Have to say we deserved that win. David Luiz was brilliant he put in a great shift was calm on the ball played the right passes and just concentrated on his defended getting the ball clear away from the penalty box. Ramires was terrific the Benfica left back couldn't keep up with his pace which was shown with the goal he caused them problems all game. Torres looked great as well his build up play is there, really lively on the counter attack and delivered in a good cross which he has done a lot this season with the amount of assists he has got. Kalou hasn't started many games this season and is normally the player who gets criticized often. But Kalou deserves credit tonight because of his performance for the way he tracked back also attacked on the counter and of course that important away goal he scored. The whole team played amazing and well done to RDM for his team selection he got it spot on. Those four players mentioned were the stand out ones.
No doubt the increase of fixtures will take a lot out of us. But I think the lads have the experience to cope and with the effort they put in we could go all the way they have a decent chance.
Mata looked tired against Benfica he played 3 games on the bounce he should have a rest. Need to look after our key players they have big games coming up.
Mata--a nice summary of the game! Well done! Whatever anyone says --we have to take each game as it comes, and so far we haven't done too badly! Back to business up at Villa this weekend! Lets hope the boys have still got fire in their bellies!
We've got the numbers to keep rotating, we just need the likes of Cech, JT, Cole, Ramires to stay fit during this barrage of games! Juan, you're right about who will probably start at the weekend, then it'll be a similar line up to tonight's for the return next Wednesday!
I must admit, I should be buzzing about the game tonight, however I just thought I'd check the BBC website for a report, and found the Chelsea result didn't even make the front page. Sorry but last British club in the CL, and reporting on the British Broadcasting Corporation is 0 news worthy on the front page ? As I no longer live in the UK, I don't pay a licence fee, but I still found the time to fill in their complaints box... Pissed me off, no end.
^ It's the top story mate please log in to view this image Maybe yours appears different because you are not in the UK? Then again we are a British club and that is a British channel, so we should be on the top no matter which country it is viewed in.
Excellent summary Mata, take an extra 2quid a week !!!! Luiz and Kalou were terrific, yes the same two who were "rubbish " just a couple of months ago. A bit of confidence and game time really makes a difference. Ramires roared back to his best, gave them swish all night long. Torres worked his arse off and was a handful. When we get a midfielder who can pre-empt his runs into space, he'll score a hat full. Also thought Cech was much improved and Paulo Ferriera the better of the 2 wing backs. All credit to RDM and his assistant for choosing, believing in, and bringing the best out of these players. More than 3 recent managers could do.
Pleased for Paulo cos he's been friggin' useless for 3 years now and was never worth the transfer fee (was it 13.5 mil?) in the first place but I'd take him over Bosingwa every day of the week.
To be honest Tel I think Paulo has been a great servant for us and never let us down,would rather him than Bosingwa any day,remember last season when he had Bale in his pocket all game...Quality. Did it get on anyone elses tits last night when Gary Neville kept calling him Farrara Thought we were amazing last night,Luiz mom for me and a big pat on the back for RDM,he would have been slaughtered in the press had we lost with the changes he made,well done Robbie.
To be fair it was a great TEAM performance... and it would be difficult to criticise any of the lads! Its very reassuring to know the whole squad is in good shape for the testing time ahead in April! I'm feeling we might still come up with a trophy (or two).
Not if the FA screw us over with the FA cup semi fixture. If we get past Benfica we will have Spurs and a C.L semi in the space of 48 hours. A fukin disgrace.
I think we have to put things into perspective here. You say he has been useless. but how often has he been given a chance. As for the transfer fee? Well at the time he was rated as one of the best RB's in Europe. Every time he plays he never lets us down and he never complains or causes trouble.
Exactly. To be able to bring in an experienced head like him every now and then is great. Every great squad will be made up of regulars, up and coming players, fringe players and players past their peak who can still do a job. Paulo covers the last 2. Great club servant and was a bloddy brilliant right back for his time at Porto and under Jose with us.
Absolute bollocks Paulo has been a great servant for Chelsea and has been a rock when called on. You clearly do not remember how he came into the side at Spurs last year and had Bale in his pocket all night. and again last night after playing little first team football comes on and did a fantastic job.
