining game that is for sure. We tried to play football but it was not easy today. It is the game we haven't scored in for a long time."

Grant's disappointment was tempered by the news that captain John Terry has returned to full training.

Terry insists he could be back in action in a fortnight but Grant is not so sure.

However, the 52-year-old Israeli coach does not think Terry will be fit enough to lead the team out at Wembley in the Carling Cup final on February 24.

"It is very good news about John Terry," said Grant. "He has trained sooner than we thought.

"He trained Friday and Saturday and everybody was happy to see him. He is the leader we need. He will be fit in around three weeks.

"I think it will be too soon (for the Carling Cup final) but we will see. He wants to do everything to be as fit as soon as possible."

Liverpool manager Benitez insists his side could have left Stamford Bridge with all three points if they had taken their first-half chances.

Peter Crouch was guilty of failing to punish Chelsea with three headers but the Reds boss is still aiming for a top-four finish this season.

Benitez said: "We had some chances in the first half and defended well in the second half. We also had some half-chances. It could have been three points, but it is not easy against Chelsea.

"In the first half we created some clear chances but they were pushing forward in the second half.

"Crouch had some good chances but the team showed character and the commitment of every player was very positive.

"Chelsea are a very good team, starting with the goalkeeper and finishing with the last striker, they are all very good players. To create some chances is very positive but not taking them is the difference sometimes.

"We have to think about getting three points every game. It was the same situation for Chelsea - two good teams trying to win and it is not easy for anyone.

"In terms of the position in the table we have to keep working hard and playing as we did today. Every game is important for us. We want to finish in the top four."

Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng

12-02-2008, 05:44 PM

Our Title shot @ BPL is gone too Thanks To Avram Grant

Still Got Carling , FA Cup and UCL can be won doh

hope we can win @ least Carling Cup And FA Cup or Just One UCL

Mayhem69

12-02-2008, 11:08 PM

heard from radio chelsea buying a new player from $20m ?? can confirm?

Ultimate10002000

19-02-2008, 09:43 PM

Grant sets sights on Euro glory

Ambitious Chelsea coach Avram Grant insists he will not rest until he has led the club to Champions League glory.

Grant's side face Olympiacos in snowy Athens on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last-16 tie but the Chelsea coach already has his sights set on the ultimate goal.

Chelsea failed twice at the semi-final hurdle under previous coach Jose Mourinho but Grant is determined to succeed where he failed.

"Chelsea are a big club already but if you want to be a really big club and bigger than we are now, we need to be in the final of the Champions League and then do more and more," said Grant.

"You cannot say we are bigger if we don't get to the final of the Champions League. So this is our target. Our target was to do it within two years but we want to do it this year.

"We need to go step by step. I personally will not rest until we get to the final. Our target is to reach the final but we also need to do our job tomorrow night. If we look too far ahead we could lose the moment. So we concentrate on tomorrow first."

For the first time since he took charge from the deposed Mourinho, Grant has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Only Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko did not travel and he was left at home in a bid to boost his fitness levels after a lengthy back injury.

Grant still has to grapple with the thorny issue of whether Michael Ballack and Frank Lampard can play alongside each other in midfield and how to accommodate Didier Drogba and new £15 million signing Nicolas Anelka in attack.

But Grant remains non-plussed by such concerns ahead of game that could well be affected by a rock-hard pitch and freezing conditions.

Grant said: "Anelka is a very good player and my opinion is there are no two managers or strikers the same.

"This is what is exciting about football. We have good players and take the best of them. Everybody asks me if Anelka can together with Drogba and if Ballack can play with Lampard. Two good players can always play alongside each other if they are ready to work for the team.

"It was not easy days in the last three months without so many important players.

"It was very important in December and January to use the squad properly, We bought only one player during this period even though we miss a lot of players through injury.

"We trust this squad. We are still in all competitions. Now there are more opportunities and the good players are coming back.

"The competition for places is good for me, the team and the players. I don't know which is more of a headache, the situation now or the one I had two or three months ago.

"This is less of a headache. This is part of life as a manager at a big club. I don't call it a headache.

"I know who will play, how we will play, and who will be on the bench.

"The situation is more good now. But the players who have come back from injury and Africa are in good shape but they will get even better in time.

"I take all the decisions based on what is the best for the team. Always in Chelsea there will be big players on the bench or not playing. This is life of a manager and of the players. I think it is good for them."

Ultimate10002000

19-02-2008, 09:43 PM

Ferreira handed five-year Blues deal

Portugal international Paulo Ferreira has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea and is likely to see out his career at Stamford Bridge.

Speculation had surrounded the future of the 2004 Champions League winner, who was signed by former boss Jose Mourinho before the 2004-05 season.

But the 29-year-old has signed a new deal which is likely to tie him to the club for the remainder of his career.

Ferreira told the club's website: "I am delighted to commit my long-term future to Chelsea.

"The fans have made me very welcome since I have been at Chelsea and I enjoy my football here a lot.

"We have had a lot of success and I am hoping we have more over the coming years."

The former Porto defender has made 130 appearances for the Blues but has faced stiff competition for the right-back slot from summer recruit Juliano Belletti this season.

Ultimate10002000

19-02-2008, 09:44 PM

Drogba and Anelka vying for start

Chelsea boss Avram Grant is likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation for Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first-leg match against Olympiacos.

Didier Drogba or Nicolas Anelka are poised to lead an attack flanked by Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Michael Essien is set to be handed a defensive midfield role with Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack given another chance to shine in midfield together.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Belletti, Terry, Alex, Carvalho, Ben-Haim, A Cole, Bridge, Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Obi, Malouda, Wright-Phillips, J Cole, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.

Ultimate10002000

19-02-2008, 09:44 PM

Laws close to sealing Sahar deal

Sheffield Wednesday are hoping to conclude a deal to bring highly-rated Chelsea teenager Ben Sahar to Hillsborough on loan.

Owls manager Brian Laws is confident of drafting in the 18-year-old striker as a replacement for Akpo Sodje, who requires ankle surgery and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Laws said: "Ben Sahar is a player we have been talking about and he's a very talented young player.

"We're going to talk to the player before anything is done because he is young and new to the country, so probably does not know too much about Sheffield Wednesday.

"Chelsea have agreed to the move in principal, so it should go ahead if the player is happy with the move."

Sahar, 18, who played on loan for fellow Championship club QPR earlier this season, is Israel's youngest full international after making his debut aged 17.

Ultimate10002000

19-02-2008, 09:45 PM

Essien sets sights on big trophy haul

Michael Essien is determined to help Chelsea to more trophies this season after missing out on winning the African Nations Cup with Ghana.

Ghana went out at the semi-final stage of the competition, but Chelsea managed to keep themselves in the hunt for glory on all four fronts while Essien was back home.

He is set for a defensive midfield role against Olympiacos in the Champions League last-16 tie in freezing Athens on Tuesday - but he believes the superb form of his team-mates in the last two months has left Avram Grant's side with a great chance of more silverware.

"They've done a good job and didn't lose a game," he said.

"It didn't surprise me because I know we have the players to do it. The team has done really well, and we have to keep going and continue to win our matches.

"It was very sad to miss out on the African Nations Cup, but you have to forget about the past and look the future. Chelsea have a bright future, and I still have more trophies ahead of me.

"We are still in all four trophies and will work really hard. We have to achieve something and win something this year."

Ultimate10002000

19-02-2008, 09:46 PM

CSKA make bid for Chelsea target

Chelsea will have to move quickly if they want to sign Czech Republic midfielder Lubos Kalouda after Brno confirmed a bid from CSKA Moscow.

Kalouda was wanted by Newcastle United during the January transfer window, but the Magpies were unable to conclude a deal.

Juventus also tried to sign the 20-year-old, with the midfielder perceived as a long-term replacement for compatriot Pavel Nedved at Stadio Delle Alpi.

However, interest in the youngster has increased, with Chelsea sending a scout to watch Kalouda in Brno's defeat at Plzen at the weekend.

The Blues may have to move quickly, though, after Brno's majority shareholder Roman Pros confirmed CSKA have lodged a bid.

Pros told CTK: "The Russian club have forwarded us their offer, we have told them our demands.

"In football terminology, the ball is on CSKA's side of the pitch.

"Considering that the transfer market in Russia closes on March 7, there is theoretically plenty of time for negotiations."

Kalouda, who was called up to the Czech Republic squad for the first time for the recent friendly with Poland, is trying to put the interest of other clubs to the back of his mind.

"I had some news, but try to keep it out of my mind," said Kalouda in reference to the scouts who have been watching him.

"Already in the autumn, representatives of various clubs travelled to Brno and I coped with it well then, so I have to put up with it now as well. I will not say more."

http://images.teamtalk.com/08/02/800x600/Lubos_Kalouda_658509.jpg