Official Chelsea FC Thread

[treiz]

Congratulations to the new holder of the all time leading goal scoring record for Chelsea. Arguably the greatest ever player to wear the blue shirt and an absolute legend

[5DOM]

Really good piece on Lamps and mostly Bobby Tambling: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/ro ... 1004.html#

Lampard wasn’t down to start but, as Bobby pointed out, he might come on. At which point Val interjected.

“But, Frank, if you do come on, you’re not to take any penalty, alright? John, you take the penalties!”

“Val,” winced Terry self-deprecatingly, “the last time I took a penalty...”

[5DOM]

Boga scores. 1-1 on aggregate

edit: so many blown chances, big mistakes from defenders. 3-1 Norwich on aggregate

[5DOM]

Lamps signs an extension!

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/a ... pard-signs

[lukekarts]

Lamps signs an extension!

http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/a ... pard-signs

At last. A good 24 hours

[treiz]

Finally! Jebus they took their sweet time

[5DOM]

Boga's 12/13 highlights:

Part I: http://vimeo.com/64572415
Part II: http://vimeo.com/66430136

Still only 16

[Harvz]

And... over.

I said at the beginning of the season that 4th place and a mickey mouse trophy (I meant the one in Japan, not Holland) would be acceptable given that we ended in 6th and fluked our way to the Champions League win. So 3rd and some tulips is fine by me. Don't need to win things every year to enjoy the club.

Anyone here going to the exhibition games in the US? I'll be in Bangkok when they play there in pre-season.

[treiz]

When you look at the big picture, challenging for 7 trophies and were supposed to make a title push this has been a very disappointing season considering we didn't win any of the initial 7

But, given the circumstances of another unjustified sacking and a month where we lost everything, a top 3 finish and another European trophy is actually success. Especially when taking into account we finished 6th last season

As much as I've given Rafa some stick this year he actually deserves plaudits for the job he's done. He showed great resilience and determination when every Chelsea fan was hounding him but he just carried on with his job. When he took a shot at the Chelsea fan was the big turning point in the season and I'm glad everything worked out in the end

[5DOM]

I think with a better manager we probably would have finished 2nd in the league and won the CWC as well as at least one of League Cup and the FA Cup, but hey, 3rd and Europa is good enough for me for a team in transition. Can't be too greedy after what happened last season.

[lukekarts]

I think with a better manager we probably would have finished 2nd in the league and won the CWC as well as at least one of League Cup and the FA Cup, but hey, 3rd and Europa is good enough for me for a team in transition. Can't be too greedy after what happened last season.

Exactly my thoughts.

The team doesn't need too much investment now, either. I'm most worried about our defence going forwards, especially given the way Lukaku ripped United to shreds yesterday. I hope we bring him back, and make use of Torres' recent high profile goals by selling him.

[treiz]

I agree with both of you, considering everything that's happened this year. Coming out of it in 3rd place and the Europa League is a good achievement

[Harvz]

Real Madrid press conference in about an hour. Word is they are releasing Mourinho on June 1st.

[5DOM]

And just been confirmed

[Harvz]

If we get a couple of 'marquee' players or whatever the board was calling them a couple of years ago, Jose Mourinho, and bring back a couple of our loanees - we are going to be a scary prospect next season.

Mourinho with nothing to prove is a big problem. Mourinho with something to prove... scary.

[treiz]

If we get a couple of 'marquee' players or whatever the board was calling them a couple of years ago, Jose Mourinho, and bring back a couple of our loanees - we are going to be a scary prospect next season.

Mourinho with nothing to prove is a big problem. Mourinho with something to prove... scary.

Best part about this whole thing for Chelsea IMO. It'll feel like hos first year with us again

[treiz]

Chelsea player season reviews:

Cech - 8 - Another stellar year from him, saved our bacon so many times. Just so consistent and reliable throughout the year and has been amazing for the last 3-4 years now. Really feel bad for Courtois and I think he's amazing, but there's no way he gets a game at Chelsea for at least 2 years with Cech in amazing form. Should've been in the EPL team of the year IMO, really under appreciated in the league. Probably our 2nd/3rd best player this year after Mata. Best keeper in PL without question.

Azpilicueta - 7 - Had a strong season in his first year, reliable RB that we haven't had for years now (apart from Brani). Very good going forward and very smart with his runs. Crossing improved as the season went on as well as his defensive prowess. Made mistakes defensively at times (multiple handballs although some were just terrible calls) but made great strides as the season went on.

Ivanovic - 7 - Another good year from him capped off with the winning goal for the Europa League final. Was relied more as a CB this year with the midfield problems but was reliable on every game apart form the Swansea game for the League Cup. Strong in the air and the tackle, smart, took a more leadership role and was good all around

Cahill - 7 - A decent season form him IMO, he played his role as a covering defender very well with some nice last ditch tackles and interceptions throughout. Solid season from him.

Terry - 6 - Was decent when he played but hindered us due to the high line that we play. Still a strong leader and defender and chipped in with a couple of key goals along the way. most memorable was the one in the EL against Steuea Bucharest.

Luiz - 9 - Made amazing strides this year and really cut down on his mental errors. Was our best CB this year and when we needed an inspiration he would be the on who usually provides. Just an amazing year this year in defence and midfield, hope he continues his progress next year and takes the next step in terms of leadership since it looks like he's being groomed to be the next captain.

Ashley Cole - 6 - A down year from him IMO. Very inconsistent but still solid throughout seemed to have lost a bit of pace, had a few injuries to deal with but also had a good run in towards the end of the season.

Lampard - 7 - 17 goals from his this season is a great tally, broke Tambling's record to become the record goal scorer of the club and leading the team for the Europa League. Seemed to have understood the DM position more this year and had a good year because of it. When JT was down he took on the leadership role gloriously, sometimes willed this team to win. Great year for him and I'm glad he signed a one-year extension.

Ramires - 7 - Had a peculiar year, he was still his ever energetic self bombing the pitch up and down with his tireless work rate. Scored important goals and made momentum shifting tackles and runs to the box, initiated counter attacks really well. Main problem with him is his passing, there were times were he would lose the ball just trying to do too much. But despite that he had another good year.

Hazard - 8 - Had a fantastic first year with us, great with the ball and improved significantly without the ball as the year went on and really helping out the defenders. Great passer and dribbler with vision and improved his defensive discipline and awareness. Had a great start to the year and was consistent throughout the campaign. Also made important assists (Mata against Spurs) and scored important goals (against United in the FA cup). Just a great year from him and hope he can continue on next year

Oscar - 8 - Him too had a really good first year with us, that goal against Juventus was spectacular and just summed up his year. Like Hazard great on the ball and improved massively as the year went on without it. Very tricky with the ball on his feet and has shown he can pick out a pass and handle the physicality of the EPL. Hope we can move him to the DM spot in the future.

Mata - 10 - Our best player this year. 20+ goals and 30+ assists this year is an amazing output from him. Significantly improved in every facet of his game from last year, just a joy to watch. Scored some key goals (Man United, Spurs) and created key assists (EL final). Just a fantastic year from him which started with the Euros and capped off with a nomination for PFA player of the year and the Europa League. Our most important player and with the other 2 amigos, the future looks bright.

Ba - 6 - Solid since coming over from Newcastle, scored some spectacular and acrobatic goals. Good buy for £7 million, led the line well, could've scored more goals but his hold up play passing was good.

Torres - 7 - Scored 23 goals this year but only 8 in the EPL. Had a decent season, worked hard throughout the year and loves to put in some key goals. But when he was bad he was so terribly bad, seemed to play off his emotions a lot and if he isn't getting it going he just slouches around. Really poor attitude. Had a great year in Europe however and was a key player in the Europa League win.

Honorable mentions:

Moses - 6 - Had a decent first year, only knows how to dribble and nothing else of note. He did give us that variety with his directness but he was average at best this year

Bertrand - 5 - Solid when filling in for Cole. Nothing special, made some progress but not enough that he should've made considering Cole had a few injury problems this year and the amount of games meant that he was definitely going to see some time.

Mikel - 5 - Started off well at the start with RDM. But after ACON and Rafa came in, just disappeared for the rest of the season.

Marin - 5 - Just a non issue throughout the year. Really did nothing.

Benayoun - 5 - Another one of the useless bunch, some reason he was Rafa's go to guy when we needed a goal. Contributed little to nothing and I'm glad he's gone after the year.

I think this defined our squad pretty well, have fantastic starting XI but just terrible depth.

[5DOM]

Cech: 8 - Another great season from him which is making the Courtois debate even more difficult. Can people please stop saying he's not as good as he used to be?
Azpi: 6 - Solid all around, but mistake-prone at times
Ivanovic: 7 - See Azpi but add some goals
Cahill: 7 - Consistently good
Luiz: 8 - Superb at both CB and DM positions
JT: 5 - Lengthy injury break and a demotion
Cole: 6 - Lost a bit of pace, but still effective
Bertrand: 6 - Solid
Mikel: 6 - Mikel
Ramires: 7 - Fantastic work rate. Key player in big matches, but frustrating against teams parking the bus
Lamps: 7 - Super
Hazard: 8 - Brilliant
Mata: 9 - Even more brilliant
Oscar: 7 - Not as flashy as Hazard and Mata, but did what he was asked to do, and showed toughness
Moses: 5 - Could have provided more width/directness/work rate
Ba: 6 - Not as prolific as hoped, but scored some important goals
Torres: 6 - Showing signs of improvement, but with the chances he's had, he should have scored more
Benayoun: 5 - Not enough playing time
Marin: 4 - Struggled to make the bench

Loanees: It's about damn time! 10/10

[Harvz]

Cech: 8
Azpi: 6.5
Ivanovic: 7
Cahill: 7
Luiz: 8 (7.5 in D, and 8.5 in midfield - just because he shouldn't even have been there let alone that good)
JT: 10 (As a thanks for not shagging anybody's missus and getting caught. Word is he changed from zip fly to buttons.)
Cole: 6.5 (Beginning to show his age)
Bertrand: 5.5 (Didn't progress enough)
Mikel: 6.5 (Effective in a Mikel sort of way - and didn't shoot too much)
Ramires: 7
Lamps: 8 (A bit kind perhaps. But, 40% less games, almost the same number of goals. Can't argue with that.)
Hazard: 8 (And probably 9 next year)
Mata: 9.5 (For smiling at my missus. And if you don't consider defensive short-comings, as seems to be the tactical idea. 35(?) assists?! GENIUS.)
Oscar: 6.5/7 (Undecided. High expectations after his international summer - but tired badly after January)
Moses: 5.5 (HUGE disappointment considering his attacking play for Wigan)
Ba: 6.5 (An extra 0.5 for not being Torres, but probably a 6. Goes missing too much)
Torres: 5.5/7 (7 for the 22(?) goals, and 5.5 for making me cringe at everything else)
Benayoun: DNP as far as I'm concerned.
Marin: Please go away.

[lukekarts]

Goalkeepers:

A relatively error free season for our keepers. Cech (8) performed to his usual high level. I think Courtois (9) is a better shot stopper, though I can't see why he'd come back from Atletico right now. Turnbull (5) is rubbish - and Hilario (5) is gone. We could do with a better backup.

Defenders:

We're on the second season of our weakest defence for... 17 years? They all seem to have good and bad moments - Ivanovic (7) with the goals and the errors, Luiz (7).... Cahill (6) frustrates me, sometimes looking outstanding but often not. Our fullbacks were more reliable but less remarkable. Cole (7) was solid if unspectacular, Bertand (7) a reasonable backup. Azpi (7) impressed me. Made a few crucial errors but looks like he's got RB sealed for years.

Deep midfield:

The spine of our team was weak. Mikel (5) featured less and when he did he was featureless. Ramires (6) didn't build upon last year. Romeu (5) disappeared? Ake (7) looked good in limited game time. And super Frank (8) was his usual goalscoring self albeit in a reduced role. Oscar (7), when featured centrally, was pretty impressive though a little inconsistent in his first season.

Attacking midfield:

Mata (10) was comfortably the best playmaker in the league this year, possibly even the world, and integral to the team. He developed great chemistry with Hazard (8) and when the two were on their game we were pretty hard to stop. Marin (4), and Benayoun (4) need to be got rid of, though.

Forwards:

Torres (6) and Ba (7) don't strike fear into opposing defences. Ba had a good start but faded a little bit - though he rarely got a run in the team and was injured shortly after hitting form. Torres still frustrates me so ridiculously much. Should never have sold Sturridge (7). At least the promise of Lukaku (9) coming back has me excited.