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Who’s at Fault?
By Toyin | February 2, 2009
Prior to the arrival of Philippe Scolari to Stamford Bridge, the place was a fortress for almost five years. The last team to beat them at their ground was Arsenal. This remarkable run began under Claudio, the ‘tinker aman’ Ranieri and became a permanent fixture under Jose ’special one’ Mourinho. Even the underrated Avram Grant never lost a Premiership match at home!
The reality above now looks like a distant memory that belongs to ages past! Chelsea’s been beaten by Liverpool and Arsenal at home this season. The defeat to Liverpool was so shocking that half of the spectators couldn’t leave their seats long after the match was concluded.
When big Phil was appointed as the new coach after the unfortunate sack of the ‘Gentle One’ Avram Grant, expectation at the Bridge was high and endless possibilities became the dream of many. And the man started very well; too well if I may say!
He broke even the record set by Jose Mourinho for the number of away wins! It was great at the beginning. But soon things took a turn for the worse starting with two consecutive draws at home and then that earth shattering loss to the Mersey Siders.
As at the time Chelsea was streaming together the away win run, they played a very expansive attacking formation that was both a delight to watch and very devastating to opponents. Suddenly, injuries came and the synergy became broken and the jury came out on the Big Phil!
Teams were no longer wary of arriving at the Bridge; they look forward to it! And some of them took away points and smiled along the way back to the own grounds. This of course became regular occurrence and the fans became disenchanted with the reign of Scolari.
They turned it around at the death against Stoke City and defeated Middlesborough in a scrappy match. However, all the work of the past week came unstuck at Anfield as Chelsea was not only outplayed but were so pathetic that one could not help but wonder if they are the same team that got to the final of the Champions League only last year.
Having defended so well against a highly motivated Liverpool, two late goals sent them to their fourth loss of the campaign; almost alien to the Blues. The reality of this defeat was etched in Scolari’s face- Very grim indeed!
What happened to Chelsea? Why have they suddenly become easy draw for most team in the league? Who is to be blamed? Many questions but simple answers!
The weight of expectation at Stamford Bridge has become too heavy to all and sundry!
The arrival of Jose Mourinho coupled with the financial might of Roman Abrahamovich was a devastating combination. Few could compete with them in the transfer market. Money became the rule rather than the exception at the Bridge. Misfits like Andrei Shevchenko, Mateja Kezman and Shawn Wright Philips were bought at ridiculous prices all in a bid to dominate both the Premiership and Champions league.
While the latter was achieved (back to back), the former became a dream that was nearly fulfilled but for the element of luck against Manchester United last May. The unwritten expectation for Luis Scolari definitely would be the Premiership and the Champions league. He either wins both or face the axe. Avram Grant came close but fell short of glory and he was undeservingly sacked.
Other teams in the Premiership are relatively younger than the current Chelsea team. The main crux of the side is well on the wrong side of twenty with the exception of Mikel Obi, Salomon Kalou and Peter Cech. Others are either over thirty or knocking on the door.
This is a major reason for the lack luster performance in the league so far. The EPL is based on pace, searing pace for that matter. One clean break and counter attack; you are dead as a team. Michael Ballack, Michel Obi and Deco are the slowest midfield partnership among the top five in the league. Any wonder that teams easily regroup against Chelsea?
Chelsea under Scolari suddenly became vulnerable to set pieces! This was one of their strength in the past. You can hardly get a goal against them through a set piece but Jack Dempsey showed how it could be done and teams have taken a cue from it.
The recent run of the team doesn’t make Philippe Scolari a bad coach, not at all by my reckoning. After all, how many coaches have won the biggest of them all: The World Cup? He also did well with Portugal before moving to Chelsea.
The reality on the ground is that the team is not as tight as it used to be. The formation change made by the coach while entertaining and more football like is not effective in the current campaign. Changes must be made to reflect the current realities.
The injuries suffered by John Terry, Ricardo Calvalho, Deco and of course long term absentee, Michael Essien has greatly destabilized the team. When Terry and Calvaho play together regularly, few things can get past them on the pitch. But this partnership has been off and on since this season began.
The indifferent performance of Didier Drogba anytime he is called into action is quite disappointing when weighed against the massive contributions of the past. Just compare him to Carlos Tervez of Manchester United and you will understand what ‘am saying. His commitment to the team is suspect and this is not good for a team competing for major trophies.
Is he going to be removed? No not Drogba! I mean Scolari. This is the question that only Abrahamovich can answer. And if they do sack him, it might just signify the beginning of the total collapse of the team. I hope not!
Dear friend, welcome to 2009, a year of UNUSUAL EXPOLITS! Whatever your shortcomings were last year, you are free from them in this new one. I think ‘am beginning to preach!
The year that just went by had its ups and downs just like any other. It was a year of great pain economically for most while a few discerning became very rich. As the year reached its climax on December 31, I heard someone who sat close to me in church said ‘thank God, it’s almost over’! Such was the emotion and sentiment of the past year. I watched Manchester United (under the indefatigable Sir Ferguson) won the two biggest prizes available to them; the Premiership and the Champions League. They ended the year with the World Club Cup trophy.
Here in Nigeria, we witnessed both unprecedented growth and unbelievable bust in the capital market. For us in the football family, it was a year of heartaches, heartbreaks, joy, happiness and euphoria combined.
A decent but unlucky coach, Avram Grant turned Chelsea into an exciting side when they were suddenly rid off of the ‘Special One’! He did all he could but 2008 was just not his year as he reached three finals only to lose all. Are you asking me three finals? Yes of course! He almost won the league and this could be classified as a final.
Poor refereeing cost Arsenal dear in the quarterfinals of the Champions league and they bowed out to a spirited Liverpool side at the last hurdle.
The departure of Frank Rijkaard brought about the emergence of a new power block at the Nou Camp: Pep Guardiaola and his devotees have since been serving us some unbelievable football. Real Madrid won the league but came crashing and the rest as they say is history.
Ronaldinho left Barca and resuscitated his carrier with Milan and ‘tinker man’ Claudio Ranieri made Jueventus a force to be reckoned with again. You don’t think so? They beat Real Madrid both home and away in the Champions league and that is no mean feat!
In England, Martin O’ Neil and his Villains are threatening the status quo; they want Arsenal out of the Champions league! Hull City announced their arrival on the big stage by defeating the Gunners right on their sacred ground and Stoke followed suit by refusing to be cowed at their own ground.
French football remains the platform for the usual suspect: Lyon, Marseille and others! Funny enough, fans still goes to watch, as we already know who the winner will be before the end of the league!
And a new David emerged in Germany, the name is Hoffenheim and they are joint leaders with the Goliath, Bayern Munich. Have you heard of the name Vedad Ibisevic? He is the sling thrower at Hoffenheim and he has brought down many giants.
Ha, my beloved Super Falcons lost their crown in Guinea Bissau. Unbelievable! And Nigerian football was not too successful during the year.
However, this is a new year! Everything that was not up to scratch last year is gone and dumped into the history archives. It is time to move ahead.
We can, whether individually or collectively make progress this year. And this is the time to start planning.
This message is so apt for the Nigerian FA. This is a new year and it represents a new opportunity for self-redemption. South Africa is just a year and half away, we must begin preparation now. We can’t fail this Nation and expects to be pardoned just like that.
If we can’t win it, we should at least get to the Semis; this is achievable and it is a must. Otherwise, people should be responsible enough to accept failure and quit when expected results are not achieved.
For all fans, colleagues, well-wishers and my protagonists at Goal.com forum, I am ready for you and I assure you of my utmost regards. Happy New Year!
�
Prior to the arrival of Philippe Scolari to Stamford Bridge, the place was a fortress for almost five years. The last team to beat them at their ground was Arsenal. This remarkable run began under Claudio, the ‘tinker man’ Ranieri and became a permanent fixture under Jose ‘Special One’ Mourinho. Even the underrated Avram Grant never lost a Premiership match at home.
The reality above now looks like a distant memory that belongs to ages past! Chelsea’s been beaten by Liverpool and Arsenal at home this season. The defeat to Liverpool was so shocking that half of the spectators couldn’t leave their seats long after the match was concluded.
When big Phil was appointed as the new coach after the unfortunate sack of the ‘Gentle One’ Avram Grant, expectation at the Bridge was high and endless possibilities became the dream of many. And the man started very well; too well if I may say!
He broke even the record set by Jose Mourinho for the number of away wins! It was great at the beginning. But soon things took a turn for the worse starting with two consecutive draws at home and then that earth shattering loss to the Mersey Siders.
As at the time Chelsea was streaming together the away win run, they played a very expansive attacking formation that was both a delight to watch and very devastating to opponents. Suddenly, injuries came and the synergy became broken and the jury came out on the Big Phil!
Teams were no longer wary of arriving at the Bridge; they look forward to it! And some of them took away points and smiled along the way back to the own grounds. This of course became regular occurrence and the fans became disenchanted with the reign of Scolari.
They turned it around at the death against Stoke City and defeated Middlesborough in a scrappy match. However, all the work of the past week came unstuck at Anfield as Chelsea was not only outplayed but were so pathetic that one could not help but wonder if they are the same team that got to the final of the Champions League only last year.
Having defended so well against a highly motivated Liverpool, two late goals sent them to their fourth loss of the campaign; almost alien to the Blues. The reality of this defeat was etched in Scolari’s face- Very grim indeed!
What happened to Chelsea? Why have they suddenly become easy draw for most team in the league? Who is to be blamed? Many questions but simple answers!
The weight of expectation at Stamford Bridge has become too heavy to all and sundry!
The arrival of Jose Mourinho coupled with the financial might of Roman Abrahamovich was a devastating combination. Few could compete with them in the transfer market. Money became the rule rather than the exception at the Bridge. Misfits like Andrei Shevchenko, Mateja Kezman and Shawn Wright Philips were bought at ridiculous prices all in a bid to dominate both the Premiership and Champions league.
While the latter was achieved (back to back), the former became a dream that was nearly fulfilled but for the element of luck against Manchester United last May. The unwritten expectation for Luis Scolari definitely would be the Premiership and the Champions league. He either wins both or face the axe. Avram Grant came close but fell short of glory and he was undeservingly sacked.
Other teams in the Premiership are relatively younger than the current Chelsea team. The main crux of the side is well on the wrong side of twenty with the exception of Mikel Obi, Salomon Kalou and Peter Cech. Others are either over thirty or knocking on the door.
This is a major reason for the lack luster performance in the league so far. The EPL is based on pace, searing pace for that matter. One clean break and counter attack; you are dead as a team. Michael Ballack, Michel Obi and Deco are the slowest midfield partnership among the top five in the league. Any wonder that teams easily regroup against Chelsea?
Chelsea under Scolari suddenly became vulnerable to set pieces! This was one of their strength in the past. You can hardly get a goal against them through a set piece but Jack Dempsey showed how it could be done and teams have taken a cue from it.
The recent run of the team doesn’t make Philippe Scolari a bad coach, not at all by my reckoning. After all, how many coaches have won the biggest of them all: The World Cup? He also did well with Portugal before moving to Chelsea.
The reality on the ground is that the team is not as tight as it used to be. The formation change made by the coach while entertaining and more football like is not effective in the current campaign. Changes must be made to reflect the current realities.
The injuries suffered by John Terry, Ricardo Calvalho, Deco and of course long term absentee, Michael Essien has greatly destabilized the team. When Terry and Calvaho play together regularly, few things can get past them on the pitch. But this partnership has been off and on since this season began.
The indifferent performance of Didier Drogba anytime he is called into action is quite disappointing when weighed against the massive contributions of the past. Just compare him to Carlos Tervez of Manchester United and you will understand what ‘am saying. His commitment to the team is suspect and this is not good for a team competing for major trophies.
Is he going to be removed? No not Drogba! I mean Scolari. This is the question that only Abrahamovich can answer. And if they do sack him, it might just signify the beginning of the total collapse of the team. I hope not!
Topics: Biz Football, Crazy Fans, Premiership, Success Pills, The Champion, The Gaffer, Who Will Win |
February 11th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
The Bridge was weak in Grant’s time but it collapsed under Scolari. Kai, Chelsea don become whipping boys of the big four. Thank God Scolari is gone and I believe the new man Guus Hiddink will do well, I really pray so!
February 11th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Good for the loud mouths that supports Chelsea. Money is not everything especially in football
February 12th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I hope they get back to their winning ways