v Man Utd - Postives all around defeat

Almost a month into the 2011/12 season, Chelsea first big test came in the form of defending Champion Man Utd. Chelsea sitting 3rd before kick off visited the undefeated Man Utd who is firing on all cylinders and scoring for fun. A test for young AVB.

The first half started on a frantic pace, it has been expected with Hernandez, Young, Nani all in the starting eleven for United. Its end to end stuff with both team having a fair chance of scoring. Unfortunately for Chelsea, United have the better luck in front of goal and went into half time leading 3-0. It was a flattering scoreline with Chelsea controlling much of the first half, having the better stats of shots on goal and corners. Add to that, the first two of United goals are wrongly awarded due to offside. Harsh scoreline... Unlucky.. Damage limitation for the second half?

A surprise and bold change by the manager for the second half. A correct move i would say, Frank Lampard was nonexistence and clearly struggle with the pace of the game. On came Nic Anelka, pays off immediately. One minute into the second half, a neat ball from Anelka in behind the defenders finished it off neatly by Fernando Torres. The finish of the old FT. Game on! Torres back to his best? We pushed harder after the goal and like the first half, continue controlling the game with few chances should have been put away. In the attempt to get back in the game, we leave ourself expose at the back with United having their fair chance in front of goal and luckily they were much wasteful as we are. Rooney missed a penalty, Torres miss an open goal. The game finished 3-1. Could have been 8-8.

The first lost of the season. Need to bounce back quickly. Not much negativity in the defeat (to most of Chelsea fans). Clearly the result doesn't reflect the game itself. We had most of the possession as well as the corners and shots count. Man United deserved their win for taking their chances. For the second game in a row, Fernando Torres show he's almost there, back at his best. Scoring a good goal with a great finished but shamed all the goods he has done in the game was overshadowed by his miss.

Frank Lampard: England days set to be over?

Its been coming, Frank Lampard international / England career hanging in the balance after last weekend England Euro 2012 qualifying match against Bulgaria. For the first time since Euro 2008 FL was not included in the starting eleven when he is fit and available. The media and Lampard's critics was having a field day stating the move was right and praising England manager for his decision.

Last night England played another qualifying match which Lamps start, England won the game with a one goal margain. An unconvincing victory for England will always invite much criticism and again FL, if not all get some of the blame. To be honest, as a Chelsea fan i agree that FL performance in the national colours is not as good as his showing for CFC, and this is not new - never get going at International level. Maybe one of the mystery in football that will never be solve.

Now at 33, his Chelsea form is slowly dipping. He miss most of last season due to injury and i have to say during his absent we dropped lots of point and struggle in games that lead us to a second place finish behind Man Utd after a great start to the season. Its almost a month into the new season, Chelsea not looking convincing in their first few matches, lacking the creativity and certainly missing the old Frank Lampard. Very hard to accept that a players that contribute so much to the club in the past decade may well be in his slump.

Lampard is one of my favourite all time player, he loves football very much and a true professional like him want to play in every matches even if his body tell him otherwise. Im neither English nor an England supporter, would prefer him retiring from international scene especially after the sticks he received deservedly or not when donning his national shirt. A step that not only will benefit Chelsea but most of all himself. A great player, an amazing character with a truely splendid career for Chelsea FC and I wish it will never end.  There is only one Frank Lampard. KTBFFH

Chelsea squad too old?

A few days ago Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen had branded Chelsea's squad 'too old' to provide any real competition for the title this season.

And today Alex Ferguson rubbished the claimed and consider CFC a threat. He knows everything about that, making the same statement in 2008 before we went  on to win the double the year after. Somebody should tell coach Muelensteen (who r ya?) never to write off your rival in September.