Chelsea and Roman Abrahomvich have finally taken hold of their holy grail, winning a dramatic UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich in Munich. Didier Drogba, a longtime Blues fans favorite, was the hero, tying the game in the 88th minute by heading in the Londoners ONLY corner of the game. Drogba came up big in the penalties again, converting the game winner. Roman Abrahmovich has his cup and Terry, Lampard and Drogba have completed the quest.
The game was played on Munich's pitch, which complicated things even more fore a deprived Chelsea, who had 4 players out of the final due to yellow cards/red cards. John Terry, the captain, was a notable missee, while Ramires was probably the most missed of the players. The game was dominated by Bayern. DOMINATED! Bayern controlled possession with 56 percent, won the total of shots and shots on goal 43-9 and 7-3. The Bavarians also led the corner count 20-1. How did they not win? Indeed, for the whole game, as a Chelsea fan, (yes, I will admitt that I'm a Chelsea fan) my only thought was when; when would Munich score. It only seemed inevitable. In fact, the pregame lineups seemed to show that Roberto Di Matteo feared Arjen Robben and Bayerns speed more than anything; he started Ryan Bertrand, whose speed he needed, even though he had never played in a Champions League game before. Good time to make your debut, eh? Anyway, the Bavarians seemed to be in control. As most thought, though it came much later than most would have believed, Munich drew first blood; in the 83rd minute of course. Thomas Muller headed the ball into the ground and above Petr Cech. The Bavarians looked sure to win the Cup on their home ground.
After Muller scored the goal, I could barely breath. I could only think of the lost chance. Fernando Torres came on, and immediatly won a corner for Chelsea. "He's got some use yet," I thought to myself. Mata took the cross, and Drogba sprinted to the near post, put the ball past Manuel Neuer, and continued his run towards Chelsea fans. The stadium, the blue side at least, erupted, and indeed it looked good for the Londoners. Thomas Muller had been taken off to bring an extra defender on, which, looking back on, was an idiotic move. A couple minutes into extra time, Drogba clipped Frank Ribery's heels in the box, giving the ref no choice but to award the penalty. Ribery eventually had to be taken off the pitch, but the time he took to get off the field allowed Arjen Robben to think; and think he did, for he surely got psyched out by the pressure. Petr Cech came up big again, saving the second penalty in their last two UCL games, stopping a Messi penalty in that infamous 2nd leg at Barcelona, which was also caused by a Drogba foul.
Now the game is in penalties. Phillip Lahm, the captain, drove a penalty past Petr Cech to put Bayern up 1-0, and it stayed that way when Juan Mata's shot was saved. Mario Gomez and David Luiz both scored, before Manuel Neuer stepped up, and put HIS shot past Petr Cech. I couldn't believe it. The goalie converted a penalty! 3-1 Bayern. Frank Lampard now stepped up, and scored to make it 3-2. Olic, in his last kick for Bayern, took a weak, weak, weak penalty, that was easily stopped by Petr Cech. This left it open for Ashley Cole to tie the game, and he did. Bastian Schweinstager, the Bavarian of all Barvarians, now took to the spot, looking to put Bayern up 4-3. He failed. Your heart just broke for him; then you came back to your senses, and laughed at him. Didier Drogba, the hero, the savior, stepped up. He converted. Chelsea won. The team went crazy. I think the only person associated with Chelsea who wasn't crying or yelling was Roman Abramovich, the owner. Surprising, because he was the person who persued it the most. The game was incredible.
Now that Roman has his European Cup, he can focus on his final goal; build a new stadium for Chelsea. Even though through the years Blues fans might have found the Russian annoying, he has indeed poured his heart and soul into this club. An estimated $3 billion dollars have been put into the finances of the club by the Russian oil tycoon. He loves this club, and will do anything, almost anything at least, for it.
Didier Drogba has announced that he will part ways with the club. It will not be a bitter parting for the club and player, who has forever been faithful to the west Londoners. He is rumored to go to China or the USA, which would be great for either of those bustling markets. Chelsea have also reportedly struck a deal with Lille star Eden Hazard.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Will Munich be painted blue?
Tomorrow Chelsea will face Bayern Munich to decide who will be this years Champions League winner. The odds are stacked up against the Blues, and I'll tell you why.
As I said before, Chelsea will have to defy all sense to win this final. The first reason why is because they will be missing 5-7 starters, including ALL of the Londoners central defenders, Branislav Ivanovic, who is out on too many yellows, and David Luiz and Gary Cahill, who were both injured in games several weeks ago, and have been going at a fiery pace to be fit for the final. John Terry, the captain of the team, will also be missing the final due to a red during that infamous Barca match. The Blues will also be missing Ramires, Raul Meirles and Florent Malouda. So, while Chelsea's forwards are untouched, the midfield and defense will be greatly weakened.
Reason two for why Chelsea is at a disadvantage is that they will be playing at Bayern's home ground, the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich will be playing A HOME GAME!!! Now Chelsea not only has to overcome injuries and suspensions, but also playing an away game, at their oppositions ground.
Chelsea are certainly at a major disadvantage, and no one in their right mind would pick a team in the position that the Londoners are in to win; I indeed don't believe they can win. But, I just have a feeling; I have a feeling that Roberto Di Matteo's magic is not yet gone, that Terry and Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba aren't going to let their probable last chance at winning a European trophy slip by. So, though you may laugh and scoff, I am choosing Chelsea. The Blues will be facing a tough and hungry Bayern team, but in the end, Chelsea will be come the first London based team to win the Champions League.
While one would think that all of England would be behind the Blues, and indeed outside of the London it is, most of London is pulling for the Bavarians. Tottenham fans want Bayern to win because Chelsea will knock them out of the Champions League if they win. Arsenal fans join in wanting Chelsea not to become the first London based team to win the league.
I will now take you back to 2008, in Moscow, where Chelsea faced Man U in the final. The game was one for the ages, going into penalty kicks, and Man U eventually winning. I'll let the video say it all, but first; that was the last time that Chelsea were in the final, and they lost that time. Could they do it again?
As I said before, Chelsea will have to defy all sense to win this final. The first reason why is because they will be missing 5-7 starters, including ALL of the Londoners central defenders, Branislav Ivanovic, who is out on too many yellows, and David Luiz and Gary Cahill, who were both injured in games several weeks ago, and have been going at a fiery pace to be fit for the final. John Terry, the captain of the team, will also be missing the final due to a red during that infamous Barca match. The Blues will also be missing Ramires, Raul Meirles and Florent Malouda. So, while Chelsea's forwards are untouched, the midfield and defense will be greatly weakened.
Reason two for why Chelsea is at a disadvantage is that they will be playing at Bayern's home ground, the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich will be playing A HOME GAME!!! Now Chelsea not only has to overcome injuries and suspensions, but also playing an away game, at their oppositions ground.
Chelsea are certainly at a major disadvantage, and no one in their right mind would pick a team in the position that the Londoners are in to win; I indeed don't believe they can win. But, I just have a feeling; I have a feeling that Roberto Di Matteo's magic is not yet gone, that Terry and Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba aren't going to let their probable last chance at winning a European trophy slip by. So, though you may laugh and scoff, I am choosing Chelsea. The Blues will be facing a tough and hungry Bayern team, but in the end, Chelsea will be come the first London based team to win the Champions League.
While one would think that all of England would be behind the Blues, and indeed outside of the London it is, most of London is pulling for the Bavarians. Tottenham fans want Bayern to win because Chelsea will knock them out of the Champions League if they win. Arsenal fans join in wanting Chelsea not to become the first London based team to win the league.
I will now take you back to 2008, in Moscow, where Chelsea faced Man U in the final. The game was one for the ages, going into penalty kicks, and Man U eventually winning. I'll let the video say it all, but first; that was the last time that Chelsea were in the final, and they lost that time. Could they do it again?
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Blue Moon Rising
Today, the greatest premier league season ended with the greatest game in surely football history. City scored twice in stoppage time to become champions for the first time since 1968. A blue moon is indeed rising; so move over Sir Alex, because the noisy neighbours are on the way in.
Indeed, the Citizens did look like they were on their way early, scoring in the 39th minute off a Pablo Zabelta goal. QPR and their fans went into the half concerned with their premier league future. But Rangers came out storming, and a Joleen Lescott error lead to Djbril Cisse scoring, and a small but faithful Rangers crowd went crazy. It grew worse for City in the 63rd minute, when Jamie Mackie put a header into the back of the net. United was leading at Sunderland, and though it was only a one goal cusion, the Red Devils were in a comfortable position. By this point, Joey Barton, being the idiot he is, got himself sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez. It was on the edge of the box, and the assitant righly gave a free kick. On his way of the pitch, Barton took a knee to the back of Kun Aguero's leg, which started a figh in itself. Mario Balotelli got into it with the Bad Boy, before Barton finally was escorted off.
Thats when the fun began. City attacked and attacked and attacked. Paddy Kenny saved and saved and saved. The Blues took 44 shots, 15 on goal, and only 3 got by Kenny. The Citizens could get nothing going. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Edin Dzeko headed a corner past Kenny, and the race was on. All through the second half, I kept saying to myself, if City can get one goal, just get the crowd behind them, they can win. That's just what happened. The crowd awoke, and a fervor of chants, cheers and pleas filled the stadium. Finally, after a nice little flick from Balotelli, Kun Aguero struck a rocket past Paddy Kenney, and secured Manchester City their first title since 1968. The stadium broke out in hysteria; both benches indeed were celebrating. QPR's at that time knew that Bolton had secured relegation, and that no matter how Rangers perfomed, they were staying up. The players on the field didn't know this yet, and you could see the frustration on their faces. The game ended just seconds later, and the pitch was overrun. City fans, many who were too young to remember the last time they had won the league, stormed the pitch, beginning a celebration that will last into the night.
So, now that the league is over, this is how it all stands. City won. Bolton, Wolves and Blackburn were relegated. City, United and Arsenal are in the Champions league, while Newcastle is in the Europa League. If Chelsea win the Champions League on Saturday, then they will be in the Champions League, bumping 4th place Tottenham to the Europa League. It will be a year of European play for at least 5, perhaps 6 English clubs.
Indeed, the Citizens did look like they were on their way early, scoring in the 39th minute off a Pablo Zabelta goal. QPR and their fans went into the half concerned with their premier league future. But Rangers came out storming, and a Joleen Lescott error lead to Djbril Cisse scoring, and a small but faithful Rangers crowd went crazy. It grew worse for City in the 63rd minute, when Jamie Mackie put a header into the back of the net. United was leading at Sunderland, and though it was only a one goal cusion, the Red Devils were in a comfortable position. By this point, Joey Barton, being the idiot he is, got himself sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez. It was on the edge of the box, and the assitant righly gave a free kick. On his way of the pitch, Barton took a knee to the back of Kun Aguero's leg, which started a figh in itself. Mario Balotelli got into it with the Bad Boy, before Barton finally was escorted off.
Thats when the fun began. City attacked and attacked and attacked. Paddy Kenny saved and saved and saved. The Blues took 44 shots, 15 on goal, and only 3 got by Kenny. The Citizens could get nothing going. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Edin Dzeko headed a corner past Kenny, and the race was on. All through the second half, I kept saying to myself, if City can get one goal, just get the crowd behind them, they can win. That's just what happened. The crowd awoke, and a fervor of chants, cheers and pleas filled the stadium. Finally, after a nice little flick from Balotelli, Kun Aguero struck a rocket past Paddy Kenney, and secured Manchester City their first title since 1968. The stadium broke out in hysteria; both benches indeed were celebrating. QPR's at that time knew that Bolton had secured relegation, and that no matter how Rangers perfomed, they were staying up. The players on the field didn't know this yet, and you could see the frustration on their faces. The game ended just seconds later, and the pitch was overrun. City fans, many who were too young to remember the last time they had won the league, stormed the pitch, beginning a celebration that will last into the night.
So, now that the league is over, this is how it all stands. City won. Bolton, Wolves and Blackburn were relegated. City, United and Arsenal are in the Champions league, while Newcastle is in the Europa League. If Chelsea win the Champions League on Saturday, then they will be in the Champions League, bumping 4th place Tottenham to the Europa League. It will be a year of European play for at least 5, perhaps 6 English clubs.
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| City celebrate their first championship in 44 years. 2 whole generation of Blues fans have waited. |
Sunday, May 6, 2012
History Made
Chelsea made history in several ways yesterday, while winning their 4th FA Cup in 6 years. A fight to the end, and yet another controversial goaline call raise more cries for true goaline technology.
A relativly quiet first half began with Ramires speeding by Jose Enrique, before powering his shot to the near post, around a off balance Pepe Reina. Reina, as did most people in the arena, assumed that the Brazilian would go far post, and was caught off by the midfielder as he drew first blood.
In the 52nd minute, it was who else, but Didier Drogba himself, scoring after a wonderful pass on by Lampard. This made him the only man to score in 4 FA Cup finals. It seemed as if Liverpool were buried, but, as the announcers so kindly reminded us, Liverpool have several times come back from down 2-nil.
Finally, it happened. In the 64th, Andy Carroll, a sub brought on by Kenny Daglish, ripped one into the roof of the net. Carroll, had Chelsea not won, was the man of the match. A very, very close encounter that scared most Chelsea fans came just 15 minutes later.
Liverpool was revived. Carroll and Dirk Kuyt had come on and rejuvinized the Reds, to the point where it seemed very likely that Chelsea would not only lose their lead but also the title. A cross from Luis Suarez came to the back post, where Andy Carroll was waiting. As he did against Everton, Carroll rose into the air to head the ball goal bound, in what seemed a goal. But, as replays showed, Petr Cech made an incredible save, only just pushing the ball back across the line before it fully crossed. The Liverpool players protested, but the refs had it right. So, minutes later, Chelsea had their 4th FA Cup in 6 years, their 7th ever. A fight to the end, but the Blues held on. John Terry also became the first captain to win 4 FA Cups with one club.
A relativly quiet first half began with Ramires speeding by Jose Enrique, before powering his shot to the near post, around a off balance Pepe Reina. Reina, as did most people in the arena, assumed that the Brazilian would go far post, and was caught off by the midfielder as he drew first blood.
In the 52nd minute, it was who else, but Didier Drogba himself, scoring after a wonderful pass on by Lampard. This made him the only man to score in 4 FA Cup finals. It seemed as if Liverpool were buried, but, as the announcers so kindly reminded us, Liverpool have several times come back from down 2-nil.
Finally, it happened. In the 64th, Andy Carroll, a sub brought on by Kenny Daglish, ripped one into the roof of the net. Carroll, had Chelsea not won, was the man of the match. A very, very close encounter that scared most Chelsea fans came just 15 minutes later.
Liverpool was revived. Carroll and Dirk Kuyt had come on and rejuvinized the Reds, to the point where it seemed very likely that Chelsea would not only lose their lead but also the title. A cross from Luis Suarez came to the back post, where Andy Carroll was waiting. As he did against Everton, Carroll rose into the air to head the ball goal bound, in what seemed a goal. But, as replays showed, Petr Cech made an incredible save, only just pushing the ball back across the line before it fully crossed. The Liverpool players protested, but the refs had it right. So, minutes later, Chelsea had their 4th FA Cup in 6 years, their 7th ever. A fight to the end, but the Blues held on. John Terry also became the first captain to win 4 FA Cups with one club.
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