Chelsea Singing The Blues
Posted: 18 January 2009
Last Sunday was probably the saddest day in the life of a Chelsea fan: I was so disturbed I didn't sleep the whole night. Seeing Chelsea lose 0-3 to ManUtd was too much to take. I'm no football pundit, but here are a few observations I made with a heavy heart. Sob!
Big Phil Scholari cannot be blamed entirely for the currently dilemma. He's only trying to make the team play the flamboyant Brazilian way. He was brought in to make Chelsea play “good-looking football”. Recall the Chelsea under Jose Mourinho was both respected and criticized. Respected, because they played a physical game, and played it cautiously, keeping most of the emphasis on defending and keeping a clean sheet. They were criticized by purists as playing “boring” football and “grinding out results”. With the Special One's departure, Chelsea's game has definitely undergone a major overhaul, especially in the style department. Deco and Jose Bosingwa's arrival have definitely spiced up the game. I was very impressed at the start of the season.
But that was a few months ago. Currently, this approach has seen Chelsea conceding a lot more goals than they used to. The attacking urge leaves them vulnerable at the back. Sure, they score a lot more and their GD is the highest in the BPL. The flair approach works only against average to poor opposition. Otherwise, it leaves much to be desired.
Our home record has been broken. Whatever happened to fortress Stamford Bridge? The then go-there-and-don't-expect-to-get-more-than-a-point Stamford Bridge has become like any other ground. No wonder the boos are already being directed at Scholari at the Bridge: too many points dropped at home. And the big matches -- we still haven't won against any other of the Big Four yet.
I would hate to admit it, but here it is: we played like Arsenal on one of their bad days. Not many shots on goal, plenty of possession, only half-chances. We were literally trying to pass the ball into the goal. That approach does not work in the BPL. That's why Arsenal have struggled the past three or so seasons. And we will too if we don't step up.
Michael "The Bison" Essien is sorely missed. Where is he? Everyone seems to have forgotten him. I cannot. He is the probably the most versatile player in the world, really. He is blessed with the ability to influence big matches. Jon Obi Mikel is learning quickly, but just isn't good enough. Didier is trying hard to shake off the rust. He is just not the same Didier Drogba who, two seasons ago, could easily stake his claim as one of the best in the world.
But fear not... There is still time, and there still is the BPL and the UCL. Keep the faith! Come on you Blues!
