Chelsea 2013-2014: Insufferable & Unsuccessful but Better than Arsenal
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Not a popular figure(I get it) but ashley Cole stayed after to applaud the fans(and receive it) in what is most certainly his last home game at The Bridge.
http://i.imgur.com/eOhUogK.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/eOhUogK.jpg
The lack of self-awareness is stunning:
One-way traffic at present, the visitors in desperate need of a victory but they seem content to sit back and defend in numbers. #CFCLive
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) May 4, 2014
One-way traffic at present, the visitors in desperate need of a victory but they seem content to sit back and defend in numbers. #CFCLive
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) May 4, 2014
When were Chelsea in desperate need of a victory and played like Norwich?DLew On Roids said:
Facts are facts, Norwich needed a victory to help survive relegation and made no effort to get one
I'm sorry, I didn't realize you missed the match last weekend when Chelsea parked the bus for the first half when they needed a win. Or when Chelsea parked the bus in Madrid when an away goal would have been precious.Snakebauer007 said:
It's odd, really, that you weren't paying attention, considering these were important matches.
Snakebauer007 said:
Come on, Norwich haven't beaten Chelsea in a million years and the talent disparity between the two clubs is breathtaking in scope. Getting out of Stamford Bridge with a point is just about the loftiest goals Norwich could have had; had they tried to make a run at it they would have been torn to shreds. Have you seen their results lately? I sure have, they've been disheartening to say the least.
Parking the bus made perfect sense for Norwich. Chelsea have not done well this year against lesser-talented clubs that had played deep against them (Sunderland and Palace did this before Norwich came to town). It was the only way they could have possibly hoped for a single point. They (we, really) still have a slight chance to stay up, although it's probably not happening. The point helped with that.
Smiling Joe Hesketh said:
Of course. Norwich right decided that the best chance at a point or points was to work incredibly hard to not concede, try to ensure a point, and maybe you get something off a set piece or some jammy goal somewhere that turns it into a win. The exact tactics Mourinho deployed against Atletico and countless others, which is why it's being discussed in this thread in the first place. It's like Jose's trolling with this stuff.
teddykgb said:
And it almost worked, as Norwich had a good argument for a penalty early when Terry brought Olsson down in the box. Referee waved it off, but there's no denying it wasn't a bad idea for Norwich to pursue.
yes, Neil Adams is taking one hell of a risk in that he's hoping like hell Sunderland blow up and drop their next two. Getting all three points at Chelsea would have made things safer for Norwich, but we have lost like a billion games in a row there; taking big risks for an unlikely 3 points would have almost assured relegation yesterday
The Guardian has a breakdown of the tactics yesterday.
Chelsea played for a draw against Liverpool with a B team on the field, Atletco away they also played for the draw, neither case fits. Maybe you weren't paying attention to the question.DLew On Roids said:
I'm not arguing the use of defensive tactics,Smiling Joe Hesketh said:
It was just one specific point about Chelsea goes out all the time in desperate need of a win and plays like this. Which just isn't the case.
Mourinho admitted after the game he got the tactics wrong in the first half because Norwich
Took him
By susrprise.
Snakebauer007 said:
That is one pricey B team. Snake, never change. What a gas this thread is with you in it.
How many regular starters at each position started the game? Facts is facts just like tears are tearsSoxFanInPdx said:
Much respect to Carra and Neville breaking it down in an unbiased fashion for a change starting at 5:40
http://youtu.be/TdmxV-7QvJ8
http://youtu.be/TdmxV-7QvJ8
Crazy season finished, close to two major trophies, but fell short for different reasons.
I am glad Jose has been able to transform the squad the quickly into the style we had in his first run here. The past two seasons, not only was the team vulnerable or shaky at best at the back, but just seemed a lot softer than usual. I can only imagine what this team will be like with an actual striker up front, I suspect we will have that balance back that Mourinho strives for.
Season's best:
Hazard- Not many better players in the League right now, and seems to have potential for so much more if he can be more demanding of the ball and more of the focal point as his one weakness is tending to drift through some matches.
Azpilicueta-wouldn't take any Prem fullback over him, is an outstanding Rightback who was shifted to the left side out of the blue and was a rock. He also has an attitude and spirit that you see in so few players these days, easily a candidate for future captain of the club.
Matic-Where would we be with him playing the full season? Probably a lot better off, his addition to the team was a HUGE change to our midfield, which in many games was as shaky as the Striker situation. Very rarely do you see a Defensive midfielder with his size and strength be so technical and slick on the ball. The heavyweight duel he had against yaya told me all I needed to know about him. Highlights here:
http://youtu.be/CuoKa4_F34M playing the best centermid in the world(IMO) to a stand still was a huge feat. He has shown the ability to play an Anchor role or the more muarading centermid role when paired with someone like Mikel.
Cahill, Terry, Ivanovich: The rest of the defense and the makeup of the best defense in Europe(save for Atletico). Terry transforming his game to fit with Cahill could have only happened under Mourinho, and he still is one of the great's at Organizing the back 4. Ivan is as Ivan does. he doesn't play centerback anymore because of JT/Cahill being so immense, but continues to shut down our right flank defensively, and with a physicality that can be intimidating to many. For such a large defender, he is rarely beaten for pace and is quite comfortable with the ball at his feet(if only he could cross). Always been such a big game player for us, it's hard to imagine a team sheet without his name on it. As a side note; Chelsea aim all of their goal kicks at Ivan high up the right wing because he such a dominant player in the air, just a weird piece of strategy. Gary Cahill is easily one of the best buys of the Roman era. I figured he'd be a decent rotational guy, but he has improved every season. And I will always remember his double last ditch tackle in the dying seconds against benfica to save the Europa League final for us:
http://i.minus.com/iUB7JiRdtbgYt.gif
Next Tier:
Petr Cech-Still a top keeper, had a heck of a season but for me began showing cracks. Our set piece defense was a real problem midseason, and his lack of command in the box hurt. He also seems to get beat by positioning more than he used to, but when Chelsea play big games, we always get our best from Cech. There aren't very many I would trust on his level, but now I worry how much the shoulder injury affects, and also the footsteps of Courtois.
Oscar- What can be said really? When Jose decided it wasn't Oscar and Mata, it was Oscar OR Mata, I personally thought Mata was the guy for us, right now. In the end, I get with Jose's style he doesn't want a #10 who floats around and does what he wants> Oscar is a hard working, tough tackling playmaker so it makes sense, but it still sucks to see your favorites go. Once Oscar began to dip in form, and then ended up carrying a hip injury till the end of the season, our attack suffered greatly. I very much look forward to a full season with him starting and having a striker in front of him. He is one of the game's brightest at only 22, and despite an up and down season still produced double digit goals and assists.
David Luiz- Probably our most criticised player in terms of his ability. I think the stuff about him being completely unreliable in defense was always way overblown, but once JT and Cahill locked down the Centerback pairing Luiz was made into a utility man as their rotational option and a starting midfielder. Despite being injured twice, he made almost 40 appearances for Jose and started most of our big games this season. Which included his best efforts against City and the PSG comeback. Still unsure what his best role for us is, but having someone be able to play in defense and midfield at a high level is a rare thing, a with Luiz's wonderful team first attitude he seems invaluable.
Willian and Schurrle- Not sure which guy I would rather have in my lineup at this point. Jose has turned Willian into an attacking version of Essien. His work rate and running is phenomenal but it seems to have affected his creativity. He doesn't seem to take on players like he used to or shoot all that often. Still think he will only get better and hopefully offer more towards the attack next season. Schurrle is probably the guy who improved the most under Jose as the season went on. I wasn't a big fan at first of his game. He runs hard, tracks back, and has pace, but his touch and control on the ball seemed out of synch with the rest of the players. as he played more and gained in confidence, however, he really started playing more aggression and the goals followed. These two guys settling in and playing better will help almost as much as replacing the strikers up front.
Lampard- The old man still started 32 games for Chelsea this season, that blows my mind. He has obviously lost a few steps, but continues to adapt to any role given to him, partnering 5 other players in the pivot at different times. Maybe this was his last season, I certainly would keep him around another year, especially with Obi probably exiting, the experience and confidence to slot him into any game big or small is clearly still there.
Obi-Mikel/Cole- Two guys that Mourinho surprisingly buried at the end of the bench. Azpilicueta took Ashley's job and Mikel became 5th choice behind Matic, Ramires, Luiz, and Lampard. That said when the two were calle dupon out of necessity both stepped in and performed admirably. Mikel, on his 300th appearance for the club this season, wore the armband and scored a rare goal, a great way to celebrate someone who has been here for a long time and won many trophies. Seeing Ashley take the lap of honor in tears after our last home game was tough. It seems likely this is the end of his Chelsea career and what a great 9 years it was("This is why I came here.").
Ramires-His 4th season with the club, was his worst. I figured if anyone could take his game to the next level it was Jose, but his lack of game IQ really hurts him. He has always gotten by on athleticism, pace, energy etc. But I think he found less space to work in this season and his weaknesses on the ball were magnified. Then there are the temper issues. The bad tackle in the Villa game and the elbow to Larsson were just stupid and hurt a team already hurting with injuries. I still do not think he is good enough to start as a pivot for this team, and someone needs to be signed there.
The Bad:
The Strikers- yes there were some positives, but so many negatives to even count. I imagine we are stuck with one of them next season, and I can live with one to drop 2. The less said here the better.
All in all, I thought it was a commendable season and a great ride, that surely could have been better but also could have been far worse.
I definitely look forward to next season and what we can put together.
I am glad Jose has been able to transform the squad the quickly into the style we had in his first run here. The past two seasons, not only was the team vulnerable or shaky at best at the back, but just seemed a lot softer than usual. I can only imagine what this team will be like with an actual striker up front, I suspect we will have that balance back that Mourinho strives for.
Season's best:
Hazard- Not many better players in the League right now, and seems to have potential for so much more if he can be more demanding of the ball and more of the focal point as his one weakness is tending to drift through some matches.
Azpilicueta-wouldn't take any Prem fullback over him, is an outstanding Rightback who was shifted to the left side out of the blue and was a rock. He also has an attitude and spirit that you see in so few players these days, easily a candidate for future captain of the club.
Matic-Where would we be with him playing the full season? Probably a lot better off, his addition to the team was a HUGE change to our midfield, which in many games was as shaky as the Striker situation. Very rarely do you see a Defensive midfielder with his size and strength be so technical and slick on the ball. The heavyweight duel he had against yaya told me all I needed to know about him. Highlights here:
http://youtu.be/CuoKa4_F34M playing the best centermid in the world(IMO) to a stand still was a huge feat. He has shown the ability to play an Anchor role or the more muarading centermid role when paired with someone like Mikel.
Cahill, Terry, Ivanovich: The rest of the defense and the makeup of the best defense in Europe(save for Atletico). Terry transforming his game to fit with Cahill could have only happened under Mourinho, and he still is one of the great's at Organizing the back 4. Ivan is as Ivan does. he doesn't play centerback anymore because of JT/Cahill being so immense, but continues to shut down our right flank defensively, and with a physicality that can be intimidating to many. For such a large defender, he is rarely beaten for pace and is quite comfortable with the ball at his feet(if only he could cross). Always been such a big game player for us, it's hard to imagine a team sheet without his name on it. As a side note; Chelsea aim all of their goal kicks at Ivan high up the right wing because he such a dominant player in the air, just a weird piece of strategy. Gary Cahill is easily one of the best buys of the Roman era. I figured he'd be a decent rotational guy, but he has improved every season. And I will always remember his double last ditch tackle in the dying seconds against benfica to save the Europa League final for us:
http://i.minus.com/iUB7JiRdtbgYt.gif
Next Tier:
Petr Cech-Still a top keeper, had a heck of a season but for me began showing cracks. Our set piece defense was a real problem midseason, and his lack of command in the box hurt. He also seems to get beat by positioning more than he used to, but when Chelsea play big games, we always get our best from Cech. There aren't very many I would trust on his level, but now I worry how much the shoulder injury affects, and also the footsteps of Courtois.
Oscar- What can be said really? When Jose decided it wasn't Oscar and Mata, it was Oscar OR Mata, I personally thought Mata was the guy for us, right now. In the end, I get with Jose's style he doesn't want a #10 who floats around and does what he wants> Oscar is a hard working, tough tackling playmaker so it makes sense, but it still sucks to see your favorites go. Once Oscar began to dip in form, and then ended up carrying a hip injury till the end of the season, our attack suffered greatly. I very much look forward to a full season with him starting and having a striker in front of him. He is one of the game's brightest at only 22, and despite an up and down season still produced double digit goals and assists.
David Luiz- Probably our most criticised player in terms of his ability. I think the stuff about him being completely unreliable in defense was always way overblown, but once JT and Cahill locked down the Centerback pairing Luiz was made into a utility man as their rotational option and a starting midfielder. Despite being injured twice, he made almost 40 appearances for Jose and started most of our big games this season. Which included his best efforts against City and the PSG comeback. Still unsure what his best role for us is, but having someone be able to play in defense and midfield at a high level is a rare thing, a with Luiz's wonderful team first attitude he seems invaluable.
Willian and Schurrle- Not sure which guy I would rather have in my lineup at this point. Jose has turned Willian into an attacking version of Essien. His work rate and running is phenomenal but it seems to have affected his creativity. He doesn't seem to take on players like he used to or shoot all that often. Still think he will only get better and hopefully offer more towards the attack next season. Schurrle is probably the guy who improved the most under Jose as the season went on. I wasn't a big fan at first of his game. He runs hard, tracks back, and has pace, but his touch and control on the ball seemed out of synch with the rest of the players. as he played more and gained in confidence, however, he really started playing more aggression and the goals followed. These two guys settling in and playing better will help almost as much as replacing the strikers up front.
Lampard- The old man still started 32 games for Chelsea this season, that blows my mind. He has obviously lost a few steps, but continues to adapt to any role given to him, partnering 5 other players in the pivot at different times. Maybe this was his last season, I certainly would keep him around another year, especially with Obi probably exiting, the experience and confidence to slot him into any game big or small is clearly still there.
Obi-Mikel/Cole- Two guys that Mourinho surprisingly buried at the end of the bench. Azpilicueta took Ashley's job and Mikel became 5th choice behind Matic, Ramires, Luiz, and Lampard. That said when the two were calle dupon out of necessity both stepped in and performed admirably. Mikel, on his 300th appearance for the club this season, wore the armband and scored a rare goal, a great way to celebrate someone who has been here for a long time and won many trophies. Seeing Ashley take the lap of honor in tears after our last home game was tough. It seems likely this is the end of his Chelsea career and what a great 9 years it was("This is why I came here.").
Ramires-His 4th season with the club, was his worst. I figured if anyone could take his game to the next level it was Jose, but his lack of game IQ really hurts him. He has always gotten by on athleticism, pace, energy etc. But I think he found less space to work in this season and his weaknesses on the ball were magnified. Then there are the temper issues. The bad tackle in the Villa game and the elbow to Larsson were just stupid and hurt a team already hurting with injuries. I still do not think he is good enough to start as a pivot for this team, and someone needs to be signed there.
The Bad:
The Strikers- yes there were some positives, but so many negatives to even count. I imagine we are stuck with one of them next season, and I can live with one to drop 2. The less said here the better.
All in all, I thought it was a commendable season and a great ride, that surely could have been better but also could have been far worse.
I definitely look forward to next season and what we can put together.
As if on cue...Snakebauer007 said:
Chelsea have agreed a £32m deal with Atletico Madrid for striker Diego Costa, according to Sky sources. http://t.co/xcdkT7u0dq
— CFC News Sky Sports (@CFCnewsSKY) May 12, 2014
Wow couldn't make this stuff up. I do wonder if we roll with Costa and Lukaku or Lukaku ends up being used to fund purchased else where.Smiling Joe Hesketh said:
Also what a shift in the balance of power between two CL semi finalist opponents if we take Costa and get Courtois back
With how quickly it was agreed, you've gotta wonder whether it included the condition that Courtois stay with Atlético for another season. Regardless, hard to pin a weakness in this Chelsea side now, especially if Lukaku is kept.
This was the worst kept secret since Lewandowski to Bayern.
Costa does really fit the mold of a Mourinho striker quite well - powerful with decent enough pace and good finishing ability in the box. I hope he crashes and burns but, realistically, I think 20-25 league goals next year is more likely.
Costa does really fit the mold of a Mourinho striker quite well - powerful with decent enough pace and good finishing ability in the box. I hope he crashes and burns but, realistically, I think 20-25 league goals next year is more likely.
Snakebauer007 said:
Might want to reconsider this last sentence, seems Jose really doesn't like creative or exciting players does he? It's behind a paywall but you get the gist
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/clubs/chelsea/article4088040.ece
If true I would be sad to see luiz go, a very likeable and talented player. If that money goes to a more cultured centermid and Kalas takes Luiz spot in defense, I could live with it. Seeing him play for Barca would be rough though
I mean he watched his man stroll by him and setup a goal, twice. Seemed like fair criticism, he isn't playing striker or a #10 role, he is a wide midfielder and is supposed to be somewhat responsible on the other end, he's played the same spot in the same system all season.SoxFanInCali said:
Not saying it isn't fair, and I realize it was in response to something Hazard said. I just found the timing of it strange. Why criticize one of your best players in the media right before he's about to leave for 3 months?Snakebauer007 said:
Jose may have said it to give him something to think about in the off-season. He may have wanted to get rumors of discontent started and see if someone like PSG or Monaco would drop a stupid amount of cash fort him. Or it could have simply been a throwaway comment that he didn't give much thought to.
for the record, I don't think he's going anywhere.
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