v Marseille - Deschamps back at the Bridge

Chelsea continue their 100% start to the Champions League campaign this season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over French outfit Olympique Marseille. Early goal from captain John Terry helped settle the nerves and we're in control from that point on. Nic Anelka scored from the spot at the half hour mark to make it 2-0. It was cruise control in the second half, although Marseille had the ball more, they never really threatens Cech's goals. Chelsea could have added a few more goals in the second half, but was unlucky when effort from Alex and Essien hitting the woodwork.

A very important and morale boosting win for us after 2 straight defeat before the match. The win also put us in pole position to qualify for the next stage of the competition as well as building up good momentum coming into the match against Arsenal this weekend. Bring on the Gunners!! KTBFFH

The match against Marseille bring back former player Didier Deschamp back to the Bridge. The now Marseille's Manager was part of the Blues foreign legion under the guidance of Gianluca Vialli. Although he only spend 1 season at Chelsea, he did helped the team to lift the FA Cup in the 1999/2000 campaign. The game was played at the Old Wembley stadium, where we defeated Aston Villa thanks to a solitary goal from Roberto Di Matteo, the current West Bromwich Albion manager. Yes, we were the last team to win the FA Cup at old Wembley. Who said we don't have history? Owhhh... BTW, we were also the first to win it at the new one. KTBFFH

Insane Wenger - when egos take over

Coming into his 15th years as manager of Arsenal Football Club, Wenger was the longest serving manager in the club history and also the most successful for the club in terms of trophies. Appointed as Arsenal's manager in 1996 Wenger has won 3 Premier League title and 4 FA Cup Winners medals for the club but 5 trophy less seasons, the good was quickly forgotten. Known for his philosophy of playing good and beautiful football, his ability to nature young talents, buying cheap and selling for a hefty price, the Professor is the kind of manager that most club Chairman wants. And as long as the team is winning trophies, the fans will be happy.

Its been a mix situation at Arsenal this pass couple of weeks, first announcing the club record profit for year ending May 31st before suffering a humiliating defeat to newly promoted West Brom last Saturday. The veering against Arsene didnt start after the defeat, but from 2 to 3 seasons back and its seem to be growing larger with some quarters of the fans already calling for the Manager's head. Patience of the supporters seems to reach the limit with an empty trophy cabinet the past 5 seasons, empty promises with the young players and Wenger delusively backing some of his 'quality players'.

A man who hold tight to his approach and belief in how football should be played. But with his experience, he should know better when to let it go, to put aside his egos, to stop trying to prove that everybody is wrong and put priority straight.... the club itself. For me, that's the main reason some of the Gunner faithful has turn their back on him.

His failure to find a replacement for Vieira and his unwillingness to spend big for a similar hard tackling no nonsense holding midfielder still haunt him till now. What did he do next? Complaining and moaning to the press on how football should be played, how to tackle, how his player needs more protection from referee..sorry Mr Wenger, but i didnt hear that during the Vieira, Keown and Adams days.

His blind support and faith in his two goalkeepers Almunia and Fabianski is also unbelievable, when almost everyone agree that both of them is not good enough to play for Arsenal at least in the starting eleven. He has the chance to get a world class keeper in January last season before Shay Given making the move to Man City. He had a second opportunity to get Given during the start of the season transfer window. Mark Schwarzer putting himself in the transfer list to force a move but the deal falls through due to Wenger didnt want to add a few millions to meet Fulham asking prise. I'm sure he'll regret it after the latest blunder from Almunia and i'm also pretty sure  that he wont admit it. Almunia is a great goalkeeper.

A man loss is another man gain. The fans outcry for big names transfers and for Arsenal to start winning trophies again seems unheard. The Chairman and board at Arsenal just kept quite and let Wenger do his things, never the board set target or make known of their ambitions. Never came out and said we want to win the league this season, and we have the money and will backed Wenger to get the player he need. Nope, never heard it. Why should the board to that? They just announced a record profit, free of debt, just move into a new stadium and although not winning trophies, Arsenal consistently qualified for the money spinning Champion League. Good enough for the board, but what are the fans getting from this?

KTBFFH

Case #1: Kuyt's goal, Liverpool v Sunderland (2010/2011)

Liverpool v Sunderland 25th September 2010 Premier League match at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt scored a bizarre goal after being fed by striker Fernando Torres. It was in the 5th minutes of the game when Sunderland won a free kick inside their own half. Michael Turner standing at the place where the free kick should be taken, then roll the ball back with intention to let his goalkeeper to take the free kick while referee Stuart Attwell was facing the Liverpool goal. Torres seizing the opportunity, rush to the loose ball before carrying it unchallenged and squaring it to Kuyt for an easy tap in.

Quick thinking or purely unsportmanship by the Fernando Torres. The goal was given and the Premier League quick to back the referee saying the goal was good and rightly given.

Goal or no goal. You be the judge

v Man City - Not a bad weekend after all

A bad start to the weekend and could have been even worst at the end. But the worst didnt happened, both Chelsea's main title rivals Arsenal and Man Utd also drop points against West Brom and Bolton respectively, so i can wake up on Monday morning and still afford a smile.

Chelsea lost their first game in the league for the first time this season and their third consecutive to Man City thanks to a second half Carlos Tevez goal. Man City fast becoming Chelsea bogey team came into the match with a game plan, and Mancini's tactics was spot on. Playing 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 which ever you would like to see it and with 8 defensive minded players in the starting line up, it was deem to be a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea.

Frustrating day it was, Chelsea only being limited to half chances and only threatens from set pieces. Man City defensive midfield trio of De Jong, Yaya Toure and Barry were dominant, strong, and winning the physical battle. City's backline was also having a good day out, didnt give space and a sniff of opportunity to Drogba and co, leaving the Chelsea forwards at bay.

All in all, it was still a good football match. Personally i think Chelsea really miss Frank Lampard, when City defend like they did on Saturday, we were kept depriving for Lampard qualities most of all his long range shooting. In another day, it might be a different kind of story. KTBFFH



The first italian manager in EPL?

Chelsea's game against City today is a clash between two Italian managers, Carlo Ancelotti and his compatriot Roberto Mancini. Chelsea well known for their Italian influence have a great list of players as well as managers who are associated with the club in the past. If  not mistaken, Gianluca Vialli is the first Italian manager for Chelsea from 1998 to 2000.  
 
But who is the first Italian to manage an english club? I didnt know that.

We also wears Italian

v Man City - Mancini's Mindgame

Surprise when i read Mancini's pre match interview before the big game against Chelsea. The italian said,

"Chelsea are the best team in the Premier League at the moment,"                     
"They are probably going to win the Premier League title easily."
"They are a strong team, who have been playing together for many years."
"They have a fantastic manager and they have worked to reach this situation."

 As much as i hope and believe what he said is true, but coming from an opposition manager who will play you the next day is not something that i am pleased to hear. Mancini is a good manager, he knows what he say and why he said it.

Complacency has start creeping in the last few week, a few of the Chelsea players has involved in a media circus making unnecessary comment on how good the team is, scoring for fun and winning this and that, and its show when Chelsea suffer a shock defeat to Newcastle in the Carling Cup mid week game. And this is what Mancini want. Hopefully this time the players will step their foot firmly on the ground and do most of their talking on the pitch.

Chelsea have a perfect start to the season, winning five out of five. But this will be the biggest test so far, after playing the first five game against a relatively easy opponent (no disrespect to the teams). Playing away against a Man City side that spend more than 100 million in the summer, i'll take a draw any time.

But the two defeat against City home and away last season, the mid week lost in the Carling Cup, the need to bounce back, and to give a strong statement to all the doubter (that Chelsea good start was due to easy fixture). Winning the game is what i need and what i will be expecting. Its not going to be easy, but i hope the players will be up for the game and come out with a performance worthy of a Champions . KTBFFH

Prediction: 2-0 to the Blues and to silent the doubters

Mourinho Shhhhh The Liverpool fans

Trying to heal my own wound here, Chelsea were knocked out of the Carling Cup after suffering a 3-4 defeat to Newcastle United in the 3rd round tie last night. To forget the pain, to cure the disappointment, i want to share one of the sweetest and memorable moment for CFC in the Carling Cup.


Going back to the 2004/2005 Carling Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool played at the Cardiff Millennium Stadium which we won after extra time. The game was 1-1 after 90 minutes before Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman scoring in extra time to make it 3-2 to Chelsea. Our first trophy under the Mourinho Era. Two of the Liverpool's goal scored by John Arne Riise and Antonio Nunez.

It was a great performance and comeback by Chelsea that night, Jose Mourinho also didnt want to be left out of the scene. Chelsea were trailing 1-0 after Riise goal in the first minutes of the game, although Chelsea were dominant and in control of possession, the equalizer didnt seems to come. Until the 79th minutes of the game when Gerrard (we love you gerrard... we do... we do..) headed into his own net. That is when JM the Special One celebrated the goal in front of the Liverpool fans by putting his finger to his mouth signaling the pool fans to shut up. What a great man he is, a really Special One and will always be remembered. KTBFFH

v Newcastle - Ameobi sucker punch

Chelsea crash out of the Carling Cup with a 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United thanks to a last minutes goal from Shola Ameobi. The night look well for us when 2 of our youngster Gael Kakuta and van Aanholt combining well to give Chelsea a dream start in the 3rd minutes of the game. But Newcastle had other ideas, coming back and scoring twice to give Newcastle the lead at half time.

The night got evan worse for Chelsea when Newcastle got another goal early in the second half to make it 3-1 and the misery continues when Kalou and after that Benayoun was was forced out of the game due to injury. Already making 3 substitutes, Chelsea had to play the remainder of the game with 10 men.

Although Chelsea manage to come back and drew level with 2 goals from Anelka, the early sign that it was not our night was confirmed when Shola Ameobi headed the winner in the 90th minutes.

A very dreadful night for Chelsea indeed. The only positive i can think off is that we can erase the memory and bounce back as early as this saturday when we play against Man City the biggest test so far this season. With the big names rested last night, hope for a great responses from the whole team this weekend. KTBFFH

v Newcastle - Up the young guns

Chelsea to start their Carling Cup campaign this season against premierleague side Newcastle United at the Bridge tonight. Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti confirm that a few of the the club young player will be involve in the third round game with Daniel Sturridge, Patrick Van Aanholt, Gael Kakuta and Jeffry Bruma all tip to start.

Looking forward to the game to see how much the young players have developed. Younger players at the club havent had that much of a chance to show their abbility under previous managers and i'm glad CA will give them chances.

Daniel Sturiddge played in all of the clubs pre season friendly and perform well. He also came in as a sub for the Charity Shield and the last Champs League game for Chelsea. Considering his good form in last season carling and fa cup campaign, i expect Sturiddge to play a vital role tonight and hopefully for the whole of the Carling Cup competition.

Gael Kakuta, the young frenchman who perform well during the summer at the 2010 U-19 Euro Cup has already played in a couple of Chelsea previous game this season coming on as a sub. Expecting lots from Kakuta, with all the fuss and controversial surrounding his transfer from Lens, hopefully the boy talents and promise is justified.

Jeffry Bruma coming on as a sub during Chelsea last game against Blackpool reminds me of John Terry 10 years back. Yup, a young JT coming on as a sub to play alongside the likes of Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf, he didnt waste his opportunity to learn and gain valuable experiance from both of the legends. With his hardwork and determination, he became John Terry that we all know today. Hope Bruma can follow his captain foot steps and became a Chelsea star in the future.

Prediction: Narrow win for the young blues, Sturridge to score KTBFFH

Chelsea v Barcelona (champions league 2nd round, 2nd leg 2004/2005)

What a way to start my first post under this label, one of the best and thrilling game i had ever seen. Going back to the 2004/2005 champions league 2nd round, 2nd leg at the Bridge. The game had everything in it, goals, end to end actions, great goals, great saves, heart pumping moment and drama.

Chelsea went into the 2nd leg game trailing 1-2 after the game at Nou Camp and in the space of 19 mins Chelsea shock the visitor by taking a 3-0 lead (4-2 on aggregate) with goals from Gudjohnsen 8', Lampard 17', and Robben 19'. The game supposedly over by then, but Ronaldinho inspire Barcelona back in the game with a penalty and a wonderful goal in the 27' and 39'. Chelsea now losing on away goals 3-2 (4-4 on aggregate)

The second half continue with chances for both sides. Petr Cech performing heroics making a couple of magnificent saves to keep Barcelona at bay. But 13min from time captain marvel John Terry had the final say, heading Chelsea back in the lead 4-2 (5-4 on aggregate). The last 10mins was nail biting with Barcelona throwing everything at Chelsea, but we manage to hold on.

Stamford Bridge erupted at the final whistle, the drama didn't finish there. Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho flung himself into an ecstatic sea of players, while Barcelona players were shepherded into the tunnel amid angry, recrimination, scuffles and even spitting.

It had indeed been a truly unforgettable and incredible night. KTBFFH

EPL Newcomers - Hit, Flop & Bargain

With the premierleague 2010/2011 season just started and the transfer window closed, i'll like to discuss and share my view on the new players that have come in, debutants for the EPL this season. Man City was undoubtedly getting all the spotlight, showing their financial muscle by bringing in 7 new player with 5 of those players playing their first season in english football. Backed by multi millionaire Sheikh Mansour, City have spent more than 100million on new players trying to challenge for the title or at least getting into the champions league spot. Hits, flops and bargain will all be unveiled as we move along which promised to be an exciting season.

Debutants for the 2010/2011 English Premier League:

Arsenal - Chamakh, Koscielny,Squillaci
Aston Villa - M.Alonso, Moreno
Birmingham City - Jiranek, Hleb, Zigic, Beausejour
Chelsea - Ramires
Everton - J.Silva
Fulham -  Dembele, Salcido
Liverpool - Jovanovic, Poulsen, Meireles
Man City - Y.Toure, D.Silva, Kolarov, Boateng, Balotelli
Man Utd - Hernandez, Bebe
Newcastle - Ben Arfa
Sunderland - Riveros, Al - Muhammadi, Gyan
Tottenham - Van der Vaart
W.B.A - Odemwingie, P.Ibanez
West Ham - Barrera, Obinna
Wigan - Alcaraz, Boselli

The EPL, one of the most exciting and most watched league in the world is well known for its high tempo and physical game. So it will be a challenge for the newcomers to adapt quickly to the new environment and style. When results are massive in importance in todays game, time will not be on these player side. Fans and owners want instant result and immediate impact, players that can cope quickly on and off the pitch will certainly make it. Its only the fifth game of the season, nothing is definite right now, but i'll give my personal opinion and prediction which transfer will be a hit,  flop or a bargain transfer coup.

Hits

Tottenham finishing 4th last season and  qualifying for the champion league was a massive progress for the club. Spurs fans are hopeful that they can bulit on the success and improve what they have achieved last term. Playing midweeks champions league games will be a new experience for the club and  manager Harry Redknapp knows that he will need to bolster his squad. Things didnt go well during the window until the last day when Harry finally got his man, 9miillion transfer deal bringing Rafael Van der Vaart to Spurs from Real Madrid. The 27 years old cant really get into the Galacticos first team and was link to several clubs before moving to Spurs. Known for his creativity and passing ability, Van der Vaart will certainly make an impact in the league. His versatility also an added advantage for Spurs. I do hope the talented midfielder can get his club career back on track and looking forward seeing him besides Modric providing chances and telling passes to the likes of Defoe, Crouch and Pavlyuchenko.

Flops

I'm going stick my neck out on this one. But too say one is a flop, it must come to a big money move and i have to say Man City Mario Balotelli. With all the wealth of talents in the Man City squad, the team really doesnt gel as well as they hope. Roberto Mancini tactics and formation already being questioned by the media and some fans. All the egos and superstars at the City stadium must be hard to control and manage. Balotelli was bought by Mancini from Inter Milan costing City 24million, a pinch maybe for the club millionaire owner. But i always have a doubt when a player from the Serie A especially strikers move to the EPL. The tempo and physical game is much much higher compared to the Serie A where players do have more time on the ball. With Balotelli temperament and his disciplinary problems plus all the top striker in the City ranks, its going to be intresting to see how Mancini handle with his new recruit. Is he going to be the next Robinho, time will tell.

Bargain

Marouane Chamakh is the bargain transfer this season without a shadow of a doubt. Moving on a free transfer from Bordeaux to Arsenal, he already shown a glimpse of his abbilities, what he can offer to the team and  proving his move is not a wrong one, and i'm sure all the gooners out there will agree with me. Mr Wenger with his transfer policy seldom get it wrong when choosing a player to bring in, careful with his transfer and not rushing it, Chamakh was in the Arsenal's radar for almost a year before they finally sign him. With Van Persie injury prone, certainly Chamakh will be cherishing his opportunity to lead the line in the Arsenal strike force.

"Transfer deals always give pleasure, if not the arrival, the departure"

good luck to the newbies. KTBFFH







v Blackpool - Man U & Liverpool: teams i love to hate

Chelsea will play their 5th premierleague game of the season this weekend entertaining newly promoted Blackpool at Stamford Bridge. After a run of 4 successive win, Chelsea will fancy their chance to remain top with another 3 points and adding to their goal tally. Free scoring Chelsea has already scored 17 this season will be looking forward to add to the goal tally and continue their fantabulous start to the season. Meanwhile, Blackpool already showed they are no push-over lying 4 in the league and playing some good football.

Drogba in pink..... be afraid.... be very afraid

I expect another win for Chelsea, playing in front of their own crowd, should be a walk in the park, banging a few goals and keeping a clean sheet. Nothing less. Sounds arrogant and confident..... but i think we can afford some with our fine form recently. And for the sake of my fantasy football, fingers cross didier drogba can score a few goals. Prediction: Chelsea 4 - Blackpool 0 (Drogba for a hattrick)

All eyes will be focusing at Old Trafford this weekend when Liverpool visit Man Utd. Both teams had a poor start this campaign and surely would not want to lose this one. I expect a cagey affair, both team will try to be cautious and not to make silly errors. Prediction:  0-0 or 1-1 draw. Desire result: 3-3 draw, rooney and gerrard sent off

v. Zilina - Nic Anelka handcuff gesture

The game:
Chelsea opened their champions league campaign for 2010/2011 with a 4-1 away victory at MSK Zilina. Goal from Essien, Sturridge and a brace by Anelka ensure Chelsea got the all important 3 points. Chelsea were without several key players with Drogba suspended, Lampard still not recovered from his operation and Ashley Cole being rested. This give the opportunity to the likes of Zhirkov, Benayoun and Sturiddge to have some playing times and show the Gaffer what they can do. Overall Chelsea looks comfortable for the whole 90min but struggle to hold the ball and control the tempo of the game without the presence of Lampard and Drogba in the team. Still a good victory and glad the points are in the bag.

Highlight:
Nicolas Anelka was very influential in the match scoring 2 goals and setting up another for Essien. A great game for the frenchman and his celebration after scoring was class. Nic celebrated with a handcuff gesture aiming to the  French Football Federation after what happened in the 2010 South Africa World Cup. He was banned from the national team for 18 matches and his celebration is a great way to hit back at those idiots at FFF.

I guess Nic will never wear the les blues shirt ever again, but he is already wearing a blue shirt week in and week out here at CFC. KTBFFH

Salam introduksi

Blogging? Gua tatau camne tetibe gua ble terade blog and secara tak disedari gua dah start typing gua punye 1st post. Kalau wife gua tau nih mesti dia gelak gile. Camne gua ble terjebak dengan benda nih pun tatau, maybe sebab cuti raya yang terlampau lama (dah seminggu tak masuk keja) or maybe sebab gua tatau nak buat pe sementara nak tunggu game champs league pertama untuk season 2010/11 team faveret gua Chelsea FC.

Sebelum ni gua punye wife penah suh gua buat blog sendiri. Dia suh gua try buat, buat blog pasai football or gua punye club kesayangan . Time tuh gua jawab "takkan" tp skaang gua cakap "i try". Gua pun tatau pe yang best sgt tulis blog nih. Gua tengok wife gua punye addicted to blogging dah mengalahkan gua punye addicted to marlboro 20 merah soft pack. So maybe ni cara utk gua quit smoking. Mane tau pasni, pas makan je gua rase nak blogging, time berak rase nak blogging, time lepak ngan membe2 ase nk blogging.

Anyway, time will tell if entry nih will be my first and last or first of many. KTBFFH