11 games into the new season and its already a roller coaster ride. New boss Andre Villas Boas has install a new style into our game, a very attractive and attacking one. Is it effective? This season CFC already conceded 15 goals, the same number of goal conceded for the whole of 2004/05 season under Jose Mourinho. We're currently 4th in the table and based on current form and performance, its very difficult to see us challenging for the league title if i'm being honest. Does AVB know his best starting eleven yet? Or will he keep rotating the squad for the whole length of the season. I'll certainly give the young manager time and i hope Roman will do too. KTBFFH
1) v Stoke (0-0) : first game of the season
(433 - Cech, Cole, Terry, Alex, Bosingwa, Mikel, Ramires, Lampard, Malouda, Torres, Kalou)
First game of the season and AVB sticking with the tried and trusted 433 with most of the key players from Ancelloti days starting. Sturridge was on fire during preseason but was suspended for the game. It was a frustrating night for Chelsea as they were held to a goalless draw. 66% of possession and 7 shots on target compared to Stoke 1.
2) v Man Utd (1-3) : first big test
(433 - Cech, Cole, Terry, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Meireles, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Torres, Sturridge)
Personally for me, this is the strongest lineup (attacking wise). Both fullback bombing forward with no out and out holding midfielder. It provide us with a very entertaining game, end to end stuff and both team could have won the game. We have more shots on target compared to United but look vulnerable every time United have the ball. Unfortunately United take their chances in front of goal and won the game (controversially too).
3) v Bolton (5-1) : biggest win for the season
(433 - Cech, Cole, Terry, Luiz, Bosingwa, Meireles, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Drogba, Sturridge)
The biggest win so far under AVB. To be honest its more of the Bolton goalkeeper being poor than us being brilliant, but you still have to make a shot at goal before hoping it goes in. We were much clinical in front of goal, slick passing and great movement going forward. The only negative from this game is we concede another soft goal from set piece. No clean sheet since the first game.
4) v Arsenal (3-5) : most goal conceded at the Bridge since 1989
(433 - Cech, Cole, Terry, Ivanovic, Bosingwa, Mikel, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Torres, Sturridge)
Its a funny game to be honest, we could be 2 or 3 goals up in the first 15 mins but wasted a few chances in front of goal plus a dreadful performance at the back make way for our biggest defeat at Stamford Bridge in 22 years.
5) v Blackburn (1-0) : finally a clean sheet
(433 - Cech, Cole, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic, Mikel, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Sturridge, Malouda)
A hard fough victory and finally a clean sheet. Bosingwa was dropped to the bench in favour of Ivanovic at right back. We control much of the possession without creating enough goal scoring chances but a clinical header from Lampard and brilliant goalkeeping by Cech secure us the all important 3 points after 2 straight losses.
